Reverse osmosis water purifier and method for preventing excessive TDS value of head cup water

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of water purifier technology, and more particularly to a reverse osmosis water purifier and a method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in its first cup water. The invention adds a distillation water path to the reverse osmosis water purifier, with distilled water output from this path to the water intake of the reverse osmosis water purifier. The distillation water path and the reverse osmosis water path of the reverse osmosis water purifier can be controlled independently. When the first cup water is drawn from the reverse osmosis water purifier, both the distillation water path and the reverse osmosis water path are activated simultaneously. Distilled water from the distillation water path is output to the water intake of the reverse osmosis water purifier, while purified water from the reverse osmosis water path is output to either the water intake of the reverse osmosis water purifier, the inlet of the distillation water path, or the wastewater pipe. Compared to existing technologies, this invention eliminates the need for a pressure tank, reduces the environment for bacterial growth, minimizes water waste, and allows for the selection of purified and distilled water output modes, thereby meeting different water usage requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purifier technology, and in particular to a reverse osmosis water purifier and a method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, common household reverse osmosis water purifiers generally include pre-filter cartridges (such as PP cotton, activated carbon, etc.), reverse osmosis cartridges, and post-filter cartridges. The reverse osmosis cartridge contains raw water, wastewater, and purified water simultaneously. The TDS concentration of the raw water and wastewater is much higher than that of the purified water. If there is no positive pressure difference across the reverse osmosis membrane (due to prolonged cessation of water intake), ions from the raw water and wastewater will diffuse through the RO membrane to the purified water side, resulting in an excessively high TDS on the purified water side. This is why the first glass of water from a reverse osmosis water purifier has a high TDS value. An excessively high TDS on the purified water side renders the water undrinkable, negatively impacting the user experience.

[0003] To address the issue of high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) values ​​in the first cup of water from a reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier, existing technologies generally employ two solutions: 1) Storing pure water in a pressure tank at the end of the pure water supply line to maintain pressure after the membrane, preventing ion diffusion before the membrane and alleviating the problem of excessively high TDS in the first cup. However, prolonged water storage in the pressure tank can easily lead to bacterial growth. 2) Switching the water path after stopping water intake, allowing pure water from after the membrane to flow before the membrane, ensuring that both sides are pure water, thus resolving the issue of excessively high TDS in the first cup. Some devices rely solely on pure water reflux to dilute the concentrated water, adjusting the flow rate based on the TDS value after shutdown to adjust the ratio of raw water to pure water entering the RO filter, resulting in water waste. Other devices use timed pure water flushing to force the TDS values ​​at the raw water and wastewater ends to be the same as the TDS value at the pure water end, leading to even greater water waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup of water that does not require a pressure tank, wastes less water resources, and allows for the selection of purified or distilled water output modes. This method aims to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art and to provide at least one beneficial option or create conditions.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier is based on the following concept: adding a distillation water purification path to the reverse osmosis water purifier, wherein the distilled water from the distillation water purification path is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier; the distillation water purification path and the reverse osmosis water purification path of the reverse osmosis water purifier can be controlled independently.

[0007] When the first cup of water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purifier, the distillation water purification circuit and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit are activated simultaneously, so that the distilled water from the distillation water purification circuit is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier, and the purified water from the reverse osmosis water purification circuit is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier, or to the water inlet end of the distillation water purification circuit, or to the wastewater pipe.

[0008] More preferably, after the first cup of water is taken, the reverse osmosis water purifier automatically switches to supplying water to the water intake end only through the reverse osmosis water purification circuit.

[0009] More preferably, after the first cup of water is taken, the reverse osmosis water purifier is controlled by the control device to supply water to the water intake end only by the distilled water purification circuit, or simultaneously by the distilled water purification circuit and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit.

[0010] More preferably, after the first cup of water is taken, the reverse osmosis water purifier is controlled by the control device to supply water to the water intake end only through the reverse osmosis purified water circuit, or only through the distilled purified water circuit, or simultaneously through the distilled purified water circuit and the reverse osmosis purified water circuit.

[0011] More preferably, the reverse osmosis water purification circuit includes a pre-filter module, a booster pump, a reverse osmosis membrane filter element, and a first on / off valve. Raw water is filtered sequentially by the pre-filter module and the reverse osmosis membrane filter element under the suction action of the booster pump before reaching the water intake end. The first on / off valve is used to control the on / off of the water inlet and / or outlet of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit.

[0012] More preferably, the distilled water purification circuit includes a heating module, a distillation module, and a second on / off valve. The water to be distilled is heated by the heating module and then enters the distillation module for condensation. The condensed distilled water output by the distillation module enters the water intake end. The second on / off valve is used to control the inlet and / or outlet of the distilled water purification circuit.

[0013] The distillation module includes a hot water area and a condensation area. The hot water area is used to allow hot water to flow through, and the condensation area is used to condense the hot water vapor to form condensed distilled water. A circulation loop is connected between the heating module and the hot water area of ​​the distillation module, and a circulation pump and a wastewater discharge pipe are provided on the circulation loop.

[0014] More preferably, a water pump is connected to the water outlet of the distillation module, and the water pump is used to pump the distilled water in the distillation module to the clean water outlet.

[0015] More preferably, the inlet of the distillation water purification circuit is connected to the outlet of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit to further purify the purified water output from the reverse osmosis water purification circuit; the hot water outlet of the heating module is connected to the purified water outlet through a first switch pipe, and the circulation loop is connected to the purified water outlet through a second switch pipe.

[0016] More preferably, the reverse osmosis water purification circuit and the distillation water purification circuit are connected in parallel between the raw water inlet and the water intake of the reverse osmosis water purifier.

[0017] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a reverse osmosis water purifier having the above-described method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water.

[0018] The technical solution provided by this invention has at least the following technical effects or advantages.

[0019] By adding a distillation water path to the reverse osmosis water purifier, the distillation water path and the reverse osmosis water path of the reverse osmosis water purifier can be controlled independently. When the first cup of water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purifier, both the distillation water path and the reverse osmosis water path can be activated simultaneously. The distillation water path outputs distilled water to the water intake of the reverse osmosis water purifier, while the purified water path outputs purified water to either the water intake of the reverse osmosis water purifier, the inlet of the distillation water path, or the wastewater pipe. This prevents the TDS value of the first cup of water from the reverse osmosis water purifier from being too high. Compared with existing technologies, this invention eliminates the need for a pressure tank, reduces the environment for bacterial growth, minimizes water waste, and allows for the selection of purified and distilled water output modes, thus meeting different water usage requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the reverse osmosis water purifier provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the reverse osmosis water purifier provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures.

[0023] 1: Water intake end.

[0024] 2-1: Pre-filter module; 2-2: Booster pump; 2-3: Reverse osmosis membrane filter element.

[0025] 3-1: Heating module; 3-2: Distillation module; 3-3: Circulation pump; 3-4: Wastewater pipeline; 3-5: Water pump.

[0026] 3-2-1: Hot water area; 3-2-2: Condensation area.

[0027] 4 / 5: Switching conduit.

[0028] 6: Mixing valve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, making the technical solution and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer and more explicit. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0031] Example 1.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 As shown, a reverse osmosis water purifier is provided, which adds a distillation water purification path to the reverse osmosis water purifier. The distilled water from the distillation water purification path is output to the water intake end 1 of the reverse osmosis water purifier. The distillation water purification path and the reverse osmosis water purification path of the reverse osmosis water purifier can be controlled to be turned on and off independently.

[0033] The reverse osmosis water purifier includes a pre-filtration module 2-1, a booster pump 2-2, and a reverse osmosis membrane filter element 2-3. Raw water, under the suction of the booster pump 2-2, is filtered sequentially by the pre-filtration module 2-1 and the reverse osmosis membrane filter element 2-3 before entering the purified water outlet 1. The distillation water purifier includes a heating module 3-1 and a distillation module 3-2. Water to be distilled is heated by the heating module 3-1 and then condensed in the distillation module 3-2. The condensed distilled water output from the distillation module 3-2 enters the purified water outlet 1. The specific types of the pre-filtration module 2-1, heating module 3-1, and distillation module 3-2 are based on common technical knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, such as selecting activated carbon filter elements or composite filter elements as the pre-filtration module, selecting an electric heater as the heating module, or selecting a membrane distillation device as the distillation module, etc.

[0034] The distillation module 3-2 includes a hot water region 3-2-1 and a condensation region 3-2-2. The hot water region 3-2-1 is used to allow hot water to flow through it, and the condensation region 3-2-2 is used to condense the hot water vapor to form condensed distilled water.

[0035] In this embodiment, the inlet of the distillation water purification circuit is connected to the outlet of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit to further purify the purified water output from the reverse osmosis water purification circuit. A circulation loop is connected between the heating module 3-1 and the hot water area 3-2-1 of the distillation module 3-2, and a circulation pump 3-3 is installed on this circulation loop. During operation, the hot water output from the heating module 3-1 circulates through the hot water area 3-2-1 of the distillation module 3-2, thereby continuously maintaining the hot water temperature and continuously supplying hot water steam to the condensation area 3-2-2 of the distillation module 3-2.

[0036] Because the density of the solute increases after multiple hot water cycles, the total dissolved solids (TDS) may exceed the standard for direct drinking water. Therefore, this embodiment also includes a wastewater pipe 3-4 connected to the circulation loop. Depending on actual needs, the wastewater pipe 3-4 can be opened to discharge the excess water, while simultaneously, fresh purified water is automatically added to maintain the distillation process.

[0037] In this embodiment, a water pump 3-5 is preferably connected to the water outlet of the distillation module 3-2. The water pump 3-5 is used to pump the distilled water in the distillation module 3-2 to the water outlet 1 so as to better dispense distilled water.

[0038] In this embodiment, the hot water outlet of the heating module 3-1 is also connected to the water outlet 1 via a switch pipe 4 to facilitate the extraction of hot water. The circulation loop is connected to the water outlet 1 via a switch pipe 5. When the TDS value of the water in the circulation loop does not exceed the standard, it is also discharged through the water outlet 1, which further conserves water resources.

[0039] The reverse osmosis water purifier provided in this embodiment works as follows: 1) Distilled water is produced by pure water produced by the reverse osmosis water purification circuit, which is then pumped by the circulation pump 3-3 and heated in the circulation loop. After heating, the water releases a large amount of water vapor in the hot water area 3-2-1 of the distillation module 3-2. The vapor passes through the distillation membrane and condenses in the condensation area 3-2-2 of the distillation module 3-2, thus obtaining distilled water. 2) When taking water after a long period of shutdown (when taking the first cup of water), the water pump 3-5 is directly started to deliver distilled water to the water intake end 1. At the same time, the booster pump 2-2 is started, and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit produces water normally. The water output from the reverse osmosis water purification circuit at this time is discharged from the wastewater pipe 3-4 after circulating through the loop. That is, the water with a high TDS in the first cup is discharged through the wastewater pipe. Afterward, the water pump 3-5 is stopped, and the water output from the water intake end 1 is switched from distilled water to pure water, thereby reducing the TDS value of the first cup of water.

[0040] It should be noted that the inlet and outlet water control of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit and the distillation water purification circuit, as well as the on / off control of the switch pipeline, are controlled by corresponding on / off valves, such as two-way on / off valves, three-way on / off valves, etc.; as for the specific number and location of the on / off valves, they are set as needed and belong to the common technical knowledge mastered by those skilled in the art.

[0041] When the first cup of water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purifier, the distillation water purification circuit and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit are activated simultaneously, so that the distilled water from the distillation water purification circuit is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier, and the purified water from the reverse osmosis water purification circuit is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier, or to the water inlet end of the distillation water purification circuit, or to the wastewater pipe.

[0042] Example 2.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 As shown, a reverse osmosis water purifier is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that a mixing valve 6 is provided at the outlet of the distilled water purification circuit and the outlet of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit. The mixing valve 6 is used to mix the water from the distilled water purification circuit and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit.

[0044] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: When starting up for the first time after a long period of shutdown, the water pump 3-5 is started directly to deliver distilled water to the water intake end 1. At the same time, the booster pump 2-2 is started, and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit produces water normally. The residual pure water with high TDS is mixed with distilled water to effectively dilute it and reduce the TDS value of the first cup of water.

[0045] Obviously, in some embodiments, the distillation water purification circuit and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit can also be configured as a parallel structure, with distillation and purification water supply occurring simultaneously, and the operation of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit not affecting the operation of the distillation water purification circuit; this is not limited to this embodiment.

[0046] It should also be noted that in the description of this invention, directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this invention.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. Thus, the use of "first" and "second" to define a feature may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature, and in the description of this invention, "at least" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can also refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "below," and "over" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Above," "below," and "below" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] Based on the above description of the structure and principles, those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Improvements and substitutions made using techniques known in the art based on this invention all fall within the scope of protection of this invention, which should be defined by the claims and their equivalents. Parts not described in the specific embodiments are all prior art or common knowledge.

Claims

1. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier, characterized in that, A distillation water purification path is added to the reverse osmosis water purifier, and the distilled water from the distillation water purification path is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier; the distillation water purification path and the reverse osmosis water purification path of the reverse osmosis water purifier can be controlled to be turned on and off independently; When the first cup of water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purifier, the distillation water purification circuit and the reverse osmosis water purification circuit are activated simultaneously, so that the distilled water from the distillation water purification circuit is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier, and the purified water from the reverse osmosis water purification circuit is output to the water intake end of the reverse osmosis water purifier, or to the water inlet end of the distillation water purification circuit, or to the wastewater pipe.

2. The method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the first cup of water is taken, the reverse osmosis water purifier automatically switches to supplying water to the water intake end only through the reverse osmosis water purification circuit.

3. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the first cup of water is taken, the reverse osmosis water purifier can be controlled by the control device to supply water to the water intake end only through the distillation purified water circuit, or simultaneously through the distillation purified water circuit and the reverse osmosis purified water circuit.

4. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the first cup of water is taken, the reverse osmosis water purifier can be controlled by the control device to supply water to the water intake end only through the reverse osmosis purified water circuit, or only through the distilled purified water circuit, or simultaneously through the distilled purified water circuit and the reverse osmosis purified water circuit.

5. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reverse osmosis water purification circuit includes a pre-filter module, a booster pump, a reverse osmosis membrane filter element, and a first on / off valve. Raw water is filtered sequentially by the pre-filter module and the reverse osmosis membrane filter element under the suction action of the booster pump before reaching the water intake end. The first on / off valve is used to control the on / off of the inlet and / or outlet of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit.

6. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distilled water purification circuit includes a heating module, a distillation module, and a second on / off valve. The water to be distilled is heated by the heating module and then enters the distillation module for condensation. The condensed distilled water output by the distillation module enters the water intake end. The second on / off valve is used to control the water inlet and / or outlet of the distilled water purification circuit. The distillation module includes a hot water area and a condensation area. The hot water area is used to allow hot water to flow through, and the condensation area is used to condense the hot water vapor to form condensed distilled water. A circulation loop is connected between the heating module and the hot water area of ​​the distillation module, and a circulation pump and a wastewater discharge pipe are provided on the circulation loop.

7. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, A water pump is connected to the water outlet of the distillation module, and the water pump is used to pump the distilled water in the distillation module to the water intake end.

8. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inlet of the distillation water purification circuit is connected to the outlet of the reverse osmosis water purification circuit to further purify the purified water output from the reverse osmosis water purification circuit; the hot water outlet of the heating module is connected to the water intake end through the first switch pipe, and the circulation loop is connected to the water intake end through the second switch pipe.

9. A method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water of a reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reverse osmosis water purification circuit and the distillation water purification circuit are connected in parallel between the raw water inlet and the water intake of the reverse osmosis water purifier.

10. A reverse osmosis water purifier having a method for preventing excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup water as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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