Water purifier and flushing control method thereof

Abstract

This application discloses a water purifier and its flushing control method, relating to the technical field of water purifiers. The flushing control method for the water purifier includes: after the water purifier stops discharging water, checking at least one historical water discharge record; determining whether any historical water discharge record meets preset flushing conditions; ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between the preset flushing conditions and the historical water discharge record; and controlling the water purifier to enter the flushing state if historical water discharge record exists. Therefore, this application has the advantages of improving the flushing quality and water discharge quality of the water purifier, adapting to different usage locations or scenarios, and enhancing the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of water purifiers, and more specifically, to a water purifier and its flushing control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently available water purifiers generally use RO membranes, based on the principle of reverse osmosis technology, to filter municipal raw water. They are widely used in homes, public places, and various offices. To ensure the lifespan of the water purifier and the quality of the purified water produced, the filter cartridges used for purified water production need to be flushed frequently to reduce the ion concentration on the surface of the reverse osmosis membrane and slow down the clogging of the membrane surface by impurities. Current water purifier flushing methods are relatively simple, typically involving a simple flush of the filter cartridge at a fixed frequency (within a fixed time interval) followed by the discharge of the corresponding concentrated water.

[0003] Due to the different application locations and times of use for water purifiers, the frequency and duration of water draws by users vary significantly. Therefore, the water quality from the purifier may not be satisfactory in certain special scenarios. For example, water purifiers in office spaces may hardly draw water on holidays or be frequently drawn during weekday lunch breaks. Even if the filter is flushed regularly using the aforementioned flushing methods, the water quality from the purifier may still be difficult to guarantee each time a user draws water. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a water purifier and its flushing control method, which determines whether to enter the flushing state after the water purifier stops discharging water based on historical water discharging information, and performs adaptive flushing according to the actual usage of the water purifier. This application effectively improves the flushing quality and water output quality of the water purifier, and is suitable for different usage places or usage scenarios, effectively enhancing the user experience.

[0005] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows: The first aspect of this application provides a flushing control method for a water purifier, comprising: after the water purifier stops discharging water, viewing at least one historical water discharge information of the water purifier; determining whether there is any historical water discharge information that meets preset flushing conditions; the preset flushing conditions correspond one-to-one with the historical water discharge information; and if there is historical water discharge information, controlling the water purifier to enter the flushing state.

[0006] In one embodiment, the historical water output information includes: the continuous water output duration of the most recent water output from the water purifier. Determining whether there is any historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions includes: determining whether there is historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions based on whether the continuous water output duration reaches a first duration threshold.

[0007] In one embodiment, the historical water output information includes: the cumulative number of water outputs of the water purifier after the most recent flush; determining whether there is any historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions includes: determining whether there is any historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions based on whether the cumulative number of water outputs reaches the first threshold.

[0008] In one embodiment, the historical water output information further includes: the interval between the current time and the most recent water output of the water purifier. After determining whether there is historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions, the method further includes: if there is no historical water output information, determining again whether there is historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions based on whether the interval time reaches a second time threshold.

[0009] In one embodiment, before determining whether there is any historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions, the method further includes: after the water purifier stops discharging water, determining whether the default flushing mode of the water purifier is a zero-stagnant-water flushing mode; if the default flushing mode is not a zero-stagnant-water flushing mode, continuing to execute the step: checking at least one historical water output information of the water purifier.

[0010] In one embodiment, after determining whether the default flushing mode of the water purifier is a zero-stagnant-water flushing mode, the method further includes: if the default flushing mode is a zero-stagnant-water flushing mode, obtaining the TDS detection value of the raw water in the water purifier; and based on the TDS detection value and a preset detection threshold, controlling the water purifier to enter the target working state corresponding to the TDS detection value.

[0011] In one embodiment, the preset detection threshold includes a first detection threshold and a second detection threshold. Based on the TDS detection value and the preset detection threshold, the water purifier is controlled to enter a target working state corresponding to the TDS detection value, including: determining whether the TDS detection value reaches the first detection threshold; if the first detection threshold is not reached, controlling the water purifier to enter a standby state or a raw water flushing state; if the first detection threshold is reached, determining whether the TDS detection value reaches the second detection threshold; if the second detection threshold is not reached, controlling the water purifier to enter a pure water backflow flushing state and maintaining it for a first preset duration; if the second detection threshold is reached, controlling the water purifier to enter a pure water backflow flushing state and maintaining it for a second preset duration, wherein the second preset duration is longer than the first preset duration.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water purifier includes a pure water path, an outlet water path, and an outlet faucet. The pure water path and the outlet faucet are located at opposite ends of the outlet water path. A flow limiting valve and a flow meter are provided on the outlet water path. The flow limiting valve and the outlet faucet are located on opposite sides of the flow meter. Controlling the water purifier to enter a pure water backflow flushing state includes: controlling the flow limiting valve to open to the maximum flow limiting level and acquiring flow monitoring data from the flow meter; and determining whether the water purifier has a leakage problem based on the flow monitoring data.

[0013] In one embodiment, before controlling the water purifier to enter the target working state corresponding to the TDS detection value, the method further includes: checking the interval between the current time and the most recent flush or the most recent water output of the water purifier, and determining whether the interval reaches a third time threshold; if the third time threshold is not reached, controlling the water purifier to enter standby mode.

[0014] A second aspect of this application provides a water purifier, comprising: a faucet, an inlet water path, a pure water path, a wastewater path, and an outlet water path. The inlet water path includes a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) detector for the raw water, an inlet valve, and a booster pump. One end of the pure water path is connected to the inlet water path via a filter element, and the booster pump is located between the filter element and the inlet valve. The other end of the pure water path is connected back to the booster pump and the inlet valve. The wastewater path is connected to the wastewater outlet of the filter element. One end of the outlet water path is connected to the pure water path, and the other end is connected to the faucet. The outlet water path includes a flow restrictor valve and a flow meter, with the flow meter located between the flow restrictor valve and the faucet.

[0015] The advantages of this application compared to existing technologies are as follows: This application controls the water purifier to enter a flushing state or standby state based on actual usage by checking at least one historical water output record of the water purifier after each water dispensing cycle and determining whether there is historical water output record that meets preset flushing conditions. This application can improve flushing quality, reduce unnecessary flushing frequency to save water, and enhance the water output quality and user experience of the water purifier based on the historical water output record of the water purifier. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flushing control method for a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flushing control method for a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Icons: 1-Water purifier; 10-Inlet water path; 101-Secondary filter element; 102-Inlet valve; 103-Boost pump; 104-Raw water quality detection element; 105-Check valve; 11-Filter element; 20-Pure water path; 21-Pure water branch; 22-Return branch; 201-Pure water quality detection element; 30-Wastewater path; 301-Wastewater valve; 40-Outlet water path; 41-First outlet branch; 411-Outlet valve; 42-Second outlet branch; 421-Flow restrictor valve; 422-Flow meter; 423-Water pump; 50-Faucet. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and do not indicate sequential numbering, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0020] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner", "outer", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms “set up,” “install,” “connect,” and “link” shall be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; as a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; as a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or as a connection within two components.

[0023] The technical solution of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1As shown, this application provides a water purifier 1, which includes a faucet 50, an inlet water path 10, a pure water path 20, an outlet water path 40, and a wastewater path 30. One end of the pure water path 20 is connected to the inlet water path 10 via a filter element 11, and the other end of the pure water path 20 is reconnected to the inlet water path 10. The wastewater path 30 is connected to the wastewater outlet of the filter element 11. One end of the outlet water path 40 is connected to the pure water path 20, and the other end of the outlet water path 40 is connected to the faucet 50.

[0025] The inlet water path 10 is sequentially equipped with a secondary filter element 101, a raw water quality detection element 104, an inlet valve 102, and a booster pump 103. The other end of the pure water path 20 is connected back to the inlet water path 10 between the inlet valve 102 and the booster pump 103. The raw water quality detection element 104 is located on the outlet side of the secondary filter element 101; alternatively, the raw water quality monitoring element can be located on the inlet side of the secondary filter element. In one embodiment, the secondary filter element 101 is a PCP composite filter element, and the filter element 11 is a ROC composite filter element.

[0026] The pure water circuit 20 includes a pure water branch 21 and a return branch 22. One end of the pure water branch 21 is connected to the inlet water circuit 10 through a filter element 11, and the other end of the pure water branch 21 is connected to the outlet water circuit 40 and one end of the return branch 22. The pure water branch 21 is equipped with a pure water quality detection element 201. The other end of the return branch 22 is connected to the inlet water circuit 10 between the booster pump 103 and the inlet valve 102. The return branch 22 is equipped with a check valve 105.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, both the raw water quality detection element 104 and the pure water quality detection element 201 adopt TDS probes. The water quality detection elements are configured to detect the water quality of the raw water or pure water in the water circuit where they are located, and the water quality is expressed by the TDS detection value.

[0028] The water outlet path 40 includes a first water outlet branch 41 and a second water outlet branch 42. One end of each water outlet branch is connected to the pure water branch 21 and the return branch 22, and the other end of each water outlet branch is connected to the water tap 50. The first water outlet branch 41 is equipped with a water outlet valve 411, and the second water outlet branch 42 is equipped with a flow limiting valve 421, a flow meter 422, and a water pump 423 in sequence. The water pump 423 is located between the flow meter 422 and the water tap 50.

[0029] Wastewater valve 301 is installed on wastewater circuit 30. When the wastewater valve 301 is closed, a small hole is left for a small amount of wastewater to be discharged.

[0030] The working states of water purifier 1 include standby state, water dispensing state, and flushing state. Among them, the flushing state includes raw water flushing state, pure water recirculation flushing state, and pressurized flushing state; the water dispensing state includes the first water dispensing state (commonly used for room temperature water dispensing) and the second water dispensing state (commonly used for instant hot water dispensing or flow-limited water dispensing).

[0031] When the water purifier 1 is in standby mode, the inlet valve 102, outlet valve 411, and wastewater valve 301 are all closed. The inlet water path 10, wastewater path 30, and outlet water path 40 are closed. The pump 423 and booster pump 103 are shut off. The flow limiting valve 421 is opened to the maximum flow limiting position (limiting the flow rate) to prevent the pure water produced by the water purifier 1 from flowing into the second outlet branch 42.

[0032] When the water purifier 1 is in the raw water flushing state, the inlet valve 102 and the wastewater valve 301 are opened, the booster pump 103 and the water pump 423 are closed, and the inlet water passage 10 and the wastewater passage 30 are connected. The raw water in the inlet water passage 10 is discharged through the wastewater passage 30 after normal flushing of the filter element 11 (that is, the filter element 11 is flushed by tap water pressure).

[0033] When the water purifier 1 is in the pure water backflow flushing state, the inlet valve 102 and the booster pump 103 are open, while the wastewater valve 301, the outlet valve 411, and the water pump 423 are closed, thus connecting the inlet water path 10 and shutting off the wastewater path 30 and the outlet water path 40. The raw water in the inlet water path 10 is purified by the filter element 11 and introduced into the pure water branch 21. The pure water then flows through the pure water branch 21 and the return branch 22 back into the inlet water path 10 to mix with the raw water and flush the filter element 11. After a preset time of pure water backflow flushing (i.e., after the wastewater valve 301 has been closed for the preset time), the wastewater valve 301 is opened to connect the wastewater path 30, and the mixed raw water and pure water (i.e., the returned pure water) are flushed through the wastewater path. The wastewater is discharged through the 30th channel, which allows the filter element 11 to be fully rinsed and the wastewater end to be replaced by a mixture of pure water and raw water. When the water purifier 1 is in the pressurized rinsing state, the booster pump 103, the inlet valve 102, and the wastewater valve 301 are opened, while the outlet valve 411 and the pump 423 are closed, so as to connect the inlet water path 10 and the wastewater path 30 and close the outlet water path 40. The raw water in the inlet water path 10 is fully rinsed after being pressurized and discharged through the wastewater path 30.

[0034] When the water purifier 1 is in the pure water backflow flushing state, the flow meter 422 located on one side of the flow limiting valve 421 can also monitor whether there is water leakage or seepage in the water circuit due to excessive pressure. If the water purifier 1 detects a pulse signal through the flow meter 422, it indicates that there may be water leakage or seepage problems in the water circuit caused by excessive pressure or failure of the flow limiting valve 421 (when the flow limiting valve 421 is normally opened to the maximum position, it should block any pure water from passing through; failure of the flow limiting valve 421 indicates that it is unable to block the water flow).

[0035] When the water purifier 1 enters the water outlet state, the inlet valve 102 and the outlet valve 411 (or the water pump 423) open first, the booster pump 103 opens after a 500ms delay, and the wastewater valve 301 closes. The raw water in the inlet water path 10 is filtered by the filter element 11 and made into pure water, which then flows through the first outlet branch 41 or the second outlet branch 42. When the water purifier 1 is in the second water outlet state, the flow limiting valve 421's flow limiting position corresponds to the pumping power of the water pump 423, so as to ensure that the pure water in the pure water branch 21 enters the water faucet 50 as evenly and stably as possible through the cooperation of the flow limiting valve 421 and the water pump 423, and is then heated by the heating element inside the water faucet 50 before being discharged.

[0036] When the water purifier 1 switches from the water outlet state to the standby state where water outlet is stopped, the booster pump 103 is turned off first, and after a delay of 500ms, the inlet valve 102 and the outlet valve 411 (or the water pump 423) are closed. The flow limiting valve 421 is positioned to correspond to the outlet valve 411 being opened to its maximum position, blocking any water flow.

[0037] After each water purifier stops dispensing water, it records the details of the most recent water dispensing and updates historical water dispensing information in real time based on this record. Historical water dispensing information includes the number of consecutive water dispensing cycles since the most recent flush, the duration of the most recent consecutive water dispensing cycle, the cumulative water dispensing duration since the most recent flush, or the interval between the current moment and the most recent water dispensing cycle. If the water purifier dispenses water for extended periods, dispenses water too frequently, or does not dispense water for extended periods, the TDS value of the concentrated water at the wastewater end of filter element 11 will be too high, or there will be too much concentrated water, which will affect the quality of the purified water produced by the filter element.

[0038] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a flushing control method for a water purifier. After stopping water flow, the water purifier reviews historical water output information and enters a flushing state or standby state based on this information and preset flushing conditions. This application reduces unnecessary flushing frequency while ensuring the quality of the purified water output, saving water and improving both water quality and flushing efficiency, thus enhancing the user experience. The specific control process of the water purifier's flushing control method is described in the following embodiments.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flushing control method for a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flushing control method for a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2As shown, this application provides a flushing control method for a water purifier. This method can be applied to the water purifier provided in any embodiment of this application, or to other water purifiers or water circuit products that can implement the flushing control method provided in this application. The flushing control method includes the following steps S110 to S130.

[0040] S110: After the water purifier stops dispensing water, view at least one historical water dispensing record of the water purifier.

[0041] Historical water output information refers to the historical records reflecting the water purifier's past water output. Each time water is dispensed, the water purifier controls the water output duration, temperature, and speed based on the received user's water dispensing command, and automatically saves this information as historical water output information. In addition, the water purifier automatically records the start and stop times of each water dispensing cycle, flushing time, and flushing type. Based on this information, it calculates the continuous water output duration for each cycle, the cumulative water output duration or number of cycles since the most recent flush, or the interval between the current moment and the most recent stop time, and saves this information as historical water output information to reflect the water purifier's historical water output patterns.

[0042] In this step, after the water purifier stops dispensing water, at least one historical water dispensing record is checked. This historical record reflects the actual usage of the water purifier. If the water purifier has been used too frequently since its most recent flush or has not been used for a long time, it should enter flushing mode to promptly flush the filter cartridge, ensuring the quality of the purified water produced by the filter. If the water dispensing is moderately stable, the water purifier can directly enter standby mode, or it can enter flushing mode after accumulating a certain number of water dispensing cycles or duration, thus conserving water for flushing while maintaining the quality of the purified water.

[0043] S120: Determine if there is any historical water outflow information that meets the preset flushing conditions; Preset flushing conditions refer to the specific historical water output information corresponding to when the water purifier needs to enter the flushing state. The preset flushing conditions correspond one-to-one with the historical water output information. For example, the historical water output information is the cumulative number of water outputs since the most recent flush. The water purifier is preset to enter the flushing state immediately when the cumulative number of water outputs since the most recent flush reaches a preset threshold. The preset flushing condition is that the cumulative number of water outputs since the most recent flush reaches the preset threshold.

[0044] In this step, the water purifier determines whether there is any historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions based on at least one historical water output information and its corresponding preset flushing conditions. In other words, in this step, the water purifier determines whether the recent water output situation will affect the water quality of the water purifier, so as to further determine whether it is necessary to enter the flushing state.

[0045] S130: If historical water output information exists, control the water purifier to enter the flushing state.

[0046] In this step, if there is historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions, the water purifier enters the flushing state. The flushing state can be raw water flushing state, pure water recirculation flushing state, or pressurized flushing state. The water purifier flushes the filter element based on the preset default flushing state and enters the standby state after flushing is completed.

[0047] Besides the actual water output from the water purifier affecting the water quality, after the water purifier 1 switches from water output to standby mode, as the standby time increases, the concentrated water from the wastewater end of filter element 11 gradually seeps into the pure water end of filter element 11. This will cause the TDS value of the pure water in the pure water branch 21 to slowly rise to its maximum. According to experimental data, the TDS value of the pure water end reaches its maximum after 30 minutes of inactivity. Therefore, in areas with poor water quality, even if the water purifier 1 automatically performs a zero-staple water flush after each water output, the TDS value of the first cup of pure water in the next water output may still be significantly affected by the quality of the raw water, failing to meet drinking requirements.

[0048] Therefore, to address the issue that different raw water qualities in different regions or different historical water output conditions of water purifiers may lead to poor pure water quality, this application provides a flushing control method for water purifiers. After each water output, the water purifier determines whether to activate the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode. If the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode is activated, after automatically performing raw water flushing, the water purifier determines whether to enter the pure water recirculation flushing mode based on the raw water quality detection value. If the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode is not activated, the water purifier determines whether to perform flushing based on historical water output information and its corresponding preset flushing conditions. The specific control process of the water purifier flushing control method is described in the following embodiments.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flushing control method for a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flushing control method for a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a flushing control method for a water purifier. This method can be applied to the water purifier provided in any embodiment of this application, or to other water purifiers or water circuit products that can implement the flushing control method provided in this application. The flushing control method includes the following steps S200 to S244.

[0050] S200: Maintain standby mode.

[0051] The water purifier remains in standby mode most of the time. In standby mode, the inlet valve 102, outlet valve 411, water pump 423, wastewater valve 301, booster pump 103, etc. in the water circuit are all in the off state.

[0052] S210: Check if the user has taken water.

[0053] After receiving a user's water request, the water purifier controls the inlet valve 102 and outlet valve 411 (or water pump 423) to open, and after a 500ms delay, controls the booster pump 103 to open, connecting the inlet water path 10 and the outlet water path 40. This allows the raw water in the inlet water path 10 to be purified by the filter element 11, and then flow out from the faucet 50 via the pure water branch 21, the first outlet branch 41, or the second outlet branch 42. Therefore, by checking whether the booster pump 103 and outlet valve 411 (or water pump 423) are open simultaneously, or whether the inlet valve 102 and outlet valve 411 (or water pump 423) are open simultaneously, the water purifier can determine whether it is dispensing water, i.e., whether the user wants to collect water.

[0054] S211: Check if the water purifier has stopped dispensing water.

[0055] To switch the water purifier from a water-discharging state to a water-stopped state, the booster pump 103 must first be shut off, followed by a 500ms delay before closing the inlet valve 102 and the outlet valve 411 (or the pump 423). In this step, the water purifier determines whether to stop discharging water by checking the operating status of the booster pump 103 and / or the outlet valve 411. In one embodiment, if the booster pump 103 is shut off, the water purifier determines the current state as a water-stopped state; or, if the inlet valve 102 (or booster pump 103) and the outlet valve 411 (or pump 423) are both closed simultaneously, the water purifier determines the current state as a water-stopped state.

[0056] S220: After the water purifier stops dispensing water, determine whether the water purifier has started the zero-stagnant water flushing mode.

[0057] The zero-stagnant-water flushing mode refers to the default operating procedure of the water purifier, which replaces the concentrated water at the front end of the RO membrane in filter element 11 with raw water or purified pure water after each water dispensing cycle. The zero-stagnant-water flushing mode balances the osmotic pressure across the RO membrane, thereby reducing the TDS value of the pure water in the pure water branch 21. In this step, the water purifier checks whether the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode is activated after each water dispensing cycle.

[0058] If the zero-staple water flushing mode is activated, the water purifier further determines whether the target working state corresponding to the zero-staple water flushing mode is the raw water flushing state, so as to automatically flush the filter element 11 based on the target working state; if the zero-staple water flushing mode is not activated, the water purifier checks at least one historical water output information, so as to determine whether the water purifier has entered the flushing state based on the historical water output information.

[0059] In one embodiment, the target working state corresponding to the zero-staple water flushing mode is always the raw water flushing state. After the water purifier stops discharging water, it determines whether to activate the zero-staple water flushing mode. If activated, it automatically enters the raw water flushing state.

[0060] S230: If the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode is not activated, check at least one historical water output information of the water purifier.

[0061] In this step, if the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode is not activated, the water purifier should determine whether further flushing is needed based on historical water output information after each water dispensing stop. The water purifier determines whether there is any historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions to determine whether the target operating state of the water purifier is the flushing state. The preset flushing conditions correspond one-to-one with the historical water output information. If there is historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions, the water purifier enters the flushing state, i.e., step S234 is executed; if there is no historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions, the water purifier directly enters the standby state, i.e., step S200 is executed.

[0062] In the embodiments of this application, the historical water output information includes at least one of the following: the continuous water output duration of the most recent water output, the cumulative water output duration after the most recent flush, the cumulative number of water outputs after the most recent flush, and the interval between the current time and the most recent water output of the water purifier.

[0063] S231: Based on whether the continuous water discharge duration reaches the first duration threshold, determine whether there is historical water discharge information that meets the preset flushing conditions.

[0064] In this step, the preset flushing condition is that the continuous water output time reaches a first time threshold. The water purifier determines whether the filter element 11 needs further flushing and timely discharge of wastewater based on whether the continuous water output time of the most recent water output reaches the first time threshold. If the continuous water output time reaches the first time threshold, the water purifier executes step S234 to enter the flushing state; if the continuous water output time does not reach the first time threshold, the water purifier executes step S232.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first duration threshold is 20 minutes. The first duration threshold can also be set to other values ​​based on the impact of the user's actual continuous water intake time on the filter cartridge.

[0066] S232: Based on whether the cumulative number of water discharges has reached the threshold for the first time, determine whether there is historical water discharge information that meets the preset flushing conditions.

[0067] In this step, the preset flushing condition is that the cumulative number of water outputs reaches the first threshold. Based on whether the cumulative number of water outputs reaches the first threshold, the water purifier determines whether the filter element 11 has been used multiple times and needs further flushing. If the cumulative number of water outputs reaches the first threshold, the water purifier executes step S234 to enter the flushing state; if the cumulative number of water outputs does not reach the first threshold, the water purifier executes step S233.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first count threshold is 20 times. The first count threshold can also be set to other values ​​based on the impact of the user's actual water collection frequency on the filter cartridge 11.

[0069] S233: Based on whether the interval between the current time and the most recent water output from the water purifier reaches the second time threshold, determine again whether there is historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions.

[0070] In this step, the preset flushing condition is that the interval between the current time and the most recent water dispensing time reaches a second time threshold. The time of the most recent water dispensing time refers to the time when the water purifier stopped dispensing water. Based on whether the interval reaches the second time threshold, the water purifier determines whether the filter element 11 needs further flushing due to prolonged inactivity. If the interval reaches the second time threshold, the water purifier executes step S234 to enter the flushing state; if the interval does not reach the second time threshold, the water purifier executes step S200 to enter the standby state.

[0071] In one embodiment, the second duration threshold is 72h. The second duration threshold can be set to other values ​​based on the impact of the actual water intake interval of the user on the filter element 11.

[0072] S234: Entering flushing mode.

[0073] In one embodiment, if historical water output information meeting preset flushing conditions exists, the water purifier controls itself to enter a pressurized flushing state, that is, to open the booster pump 103, the inlet valve 102, and the wastewater valve 301 for continuous flushing for 30 seconds. In other embodiments of this application, the water purifier may also enter a raw water flushing state or a pure water recirculation flushing state to flush the filter element 11, so as to improve the TDS detection value of the pure water in the pure water branch 21. After flushing is completed, the water purifier enters a standby state, that is, to execute step S200.

[0074] S221: If the zero-staple water flushing mode is activated, the system will enter the raw water flushing state; In this step, the water purifier controls the opening of the inlet valve 102 and the wastewater valve 301 to connect the inlet water path 10 and the wastewater path 30, allowing the filter element 11 to be flushed by tap water pressure. Raw water from the inlet water path 10 enters the filter element 11 and flushes the RO membrane; after flushing, it is discharged through the wastewater path 30. The operating time for the raw water flushing state is generally 30 seconds, but it can be set to other values ​​according to actual needs.

[0075] S222: Standby and check the timer duration.

[0076] The water purifier starts timing when water flow stops, when it enters the raw water flushing state, or when the raw water flushing state ends. After the raw water flushing state ends, the water purifier enters standby mode and checks the interval between the current time and the most recent water flow (the timer starts when water flow stops) or the most recent flush (the timer starts when flushing ends or begins) at a preset frequency; this interval is the timing duration. In one embodiment, the timing duration is the interval between the current time and the most recent flushing start time.

[0077] S223: Determine whether the timing duration has reached the third preset duration (or the third duration threshold). Because the concentrated water from the wastewater end of filter element 11, after prolonged standing, will permeate through the RO membrane to the pure water end of filter element 11, causing the TDS value of the pure water in the pure water branch 21 to increase. Moreover, water purifiers installed in areas with poor water quality also have high raw water TDS values ​​in their inlet water circuit 10. Even if the system automatically enters the raw water flushing state corresponding to the zero-stagnant water flushing mode after each water outflow stops, the raw water from the wastewater end of filter element 11 will still cause the pure water to have a high TDS value after permeating to the pure water end, which does not meet the user's drinking standards.

[0078] Therefore, this application pre-sets a third preset time (or third time threshold) based on the settling time required for most of the concentrated wastewater to permeate to the pure water end. The water purifier determines whether the timing duration (or interval duration) has reached the third preset time, and further determines whether to enter the pure water reflux flushing mode to further flush the filter element 11 based on the raw water quality test value (TDS test value), so as to improve the TDS value of the pure water produced by the water purifier when the user takes water next time. In one embodiment, the third preset time (or third time threshold) is preferably 10 minutes, but the third preset time can also be set to other values ​​based on the concentrated wastewater permeation time.

[0079] In one embodiment, before step S241, the water purifier also needs to perform water quality testing on the raw water in the inlet water path 10 using the raw water quality detection element 104 (raw water TDS probe). The water purifier can test the raw water quality when it stops discharging water, when it enters or ends the raw water rinsing state, and when the timing reaches a third preset time. The water purifier can also test the raw water quality multiple times at multiple moments before step S241 and calculate the average value, which is then used as the raw water quality test value. It should be noted that the raw water quality detection element 104 should be located on the inlet side of the inlet valve 102 or the inlet side of the secondary filter element to prevent the pure water produced by the water purifier from flowing back to the outlet side of the inlet valve 102, which would cause inaccurate raw water quality test values.

[0080] In this step, if the timeout period does not reach the third preset timeout period (or the third timeout threshold), the water purifier remains in standby mode and continues to execute step S222; if the timeout period reaches the third preset timeout period (or the third timeout threshold), the water purifier executes steps S241 to S244.

[0081] In steps S241 to S244 below, the water purifier determines its target operating state and / or operating duration based on the raw water quality test value and a preset detection threshold. The target operating state includes a pure water backflow rinsing state and a standby state; the preset detection threshold includes a first detection threshold and a second detection threshold. After acquiring the TDS value of the raw water, the water purifier controls itself to enter the target operating state corresponding to the TDS value based on the raw water's TDS value and the preset detection threshold.

[0082] S241: Determine whether the water quality test value has reached the first test threshold.

[0083] In this step, the water purifier determines whether the raw water quality test value reaches the first detection threshold. If the water quality test value does not reach the first detection threshold, it means that the raw water quality of the water purifier meets the user's drinking standards. After the water purifier stopped dispensing water the most recently, after the raw water flushing state corresponding to the zero-staple water flushing mode, the concentrated water at the wastewater end of filter element 11 has been replaced with raw water below the first detection threshold. The raw water at the wastewater end of filter element 11 will not have a negative impact on the pure water quality of the water purifier. Therefore, the target working state of the water purifier is determined to be the standby state, and the water purifier directly enters the standby state (entering step S200) to wait for the next user's water dispensing command.

[0084] If the water quality test value reaches the first detection threshold, it indicates that the raw water quality of the water purifier does not meet the user's drinking water standards. Even if the water purifier automatically flushes the raw water after the most recent water output, the raw water quality that permeates from the filter element 11 to the pure water end will still negatively affect the pure water in the pure water branch 21, resulting in poor water quality in the first cup of water when the water purifier outputs water next time, which does not meet the drinking water standards. Therefore, the water purifier determines the target working state as the pure water backflow flushing state and executes step S242 to flush the filter element 11 by mixing pure water and raw water, replacing the concentrated water at the wastewater end of the filter element 11 with pure water and raw water mixed flow water with a lower TDS test value than the raw water, so that the TDS value of the first cup of water taken by the user and the pure water produced by the water purifier can be effectively improved when the water purifier outputs water next time.

[0085] In one embodiment, the first detection threshold is 100 PPM, but it can also be other baseline values ​​that meet the user's drinking water quality standards.

[0086] S242: Determine whether the water quality test value has reached the second test threshold.

[0087] In this step, if the raw water quality test value is greater than the first detection threshold, the water purifier determines the target working state as pure water reflux rinsing state, and further determines whether the raw water quality test value reaches the second detection threshold in order to determine the working time corresponding to the pure water reflux rinsing state.

[0088] In one embodiment, the second detection threshold is 250 PPM, but the second detection threshold can also be set to other values ​​based on the rinsing requirements of the filter element 11.

[0089] S243: If the water quality test value does not reach the second test threshold, it enters the pure water reflux rinsing state and the working time is the first preset time. S244: If the water quality test value reaches the second detection threshold, it enters the pure water reflux rinsing state and the working time is the second preset time.

[0090] In this embodiment, the second preset duration is longer than the first preset duration. In one embodiment, the first preset duration is 30s and the second preset duration is 50s. The first and second preset durations can also be set to other values ​​based on the requirements of pure water reflux rinsing the filter element 11.

[0091] In step S243 or S244 above, controlling the water purifier to enter the pure water backflow rinsing state includes: controlling the booster pump 103 and the inlet valve 102 to open to connect the inlet water path 10, and closing the wastewater valve 301 to shut off the wastewater path 30, so that the pure water in the pure water path 20 flows back to the inlet water path 10 between the inlet valve 102 and the booster pump 103 to mix with the raw water and rinse the filter element 11. When the wastewater valve 301 is closed, a small hole is left to slowly release the concentrated water discharged from the filter element 11 to reduce the water pressure, and the closing time of the wastewater valve 301 corresponds to the working time of the pure water backflow rinsing state; after the wastewater path 30 is shut off for the working time, the wastewater valve 301 is opened for 5 seconds to connect the wastewater path 30 and discharge the concentrated water from the wastewater end of the filter element 11. Then the water purifier executes step S200 and enters the standby state.

[0092] In one embodiment, after the water purifier stops discharging water, the water purifier controls the water pump 423 to shut off and the flow limiting valve 421 to open to the maximum flow limiting position, thereby preventing all pure water from entering the outlet water path 40. After the water purifier enters the pure water backflow flushing state, the flushing control method further includes: acquiring the flow monitoring data (also known as flow information) of the flow meter 422 when the wastewater water path 30 is shut off; and determining whether the water purifier has a leakage problem in the pure water backflow flushing state based on the flow monitoring data (flow information) and preset leakage conditions.

[0093] For example, if the flow detection data is displayed as a pulse signal, it means that water is flowing through the flow meter 422. The flow limiting valve 421 may fail due to excessive water pressure and be unable to shut off or block the water flow, resulting in seepage or leakage.

[0094] In other embodiments of this application, the water purifier can also acquire the TDS value of the raw water in real time before checking whether the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode is activated (i.e., before step S220). If the TDS value of the raw water does not reach the first detection threshold, the water purifier continues to perform the corresponding work according to the above steps. If the TDS value of the raw water reaches the first detection threshold, the water purifier can also automatically activate the zero-stagnant-water flushing mode; or, if the TDS value of the raw water reaches the first detection threshold, the water purifier can also check whether the flushing state corresponding to step S234 is the pure water return flushing state. If it is not the pure water return flushing state, the water purifier automatically updates the flushing state in step S234 to the pure water return flushing state to improve the flushing quality and output water quality of the water purifier 1.

[0095] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A flushing control method for a water purifier, characterized in that, include: After the water purifier stops discharging water, determine whether the water purifier has activated the zero-stagnant water flushing mode; If the zero-staple water flushing mode is activated, the water purifier will further determine whether the target working state corresponding to the zero-staple water flushing mode is the raw water flushing state, so as to automatically flush the filter element based on the target working state. If the zero-staple water flushing mode is not activated, check at least one historical water output record of the water purifier; Determine whether any of the historical water discharge information satisfies the preset flushing conditions; the preset flushing conditions correspond one-to-one with the historical water discharge information. If the historical water output information exists, control the water purifier to enter the flushing state.

2. The flushing control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The historical water output information includes: the continuous water output duration of the most recent water output from the water purifier; the determination of whether any historical water output information meets the preset flushing conditions includes: Based on whether the continuous water discharge duration reaches the first duration threshold, it is determined whether there is any historical water discharge information that meets the preset flushing conditions.

3. The flushing control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The historical water output information includes: the cumulative number of times the water purifier outputs water since the most recent flush; determining whether any of the historical water output information meets the preset flushing conditions includes: Based on whether the cumulative number of water discharges reaches the threshold for the first time, it is determined whether there is any historical water discharge information that meets the preset flushing conditions.

4. The flushing control method for a water purifier according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The historical water output information also includes: the interval between the current time and the most recent water output from the water purifier. After determining whether there is historical water output information that meets the preset flushing conditions, the method further includes: If the historical water discharge information does not exist, based on whether the interval duration reaches the second duration threshold, it is determined again whether the historical water discharge information that meets the preset flushing conditions exists.

5. The flushing control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, After activating the zero-stagnant-water rinsing mode, the method further includes: Obtain the TDS value of the raw water in the water purifier; Based on the TDS detection value and the preset detection threshold, the water purifier is controlled to enter the target working state corresponding to the TDS detection value.

6. The flushing control method for a water purifier according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preset detection threshold includes a first detection threshold and a second detection threshold. The step of controlling the water purifier to enter a target operating state corresponding to the TDS detection value, based on the TDS detection value and the preset detection threshold, includes: Determine whether the TDS detection value reaches the first detection threshold; If the first detection threshold is not reached, the water purifier is controlled to enter standby mode or raw water flushing mode. If the first detection threshold is reached, determine whether the TDS detection value has reached the second detection threshold; If the second detection threshold is not reached, the water purifier is controlled to enter the pure water backflow rinsing state and maintained for the first preset time. If the second detection threshold is reached, the water purifier is controlled to enter the pure water backflow rinsing state and maintained for a second preset duration, which is longer than the first preset duration.

7. The flushing control method for a water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water purifier includes a pure water path, an outlet water path, and an outlet faucet. The pure water path and the outlet faucet are located at opposite ends of the outlet water path. A flow limiting valve and a flow meter are installed on the outlet water path. The flow limiting valve and the outlet faucet are located on opposite sides of the flow meter. Controlling the water purifier to enter a pure water backflow flushing state includes: Control the flow limiting valve to open to the maximum flow limiting level, and acquire the flow monitoring data of the flow meter; Based on the flow monitoring data, it is determined whether the water purifier has a leakage problem.

8. The flushing control method for a water purifier according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before controlling the water purifier to enter the target operating state corresponding to the TDS detection value, the method further includes: Check the time interval between the current moment and the most recent flush or water output of the water purifier, and determine whether the time interval reaches the third time threshold. If the third time threshold is not reached, the water purifier will be controlled to enter standby mode.

9. A water purifier, characterized in that, The flushing control method applied to the water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water purifier comprises: Water tap; The water inlet circuit is equipped with a TDS detector for raw water, an inlet valve, and a booster pump. A pure water circuit is provided, with one end of the pure water circuit connected to the inlet water circuit via a filter element, and the booster pump located between the filter element and the inlet valve; the other end of the pure water circuit is connected back to the booster pump and the inlet valve. Wastewater path, wherein the wastewater path is connected to the wastewater outlet of the filter element; The water outlet path is connected at one end to the pure water path and at the other end to the water faucet. A flow limiting valve and a flow meter are provided on the water outlet path, with the flow meter located between the flow limiting valve and the water faucet.

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