Filter cartridge assembly, water purification device and method for regenerating a filter cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to water purification technical field, disclose filter core subassembly, water purification equipment and filter core's regeneration method, core subassembly includes carbon filter core and microwave regeneration device, microwave emission end of microwave regeneration device is inserted into carbon filter core;The microwave emission end is used for emitting microwave to carbon filter core, so that the substance adsorbed on carbon filter core is desorbed at high temperature, realizes the regeneration of carbon filter core.Through using microwave regeneration device to regenerate carbon filter core, the substance molecules adsorbed by carbon filter core are induced to produce dipole turning polarization in microwave field by using microwave energy, which can quickly convert microwave energy into heat energy, make the adsorbate of carbon filter core desorption, effectively improve the service life of carbon filter core, prolong the core replacement cycle, reduce the core replacement cost of user, and can also improve the rated water purification capacity of the whole machine, improve the product competitiveness, effectively solve the problem of short service life of carbon filter core in the prior art, frequent replacement is needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purification technology, specifically to filter cartridges, water purification equipment, and methods for regenerating filter cartridges. Background Technology

[0002] Tap water inevitably contains contaminants such as rust, sediment, organic matter, and microorganisms during its transportation through pipe networks. With increasing public concern about water safety, water purifiers with purification functions are gaining market acceptance. A typical water purifier includes a pre-filter, a fine filter, and a post-treatment filter. The pre-filter removes organic matter, colloids, heavy metals, and sediment particles; the fine filter, such as an RO membrane filter, offers extremely high precision and is the core treatment filter of the water purifier; and the post-treatment filter removes trace elements, adjusts pH, and improves the taste of the water.

[0003] Carbon filter cartridges are an indispensable component of pre-filters and post-filters in water purifiers because they can effectively adsorb impurities and remove oxidizing substances such as residual chlorine. However, during long-term operation, bacteria may grow and biofilm may form on the surface of the carbon filter cartridge, leading to a decline in water purification performance and even contaminating the purified water, thus affecting the lifespan of the carbon filter cartridge. Currently, most pre-filters and post-filters in existing drinking water purification systems are disposable consumables that are directly discarded and replaced when their lifespan expires. This not only causes huge waste and environmental pollution, but also causes inconvenience to users and increases operating costs due to frequent replacement of carbon filter cartridges. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a filter cartridge assembly, a water purification device, and a filter cartridge regeneration method to solve the problems of short lifespan and frequent replacement of carbon filter cartridges in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a filter element assembly, comprising:

[0006] Carbon filter element;

[0007] The microwave regeneration device is detachably installed on the carbon filter element, and the microwave emitting end of the microwave regeneration device extends into the carbon filter element;

[0008] The microwave transmitter is used to emit microwaves to the carbon filter element, so that the substances adsorbed on the carbon filter element are desorbed at high temperature, thereby regenerating the carbon filter element.

[0009] Beneficial Effects: By using a microwave regeneration device to regenerate the carbon filter element, microwave energy induces dipole polarization in the adsorbed molecules within the microwave field, rapidly converting microwave energy into heat energy. This desorbs the adsorbate from the carbon filter element, restoring its adsorption performance and achieving in-situ regeneration. This not only effectively extends the lifespan of the carbon filter element, prolonging the replacement cycle and reducing user replacement costs, but also increases the rated water purification capacity of the entire machine, enhancing product competitiveness and effectively solving the problems of short lifespan and frequent replacement of carbon filter elements in existing technologies. Furthermore, compared to conventional physical adsorption, chemical adsorption, and hot water soaking and rinsing methods, this application's use of microwave regeneration technology for carbon filter element regeneration offers advantages such as no secondary pollution, rapid heating, good regeneration effect, and high efficiency.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the carbon filter element is a pre-activated carbon filter element, a post-activated carbon filter element, or a composite filter element formed by combining a pre-activated carbon filter element and a post-activated carbon filter element.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the carbon filter element includes a filter bottle and a filter element body disposed within the filter bottle, wherein the filter bottle is made of metal.

[0012] Beneficial effects: The filter bottle of the carbon filter element is made of metal, which is more resistant to high temperatures and more adaptable to high-temperature environments than conventional plastic materials. This makes it easier to achieve high-temperature desorption of adsorbed substances on the carbon filter element through a microwave regeneration device.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the microwave regeneration device is threaded onto the bottom, top, or middle portion of the filter bottle;

[0014] When the microwave regeneration device is installed in the middle of the filter bottle, there are two microwave regeneration devices, and the two microwave regeneration devices are located on both sides of the filter bottle.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The microwave regeneration device can be installed at the top, bottom or middle of the filter bottle, making the location selection more flexible and diverse. When the microwave regeneration device is installed in the middle of the filter bottle, there are two microwave regeneration devices, which are located on both sides of the filter bottle. The two microwave regeneration devices can generate microwave energy with uniform field strength.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention also provides a water purification device, comprising:

[0017] Water supply pipeline:

[0018] The filter element assembly of any of the above embodiments is disposed in the water production pipeline for filtering and purifying the water flowing through the water production pipeline;

[0019] The water purification equipment has a water production mode and a regeneration mode. When the water purification equipment starts the regeneration mode, the microwave regeneration device of the filter element is in operation to regenerate the carbon filter element.

[0020] Beneficial effects: This provides a water purification device with a filter cartridge regeneration function. When the activated carbon filter cartridge needs to be regenerated, the regeneration mode is activated. The system controls the on / off state of different components using a logic control method. A microwave regeneration device is used to regenerate the activated carbon filter cartridge, causing the activated carbon adsorbate to desorb, thereby regenerating the activated carbon filter cartridge, increasing its service life, and reducing the user's cartridge replacement cost.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the water purification device further includes:

[0022] The inlet valve is located on the water supply pipeline upstream of the filter element assembly and is used to control whether water is supplied to the carbon filter element.

[0023] A pump is installed on the water production pipeline to drive the water in the pipeline to flow in the set water production direction, or to remove water vapor from the carbon filter element.

[0024] Beneficial effects: The water inlet valve installed on the water production pipeline upstream of the filter element assembly facilitates the control of water supply to the carbon filter element. The pump installed not only drives the water to flow in the set water production direction during normal water production mode, but also extracts water vapor from the carbon filter element during regeneration mode, so as to facilitate the microwave regeneration device to perform high-temperature regeneration treatment on the carbon filter element, thereby improving the regeneration effect and reducing related safety hazards.

[0025] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a method for regenerating a carbon filter element, applicable to water purification equipment according to any of the above embodiments, the regeneration method comprising:

[0026] Receive the regeneration mode start signal;

[0027] The microwave regeneration device is activated to emit microwaves to the carbon filter element, causing the substances adsorbed on the carbon filter element to desorb at high temperature, thereby regenerating the carbon filter element.

[0028] Beneficial effects: When the activated carbon filter needs to be regenerated and cleaned, the microwave regeneration device emits microwaves to the activated carbon filter when the regeneration mode is activated, causing the substances adsorbed on the activated carbon filter to desorb at high temperature, thereby realizing the automatic regeneration of the activated carbon filter and extending the life of the activated carbon filter. Compared with the existing hot water soaking and rinsing regeneration methods, the heating temperature of the microwave regeneration method can reach 150℃, and the regeneration effect is significantly improved.

[0029] In one alternative implementation, the following steps are performed before the microwave regeneration device is started:

[0030] Drain the water from the carbon filter cartridge to ensure that it is waterless when the microwave regeneration device is started.

[0031] Beneficial effects: By draining the water from the carbon filter before starting the microwave regeneration device, it is possible to ensure that the carbon filter is water-free when the microwave regeneration device is working. This avoids the problem of generating a large amount of water vapor during the operation of the microwave regeneration device, which would not only affect the regeneration effect of the carbon filter but also pose an explosion risk and high safety hazard.

[0032] In one optional implementation, controlling the microwave regeneration device to start includes the following steps:

[0033] The microwave regeneration device is controlled to perform low-temperature drying of the carbon filter element at a working temperature of T1.

[0034] After the microwave regeneration device has been operating at the T1 working temperature for the set time, it will stop working and control the pump of the water purification equipment to discharge the water vapor generated during the low-temperature drying process inside the carbon filter element.

[0035] The microwave regeneration device is controlled to perform high-temperature regeneration treatment on the carbon filter element at a working temperature of T2, where T2 > T1.

[0036] Beneficial effects: By adding a low-temperature drying step before the high-temperature regeneration process in the microwave regeneration device, the moisture in the composite filter element can be dried, ensuring that the composite filter element is dry during the high-temperature process of the microwave regeneration device. This avoids the problem of direct high-temperature processing, which could cause a sharp increase in air pressure inside the filter bottle, resulting in air pressure much higher than the external air pressure, posing a risk of explosion and a high safety hazard.

[0037] In one optional implementation, the filter regeneration method further includes the following steps:

[0038] Before entering regeneration mode, close the inlet valve of the water purification equipment;

[0039] After the regeneration mode ends, control the inlet valve to open and allow water to flow into the carbon filter cartridge for a set time.

[0040] Beneficial effects: Before entering the regeneration mode, the inlet valve of the water purification equipment is closed to prevent external water from entering the composite filter element during the regeneration process, which would affect the regeneration effect of the carbon filter element. After the regeneration mode ends, both the inlet valve and the wastewater valve are opened and water is allowed to flow for a certain period of time to flush out the impurities that have been desorbed during the regeneration process, and then the equipment is restored to normal use. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the first embodiment of the water purification equipment in this invention (the microwave regeneration device is assembled at the bottom of the composite filter element).

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the second embodiment of the water purification equipment in this invention (the microwave regeneration device is assembled in the middle of the composite filter element).

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a second embodiment of the water purification equipment in this invention (a microwave regeneration device is assembled on top of the composite filter element).

[0045] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a composite filter element;

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure at the junction of the microwave regeneration device and the filter bottle;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the first embodiment of the carbon filter element regeneration method in this invention.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a second embodiment of the carbon filter element regeneration method in this invention.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a third embodiment of the carbon filter element regeneration method in this invention.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the carbon filter element regeneration method in this invention.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0052] 10. Pretreatment filter element; 20. Composite filter element; 21. Filter bottle; 211. Bottle body; 212. Bottom cover; 30. RO membrane filter element; 40. Microwave regeneration device; 41. Microwave transmitter; 42. Microwave generator;

[0053] 100. Raw water switch valve; 101. Inlet valve; 102. Pump; 103. Wastewater valve; 104. Flow meter; 105. Check valve; 106. Pure water switch valve. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] Currently, water purifiers on the market purify tap water through their built-in purification equipment. These devices typically include four filter stages: PP cotton filter, pre-activated carbon filter, RO membrane filter, and post-activated carbon filter. To effectively extend the lifespan of the RO filter, the industry often employs pretreatment to ensure the quality of the incoming water. Water quality requirements primarily include turbidity ≤1 NTU, SDI15 <5, and residual chlorine concentration <0.1 mg / L. While existing water purifiers' pretreatment filters, such as PP cotton and ultrafiltration, can effectively reduce turbidity and SDI15, only activated carbon filters can effectively remove residual chlorine. However, activated carbon filters have a shorter lifespan compared to other filters, requiring frequent replacements and limiting the rated water purification capacity of the entire machine. Furthermore, the activated carbon filters used in current water purifiers are all disposable consumables, discarded at the end of their lifespan, resulting in significant waste and environmental pollution.

[0056] To achieve the goal of long lifespan and fewer replacements for water purifier filters, the industry primarily extends the lifespan of activated carbon filters by improving carbon materials, manufacturing processes, and increasing the amount of carbon used. While these methods can improve water purification performance and lifespan to some extent, they all have inherent failure points. Therefore, it is necessary to find a breakthrough to extend the lifespan of activated carbon filters. Research indicates that the adsorption process of pollutants by activated carbon mainly includes physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. Physical adsorption is the primary adsorption process in activated carbon; changing conditions can disrupt the adsorption equilibrium, causing the adsorbate to desorb. Chemical adsorption is irreversible; essentially, it involves the formation of stable complexes between the functional groups on the surface of activated carbon and pollutant molecules. In its specific operation, activated carbon initially relies primarily on physical adsorption. Once physical adsorption approaches saturation, chemical adsorption intervenes, leading to complete failure.

[0057] In related technologies, methods for extending the life of activated carbon filter cartridges through regeneration generally include physical methods such as high temperature, steam or vibration, chemical reagents, and microbial degradation. For example, patent CN217350956U discloses a self-cleaning purification device that regenerates activated carbon fibers using high-temperature steam. This method is suitable for large-scale purification equipment in the petrochemical and environmental protection industries, but its implementation requires high precision and is not suitable for household water purifiers. Patent CN113788554A discloses a method that uses steam, vibration, and physical impact to open the gaps in activated carbon and restore its adsorption capacity, enabling a self-regeneration process. However, this method is complex and requires the addition of flocculants, making it difficult to guarantee the safety of the activated carbon during use and for drinking water. Patent CN202654783U discloses a high-efficiency activated carbon fiber filtration device that regenerates the filter element by soaking in chlorine dioxide and adding high-temperature steam. However, upon reading its patent information, the introduction of the chemical substance chlorine dioxide cannot guarantee water quality safety. Patent CN101844075A discloses an activated carbon regeneration device and method that regenerates activated carbon by decomposing and reducing pollutants adsorbed in the activated carbon under electrolytic conditions. However, the precipitation of metal substances in the solution cannot guarantee the safety of drinking water and increases energy consumption.

[0058] Based on the above analysis, it is necessary to find a more effective general technology to extend the life of carbon filter cartridges in water purifiers, in order to solve the problems of short carbon filter life and frequent cartridge replacement, and enhance product competitiveness.

[0059] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 9 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, the present invention provides a filter element assembly, including a carbon filter element and a microwave regeneration device 40. The microwave regeneration device 40 is detachably installed on the carbon filter element, and the microwave emitting end 41 of the microwave regeneration device 40 extends into the carbon filter element. The microwave emitting end 41 is used to emit microwaves to the carbon filter element so that the substances adsorbed on the carbon filter element are desorbed at high temperature, thereby realizing the regeneration of the carbon filter element.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the carbon filter element is regenerated using a microwave regeneration device 40. Microwave energy induces dipole polarization in the adsorbed molecules of the carbon filter element within a microwave field, rapidly converting microwave energy into heat energy. This desorbs the adsorbate from the carbon filter element, restoring its adsorption performance and achieving in-situ regeneration. This not only effectively extends the lifespan of the carbon filter element, prolonging the replacement cycle and reducing user replacement costs, but also increases the rated water purification capacity of the entire machine, enhancing product competitiveness and effectively solving the problems of short lifespan and frequent replacement of carbon filter elements in existing technologies. Furthermore, this application utilizes microwave regeneration technology to regenerate the carbon filter element, which, compared to conventional physical adsorption, chemical adsorption, and hot water soaking and rinsing methods, offers advantages such as no secondary pollution, rapid heating, good regeneration effect, and high efficiency.

[0062] Specifically, in this embodiment, the carbon filter element includes a carbon water purification unit, and the carbon filter element is an activated carbon filter element. The microwave regeneration device 40 is detachably installed on the carbon filter element by means of snap-fit ​​or threaded connection, which facilitates disassembly and maintenance. The microwave regeneration device 40 includes a microwave generator 42, which is capable of generating microwaves. The microwave generator 42 has a microwave emitting end 41 that can extend into the carbon filter element. The microwave emitting end 41 emits microwaves into the carbon filter element to heat and desorb the adsorbed substances on the carbon filter element, thereby causing the adsorbate to desorb.

[0063] In some embodiments, the carbon filter element is a pre-activated carbon filter element, a post-activated carbon filter element, or a composite filter element 20 formed by combining a pre-activated carbon filter element and a post-activated carbon filter element. In this embodiment, the carbon filter element can be a single pre-activated carbon filter element or a post-activated carbon filter element, or it can be a composite filter element 20 formed by combining both. The accompanying drawings of this embodiment illustrate the use of a composite filter element 20 as an example.

[0064] In some embodiments, the carbon filter element includes a filter bottle 21 and a filter element body disposed within the filter bottle 21, wherein the filter bottle 21 is made of metal.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the filter bottle 21 of the carbon filter element is made of metal, which is more resistant to high temperatures and more adaptable to high-temperature environments than conventional plastic materials, thus making it more conducive to the high-temperature desorption of adsorbed substances on the carbon filter element by the microwave regeneration device 40.

[0066] Preferably, the filter bottle 21 is made of stainless steel, which is not only heat-resistant but also a food-grade metal.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the microwave regeneration device 40 is threadedly fitted to the bottom, top, or middle portion of the filter bottle 21; as Figure 2As shown, when the microwave regeneration device 40 is assembled in the middle part of the filter bottle 21, there are two microwave regeneration devices 40, and the two microwave regeneration devices 40 are respectively arranged on both sides of the filter bottle 21.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the microwave regeneration device 40 can be installed at the top, bottom or middle part of the filter bottle 21, making the position selection more flexible and diverse. When the microwave regeneration device 40 is installed at the middle part of the filter bottle 21, there are two microwave regeneration devices 40, and the two microwave regeneration devices 40 are respectively located on both sides of the filter bottle 21. The two microwave regeneration devices 40 can generate microwave energy with uniform field strength.

[0069] Specifically, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the filter bottle 21 includes a bottle body 211 and a bottom cover 212. The microwave regeneration device 40 can be embedded in the bottom cover 212, or it can be embedded in the side wall of the bottle body 211, or it can be embedded in the bottle opening of the filter bottle 21. Preferably, in this embodiment, the microwave regeneration device 40 is embedded in the bottle body 211, and the number of microwave regeneration devices 40 is increased to two, which is more conducive to generating uniform microwave energy in the filter bottle 21.

[0070] For example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the microwave regeneration device 40 can be embedded in the bottom cover 212. The bottom cover 212 has a threaded interface, and the microwave regeneration device 40 has a threaded connection part. The microwave emitting end 41 is located in the threaded connection part, and the threaded connection part is threaded into the threaded interface. The microwave emitting end 41 extends into the filter bottle 21 from the threaded interface of the bottom cover 212. The microwave emitting end 41 of the microwave regeneration device 40 extends into the bottom cover 212 by about 1 mm to avoid extending too far and affecting the filter element volume. Compared with the prior art, this embodiment, by adding the microwave regeneration device 40 to the bottom cover 212 of the composite filter element 20 and combining it with a logic control method, can realize in-situ regeneration of activated carbon in the water purification equipment and improve the life of the activated carbon filter element.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a water purification device is provided, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device includes a water production pipeline and a filter element assembly as described in any of the above embodiments. The filter element assembly is disposed in the water production pipeline and is used to filter and purify the water flowing through the water production pipeline. The water purification device has a water production mode and a regeneration mode. When the water purification device starts the regeneration mode, the microwave regeneration device 40 of the filter element assembly is in working condition to regenerate the carbon filter element.

[0072] In the above embodiments, a water purification device with filter cartridge regeneration function is provided. When the activated carbon filter cartridge needs to be regenerated, the regeneration mode is activated, and the different components of the system are controlled by a logic control method. The microwave regeneration device 40 is used to regenerate the activated carbon filter cartridge, so that the activated carbon adsorbate is desorbed, thereby regenerating the activated carbon filter cartridge, improving the service life of the activated carbon filter cartridge, and reducing the user's cartridge replacement cost.

[0073] In this embodiment, the water purification equipment includes a first-stage filter element, a second-stage filter element, a third-stage filter element, and a fourth-stage filter element. The first-stage filter element is a pre-treatment filter element 10, which is generally made of PP or a composite of one or more of the following: ultrafiltration, microfiltration, etc., to remove sediment, rust, suspended matter, etc. from the raw water. The second-stage filter element is a pre-activated carbon filter element, etc., to remove organic matter, some heavy metals, residual chlorine, discoloration, odor, etc. from the raw water. The third-stage filter element is an RO membrane filter element 30, which is the core component of the water purifier and has extremely high purification precision, capable of filtering out all impurity molecules except water molecules. The fourth-stage filter element is mostly a post-activated carbon filter element, etc., used to adjust the taste of the water.

[0074] It should be noted that the pre-activated carbon filter and the post-activated carbon filter can be integrated into a composite filter element 20. In this embodiment, the carbon filter element in the filter element assembly is in the form of a composite filter element 20. The water purification system provided in the accompanying drawings of this application is also embodied in the form of a composite filter element 20, with a microwave regeneration device 40 embedded in the bottom cover 212 of the composite filter element 20. In this embodiment, by utilizing the microwave energy generated by the microwave regeneration device 40, the molecules of the substances adsorbed by the activated carbon are induced to undergo dipole polarization in the microwave field, rapidly converting microwave energy into heat energy and restoring the adsorption performance of the activated carbon.

[0075] In some embodiments, the water purification device further includes an inlet valve 101 and a pump 102. The inlet valve 101 is disposed on a water production pipeline located upstream of the filter element assembly and is used to control whether water is introduced into the carbon filter element. The pump 102 is disposed on the water production pipeline and is used to drive the water in the water production pipeline to flow in a set water production direction, or to evacuate the water vapor in the carbon filter element.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the water inlet valve 101 installed on the water production pipeline upstream of the filter element assembly facilitates the control of water entering the carbon filter element. The pump 102 installed can not only drive the water to flow in the set water production direction in the normal water production mode, but also extract the water vapor in the carbon filter element in the regeneration mode, so as to facilitate the microwave regeneration device 40 to perform high-temperature regeneration treatment on the carbon filter element, thereby improving the regeneration effect and reducing related safety hazards.

[0077] In this embodiment, along the water flow direction, the pretreatment filter cartridge 10, the pre-activated carbon filter cartridge of the composite filter cartridge 20, the RO membrane filter cartridge 30, and the post-activated carbon filter cartridge of the composite filter cartridge 20 are connected in series on the water production pipeline. The water production pipeline includes a first pipeline connecting the inlet end of the pretreatment filter cartridge 10 to the raw water source, a second pipeline connecting the outlet end of the pretreatment filter cartridge 10 to the inlet end of the pre-activated carbon filter cartridge, and a third pipeline connecting the outlet end of the pre-activated carbon filter cartridge and the RO membrane filter cartridge 30. A raw water switch valve 100 is provided on the first pipeline to control whether raw water is introduced into the water production system. An inlet valve 101 is provided on the second pipeline, and a pump 102 is provided on the third pipeline. The RO membrane filter element 30 has a wastewater outlet and a clean water outlet. The wastewater outlet is connected to a wastewater pipeline, which is equipped with a wastewater valve 103 and a flow meter 104. The clean water outlet is connected to the inlet of the post-activated carbon filter element through a fourth pipeline, which is equipped with a check valve 105. The outlet of the post-activated carbon filter element is connected to a pure water pipeline, which is connected to the outlet of the water purification equipment. The pure water pipeline is equipped with a pure water on / off valve 106.

[0078] In this embodiment, the water purification equipment includes, but is not limited to, water purifiers, integrated water purifiers and heat pumps, and boiled water machines. Preferably, in this embodiment, the water purification equipment is a reverse osmosis water purifier.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a method for regenerating a carbon filter element is provided, applicable to water purification equipment according to any of the above embodiments, combined with... Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the regeneration method includes the following steps:

[0080] Step S10: Receive the regeneration mode start signal;

[0081] Step S20: Control the microwave regeneration device 40 to start, emit microwaves to the carbon filter element, so that the substances adsorbed on the carbon filter element are desorbed at high temperature, thereby regenerating the carbon filter element.

[0082] In the above embodiments, when the carbon filter needs to be regenerated and cleaned, when the regeneration mode is activated, the microwave regeneration device 40 is controlled to emit microwaves to the carbon filter, so that the substances adsorbed on the carbon filter are desorbed at high temperature, thereby realizing the automatic regeneration of the activated carbon filter and improving the life of the carbon filter. Compared with the existing hot water soaking and rinsing regeneration method, the heating temperature of the microwave regeneration method can reach 150°C, and the regeneration effect is significantly improved.

[0083] Specifically, when the regeneration mode start signal is received, the water inlet valve 101 is closed first to prevent external water from entering the composite filter element 20 during the regeneration process, which would affect the regeneration effect.

[0084] Furthermore, the water purification equipment includes a control module connected to the microwave regeneration device 40. This control module controls the start / stop and operating parameters of the microwave regeneration device 40, including operating time and heating temperature. The regeneration mode start signal can be a user trigger signal, a timing signal, or a detection signal. For example, the control system also includes a timing module that automatically sends a timing signal to the control module every month to start the microwave regeneration device 40, thus automatically starting the process and achieving automatic regeneration of the water purifier's carbon filter.

[0085] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the following steps are performed before starting the microwave regeneration device 40:

[0086] Step S11: Drain the water from the carbon filter element to ensure that the carbon filter element is in a waterless state when the microwave regeneration device 40 is started.

[0087] In the above embodiments, by draining the water from the carbon filter before starting the microwave regeneration device 40, it can be effectively ensured that the carbon filter is water-free when the microwave regeneration device 40 is working. This avoids the problem that the microwave regeneration device 40 generates a large amount of water vapor when it is working, which would not only affect the regeneration effect of the carbon filter but also pose an explosion risk and a high safety hazard.

[0088] Specifically, when the user uses the water purifier for a certain period of time and needs to regenerate the activated carbon, first close the inlet valve 101, then start the pump 102 to drain the water from the composite filter element 20, ensuring that the filter bottle 21 of the composite filter element 20 is waterless when the microwave regeneration device 40 is started.

[0089] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the start-up of the microwave regeneration device 40 specifically includes the following steps:

[0090] Step S201: Control the microwave regeneration device 40 to perform low-temperature drying treatment on the carbon filter element at the working temperature T1;

[0091] Step S202: After the microwave regeneration device 40 has been operating at the working temperature T1 for the set time, it stops working and controls the pump 102 of the water purification equipment to work, so as to discharge the water vapor generated in the low-temperature drying process inside the carbon filter element.

[0092] Step S203: Control the microwave regeneration device 40 to perform high-temperature regeneration treatment on the carbon filter element at a working temperature of T2, wherein T2 > T1.

[0093] In the above embodiment, by adding a low-temperature drying process before the high-temperature regeneration process in the microwave regeneration device 40, the moisture in the composite filter element 20 can be dried, ensuring that the composite filter element 20 is dry when the microwave regeneration device 40 is used for high-temperature processing. This avoids the problem that direct high-temperature processing would cause the air pressure inside the filter bottle 21 to rise sharply, resulting in an air pressure much higher than the external air pressure, which could lead to an explosion risk and a high safety hazard.

[0094] Specifically, in step S201, when the microwave regeneration device 40 is activated for low-temperature treatment, the operating temperature of the microwave regeneration device 40 is between 50°C and 100°C, and the operating time is between 30 minutes and 60 minutes. During this time, other components of the water purification equipment are not operating. In step S202, when the exhaust is activated, the microwave regeneration device 40 operates for 30 minutes to 60 minutes and then enters standby mode. Pump 102 then starts operating to expel the water vapor generated during the low-temperature treatment. In step S203, when the microwave regeneration device 40 is activated for high-temperature treatment, the operating temperature of the microwave regeneration device 40 reaches 100°C to 150°C, and the operating time is between 60 minutes and 120 minutes. During this time, other components of the water purification equipment are not operating.

[0095] Preferably, in this embodiment, after step S203, the control pump 102 is started to perform an exhaust step to discharge the steam generated during the high-temperature regeneration process in the composite filter element 20.

[0096] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the filter element regeneration method further includes the following steps:

[0097] Step S301: Before entering the regeneration mode, the inlet valve 101 of the water purification equipment is closed;

[0098] Step S302: After the regeneration mode ends, control the water inlet valve 101 to open and flow water into the carbon filter element for a set time.

[0099] In the above embodiment, before entering the regeneration mode, the water inlet valve 101 of the water purification equipment is closed to prevent external water from entering the composite filter element 20 during the regeneration process, which would affect the regeneration effect of the carbon filter element. After the regeneration mode ends, both the water inlet valve 101 and the wastewater valve 103 are opened and water is passed through for a certain period of time to flush out the impurities that have been desorbed during the regeneration process and restore the normal operating state.

[0100] Preferably, the water flow time of the carbon filter element in step S302 is 5-10 minutes.

[0101] This embodiment provides a fully automatic regeneration method that cycles through "closing the inlet valve 101 - starting the water purification equipment to drain the water from the activated carbon filter - starting the microwave regeneration device 40 for low-temperature treatment - starting the pump 102 for venting - starting the microwave regeneration device 40 for high-temperature treatment - starting the pump 102 for venting - opening the inlet valve 101 for normal use". This method can regenerate the activated carbon filter after the water purifier has been used for a certain period of time, extend the service life of the activated carbon, and thus reduce the user's filter replacement cost.

[0102] The following, with reference to the accompanying drawings, provides a preferred embodiment of the carbon filter element regeneration method:

[0103] (1) The inlet valve 101 and microwave regeneration device 40 are closed, and the pump 102 and wastewater valve 103 are opened for a minute;

[0104] (2) Close the inlet valve 101, pump 102, and wastewater valve 103, and start the microwave regeneration device 40 to work for b minutes;

[0105] (3) The inlet valve 101 and microwave regeneration device 40 are closed, and the pump 102 and wastewater valve 103 are opened for c minutes;

[0106] (4) Close the inlet valve 101, pump 102, and wastewater valve 103, and start the microwave regeneration device to work for 40 minutes;

[0107] (5) The inlet valve 101 and microwave regeneration device 40 are closed, and the pump 102 and wastewater valve 103 are opened for e minutes;

[0108] (6) Open the tap water inlet valve 101 for normal use.

[0109] The purpose of step (1) is to drain the water from the composite filter element to ensure that the composite filter element is in a waterless state when the microwave regeneration device is working; step (2) is a low-temperature drying step; step (3) is to drain the water vapor generated during the low-temperature drying process; step (4) is a high-temperature regeneration step; step (5) is to drain the water vapor generated during the high-temperature regeneration process; and step (6) is to pass water through to flush away the impurities that are peeled off from the activated carbon filter element during the regeneration process.

[0110] Preferably, a, c, and e are 1-5 minutes, b is 30-60 minutes, d is 60-120 minutes, c is 1-10 minutes, and e is 1-10 minutes.

[0111] It should be noted that the times in the above embodiments can be changed according to the actual situation. The preferred times listed above are specific examples for better understanding.

[0112] This invention employs a microwave generator and logic control method in a water purifier to achieve automatic regeneration and extended lifespan of the activated carbon filter element. This effectively solves the problems of high requirements for filter element regeneration in existing technologies, unsuitability for household water purifiers, inability to guarantee drinking water safety, and operational difficulties for water purifier users.

[0113] It should be noted that the structure of the water purification equipment and the method for regenerating the filter element provided in this embodiment are based on the improvement of the composite filter element of the reverse osmosis water purifier. In addition to being applied to this product, it can also be applied to other product series that are based on the same principle, such as countertop water purifiers. This embodiment does not limit this application.

[0114] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for regenerating a carbon filter element, applicable to water purification equipment, characterized in that, The water purification equipment includes: Water supply pipeline: A filter element assembly is installed in the water production pipeline to filter and purify the water flowing through the water production pipeline. The water purification equipment has a water production mode and a regeneration mode. When the water purification equipment starts the regeneration mode, the microwave regeneration device of the filter element assembly is in working condition to regenerate the carbon filter element. The filter assembly includes: Carbon filter element; A microwave regeneration device is detachably installed on the carbon filter element, and the microwave emitting end of the microwave regeneration device extends into the carbon filter element; The microwave transmitter is used to emit microwaves to the carbon filter element so that the substances adsorbed on the carbon filter element are desorbed at high temperature, thereby regenerating the carbon filter element. The regeneration method includes: Receive the regeneration mode start signal; The microwave regeneration device is activated to emit microwaves to the carbon filter element, so that the substances adsorbed on the carbon filter element are desorbed at high temperature, thereby regenerating the carbon filter element. The activation of the microwave regeneration device specifically includes the following steps: The microwave regeneration device is controlled to perform low-temperature drying on the carbon filter element at a working temperature of T1. After the microwave regeneration device operates at the T1 working temperature for the set time, it stops working and controls the pump of the water purification equipment to discharge the water vapor generated during the low-temperature drying process inside the carbon filter element. The microwave regeneration device is controlled to perform high-temperature regeneration treatment on the carbon filter element at a working temperature of T2, wherein T2 > T1; Perform the following steps before starting the microwave regeneration device: Drain the water from the carbon filter element to ensure that the carbon filter element is in a waterless state when the microwave regeneration device is started. The filter element regeneration method further includes the following steps: Before entering regeneration mode, close the inlet valve of the water purification equipment; After the regeneration mode ends, the control valve opens and water is supplied to the carbon filter element for a set time.

2. The method for regenerating a carbon filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbon filter element is a pre-activated carbon filter element, a post-activated carbon filter element, or a composite filter element formed by combining a pre-activated carbon filter element and a post-activated carbon filter element.

3. The method for regenerating a carbon filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbon filter element includes a filter bottle and a filter element body disposed inside the filter bottle, wherein the filter bottle is made of metal.

4. The method for regenerating a carbon filter element according to claim 3, characterized in that, The microwave regeneration device is threadedly fitted to the bottom, top, or middle part of the filter bottle; When the microwave regeneration device is assembled in the middle of the filter bottle, there are two microwave regeneration devices, and the two microwave regeneration devices are respectively located on both sides of the filter bottle.

5. The method for regenerating a carbon filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water purification equipment also includes: A water inlet valve is installed on the water supply pipeline located upstream of the filter element assembly to control whether water is supplied to the carbon filter element. A pump is installed on the water production pipeline to drive the water in the pipeline to flow in a set water production direction, or to evacuate the water vapor from the carbon filter element.

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