Water purifier and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a water purifier and a control method thereof. The water purifier comprises a filter, a water pump, a waste water valve and a controller. The filter comprises a membrane element, and is provided with a water inlet, a pure water outlet and a waste water outlet. The water pump is arranged upstream of the water inlet and is used to boost the fluid supplied into the water inlet. The waste water valve is arranged downstream of the waste water outlet and has an open state for making the waste water flow out and a closed state for hindering the waste water from flowing out. The controller is electrically connected with at least the water pump and the waste water valve. The water purifier has a water production mode for outputting pure water. In the water production mode, the waste water valve is in the closed state within a preset time period. The application can adaptively adjust the water production rate according to different scenes, can improve the water saving performance and improve the user experience on the premise that the water purifier meets the corresponding water production rate requirement in different scenes, and can also take into account the reliability and service life of the water purifier.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As people's requirements for drinking water quality become increasingly stringent, water purification equipment has become widely used. Currently, a typical type of water purification equipment is the reverse osmosis water purifier. This reverse osmosis water purifier can remove bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, as well as most harmful heavy metal ions, from tap water by passing it through a reverse osmosis filter. The purified water is safe to drink directly. The reverse osmosis membrane filter is the core component of this water purification equipment.

[0003] However, existing water purifiers equipped with reverse osmosis membrane filters have certain problems during use. For example, the water production rate of the purifier can be affected by external factors and fluctuate significantly.

[0004] After analyzing the above phenomena, the inventors found that the water production rate of the water purifier is affected by a variety of interfering factors, including: regional differences in water quality and seasonal changes in water temperature fluctuations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Currently, due to the influence of various external interference factors, the water production rate of water purifiers cannot be intelligently and adaptively adjusted, which means that the reliability, user experience, and water-saving performance of water purifiers need further optimization.

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a water purifier and its control method, which can adaptively adjust the water production rate for different scenarios. This allows the water purifier to meet the corresponding water production rate requirements in different scenarios while improving water-saving performance and enhancing user experience. Furthermore, the water purifier and its control method provided in this application can also take into account the reliability and service life of the water purifier (especially the filter element).

[0007] The specific technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A water purifier includes: a filter element comprising a membrane element, the filter element having an inlet, a pure water outlet, and a wastewater outlet; a water pump disposed upstream of the inlet for pressurizing fluid supplied to the inlet; a wastewater valve disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet, the wastewater valve having an open state allowing wastewater to flow out and a closed state preventing wastewater from flowing out; and a controller electrically connected to at least the water pump and the wastewater valve; the water purifier has a water production mode for outputting pure water; in the water production mode, the wastewater valve is in a closed state for a preset time period.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier further includes a detection unit for detecting the water temperature and / or water quality in the water purifier, the detection unit being electrically connected to the controller.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the detection unit is located at the water inlet or in a pipeline upstream of the water inlet.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the detection unit includes any one of the following: a TDS temperature sensor, a TDS sensor, a temperature sensor, and a combination of a TDS sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the opening degree of the wastewater valve is not adjustable.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the water pump has at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When the wastewater valve is closed for a preset time period, the water pump is in the first operating mode, and the operating parameters in the first operating mode are lower than the operating parameters in the second operating mode.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the operating parameters include any one of the following: duty cycle, voltage, current, and rotational speed.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier further includes an inlet valve for controlling the entry of raw water into the water purifier.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier further includes a reflux valve electrically connected to the controller, the reflux valve being located downstream of the wastewater outlet and upstream of the water pump.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, when the wastewater valve is in the closed state for a preset time period, the return valve is in the open state.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a wastewater circuit is provided between the wastewater outlet and the upstream of the water pump, and the reflux valve is provided in the wastewater circuit.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier is provided with a water circuit module that connects the wastewater outlet to the upstream of the water pump, and the reflux valve is disposed in the water circuit module.

[0020] A control method for a water purifier, the water purifier comprising: a filter element having an inlet, a pure water outlet, and a wastewater outlet; a water pump connected upstream of the inlet; and a wastewater valve connected downstream of the wastewater outlet, the wastewater valve having an open state allowing wastewater to flow out and a closed state preventing wastewater from flowing out; the control method for the water purifier comprising:

[0021] Obtain water quality and / or water temperature;

[0022] Determine whether the obtained water quality meets the preset water quality conditions, and / or determine whether the obtained water temperature meets the preset water temperature conditions. When the water quality and / or water temperature meet the preset water quality conditions and / or preset water temperature conditions, and the water purifier is in water production mode, control the wastewater valve to be in a closed state for at least a preset time period.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier further includes a detection unit for detecting the water temperature and / or water quality in the water purifier, and the detection unit obtains the water quality and / or water temperature.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the water pump has at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When the wastewater valve is closed for a preset time period, the water pump is controlled to operate in the first operating mode, and the operating parameters in the first operating mode are lower than the operating parameters in the second operating mode.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier further includes a backflow valve disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet and upstream of the water pump, wherein the backflow valve is controlled to be open when the wastewater valve is closed.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the control method of the water purifier further includes: when the wastewater valve is closed and the return valve is open, reducing the operating parameters of the water pump to the target operating parameters.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier stores the correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump and the water quality and temperature.

[0028] Adjusting the operating parameters of the water pump to the target operating parameters includes:

[0029] Based on the obtained water quality and water temperature, and the correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump and the water quality and water temperature, the target operating parameters of the water pump are determined.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, when the water quality and / or water temperature meet preset water quality conditions and / or preset water temperature conditions, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is controlled to close first and then open.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the wastewater valve operates at a predetermined cycle, wherein within a single cycle the wastewater valve is first closed for a first duration and then opened for a second duration, the first duration being no longer than the second duration.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the single cycle is no more than 30 seconds.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, when the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS, and / or the obtained water temperature is below a first temperature, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is controlled to be in a closed state for at least a preset time period.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, when the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS and / or the obtained water temperature is below a first temperature, the duration of the wastewater valve being closed is inversely proportional to the obtained water temperature.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, when the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches a first water production rate.

[0036] When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is below the first temperature, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches the second water production rate, and the first water production rate is greater than the second water production rate.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier stores: a first correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is below a preset TDS; and a second correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is above a preset TDS.

[0038] When the obtained water quality is below the preset TDS, the step of controlling the wastewater valve to close for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature includes: determining the first duration of the wastewater valve closure based on the currently obtained water temperature and the first correspondence; and controlling the wastewater valve to close for the first duration.

[0039] When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS, the step of controlling the wastewater valve to close for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature includes: determining the second duration of the wastewater valve closure based on the currently obtained water temperature and the second correspondence; and controlling the wastewater valve to close for the second duration.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, when the obtained water quality is greater than a preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is greater than a second temperature, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is in the open state, and the water pump is controlled to operate with operating parameters that match the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches a second water production rate, and the second temperature is not less than the first temperature.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier stores a third correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump and the water temperature when the water quality is greater than a preset TDS and the water temperature is greater than a second temperature.

[0042] When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is greater than the second temperature, controlling the water pump to operate with operating parameters that match the currently obtained water temperature includes:

[0043] The current operating parameters of the water pump are determined based on the currently obtained water temperature and the third correspondence, and the water pump is controlled to operate according to the determined current operating parameters.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the operating parameters of the water pump include any one of the following: duty cycle, voltage, current, and speed.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the duty cycle and voltage of the water pump are inversely proportional to the obtained water temperature.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the water purifier further includes: an inlet valve, which controls the entry of raw water into the water purifier; when the water purifier is in water production mode, the inlet valve is controlled to be in an open state.

[0047] First, the wastewater valve is closed for a first duration, the water pump operates at a target operating parameter lower than the initial operating parameter, and the return valve is in the open state;

[0048] After the wastewater valve is opened for a second period of time, the water pump resumes operation at its initial operating parameters, and the return valve is closed.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the first duration and the target operating parameters are determined based on the obtained water quality and water temperature.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, determining the first duration and the target operating parameters based on the acquired water quality and water temperature includes:

[0051] The obtained water quality is compared with the preset TDS, and the target water production rate of the water purifier is determined based on the comparison result.

[0052] Based on the obtained water temperature, determine the first duration of wastewater valve closure and the target operating parameters of the water pump under the current target water production rate condition.

[0053] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0054] The water purifier provided in this application embodiment, when in water purification mode, can selectively control the wastewater valve to remain closed for a predetermined period of time based on the current water quality and / or temperature conditions supplied to the purifier. Since utilizing this closed wastewater valve reduces the amount of concentrated water produced, it can improve the water production rate of the purifier, enhance its water-saving performance, and improve the user experience. Specifically, for situations with poor water quality and low water temperature, the water purifier can achieve the set water production rate requirement. When water quality conditions are good, the water purifier can further intelligently increase the water production rate, thereby further improving water-saving performance.

[0055] The water purifier provided in this application embodiment can adaptively adjust the water production rate for different scenarios during use. In scenarios with poor water quality and low temperature, the water production rate of the water purifier can at least meet the set requirements. In scenarios with better water quality, the water production rate of the water purifier can be further improved. While adjusting the water production rate, the reliability and service life of the water purifier (especially the filter element) are also taken into account, so that the operating parameters of the water pump inside the water purifier match the pressurization requirements of the filter element.

[0056] Specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not therefore limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, embodiments of the invention include many changes, modifications, and equivalents. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement the invention according to specific circumstances.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a water purifier provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of another water purifier provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a layout diagram of yet another water purifier provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a water purifier control method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0062] Reference numerals in the figures of this application:

[0063] 1. Reverse osmosis filter elements;

[0064] 11. Water inlet;

[0065] 12. Pure water outlet;

[0066] 13. Wastewater outlet;

[0067] 2. Water pump;

[0068] 3. Wastewater valve;

[0069] 4. Detection unit;

[0070] 5. Reflux valve;

[0071] 7. Inlet valve;

[0072] 8. Pre-filter;

[0073] 9. Post-filter;

[0074] 10. Flushing valve;

[0075] 14. Pure water circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. After reading the present invention, any modifications of the present invention in various equivalent forms by those skilled in the art fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0077] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0078] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0079] This invention provides a water purifier and its control method, which can adaptively adjust the water production rate for different scenarios. This allows the water purifier to meet the corresponding water production rate requirements in different scenarios while improving water-saving performance and enhancing user experience. In addition, the water purifier and its control method provided in this application can also take into account the reliability and service life of the water purifier (especially the filter).

[0080] Please refer to the following for comprehensive information. Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments of this application provide a water purifier, which may include: a filter element, a water pump 2, a wastewater valve 3, and a controller that can be electrically connected to the water pump 2 and the wastewater valve 3.

[0081] Specifically, the filter element can be a filter element that needs to discharge wastewater during the water purification process, and the filter element includes a membrane element. Specifically, the membrane element can include, but is not limited to, one of the following: reverse osmosis membrane, nanofiltration membrane, ultrafiltration membrane, fiber membrane, etc. Any type of membrane element that meets the filtration accuracy requirements can be used here.

[0082] In this application embodiment, the filter element is described using reverse osmosis filter element 1 as an example. When the filter element is of other forms, the description of reverse osmosis filter element 1 can be referred to by analogy, and will not be described in detail here. When the filter element is reverse osmosis filter element 1, its membrane element is a reverse osmosis membrane.

[0083] The filter element may be provided with a water inlet 11, a pure water outlet 12, and a wastewater outlet 13. The water inlet 11 is used to supply raw water to the filter element. Specifically, the raw water can be tap water, and the water inlet 11 can be connected to the user's household tap water. Of course, in this embodiment, when the water purifier is applied in other scenarios, it is not excluded that the raw water may be in other forms.

[0084] Furthermore, the water purifier may also include an inlet valve 7, which controls the entry of raw water into the water purifier. The inlet valve 7 may be located upstream of the inlet 11 and is used to control the on / off relationship between the water purifier and the raw water (tap water is used as an example in this embodiment). When the inlet valve 7 is open, tap water can be supplied to the water purifier.

[0085] The water pump 2 can be located upstream of the inlet 11 of the filter element to pressurize the fluid supplied to the inlet 11, so that the filter element filters the fluid entering the filter element under sufficient pressure. Specifically, the water pump 2 is a pressurization device with adjustable operating parameters. The operating parameters of the water pump 2 can include any of the following: duty cycle, voltage, current, and speed.

[0086] Of course, the specific form of the operating parameters can also be other forms, such as other forms that are positively or negatively correlated with the operating parameters listed above. It is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art may make other changes under the guidance of the technical essence of this application, but as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same as or similar to those of this application, they should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0087] Wastewater valve 3 can be located downstream of wastewater outlet 13. Wastewater valve 3 has an open state that allows wastewater to flow out and a closed state that prevents wastewater from flowing out. In the embodiments of this application, the opening degree of wastewater valve 3 is not adjustable. When the water purifier is in water production mode, the controller can precisely control the opening and closing state of wastewater valve 3 based on the current water temperature and / or water quality information, thereby achieving intelligent adjustment of the water production rate of the water purifier.

[0088] Specifically, the wastewater valve 3 can be a combination valve with a non-adjustable opening, such as a wastewater ratio or concentrate combination valve. Of course, the wastewater valve 3 can also take other forms, and is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art, inspired by the technical essence of this application, may make other modifications, but as long as their functions and effects are the same as or similar to those of this application, they should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0089] In some embodiments, the water purifier may also include a pre-filter 8 and a post-filter 9. The pre-filter 8 can be located upstream of the inlet 11 of the reverse osmosis filter element 1, and the post-filter 9 can be located downstream of the pure water outlet 12 of the reverse osmosis filter element 1. The pre-filter 8 can intercept sediment, rust, and particulate impurities such as sand and mud generated in the pipes, thus pre-filtering the water before it enters the reverse osmosis filter element 1. The post-filter 9 can adsorb discoloration and odors in the water, improving its taste.

[0090] The controller is electrically connected to at least the water pump 2 and the wastewater valve 3. Based on the current water temperature and / or water quality information, it can accurately control the opening and closing state of the wastewater valve 3 to achieve adaptive adjustment of the water purifier's water production rate, so that the water purifier's water production rate at least meets the set requirements.

[0091] The current water temperature and / or water quality information can be obtained through the detection unit 4, which is electrically connected to the controller. For example, the water purifier may also include a detection unit 4 for detecting the water temperature and / or water quality in the water purifier, and the detection unit 4 is electrically connected to the controller.

[0092] The detection unit 4 may include any one of the following: a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) temperature sensor, a TDS sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combination of a TDS sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0093] Of course, the specific form of the detection unit 4 can also be other forms, and is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art may make other changes under the inspiration of the technical essence of this application, but as long as the function and effect it achieves are the same as or similar to this application, they should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

[0094] When the water purifier is equipped with a detection unit 4, the detection unit 4 is located at the water inlet 11 or in the pipeline upstream of the water inlet 11. When the detection unit 4 is located at the water inlet 11 of the filter element or in the pipeline upstream of the water inlet 11, it can accurately obtain the water quality and temperature of the raw water entering the filter element, thereby facilitating the controller to accurately control the opening and closing state of the wastewater valve 3 based on the water temperature and water quality conditions. In addition, the specific location of the detection unit 4 can also be set in other locations of the water purifier, as long as it can reflect the water quality and temperature of the raw water entering the filter element.

[0095] It should be noted that, in addition to utilizing the detection unit 4 built into the water purifier itself, the controller can also obtain the current water quality and / or temperature of the raw water through other means. For example, the water purifier can also be equipped with a communication module, which connects the water purifier to a network to obtain the current water temperature and / or water quality of the user's tap water via the cloud. Alternatively, the water purifier can also communicate with other detection devices in the user's home that can detect water temperature and / or water quality to obtain the current water temperature and / or water quality of the user's tap water.

[0096] Of course, there are other ways to obtain the current raw water quality and temperature, and they are not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art may make other changes based on the technical essence of this application, but as long as the function and effect they achieve are the same as or similar to this application, they should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0097] The water purifier has a water production mode for outputting pure water. In this mode, the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a preset time period. This preset time period can be set according to different usage patterns and scenarios. For example, if the acquired water quality and / or temperature information indicates that closing the wastewater valve 3 is necessary to increase the water purifier's production rate, the wastewater valve 3 can be closed for a predetermined time before being opened. By closing the wastewater valve 3 for the predetermined time, even during short water extraction times, the valve has experienced a period of closure, thus reliably increasing the water purifier's production rate.

[0098] The predetermined duration can be a preset duration, such as a duration stored in the controller before the water purifier leaves the factory. Furthermore, this preset duration can be adjusted according to the user's usage habits. For example, the water purifier can be equipped with a module for user interaction, allowing the user to adjust the closing time of the wastewater valve 3 on the water purifier's panel or on a user terminal APP connected to the water purifier. This enables the water purifier to flexibly adapt to the water production rate requirements under different water quality conditions in different regions.

[0099] Alternatively, the controller of the water purifier may also store the operating modes of the wastewater valve 3 corresponding to the water quality and / or water temperature conditions. Upon obtaining the current water quality and / or water temperature, the controller retrieves the operating mode of the wastewater valve 3 that matches the current water quality and / or water temperature. Within this operating mode of the wastewater valve 3, the duration of its closed and open states can be stored.

[0100] In one embodiment, the operating mode of the wastewater valve 3 may include: the wastewater valve 3 operates at a predetermined cycle. When the wastewater valve 3 operates at the predetermined cycle, within a single cycle, the wastewater valve 3 may be closed for a first duration and open for a second duration.

[0101] The duration of a single cycle can be preset to a time interval, such as 10 seconds. Within a fixed single cycle, the time for the wastewater valve 3 to close and open can be flexibly allocated according to the current water quality, water temperature, and other conditions.

[0102] Alternatively, the duration of a single cycle can be preset as a variable duration. For example, within a single cycle, the first duration for which the wastewater valve 3 is closed can be adaptively adjusted according to different conditions such as water quality and temperature, and the second duration can be set as a fixed duration.

[0103] Of course, the duration of a single cycle is not limited to the examples above. In some cases, the water purifier can also learn from the user's water usage and continuously adjust the duration of the single cycle. Overall, the duration of the single cycle matches the minimum time a user typically dispenses water at a time. For example, if the minimum time a user typically dispenses water at a time is around 10 seconds, the duration of the single cycle can be set to be slightly longer or closer to that minimum time.

[0104] The water purifier provided in this embodiment can selectively control the wastewater valve 3 to remain closed for a predetermined period of time when the water purification system is in water production mode, based on the current water quality and / or temperature conditions supplied to the purifier. Since utilizing the period when the wastewater valve 3 is closed reduces the amount of concentrated water produced, it can improve the water production rate of the purifier, enhance its water-saving performance, and improve the user experience. Specifically, for situations with poor water quality and low water temperature, the water purifier can achieve the set water production rate requirement. When water quality conditions are good, the water purifier can further intelligently increase the water production rate, thereby further improving its water-saving performance.

[0105] The working process of the wastewater valve 3 will be described below under different water quality and / or water temperature conditions.

[0106] In the first scenario, when the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS level, for example, below 400, it indicates that the current water quality conditions are relatively good. For the water purifier, even if the wastewater valve 3 is not closed during the water production process, the set water production rate requirement can generally be achieved. This set water production rate can be the advertised value of the water purifier, for example, 65%. In this case, to further improve the water production rate of the water purifier, enabling it to further increase the pure water production rate and reduce wastewater discharge, thereby achieving the goal of saving water resources, the wastewater valve 3 can be closed for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature. In this case, the water purifier can achieve a higher initial water production rate, for example, 75%.

[0107] The water purifier also stores a first correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve 3 being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is below a preset TDS level. Specifically, the required closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 is related to the water temperature; the lower the water temperature, the longer the wastewater valve 3 needs to be closed. When the obtained water quality is below the preset TDS level, the first closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 can be determined based on the currently obtained water temperature and the first correspondence. When the user has a water demand, the water purifier enters water production mode and can control the wastewater valve 3 to be closed for the first duration.

[0108] In the second scenario, if the obtained water quality reading is greater than the preset TDS, for example, greater than 400, it indicates that the current water quality conditions are poor. For water purifiers, especially at lower temperatures, below a certain temperature, the water production rate may not meet the set requirement. This set water production rate can be the advertised value of the water purifier, for example, 65%. In this case, to ensure that the water purifier's water production rate reaches the preset rate, the wastewater valve 3 can be selectively closed for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature.

[0109] Specifically, the water purifier stores a second correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve 3's closure and the water temperature when the water quality exceeds a preset TDS level. The required closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 is related to the water temperature; the lower the water temperature, the longer the wastewater valve 3 needs to be closed. When the obtained water quality exceeds the preset TDS level, the second closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 can be determined based on the currently obtained water temperature and the second correspondence, and the purifier can control the wastewater valve 3 to remain closed for the second time. When the user has a water demand, the water purifier enters water production mode, and the second closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 can be controlled.

[0110] Specifically, the first temperature can be a standard temperature, such as 25 degrees Celsius.

[0111] In the first operating condition of the second type: when the acquired water temperature is below the first temperature and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently acquired water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches a second water production rate, where the first water production rate is greater than the second water production rate. The second water production rate can be the preset water production rate mentioned above, i.e., the claimed value of the water purifier.

[0112] In the second type of operation under the second category: when the obtained water temperature is within a certain temperature range, such as 23-27 degrees Celsius, and the water quality is greater than the preset TDS, the final water production rate of the water purifier may also reach the preset water production rate requirement. In this case, the wastewater valve 3 does not need to be closed.

[0113] In the third operating condition of the second category: Specifically, when the water quality is poor and the obtained water temperature exceeds the aforementioned temperature range, for example, greater than 27 degrees Celsius, the actual water production rate of the water purifier is currently too high, and the load on the membrane element in the filter is relatively large. In this case, in order to consider the service life of the membrane element, the water production rate of the water purifier can be appropriately reduced to control the discharge of wastewater as much as possible. Since the wastewater valve 3 used in this application is a non-adjustable wastewater valve, when the wastewater valve 3 is currently in the open state, the operating parameters of the water pump 2 can be further reduced. When the operating parameters of the water pump 2 decrease, the pressurization capacity of the water pump 2 decreases. As the power source of the membrane element, the pressurization capacity of the water pump 2 decreases, and the membrane element works under a lower load. The pure water volume of the membrane element will be reduced to a certain extent, and the water production rate of the water purifier is effectively controlled. This helps to ensure the reliability of the membrane element and extend its service life. In addition, when the water pump 2 operates with lower operating parameters, it also helps to reduce the overall energy consumption of the water purifier and achieve the purpose of energy saving. In this way, the user experience of the water purifier can be improved in many ways.

[0114] Generally, for filter media equipped with membrane elements, the operating parameters of pump 2 are matched with the pressurization requirements of the filter media. When wastewater valve 3 is closed, it will increase the in-membrane pressure of the membrane element. If the in-membrane pressure of the membrane element increases and is not adjusted in time, it may directly affect the service life of the membrane element.

[0115] In some embodiments of this application, when the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the operating parameters of the water pump 2 can be reduced, thereby stabilizing the membrane inlet pressure of the membrane element and keeping it as close as possible to the state before the wastewater valve 3 was closed.

[0116] Specifically, the water pump 2 has at least a first working mode and a second working mode. When the wastewater valve 3 is in a closed state within a preset time period, the water pump 2 is in the first working mode, and the operating parameters in the first working mode are lower than the operating parameters in the second working mode.

[0117] In this embodiment, the water pump 2 can be a water pump with adjustable operating parameters. The water pump 2 can have at least two operating modes, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein the operating parameters in the first operating mode are lower than the operating parameters in the second operating mode.

[0118] The operating parameters of the water pump 2 are mainly described using the duty cycle as an example. Other operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and speed) have a corresponding relationship with the duty cycle (e.g., voltage, current, and speed are positively correlated with the duty cycle) and can be compared based on the duty cycle. These will not be described in detail here.

[0119] When the wastewater valve 3 is open, the water pump 2 is in the second working mode, and the water pump 2 can operate with a normal duty cycle. When the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the water pump 2 is in the first working mode, and the water pump 2 can operate with a reduced duty cycle.

[0120] The water purifier can store the correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump 2 and the water quality and temperature. Subsequently, based on the acquired water quality and temperature, and the corresponding relationship between the operating parameters of the water pump 2 and the water quality and temperature, the target operating parameters of the water pump 2 can be determined. Especially when the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the water pump 2 operates with reasonable parameters, which can stabilize the membrane pressure of the filter element, ensure the reliability of the filter element during operation, and extend the service life of the filter element.

[0121] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the water purifier may further include a reflux valve 5 electrically connected to the controller, the reflux valve 5 being located downstream of the wastewater outlet 13 and upstream of the water pump 2.

[0122] In this embodiment, the problem of increased membrane pressure in the filter element when the wastewater valve 3 is closed can be alleviated by setting a return valve 5. Specifically, when the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a preset time period, the return valve 5 is open. By setting the return valve 5 between the downstream of the wastewater outlet 13 and the upstream of the water pump 2, when the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the return valve 5 can be open. At this time, the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet 13 can flow back to the inlet 11 of the filter element through the return valve 5. There is no pressure buildup at the wastewater outlet 13, and the membrane pressure in the filter element will be maintained within a stable range.

[0123] In one embodiment, a wastewater circuit is provided between the wastewater outlet 13 and the upstream of the water pump 2, and the reflux valve 5 is installed in the wastewater circuit.

[0124] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the water purifier is provided with a water circuit module that connects the wastewater outlet 13 to the upstream of the water pump 2, and the reflux valve 5 is disposed in the water circuit module.

[0125] The reflux valve 5 provided in this embodiment can be configured through a wastewater circuit between the wastewater outlet 13 and the upstream of the water pump 2, or it can be integrated into a water circuit module that connects the wastewater outlet 13 and the upstream of the water pump 2 (e.g., the inlet 11 of the water pump 2). Of course, the reflux valve 5 can also be configured in other ways, as long as it can functionally guide the wastewater flowing through the wastewater outlet 13 and alleviate the pressure buildup at the wastewater outlet 13.

[0126] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a layout diagram of yet another water purifier provided in this application. The water purifier... Figure 2 The provided water purifier can also be equipped with a flushing valve 10, a flushing circuit, and a pure water circuit 14.

[0127] The pure water circuit 14 can be located upstream of the post-filter 9 and the pre-filter 8. Before rinsing the filter elements, the prepared pure water can be stored in the pre-filter 8 through the pure water circuit 14.

[0128] The flushing circuit can be connected upstream of the wastewater outlet 13 to the pre-filter 8. Specifically, the flushing circuit and the wastewater circuit can share a portion of the circuit near the wastewater outlet 13, thereby simplifying the piping structure and reducing costs. The flushing valve 10 is located in the flushing circuit.

[0129] When the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a first period of time. During this time, the inlet valve 7 is open, the water pump 2 can operate with a reduced duty cycle, the return valve 5 is open, and the flushing valve 10 is closed. When the wastewater valve 3 is switched to the open state, the water pump 2 can increase to the initial duty cycle, the return valve 5 is closed, and the flushing valve 10 remains closed.

[0130] When the water purifier is in flushing mode, the flushing valve 10 is in the open state, the return valve 5 is in the closed state, and the wastewater valve 3 is in the closed state. After the water pump 2 runs, it supplies the pure water stored in the pre-filter 8 into the filter element, thereby flushing the membrane element of the filter element.

[0131] Please see Figure 4 The present application also provides a control method for a water purifier. The water purifier may include: a filter element provided with an inlet 11, a pure water outlet 12, and a wastewater outlet 13; a water pump 2 connected upstream of the inlet 11; and a wastewater valve 3 connected downstream of the wastewater outlet 13. The wastewater valve 3 has an open state that allows wastewater to flow out and a closed state that prevents wastewater from flowing out.

[0132] The specific composition and connection relationships of the water purifier can be referred to the detailed description of the above-described water purifier implementation method, and will not be repeated here.

[0133] The control method for the water purifier may include the following steps:

[0134] S11: Obtain water quality and / or water temperature;

[0135] S12: Determine whether the obtained water quality meets the preset water quality conditions, and / or determine whether the obtained water temperature meets the preset water temperature conditions. When the water quality and / or water temperature meet the preset water quality conditions and / or preset water temperature conditions, and the water purifier is in water production mode, control the wastewater valve 3 to be in a closed state for at least a preset time period.

[0136] In this embodiment, the control method of the water purifier requires acquiring at least one of water quality and water temperature, comparing the acquired water quality and / or water temperature information with preset water quality and / or water temperature conditions, and controlling the opening and closing state of the wastewater valve 3 based on the comparison result.

[0137] The current water temperature and / or water quality information can be obtained through the detection unit 4, which is electrically connected to the controller. For example, the water purifier may also include a detection unit 4 for detecting the water temperature and / or water quality in the water purifier, and the detection unit 4 is electrically connected to the controller.

[0138] The detection unit 4 may include any one of the following: a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) temperature sensor, a TDS sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combination of a TDS sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0139] Of course, the specific form of the detection unit 4 can also be other forms, and is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art may make other changes under the inspiration of the technical essence of this application, but as long as the function and effect it achieves are the same as or similar to this application, they should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

[0140] When the water purifier is equipped with a detection unit 4, the detection unit 4 is located at the water inlet 11 or in the pipeline upstream of the water inlet 11. When the detection unit 4 is located at the water inlet 11 of the filter element or in the pipeline upstream of the water inlet 11, it can accurately obtain the water quality and temperature of the raw water entering the filter element, thereby facilitating the controller to accurately control the opening and closing state of the wastewater valve 3 based on the water temperature and water quality conditions. In addition, the specific location of the detection unit 4 can also be set in other locations of the water purifier, as long as it can reflect the water quality and temperature of the raw water entering the filter element.

[0141] It should be noted that, in addition to utilizing the detection unit 4 built into the water purifier itself, the controller can also obtain the current water quality and / or temperature of the raw water through other means. For example, the water purifier can also be equipped with a communication module, which connects the water purifier to a network to obtain the current water temperature and / or water quality of the user's tap water via the cloud. Alternatively, the water purifier can also communicate with other detection devices in the user's home that can detect water temperature and / or water quality to obtain the current water temperature and / or water quality of the user's tap water.

[0142] Of course, there are other ways to obtain the current raw water quality and temperature, and they are not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art may make other changes based on the technical essence of this application, but as long as the function and effect they achieve are the same as or similar to this application, they should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0143] The water purifier has a water production mode for outputting pure water. The water purifier stores preset water quality and temperature conditions. When the acquired water quality meets the preset conditions and / or the acquired water temperature meets the preset conditions, the wastewater valve 3 can be controlled to remain closed for at least a preset time period. This allows the water purifier to precisely control the opening and closing of the wastewater valve 3 based on the current water temperature and / or water quality information, achieving adaptive adjustment of the water production rate and ensuring that the water production rate of the water purifier at least meets the set requirements.

[0144] In the water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 remains closed for a preset time period. This preset time period can be set according to different factors such as the water usage mode and application scenario of the water purifier.

[0145] The preset time period can be a pre-set duration, such as a duration stored in the controller before the water purifier leaves the factory. Furthermore, this preset duration can be adjusted according to the user's usage habits. For example, the water purifier can be equipped with a module for user interaction, allowing the user to adjust the closing time of the wastewater valve 3 on the water purifier's panel or on a user terminal APP connected to the water purifier. This enables the water purifier to flexibly adapt to the water production rate requirements under different water quality conditions in different regions.

[0146] Alternatively, the controller of the water purifier may also store the operating modes of the wastewater valve 3 corresponding to the water quality and / or water temperature conditions. Upon obtaining the current water quality and / or water temperature, the controller retrieves the operating mode of the wastewater valve 3 that matches the current water quality and / or water temperature. Within this operating mode of the wastewater valve 3, the duration of its closed and open states can be stored.

[0147] In some implementations, when the water quality and / or water temperature meet preset water quality conditions and / or preset water temperature conditions, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is controlled to close first and then open.

[0148] For example, when the acquired water quality and / or water temperature information meets preset water quality and / or preset water temperature conditions, indicating that it is necessary to increase the water production rate of the water purifier by closing the wastewater valve 3, the wastewater valve 3 can be closed for a predetermined time before being opened. By closing the wastewater valve 3 for the predetermined time, it can be ensured that even during short water intake times, the wastewater valve 3 has experienced a closed state, thereby reliably increasing the water production rate of the water purifier.

[0149] In one embodiment, the working mode of the wastewater valve 3 may include: the wastewater valve 3 operates in a predetermined cycle, wherein the wastewater valve 3 is first closed for a first duration and then opened for a second duration within a single cycle, and the first duration is not greater than the second duration.

[0150] When the wastewater valve 3 operates at a predetermined cycle, within a single cycle, the wastewater valve 3 can be closed for a first duration and opened for a second duration. The duration of this single cycle can be preset to a fixed time, not exceeding 30 seconds. For example, a single cycle can be 10 seconds. The determination of the duration of this single cycle takes into account factors such as the user's water usage habits, the reliability of the water purifier's operation, and especially the reliability of the membrane element in the filter. If the single cycle is too short, the wastewater valve 3 may experience multiple opening and closing states during the user's water intake process; if the single cycle is too long, the first closing time will also increase, and prolonged pressure buildup at the wastewater outlet 13 of the filter may affect the service life of the membrane element in the filter. Within a fixed single cycle, the closing and opening times of the wastewater valve 3 can be flexibly allocated according to different water quality, water temperature, and other conditions.

[0151] Alternatively, the duration of a single cycle can be preset as a variable duration. For example, within a single cycle, the first duration for which wastewater valve 3 is closed can be adaptively adjusted according to different water quality, temperature, and other conditions, thus being a variable duration, while the second duration for which it is open can be set as a fixed duration.

[0152] Of course, the duration of a single cycle is not limited to the examples above. In some cases, the water purifier can also learn from the user's water usage and continuously adjust the duration of the single cycle. Generally, the duration of the single cycle is matched with the user's minimum water dispensing time per transaction. For example, if the user's minimum water dispensing time per transaction is generally around 10 seconds, the duration of the single cycle can be set to be slightly longer or close to that minimum.

[0153] The water purifier control method provided in this application compares the current water quality and / or water temperature conditions supplied to the water purifier with preset water quality and / or preset water temperature conditions when the water purifier is in water production mode. Based on the comparison result, the wastewater valve 3 can be selectively controlled to be closed for a preset time period. Since the amount of concentrated water generated can be reduced by utilizing the time period when the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the water production rate of the water purifier can be improved, so that the set water production rate requirement can be achieved even when the water quality conditions are poor and the water temperature is low.

[0154] The working process of the wastewater valve 3 will be described below under different water quality and / or water temperature conditions.

[0155] Overall, when the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS, and / or the obtained water temperature is below a first temperature, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is controlled to be in a closed state for at least a preset time period.

[0156] In short, for scenarios with good water quality where a higher water production rate is needed, and for scenarios with poor water quality and low temperature where a set water production rate is required, the wastewater valve 3 can be controlled to remain closed for a preset time period. The duration for which the wastewater valve 3 is closed is inversely proportional to the obtained water temperature.

[0157] In some implementations, when the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches the first water production rate.

[0158] When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is below the first temperature, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches the second water production rate, and the first water production rate is greater than the second water production rate.

[0159] The water purifier stores: a first correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve 3 being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is below a preset TDS; and a second correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve 3 being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is above a preset TDS.

[0160] When the obtained water quality is below the preset TDS, controlling the wastewater valve 3 to close for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature includes: determining the first duration of the wastewater valve 3 closing based on the currently obtained water temperature and the first correspondence; and controlling the wastewater valve 3 to close for the first duration.

[0161] When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS, the step of controlling the wastewater valve 3 to close for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature includes: determining the second duration of the wastewater valve 3 to close based on the currently obtained water temperature and the second correspondence; and controlling the wastewater valve 3 to close for the second duration.

[0162] When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is greater than the second temperature, the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is in the open state, and the water pump 2 is controlled to operate with operating parameters that match the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches the second water production rate, and the second temperature is not less than the first temperature.

[0163] The water purifier stores a third correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump 2 and the water temperature when the water quality is greater than a preset TDS and the water temperature is greater than a second temperature. When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is greater than the second temperature, controlling the water pump 2 to operate with operating parameters that match the currently obtained water temperature includes: determining the current operating parameters of the water pump 2 based on the currently obtained water temperature and the third correspondence, and controlling the water pump 2 to operate with the determined current operating parameters.

[0164] In the first scenario, when the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS level, for example, below 400, it indicates that the current water quality conditions are relatively good. For the water purifier, even if the wastewater valve 3 is not closed during the water production process, the set water production rate requirement can generally be achieved. This set water production rate can be the advertised value of the water purifier, for example, 65%. In this case, to further improve the water production rate of the water purifier, enabling it to further increase the pure water production rate and reduce wastewater discharge, thereby achieving the goal of water conservation, the wastewater valve 3 can be closed for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature. In this case, the water purifier can achieve a higher initial water production rate, for example, 75%.

[0165] The water purifier also stores a first correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve 3 being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is below a preset TDS level. Specifically, the required closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 is related to the water temperature; the lower the water temperature, the longer the wastewater valve 3 needs to be closed. When the obtained water quality is below the preset TDS level, the first closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 can be determined based on the currently obtained water temperature and the first correspondence. When the user has a water demand, the water purifier enters water production mode and can control the wastewater valve 3 to be closed for the first duration.

[0166] In the second scenario, if the obtained water quality reading is greater than the preset TDS, for example, greater than 400, it indicates that the current water quality conditions are poor. For water purifiers, especially at lower temperatures, below a certain temperature, the water production rate may not meet the set requirement. This set water production rate can be the advertised value of the water purifier, for example, 65%. In this case, to ensure that the water purifier's water production rate reaches the preset rate, the wastewater valve 3 can be selectively closed for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature.

[0167] Specifically, the water purifier stores a second correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve 3's closure and the water temperature when the water quality exceeds a preset TDS level. The required closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 is related to the water temperature; the lower the water temperature, the longer the wastewater valve 3 needs to be closed. When the obtained water quality exceeds the preset TDS level, the second closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 can be determined based on the currently obtained water temperature and the second correspondence, and the purifier can control the wastewater valve 3 to remain closed for the second time. When the user has a water demand, the water purifier enters water production mode, and the second closure duration of the wastewater valve 3 can be controlled. The first temperature can specifically be a standard temperature, such as 25 degrees Celsius.

[0168] In the first operating condition of the second type: when the acquired water temperature is below the first temperature and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently acquired water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches a second water production rate, where the first water production rate is greater than the second water production rate. The second water production rate can be the preset water production rate mentioned above, i.e., the claimed value of the water purifier.

[0169] In the second case of the second category: when the water temperature is within a certain temperature range, around the first temperature, for example, 23-27 degrees Celsius, and the water quality is greater than the preset TDS, the final water production rate of the water purifier may also reach the preset water production rate requirement. In this case, the wastewater valve 3 does not need to be closed.

[0170] In the third operating condition of the second category: Specifically, when the water quality is poor and the obtained water temperature exceeds the aforementioned temperature range, for example, greater than 27 degrees Celsius, the actual water production rate of the water purifier is currently too high, and the load on the membrane element in the filter is relatively large. In this case, in order to consider the service life of the membrane element, the water production rate of the water purifier can be appropriately reduced to control the discharge of wastewater as much as possible. Since the wastewater valve 3 used in this application is a non-adjustable wastewater valve, when the wastewater valve 3 is currently in the open state, the operating parameters of the water pump 2 can be further reduced. When the operating parameters of the water pump 2 decrease, the pressurization capacity of the water pump 2 decreases. As the power source of the membrane element, the pressurization capacity of the water pump 2 decreases, and the membrane element works under a lower load. The pure water volume of the membrane element will be reduced to a certain extent, and the water production rate of the water purifier is effectively controlled. This helps to ensure the reliability of the membrane element and extend its service life. In addition, when the water pump 2 operates with lower operating parameters, it also helps to reduce the overall energy consumption of the water purifier and achieve the purpose of energy saving. In this way, the user experience of the water purifier can be improved in many ways.

[0171] Generally, for filter media equipped with membrane elements, the operating parameters of pump 2 are matched with the pressurization requirements of the filter media. When wastewater valve 3 is closed, it will increase the in-membrane pressure of the membrane element. If the in-membrane pressure of the membrane element increases and is not adjusted in time, it may directly affect the service life of the membrane element.

[0172] In some embodiments of this application, when the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the operating parameters of the water pump 2 can be reduced, thereby stabilizing the membrane inlet pressure of the membrane element and keeping it as close as possible to the state before the wastewater valve 3 was closed.

[0173] Specifically, the water pump 2 has at least a first working mode and a second working mode. When the wastewater valve 3 is in a closed state within a preset time period, the water pump 2 is in the first working mode, and the operating parameters in the first working mode are lower than the operating parameters in the second working mode.

[0174] In this embodiment, the water pump 2 can be a water pump with adjustable operating parameters. The operating parameters of the water pump 2 include any one of the following: duty cycle, voltage, current, and rotational speed. The duty cycle and voltage of the water pump 2 are inversely proportional to the acquired water temperature.

[0175] The water pump 2 can have at least two operating modes, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein the operating parameters in the first operating mode are lower than those in the second operating mode.

[0176] The operating parameters of the water pump 2 are mainly described using the duty cycle as an example. Other operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and speed) have a corresponding relationship with the duty cycle (e.g., voltage, current, and speed are positively correlated with the duty cycle) and can be compared based on the duty cycle. These will not be described in detail here.

[0177] When the wastewater valve 3 is open, the water pump 2 is in the second working mode, and the water pump 2 can operate with a normal duty cycle. When the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the water pump 2 is in the first working mode, and the water pump 2 can operate with a reduced duty cycle.

[0178] The water purifier can store the correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump 2 and the water quality and temperature. Subsequently, based on the acquired water quality and temperature, and the corresponding relationship between the operating parameters of the water pump 2 and the water quality and temperature, the target operating parameters of the water pump 2 can be determined. Especially when the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the water pump 2 operates with reasonable parameters, which can stabilize the membrane pressure of the filter element, ensure the reliability of the filter element during operation, and extend the service life of the filter element.

[0179] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 In some embodiments, the water purifier may further include a backflow valve 5 disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet 13 and upstream of the water pump 2, wherein the backflow valve 5 is controlled to be open when the wastewater valve 3 is closed.

[0180] In this embodiment, the problem of increased membrane pressure in the filter element when the wastewater valve 3 is closed can be alleviated by setting a return valve 5. Specifically, when the wastewater valve 3 is closed for a preset time period, the return valve 5 is open. By setting the return valve 5 between the downstream of the wastewater outlet 13 and the upstream of the water pump 2, when the wastewater valve 3 is closed, the return valve 5 can be open. At this time, the wastewater flowing out of the wastewater outlet 13 can flow back to the inlet 11 of the filter element through the return valve 5. There is no pressure buildup at the wastewater outlet 13, and the membrane pressure in the filter element will be maintained within a stable range.

[0181] Furthermore, the control method of the water purifier may also include: when the wastewater valve 3 is in the closed state and the return valve 5 is in the open state, reducing the operating parameters of the water pump 2 to the target operating parameters.

[0182] The water purifier stores the correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump 2 and the water quality and water temperature. Adjusting the operating parameters of the water pump 2 to the target operating parameters includes: determining the target operating parameters of the water pump 2 based on the obtained water quality and water temperature and the correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump 2 and the water quality and water temperature.

[0183] In this embodiment, when the wastewater valve 3 is closed and the return valve 5 is open, the operating parameters of the water pump 2 can be lower than the target operating parameters of the initial operating parameters. The initial operating parameters can be the operating parameters of the water pump 2 when the wastewater valve 3 is open, the return valve 5 is closed, and the water purifier is in normal water production mode.

[0184] When wastewater valve 3 is closed, in most cases, even with return valve 5 open, using only return valve 5 can only alleviate the pre-membrane pressure of the filter element to a certain extent. To efficiently and reliably alleviate the pre-membrane pressure of the filter element, the operating parameters of pump 2 can be reduced while opening return valve 5. Of course, in certain special scenarios, it is not impossible to alleviate the pre-membrane pressure of the filter element solely by opening return valve 5, or solely by reducing the operating parameters of pump 2.

[0185] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 The water purifier may further include: an inlet valve 7, which controls the entry of raw water into the water purifier; when the water purifier is in water production mode, the inlet valve 7 is controlled to be open, the wastewater valve 3 is first controlled to be closed for a first duration, the water pump 2 operates at a target operating parameter lower than the initial operating parameter, and the return valve 5 is in the open state; after controlling the wastewater valve 3 to be open for a second duration, the water pump 2 returns to the initial operating parameter, and the return valve 5 is in the closed state. The first duration and the target operating parameter are determined based on the acquired water quality and water temperature.

[0186] The process of determining the first duration and the target operating parameters based on the acquired water quality and temperature includes: comparing the acquired water quality with a preset TDS, and determining the target water production rate of the water purifier based on the comparison result; and determining the first duration for the wastewater valve 3 to be closed and the target operating parameters of the water pump 2 under the current target water production rate condition based on the acquired water temperature.

[0187] Specifically, the water purifier can store the correspondence between target water production rate, water temperature, first duration, second duration, and target operating parameters of water pump 2 under different water quality conditions. When making a judgment, the target water production rate corresponding to the current water quality can be determined first based on the currently acquired water quality. If the current water quality is good, below the preset TDS, further judgment can be made based on the current water temperature under the current target water production rate condition (e.g., 75%). Specifically, the first duration of wastewater valve 3 closure and the target operating parameters of water pump 2 can be matched based on the current water temperature. If the current water quality is poor, above the preset TDS, further judgment can be made based on the current water temperature under the current target water production rate condition (e.g., 65%). Specifically, it can be determined whether wastewater valve 3 needs to be closed based on the current water temperature. If the current water temperature is low and wastewater valve 3 needs to be closed, further judgment can be made based on the first duration of wastewater valve 3 closure and the target operating parameters of water pump 2.

[0188] Overall, the water purifier provided in this application embodiment can adaptively adjust the water production rate for different scenarios during use. In scenarios with poor water quality and low temperature, the water production rate of the water purifier can at least meet the set requirements. In scenarios with better water quality, the water production rate of the water purifier can be further improved. While adjusting the water production rate, the reliability and service life of the water purifier (especially the filter element) are also taken into account, so that the operating parameters of the water pump 2 inside the water purifier match the pressurization requirements of the filter element.

[0189] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0190] The various embodiments described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0191] The above are merely a few embodiments of the present invention. Although the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are as described above, the content is only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in the present invention. However, the patent protection scope of the present invention shall still be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water purifier, characterized in that, include: A filter element, comprising a membrane element, wherein the filter element is provided with an inlet, a pure water outlet, and a wastewater outlet; A water pump, located upstream of the water inlet, is used to pressurize the fluid supplied into the water inlet; A wastewater valve is located downstream of the wastewater outlet, and the wastewater valve has an open state that allows wastewater to flow out and a closed state that prevents wastewater from flowing out. The controller is electrically connected to at least the water pump and the wastewater valve; A detection unit for detecting the water temperature and / or water quality in the water purifier, the detection unit being electrically connected to the controller; The water purifier has a water production mode, which is used to output pure water. In the water production mode, when the water quality and / or water temperature meet the preset water quality conditions and / or preset water temperature conditions, the wastewater valve operates in a predetermined cycle. In a single cycle, the wastewater valve is first closed for a first duration and then opened for a second duration, and the first duration is not greater than the second duration.

2. The water purifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit is located at the water inlet or in the pipeline upstream of the water inlet.

3. The water purifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit includes any one of the following: a TDS temperature sensor, a TDS sensor, a temperature sensor, and a combination of a TDS sensor and a temperature sensor.

4. The water purifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The opening degree of the wastewater valve is not adjustable.

5. The water purifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water pump has at least a first working mode and a second working mode. When the wastewater valve is closed within a preset time period, the water pump is in the first working mode, and the operating parameters in the first working mode are lower than the operating parameters in the second working mode.

6. The water purifier as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The operating parameters include any one of the following: duty cycle, voltage, current, and speed.

7. The water purifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water purifier also includes an inlet valve, which is used to control the entry of raw water into the water purifier.

8. The water purifier as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The water purifier further includes a reflux valve electrically connected to the controller, the reflux valve being located downstream of the wastewater outlet and upstream of the water pump.

9. The water purifier as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When the wastewater valve is in the closed state for a preset time period, the return valve is in the open state.

10. The water purifier as described in claim 8, characterized in that, A wastewater circuit is provided between the wastewater outlet and the upstream of the water pump, and the reflux valve is installed in the wastewater circuit.

11. The water purifier as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The water purifier is equipped with a water circuit module that connects the wastewater outlet to the upstream of the water pump, and the reflux valve is installed in the water circuit module.

12. A control method for a water purifier, characterized in that, The water purifier includes: a filter element with an inlet, a pure water outlet, and a wastewater outlet; a water pump connected upstream of the inlet; and a wastewater valve connected downstream of the wastewater outlet. The wastewater valve has an open state that allows wastewater to flow out and a closed state that prevents wastewater from flowing out. The control method of the water purifier includes: Obtain water quality and / or water temperature; Determine whether the obtained water quality meets the preset water quality conditions, and / or determine whether the obtained water temperature meets the preset water temperature conditions. When the water quality and / or water temperature meet the preset water quality conditions and / or preset water temperature conditions, and the water purifier is in water production mode, control the wastewater valve to operate in a predetermined cycle. In a single cycle, the wastewater valve is first closed for a first duration and then opened for a second duration, and the first duration is not greater than the second duration.

13. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The water purifier further includes a detection unit for detecting the water temperature and / or water quality in the water purifier, and the detection unit obtains the water quality and / or water temperature.

14. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The water pump has at least a first working mode and a second working mode. When the wastewater valve is closed for a preset time period, the water pump is controlled to operate in the first working mode, and the operating parameters in the first working mode are lower than the operating parameters in the second working mode.

15. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The water purifier further includes a backflow valve located downstream of the wastewater outlet and upstream of the water pump, which controls the backflow valve to be open when the wastewater valve is closed.

16. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The control method of the water purifier further includes: when the wastewater valve is in the closed state and the return valve is in the open state, reducing the operating parameters of the water pump to the target operating parameters.

17. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The water purifier stores the corresponding relationship between the operating parameters of the water pump and water quality and temperature. Adjusting the operating parameters of the water pump to the target operating parameters includes: Based on the obtained water quality and water temperature, and the correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump and the water quality and water temperature, the target operating parameters of the water pump are determined.

18. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The single cycle is no more than 30 seconds.

19. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 15, characterized in that, When the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS, and / or the obtained water temperature is below a first temperature, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is controlled to remain closed for at least a preset time period.

20. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 19, characterized in that, When the obtained water quality is below a preset TDS, and / or the obtained water temperature is below a first temperature, the duration for which the wastewater valve is closed is inversely proportional to the obtained water temperature.

21. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 20, characterized in that, When the obtained water quality is below the preset TDS, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches the first water production rate. When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is below the first temperature, and the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is closed for a corresponding duration according to the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches the second water production rate, and the first water production rate is greater than the second water production rate.

22. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The water purifier stores: a first correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is below a preset TDS; and a second correspondence between the duration of the wastewater valve being closed and the water temperature when the water quality is above a preset TDS. When the obtained water quality is below the preset TDS, the step of controlling the wastewater valve to close for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature includes: determining the first duration of the wastewater valve closure based on the currently obtained water temperature and the first correspondence; and controlling the wastewater valve to close for the first duration. When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS, the step of controlling the wastewater valve to close for a corresponding duration based on the currently obtained water temperature includes: determining the second duration of the wastewater valve closure based on the currently obtained water temperature and the second correspondence; and controlling the wastewater valve to close for the second duration.

23. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 21, characterized in that, When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is greater than the second temperature, the water purifier is in water production mode, the wastewater valve is in the open state, and the water pump is controlled to operate with operating parameters that match the currently obtained water temperature, so that the water purifier reaches the second water production rate, and the second temperature is not less than the first temperature.

24. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The water purifier stores a third correspondence between the operating parameters of the water pump and the water temperature when the water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the water temperature is greater than the second temperature. When the obtained water quality is greater than the preset TDS and the obtained water temperature is greater than the second temperature, controlling the water pump to operate with operating parameters that match the currently obtained water temperature includes: The current operating parameters of the water pump are determined based on the currently obtained water temperature and the third correspondence, and the water pump is controlled to operate according to the determined current operating parameters.

25. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 14 or 16, characterized in that, The operating parameters of the water pump include any one of the following: duty cycle, voltage, current, and speed.

26. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The duty cycle and voltage of the water pump are inversely proportional to the water temperature obtained.

27. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The water purifier further includes an inlet valve, which controls the entry of raw water into the water purifier; when the water purifier is in water production mode, the inlet valve is kept open. First, the wastewater valve is closed for a first duration, the water pump operates at a target operating parameter lower than the initial operating parameter, and the return valve is in the open state; After the wastewater valve is opened for a second period of time, the water pump resumes operation at its initial operating parameters, and the return valve is closed.

28. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 27, characterized in that, The first duration and the target operating parameters are determined based on the obtained water quality and water temperature.

29. The control method for a water purifier as described in claim 28, characterized in that, The determination of the first duration and the target operating parameters based on the obtained water quality and water temperature includes: The obtained water quality is compared with the preset TDS, and the target water production rate of the water purifier is determined based on the comparison result. Based on the obtained water temperature, determine the first duration of wastewater valve closure and the target operating parameters of the water pump under the current target water production rate condition.

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