Water purifying apparatus, hot water tank thereof, and scale removing method and scale removing device

Abstract

The application discloses a descaling method for a hot water tank in a water purification device, and the method comprises the following steps: in response to an automatic descaling instruction, a drain pipe is controlled to be opened to drain residual water in the hot water tank; a first water inlet pipe is controlled to be opened to feed water from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, so that the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank is flushed to the drain pipe through a porous baffle; the first pressure is greater than a preset pressure threshold; when the opening time of the first water inlet pipe reaches a first preset time, the drain pipe and the first water inlet pipe are sequentially controlled to be closed; a heating pipe is controlled to be opened to start a water making operation of the hot water tank, and a second water inlet pipe is controlled to be opened to flush the heating pipe at a second pressure; when the flushing time reaches a second preset time, the drain pipe is controlled to be opened to flush the scale on the heating pipe to the drain pipe through the porous baffle. The application realizes intelligent removal of the scale formed on the inner side wall of the hot water tank and the heating pipe, and improves the scale removal efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purification equipment technology, and in particular to a hot water tank for a water purification equipment and its descaling method and device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional water purifier hot water tanks produce limescale after heating, but most hot water tanks often lack active descaling measures. As the usage time increases, more and more limescale accumulates in the hot water tank. The limescale adheres to the heating element, reducing its heating efficiency. The limescale enters the outlet pipe, causing reduced water flow or blockage, or jamming the outlet solenoid valve, preventing the water from turning off or causing dripping.

[0003] Traditional descaling methods require manual descaling or the addition of descaling agents at set times. The rate at which scale forms varies from machine to machine and from region to region, making accurate and timely descaling impossible. Furthermore, descaling involves disassembling the water tank, which is mostly done during the day, disrupting normal use of the water purifier. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems in the background art, the present invention provides a hot water tank for a water purification device and a descaling method and device thereof, which can intelligently remove scale formed on the inner wall of the hot water tank and the heating pipe, thereby improving the scale removal efficiency.

[0005] On one hand, the present invention provides a method for descaling a hot water tank in a water purification device. The hot water tank contains a heating element, and a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe are located on the side of the tank. The second inlet pipe is located near the free end of the heating element. A drain pipe is located at the bottom of the hot water tank, and a perforated baffle is located inside the tank near the drain pipe. The descaling method includes:

[0006] In response to an automatic descaling command, the drain pipe is opened to drain residual water from the hot water tank.

[0007] The first water inlet pipe is opened to allow water to enter from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, so that the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank is flushed through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe; the first pressure is greater than a preset pressure threshold.

[0008] When the opening time of the first water inlet pipe reaches the first preset time, the drain pipe and the first water inlet pipe are sequentially controlled to close.

[0009] The heating element is controlled to open, thereby activating the water production operation of the hot water tank, and the second water inlet pipe is also controlled to open, flushing the heating element with a second pressure; the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

[0010] When the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, the drain pipe is opened to flush the scale on the heating pipe through the porous baffle and discharge it through the drain pipe.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the step of controlling the drain pipe to open when the rinsing time reaches a second preset time, and flushing the scale on the heating pipe through the porous baffle to be discharged through the drain pipe, includes:

[0012] If the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, the second water inlet pipe shall be shut off.

[0013] The first water inlet pipe and the drain pipe are opened to allow water to enter from the bottom of the hot water tank, and the scale on the bottom of the hot water tank and the heating pipe is flushed out through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the second water inlet pipe includes a plurality of dispersed water inlet holes. The step of controlling the heating element to open so that the hot water tank can begin water production, and controlling the second water inlet pipe to open to flush the heating element with a second pressure, includes:

[0015] The heating element is turned on to activate the water production operation of the hot water tank; the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank increases as the duration of the water production operation increases.

[0016] During the water production process, the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank is monitored in real time.

[0017] When the inlet water pressure reaches the preset pressure, the inlet valve of the hot water tank is opened, and the second inlet pipe is opened. The inlet water flows through each inlet hole and flushes the heating tube with the second pressure.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the two ends of the porous baffle are respectively fixedly disposed on two adjacent inner walls of the hot water tank, and the angle between the porous baffle and the horizontal direction is 45-60°; an arc-shaped flow guiding structure is provided on the side of the hot water tank near the first water inlet pipe, and the water flow of the scale flows along the arc-shaped flow guiding structure towards the porous baffle.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, before controlling the drain pipe to open and drain residual water from the hot water tank in response to an automatic descaling command, the method further includes:

[0020] Based on the idle time of the water purification equipment during the day, determine the descaling period of the hot water tank in the water purification equipment during the day;

[0021] Obtain the cumulative usage time of the hot water tank;

[0022] When the cumulative usage time reaches the preset usage time, the current time corresponding to the water purification device is detected;

[0023] When the current time falls within the descaling period, the automatic descaling instruction is generated.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes:

[0025] The water flow rate of the hot water tank during a historical period, the heating power of the heating element, the thickness of the first scale at the bottom of the hot water tank, and the thickness of the second scale on the heating element are obtained.

[0026] The first pressure is determined based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the thickness of the first scale.

[0027] The second pressure is determined based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the thickness of the second scale.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes:

[0029] In response to the water filling command of the hot water tank, the first water inlet pipe is opened so that water flows into the bottom of the hot water tank through the first water inlet pipe, and the scale in the hot water tank is collected through the porous baffle to the drain pipe.

[0030] On the other hand, the present invention provides a hot water tank for a water purification device, wherein the hot water tank is descaled using the above-mentioned descaling method.

[0031] On the other hand, the present invention provides a descaling device for a hot water tank in a water purification equipment. The hot water tank contains a heating element, and a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe are located on the side of the hot water tank. The second inlet pipe is located near the free end of the heating element. A drain pipe is located at the bottom of the hot water tank, and a perforated baffle is located inside the hot water tank near the drain pipe. The descaling device includes:

[0032] The first drainage module is used to control the opening of the drain pipe in response to the automatic descaling command, so as to discharge the residual water in the hot water tank;

[0033] The second drainage module is used to control the opening of the first water inlet pipe, so that water enters from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, and flushes the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank through the porous baffle to the drain pipe for discharge; the first pressure is greater than a preset pressure threshold.

[0034] The water pipe shut-off control module is used to sequentially control the drain pipe and the first water inlet pipe to shut off when the opening time of the first water inlet pipe reaches a first preset time.

[0035] The flushing control module is used to control the heating element to turn on so that the hot water tank can start water production, and to control the second water inlet pipe to turn on so as to flush the heating element with a second pressure; the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

[0036] The third drainage module is used to control the drain pipe to open when the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, so that the scale on the heating pipe is flushed through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe.

[0037] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an electronic device, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores at least one instruction or at least one program, which is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the descaling method for the hot water tank in the water purification device provided in the above method embodiments.

[0038] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer storage medium, which can be disposed in a terminal to store at least one instruction or at least one program related to implementing a descaling method for a hot water tank in a water purification device according to the method embodiment. The at least one instruction or at least one program is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the descaling method for a hot water tank in a water purification device provided in the above method embodiment.

[0039] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer program product or computer program including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the descaling method for the hot water tank in the water purification device provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0040] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0041] In the automatic descaling process, the drain pipe is first opened to drain the residual water in the hot water tank. Then, the first inlet pipe of the hot water tank is opened, and water enters from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, thereby flushing the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank through the porous baffle and draining it out through the drain pipe, thus quickly removing the scale formed on the inner wall and bottom of the hot water tank. Then, the water production operation is started, and during the water production process, the second inlet pipe is opened to flush the heating tube at a second pressure, thereby removing the scale formed on the surface of the heating tube. Finally, when the flushing time reaches a second preset time, the drain pipe is controlled to open, flushing the scale on the heating tube through the porous baffle and draining it out through the drain pipe, thus quickly removing the scale on the heating tube. This invention can intelligently remove the scale formed on the inner wall of the hot water tank and the heating tube, improving the scale removal efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a descaling method for a hot water tank in a water purification device according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating the automatic descaling command provided by the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method provided by the present invention for controlling the opening of the second water inlet pipe to flush the heating pipe with a second pressure;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the hot water tank in a water purification device provided by the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5-7 This is a structural diagram of the hot water tank inside a water purification device provided by the present invention from different perspectives;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a descaling device for a hot water tank in a water purification equipment provided by the present invention;

[0049] The corresponding reference numerals in the figure are as follows:

[0050] First water inlet pipe 01, second water inlet pipe 02, drain pipe 03, heating pipe 04, perforated baffle 05, arc-shaped flow guide structure 06. Detailed Implementation

[0051] 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, and 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.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity. In addition, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0053] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or server that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0054] In this application embodiment, the terms "module" or "unit" refer to a computer program or part of a computer program that has a predetermined function and works with other related parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be implemented wholly or partially using software, hardware (such as processing circuitry or memory), or a combination thereof. Similarly, a processor (or multiple processors or memory) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. Furthermore, each module or unit can be part of an overall module or unit that includes the functionality of that module or unit.

[0055] The following describes a method for descaling a hot water tank in a water purification device according to this application. The hot water tank is equipped with a heating tube inside, a first water inlet pipe and a second water inlet pipe are provided on the side of the hot water tank, the second water inlet pipe is close to the free end of the heating tube, a drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the hot water tank, and a perforated baffle is provided inside the hot water tank near the drain pipe. Figure 1This is a flowchart illustrating a descaling method for a hot water tank in a water purification device, as provided in an embodiment of this specification. This specification provides the operational steps for the method described in the embodiments or flowchart, but based on conventional or non-inventive methods, more or fewer operational steps may be included. The order of steps listed in the embodiments is merely one possible execution order among many and does not represent the only possible execution order. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the method may include:

[0056] S1: In response to the automatic descaling command, control the drain pipe to open and drain the residual water in the hot water tank.

[0057] S2: Control the first water inlet pipe to open, so that water enters from the bottom of the hot water tank at the first pressure, and flushes the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank through the porous baffle to the drain pipe for discharge; the first pressure is greater than the preset pressure threshold.

[0058] S3: When the opening time of the first water inlet pipe reaches the first preset time, the drain pipe and the first water inlet pipe are closed sequentially.

[0059] S4: Control the heating element to turn on so that the hot water tank starts water production, and control the second water inlet pipe to turn on, so as to flush the heating element with a second pressure; the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

[0060] S5: When the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, control the drain pipe to open, and flush the scale on the heating pipe through the porous baffle to the drain pipe for discharge.

[0061] In the embodiments of this specification, the water purification equipment may include water purifiers, water filters, and other devices with heating functions of different models and sizes. The water purification equipment also includes a water storage device, an inlet valve, and a purified water outlet. The inlet valve is located between the water storage device and the inlet pipe. The inlet pipe includes a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe. Water from the inlet valve can enter the hot water tank through the first inlet pipe and / or the second inlet pipe. The purified water outlet is located on the side of the hot water tank away from the porous baffle. The porous baffle can filter scale from the hot water in the hot water tank to ensure that the water exiting the purified water outlet is free of scale. The first pressure of the first inlet pipe is a high pressure greater than a preset pressure threshold to ensure that all scale at the bottom of the hot water tank can be flushed to the drain pipe for discharge. The preset pressure threshold can be determined based on the size of the hot water tank, the automatic descaling time cycle, and the heating power. The preset pressure threshold is positively correlated with the size of the hot water tank, the time cycle, and the heating power; that is, the larger the size of the hot water tank, the larger the preset pressure threshold; the longer the automatic descaling time cycle, the larger the preset pressure threshold; and the greater the heating power of the hot water tank, the larger the preset pressure threshold. The method in this embodiment can be applied to the controller of a water purification device. The automatic descaling command can be a command triggered by the user or a command automatically generated by the controller when it detects that the water purification device meets preset conditions.

[0062] The water from the first inlet pipe is used to rinse the scale formed on the inner wall and bottom of the hot water tank. The first preset time corresponding to the first inlet pipe can be set according to the actual situation. The first preset time can be determined according to the size of the hot water tank, and the two are positively correlated; that is, the larger the size of the hot water tank, the longer the first preset time. For example, the first preset time can be several seconds or several minutes.

[0063] In the embodiments of this specification, during the automatic descaling process, the drain pipe can be opened first to drain the residual water in the hot water tank. Then, the first inlet pipe of the hot water tank is opened, and water enters from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, thereby flushing the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank through the porous baffle and discharging it through the drain pipe, thus quickly removing the scale formed on the inner wall and bottom of the hot water tank. Then, the water production operation is started, and during the water production process, the second inlet pipe is opened to flush the heating tube at a second pressure, thereby removing the scale formed on the surface of the heating tube. Finally, when the flushing time reaches a second preset time, the drain pipe is controlled to open, flushing the scale on the heating tube through the porous baffle and discharging it through the drain pipe, thus quickly removing the scale on the heating tube. This invention can achieve intelligent removal of scale formed on the inner wall of the hot water tank and on the heating tube, improving the scale removal efficiency.

[0064] In some embodiments, prior to automatic descaling, during normal operation of the water purification equipment, the method further includes:

[0065] In response to the water filling command of the hot water tank, the first water inlet pipe is opened so that water flows into the bottom of the hot water tank through the first water inlet pipe, and the scale in the hot water tank is collected through the porous baffle to the drain pipe.

[0066] In the embodiments of this specification, when the hot water tank needs to be replenished, the first water inlet pipe can be opened in response to the water replenishment command of the hot water tank. Water flows into the hot water tank from the bottom in a wide range, which will cause the scale to collect from the bottom of the tank to the drain pipe. The porous baffle on the drain pipe is an inclined filter screen, which will filter out the floating scale and cause it to collect and settle at the drain pipe. Thus, scale can be collected during the normal water production process of the hot water tank, which facilitates subsequent automatic descaling.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, before controlling the drain pipe to open and drain residual water from the hot water tank in response to the automatic descaling command, the method further includes:

[0068] S201: Determine the descaling period of the hot water tank in the water purification equipment during the day based on the idle time of the water purification equipment during the day;

[0069] S202: Obtain the cumulative usage time of the hot water tank;

[0070] S203: When the cumulative usage time reaches the preset usage time, detect the current time corresponding to the water purification device;

[0071] S204: When the current time falls within the descaling period, the automatic descaling instruction is generated.

[0072] In the embodiments of this specification, the working and idle times of the water purification equipment can be determined based on the user's daily usage habits. Then, a time period can be selected from the idle time as the automatic descaling period. For example, for water purification equipment in an office, the idle time is after get off work, so the night or early morning hours can be selected as the descaling period. During the automatic descaling process, a descaling cycle can be set, and the cumulative usage time of the hot water tank can be obtained. When the cumulative usage time reaches a preset usage time, an automatic descaling command is generated during the descaling period. The preset usage time can be a preset descaling cycle; for example, the preset usage time can be set to several days or a week, thereby enabling regular automatic descaling of the hot water tank. In some embodiments, after determining the descaling period, an automatic descaling command can be periodically generated during the descaling period to perform automatic descaling operations.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0074] The water flow rate of the hot water tank during a historical period, the heating power of the heating element, the thickness of the first scale at the bottom of the hot water tank, and the thickness of the second scale on the heating element are obtained.

[0075] The first pressure is determined based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the thickness of the first scale.

[0076] The second pressure is determined based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the thickness of the second scale.

[0077] In the embodiments of this specification, the water flow rate of the hot water tank and the heating power of the heating element during historical periods can be obtained, and the thickness of the first scale formed at the bottom of the hot water tank and the thickness of the second scale formed on the heating element during historical periods can be detected. Then, based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the first scale thickness, a first correlation relationship between the first scale thickness and the water flow rate and the heating power can be determined; and a first preset pressure can be determined based on the first scale thickness; wherein, the first preset pressure is the optimal pressure for removing the first scale. In the application process, the real-time water flow rate and real-time heating power in the hot water tank can be obtained, and then the first real-time scale thickness at the bottom of the hot water tank can be predicted based on the first correlation relationship; and then, the first pressure can be predicted based on the correlation relationship between the first scale thickness and the first preset pressure and the first real-time scale thickness.

[0078] A second correlation relationship between the second scale thickness and the water flow rate and the heating power can be determined based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the second scale thickness; and a second preset pressure can be determined based on the second scale thickness; wherein, the second preset pressure is the optimal pressure for removing the second scale; in the application process, the real-time water flow rate and real-time heating power in the hot water tank can be obtained, and then the second real-time scale thickness at the bottom of the hot water tank can be predicted based on the second correlation relationship; and then the second pressure can be predicted based on the correlation relationship between the second scale thickness and the second preset pressure and the second real-time scale thickness.

[0079] This embodiment can improve the scale removal efficiency based on the predicted first pressure and second pressure.

[0080] In some embodiments, the second water inlet pipe includes a plurality of dispersed water inlet holes, such as... Figure 3 As shown, controlling the heating element to open so that the hot water tank starts water production, and controlling the second water inlet pipe to open to flush the heating element with a second pressure, includes:

[0081] S301: Control the heating element to turn on so that the hot water tank starts water production; the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank increases as the duration of the water production operation increases;

[0082] S302: During the water production process, the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank is monitored in real time;

[0083] S303: When the inlet water pressure reaches the preset pressure, open the inlet valve of the hot water tank and control the second inlet pipe to open, so that the inlet water flows through each inlet hole to flush the heating tube with the second pressure.

[0084] In the embodiments of this specification, the second water inlet pipe is used to remove scale from the heating element; multiple water inlet holes can be provided on the side of the second water inlet pipe near the bottom of the hot water tank, the multiple water inlet holes are evenly distributed, and a certain distance is maintained between adjacent water inlet holes, that is, the multiple water inlet holes of the second water inlet pipe form a structure similar to a shower head, so that the incoming water can be dispersed into several small streams of water, which can be sprayed onto the surface of the heating element in a dispersed manner, thereby washing away the scale on the surface of the heating element; after the water inlet valve of the hot water tank is closed, the water purification equipment can be controlled to continuously produce water and continuously increase the water pressure of the hot water tank. When the set pressure is reached, the hot water tank inlet valve opens, and high-pressure water flows out from the second inlet pipe to continuously flush the heating element. The preset pressure can be set according to actual conditions; for example, the preset pressure can be 0.1-0.2 MPa; the high pressure of the water outlet from the second inlet pipe (second pressure) can be 0.2-0.4 MPa; the preset pressure can also be 1.0 MPa. If the pressure is insufficient, the water pressure is adjusted by controlling the water production time to ensure thorough flushing of the heating element. When the set flushing time is reached, the flushing and descaling of the heating element stops, and the scale is discharged from the bottom of the hot water tank. A pressure sensor can be installed in the second inlet pipe to detect whether the real-time water pressure in the second inlet pipe has reached the second pressure; the real-time water pressure in the second inlet pipe can also be predicted based on the operating time of the water pump.

[0085] In some embodiments, the two ends of the porous baffle are respectively fixedly disposed on two adjacent inner walls of the hot water tank, and the angle between the porous baffle and the horizontal direction is 45-60°; an arc-shaped flow guide structure is provided on the side of the hot water tank near the first water inlet pipe, and the water flow of the scale flows along the arc-shaped flow guide structure towards the porous baffle, thereby facilitating the porous baffle to collect the scale in the hot water tank more effectively.

[0086] In some embodiments, the porous baffle may include a plurality of filter holes, the number of which is determined based on the size of the hot water tank, and the diameter of the filter holes is 1-3 micrometers, or may be set to 0.2-0.5 millimeters, with the distance between adjacent filter holes being greater than the diameter of the filter holes.

[0087] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the drain pipe to open when the rinsing time reaches a second preset time, and flushing the scale on the heating pipe through the porous baffle to the drain pipe for discharge, includes:

[0088] If the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, the second water inlet pipe shall be shut off.

[0089] The first water inlet pipe and the drain pipe are opened to allow water to enter from the bottom of the hot water tank, and the scale on the bottom of the hot water tank and the heating pipe is flushed out through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe.

[0090] In this embodiment of the specification, a rinsing time threshold for the heating element can be set as a second preset time. When the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, the second water inlet pipe is closed; the first water inlet pipe and the drain pipe are opened, allowing water to enter from the bottom of the hot water tank, flushing the scale on the bottom of the hot water tank and the heating element through the porous baffle and discharging it through the drain pipe. For example, the water inlet valve of the hot water tank is opened, allowing water to enter from the first water inlet pipe, and high-pressure water is used to rinse the bottom of the tank, flushing the scale to the drain pipe. At this time, the drain and scale discharge valve is also opened to facilitate the discharge of scale. After rinsing, the automatic descaling of the hot water tank is completed, and all loads are turned off, thus completing the automatic descaling of the hot water tank.

[0091] The descaling method in this embodiment can perform automatic descaling without manual operation, saving labor costs. It can perform high-pressure cleaning and descaling of the heating element, extending its heating life and improving its heating efficiency. It prevents scale from entering the outlet pipe, which could reduce water flow, cause blockages, or jam the outlet solenoid valve, preventing water from turning off or causing dripping. Furthermore, automatic descaling occurs during the water purification equipment's idle time, minimizing disruption to the user and not affecting normal water use.

[0092] like Figure 4-7 As shown in the embodiments of this specification, a hot water tank for a water purification device is also disclosed. The hot water tank is descaled using the above-mentioned descaling method. The hot water tank is made of stainless steel and has a heating tube 04 installed inside for heating water. A first water inlet pipe 01 and a second water inlet pipe 02 are provided on the side of the hot water tank. The second water inlet pipe 02 is close to the free end of the heating tube 04. The first water inlet pipe 01 is used to rinse the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank, and the second water inlet pipe 02 is used to rinse the scale on the heating tube 04.

[0093] A drain pipe 03 is installed at the bottom of the hot water tank, and a drain and descaling valve is installed between the drain pipe 03 and the hot water tank. The drain pipe 03 is used to drain the scale from the bottom of the hot water tank and the heating element 04. The angle between the outlet of the drain pipe 03 and the horizontal direction can be 5-10°. The drain and descaling valve between the drain pipe 03 and the hot water tank has a large flow rate and no internal filter screen, allowing scale to pass through freely so that it can be quickly discharged during the automatic descaling process.

[0094] The hot water tank also includes an inlet valve to control whether water enters the tank from the first inlet pipe 01 or the second inlet pipe 02. This valve can be used to replenish water and flush out limescale. When the first inlet pipe 01 receives water at low pressure, the water temperature fluctuation within the tank is minimized, making it suitable for water purification equipment. When the first inlet pipe 01 receives water at high pressure, it flushes limescale from the hot water tank, causing it to collect at the drain pipe 03.

[0095] Continue as Figure 4 As shown, the first water inlet pipe 01 and the second water inlet pipe 02 are arranged parallel to each other; the diameter of the second water inlet pipe 02 can be the same as the diameter of the first water inlet pipe 01; for example, the diameter can be set to 9-15mm; the diameter of the drain pipe 03 can be the same as the diameter of the first water inlet pipe 01 and the second water inlet pipe 02. The first water inlet pipe 01 is located near the bottom of the hot water tank, and the second water inlet pipe 02 is located above the first water inlet pipe 01; the second water inlet pipe 02 includes multiple dispersed water inlet holes, which can make the high-pressure water more powerful and wash away the scale attached to the heating tube 04, making the heating tube 04 more efficient and longer in service life. The heating tube 04 can be made of stainless steel, and the material and shape of the heating tube 04 can be set according to the actual situation.

[0096] The first water inlet pipe 01 and the second water inlet pipe 02 can also be different. The diameter of the first water inlet pipe 01 is larger than that of the second water inlet pipe 02. The diameter of the first water inlet pipe 01 can be 0.5-1cm, and the diameter of the second water inlet pipe 02 can be 0.03-0.1cm.

[0097] This embodiment is equipped with two water inlet pipes, which are used to perform differentiated high-pressure rinsing on the bottom of the hot water tank and the heating element 04 respectively. The water inlet of the first water inlet pipe 01 can flush away the large area of ​​sediment at the bottom of the hot water tank, while the multiple water inlet holes of the second water inlet can precisely clean the surface of the heating element 04, thereby improving the descaling efficiency of the hot water tank.

[0098] Continue as Figure 6 As shown, the hot water tank is provided with an arc-shaped flow guiding structure 06 on the side near the first water inlet pipe 01.

[0099] Continue as Figure 7As shown, the two ends of the porous baffle 05 are respectively fixedly installed on two adjacent inner walls of the hot water tank. The angle between the porous baffle 05 and the horizontal direction is 45-60°. This embodiment adopts an inclined drainage angle combined with the porous baffle 05 design. The inclined angle concentrates scale to the drain outlet, and the porous baffle 05 separates and guides the scale to be discharged efficiently with the water flow. The porous baffle 05 includes multiple filter holes. The number of filter holes is determined based on the size of the hot water tank. The diameter of the filter holes is 1-3 micrometers, and the distance between adjacent filter holes is greater than the diameter of the filter holes. The porous baffle 05 is used to filter scale, allowing the scale to settle naturally and preventing scale from floating throughout the tank and from accumulating at the outlet.

[0100] This embodiment also discloses a water purification device, which includes the aforementioned hot water tank.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment also discloses a descaling device for a hot water tank in a water purification system. The hot water tank contains a heating element, and a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe are located on its side. The second inlet pipe is near the free end of the heating element. A drain pipe is located at the bottom of the hot water tank, and a perforated baffle is located inside the hot water tank near the drain pipe. The descaling device includes:

[0102] The first drainage module 810 is used to control the opening of the drain pipe in response to the automatic descaling command, so as to discharge the residual water in the hot water tank;

[0103] The second drainage module 820 is used to control the opening of the first water inlet pipe, so that water enters from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, and flushes the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank through the porous baffle to the drain pipe for discharge; the first pressure is greater than a preset pressure threshold.

[0104] The water pipe shut-off control module 830 is used to sequentially control the drain pipe and the first water inlet pipe to shut off when the opening time of the first water inlet pipe reaches a first preset time.

[0105] The flushing control module 840 is used to control the heating element to turn on so that the hot water tank can start water production, and to control the second water inlet pipe to turn on so as to flush the heating element with a second pressure; the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

[0106] The third drainage module 850 is used to control the drain pipe to open when the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, so that the scale on the heating pipe is flushed through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe.

[0107] In some embodiments, the third drainage module includes:

[0108] The second water pipe shut-off unit is used to shut off the second water inlet pipe when the flushing time reaches the second preset time.

[0109] The drainage unit is used to control the opening of the first water inlet pipe and the drain pipe, allowing water to enter from the bottom of the hot water tank and flushing the scale on the bottom of the hot water tank and the heating pipe through the porous baffle to the drain pipe for discharge.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second water inlet pipe includes a plurality of dispersed water inlet holes, and the flushing control module includes:

[0111] A water production unit is used to control the heating element to start the water production operation of the hot water tank; the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank increases as the duration of the water production operation increases;

[0112] A water pressure detection unit is used to detect the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank in real time during the water production operation.

[0113] The second water pipe opening unit is used to open the water inlet valve of the hot water tank when the water inlet pressure reaches the preset pressure, and control the second water inlet pipe to open, so that the water inlet flows through each water inlet hole to flush the heating pipe with the second pressure.

[0114] In some embodiments, the two ends of the porous baffle are respectively fixedly disposed on two adjacent inner walls of the hot water tank, and the angle between the porous baffle and the horizontal direction is 45-60°; an arc-shaped flow guiding structure is provided on the side of the hot water tank near the first water inlet pipe, and the water flow of the scale flows along the arc-shaped flow guiding structure towards the porous baffle.

[0115] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include:

[0116] The descaling time period determination module is used to determine the descaling time period of the hot water tank in the water purification equipment during the day based on the idle time of the water purification equipment during the day;

[0117] The cumulative usage time acquisition module is used to acquire the cumulative usage time of the hot water tank;

[0118] The current time detection module is used to detect the current time corresponding to the water purification device when the cumulative usage time reaches the preset usage time.

[0119] The instruction generation module is used to generate the automatic descaling instruction when the current time falls within the descaling period.

[0120] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include:

[0121] The scale thickness acquisition module is used to acquire the water flow rate of the hot water tank during a historical period, the heating power of the heating element, the first scale thickness at the bottom of the hot water tank, and the second scale thickness on the heating element.

[0122] The first pressure determination module is used to determine the first pressure based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the thickness of the first scale.

[0123] The second pressure determination module is used to determine the second pressure based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the second scale thickness.

[0124] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include:

[0125] The first water pipe opening module is used to respond to the water filling command of the hot water tank and control the opening of the first water inlet pipe so that water in the first water inlet pipe flows into the bottom of the hot water tank and drives the scale in the hot water tank to be collected at the drain pipe through the porous baffle.

[0126] The apparatus and method embodiments described herein are based on the same inventive concept.

[0127] This specification provides an electronic device including a processor and a memory. The memory stores at least one instruction or at least one program, which is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the descaling method for the hot water tank in the water purification device provided in the above method embodiments.

[0128] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer storage medium, which can be disposed in a terminal to store at least one instruction or at least one program related to implementing a descaling method for a hot water tank in a water purification device according to the method embodiments. The at least one instruction or at least one program is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the descaling method for a hot water tank in a water purification device provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0129] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product or computer program, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the descaling method for the hot water tank in the water purification equipment provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0130] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for descaling a hot water tank in a water purification device, characterized in that, The hot water tank is equipped with a heating element inside. A first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe are located on the side of the hot water tank, with the second inlet pipe near the free end of the heating element. A drain pipe is located at the bottom of the hot water tank, and a perforated baffle is installed inside the hot water tank near the drain pipe. The descaling method includes: In response to an automatic descaling command, the drain pipe is opened to drain residual water from the hot water tank. The first water inlet pipe is opened to allow water to enter from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, so that the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank is flushed through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe; the first pressure is greater than a preset pressure threshold. When the opening time of the first water inlet pipe reaches the first preset time, the drain pipe and the first water inlet pipe are sequentially controlled to close. The heating element is controlled to open, thereby activating the water production operation of the hot water tank, and the second water inlet pipe is also controlled to open, flushing the heating element with a second pressure; the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. When the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, the drain pipe is opened to flush the scale on the heating pipe through the porous baffle and discharge it through the drain pipe.

2. The descaling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, the drain pipe is opened to flush the scale on the heating pipe through the porous baffle and discharge it through the drain pipe, including: If the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, the second water inlet pipe shall be shut off. The first water inlet pipe and the drain pipe are opened to allow water to enter from the bottom of the hot water tank, and the scale on the bottom of the hot water tank and the heating pipe is flushed out through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe.

3. The descaling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second water inlet pipe includes multiple dispersed water inlet holes. Controlling the heating element to open causes the hot water tank to begin water production, and controlling the second water inlet pipe to open to flush the heating element with a second pressure includes: The heating element is turned on to activate the water production operation of the hot water tank; the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank increases as the duration of the water production operation increases. During the water production process, the inlet water pressure of the hot water tank is monitored in real time. When the inlet water pressure reaches the preset pressure, the inlet valve of the hot water tank is opened, and the second inlet pipe is opened. The inlet water flows through each inlet hole and flushes the heating tube with the second pressure.

4. The descaling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the porous baffle are respectively fixed on two adjacent inner walls of the hot water tank, and the angle between the porous baffle and the horizontal direction is 45-60°. The hot water tank is provided with an arc-shaped flow guide structure on the side near the first water inlet pipe, and the water flow of the scale flows along the arc-shaped flow guide structure towards the porous baffle.

5. The descaling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before responding to the automatic descaling command and controlling the drain pipe to open to discharge residual water from the hot water tank, the method further includes: Based on the idle time of the water purification equipment during the day, determine the descaling period of the hot water tank in the water purification equipment during the day; Obtain the cumulative usage time of the hot water tank; When the cumulative usage time reaches the preset usage time, the current time corresponding to the water purification device is detected; When the current time falls within the descaling period, the automatic descaling instruction is generated.

6. The descaling method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The water flow rate of the hot water tank during a historical period, the heating power of the heating element, the thickness of the first scale at the bottom of the hot water tank, and the thickness of the second scale on the heating element are obtained. The first pressure is determined based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the thickness of the first scale. The second pressure is determined based on the water flow rate, the heating power, and the thickness of the second scale.

7. The descaling method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the water filling command of the hot water tank, the first water inlet pipe is opened so that water flows into the bottom of the hot water tank through the first water inlet pipe, and the scale in the hot water tank is collected through the porous baffle to the drain pipe.

8. A hot water tank for a water purification device, characterized in that, The hot water tank is descaled using the descaling method described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The hot water tank according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe are arranged parallel to each other; the first water inlet pipe is located near the bottom of the hot water tank, and the second water inlet pipe is located above the first water inlet pipe; the porous baffle includes multiple filter holes, the number of filter holes is determined based on the size of the hot water tank, the diameter of the filter holes is 1-3 micrometers, and the distance between adjacent filter holes is greater than the diameter of the filter holes.

10. A descaling device for a hot water tank in a water purification system, characterized in that, The hot water tank is equipped with a heating element inside. A first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe are located on the side of the hot water tank, with the second inlet pipe near the free end of the heating element. A drain pipe is located at the bottom of the hot water tank. A perforated baffle is installed inside the hot water tank near the drain pipe. The descaling device includes: The first drainage module is used to control the opening of the drain pipe in response to the automatic descaling command, so as to discharge the residual water in the hot water tank; The second drainage module is used to control the opening of the first water inlet pipe, so that water enters from the bottom of the hot water tank at a first pressure, and flushes the scale at the bottom of the hot water tank through the porous baffle to the drain pipe for discharge; the first pressure is greater than a preset pressure threshold. The water pipe shut-off control module is used to sequentially control the drain pipe and the first water inlet pipe to shut off when the opening time of the first water inlet pipe reaches a first preset time. The flushing control module is used to control the heating element to turn on so that the hot water tank can start water production, and to control the second water inlet pipe to turn on so as to flush the heating element with a second pressure; the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. The third drainage module is used to control the drain pipe to open when the rinsing time reaches the second preset time, so that the scale on the heating pipe is flushed through the porous baffle and discharged through the drain pipe.

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