Water purifier with adjustable concentration water flow

Abstract

This utility model discloses a water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate. The water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate adjusts the opening area of ​​valve 94 in concentrate channel 92 by the action of adjustable concentrate valve 9, and simultaneously adjusts the current of booster pump 5, so that the water purifier is in a stable working state. Its structure is simple and the adjustable concentrate valve 9 can be adapted to water purifiers with different flow rates, thereby reducing the diversity of production material procurement for manufacturers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate. Background Technology

[0002] In the existing technology, the wastewater discharge flow rate of the concentrate valve corresponding to most water purifiers with different flow rates is different. This requires manufacturers to purchase concentrate valves of different specifications, which makes the production cost of the product higher. At the same time, the concentrate valves on the market only have the function of discharging wastewater. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This utility model aims to at least partially solve one of the problems existing in the existing related technologies. To this end, this utility model proposes a water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate. Its structure is simple and the adjustable concentrate valve can adapt to water purifiers with different flow rates, thereby reducing the diversity of production material procurement for manufacturers.

[0004] The above objective is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate includes:

[0006] A pre-filter element, wherein the water inlet of the pre-filter element is connected to an external water supply;

[0007] A reverse osmosis filter element, wherein the inlet end of the reverse osmosis filter element is connected to the outlet end of the pre-filter element, and a TDS sensor and a booster pump are sequentially arranged along the water inlet direction at the midpoint between the inlet end of the reverse osmosis filter element and the outlet end of the pre-filter element, and the reverse osmosis filter element has a pure water outlet and a concentrated water outlet.

[0008] The post-filter cartridge has its inlet end connected to the pure water outlet and its outlet end connected to the faucet. A one-way valve and a high-pressure switch are sequentially installed along the water inlet direction at the middle position between the faucet and the post-filter cartridge.

[0009] An adjustable concentrate valve includes a valve body, within which a concentrate channel is defined. The inlet end of the concentrate channel is connected to the concentrate outlet, and its outlet end is connected to the outside. A pressure sensor is installed at the outlet end of the concentrate channel to detect the water pressure of the concentrate. A valve is movably installed in the concentrate channel to control the flow rate of the concentrate channel by the action of the switching valve.

[0010] The controller is electrically connected to the TDS sensor, the booster pump, and the adjustable concentrate valve.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adjustable concentrate valve further includes a motor and a rotating shaft, wherein the motor is mounted on the valve body, the output end of the motor is connected to the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft passes through the side wall of the valve body at the end away from the motor and is connected to the valve, and the motor drives the valve to move up and down in the vertical direction through the rotating shaft.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adjustable concentrate valve further includes a bearing, a groove is provided on the outer side wall of the valve body, the bearing is disposed in the groove, and the output end of the motor passes through the bearing and the side wall of the valve body in sequence and is connected to the rotating shaft.

[0013] In some embodiments, a rubber pad is also included, through which the bearing is disposed on the outer side wall of the valve body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the one-way valve is configured to open unidirectionally from the post-filter towards the faucet.

[0015] In some embodiments, an inlet solenoid valve is also included, which is located at the midpoint between the reverse osmosis filter element and the pre-filter element.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The adjustable concentrate flow rate water purifier of this utility model has a simple structure and allows the adjustable concentrate valve to adapt to water purifiers with different flow rates, thereby reducing the diversity of production material procurement for manufacturers.

[0018] 2. The control method of the water purifier of this utility model is simple and feasible. By controlling the opening of the concentrated water channel, the flow rate of the concentrated water is adjusted, thereby keeping the water purifier in a stable working state. At the same time, it can also effectively improve the flushing effect of the reverse osmosis filter element. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the water purifier in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable concentrate valve in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of the claimed invention.

[0025] Example 1:

[0026] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate, including:

[0027] Pre-filter 1, the water inlet of pre-filter 1 is connected to the external water supply;

[0028] The reverse osmosis filter element 2 has its inlet end connected to the outlet end of the pre-filter element 1. A TDS sensor 4 and a booster pump 5 are sequentially installed along the water inlet direction at the midpoint between the inlet end of the reverse osmosis filter element 2 and the outlet end of the pre-filter element 1. The reverse osmosis filter element 2 has a pure water outlet and a concentrated water outlet.

[0029] The post-filter 6 has its inlet end connected to the pure water outlet and its outlet end connected to the faucet. A one-way valve 7 and a high-pressure switch 8 are sequentially installed in the middle of the faucet and the post-filter 6 along the water inlet direction.

[0030] Adjustable concentrate valve 9 includes valve body 91, within which a concentrate channel 92 is defined. The inlet end of the concentrate channel 92 is connected to a concentrate outlet, and its outlet end is connected to the outside. A pressure sensor 93 is installed at the outlet end of the concentrate channel 92 to detect the water pressure of the concentrate. A valve 94 is movably installed within the concentrate channel 92 to control the flow rate of the concentrate channel 92 by switching the valve on and off.

[0031] The controller is electrically connected to the TDS sensor 4, the booster pump 5, and the adjustable concentrate valve 9.

[0032] In this embodiment, the opening area of ​​valve 94 in concentrated water channel 92 is adjusted by the action of adjustable concentrated water valve 9, and the current of booster pump 5 is adjusted synchronously, so that the water purifier is in a stable working state. Its structure is simple and the adjustable concentrated water valve 9 can adapt to water purifiers with different flow rates, thereby reducing the diversity of production material procurement for manufacturers.

[0033] In this embodiment, after the water and electricity are connected, when the water purifier is started for the first time, the municipal tap water is initially filtered through the pre-filter cartridge 1 to obtain pre-filtered water. Since a TDS sensor 4 is installed on the pipeline, the pre-filtered water is detected by the TDS sensor 4 to feed back the water quality status to the controller. The controller records the received TDS value. After the pre-filtered water is pressurized by the booster pump 5, it is filtered through the reverse osmosis filter cartridge 2 and then passes through the post-filter cartridge 6, the one-way valve 7, and the high-pressure switch 8 in sequence before being output as pure water to the faucet. At the same time, the pressurized water can also be discharged from the reverse osmosis filter cartridge 2 through the adjustable concentrate valve 9. After the faucet is closed, the pipeline pressure between the one-way valve 7 and the faucet increases, and the high-pressure switch 8 is disconnected, thereby stopping the entire water purifier from working.

[0034] Furthermore, since the concentrated water flows out through the adjustable concentrate valve 9 after passing through the reverse osmosis filter element 2, during the water production process of the reverse osmosis filter element 2, when the water pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 93 is lower than the lower limit of the preset water pressure range, the adjustable concentrate valve 9 drives the valve 94 to operate synchronously to reduce the diameter of the concentrate channel 92. This reduces the opening of the concentrate channel 92, thereby increasing the pressure in the pipeline by reducing the concentrated water output of the concentrate channel 92. This continues until the water pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 93 reaches the preset water pressure range. Because the concentrated water output decreases, the actual operating current value of the booster pump 5 increases. Therefore, the actual operating current value of the booster pump 5 is obtained by detecting the current value of the booster pump 5 until the actual operating current value of the booster pump 5 matches the preset current value. If the values ​​are the same, it is determined that the water purifier is in a stable working state. When the water pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 93 is greater than the upper limit of the preset water pressure range, the adjustable concentrate valve 9 drives the valve 94 to operate synchronously to expand the diameter of the concentrate channel 92. This increases the opening of the concentrate channel 92, thereby increasing the concentrated water output of the concentrate channel 92 and reducing the pressure in the pipeline until the water pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 93 reaches the preset water pressure range. As the concentrated water output increases, the actual operating current value of the booster pump 5 decreases. Therefore, the actual operating current value is obtained by detecting the current value of the booster pump 5. When the actual operating current value of the booster pump 5 is the same as the preset current value, it is determined that the water purifier is in a stable working state.

[0035] In this embodiment, the controller controls the opening position of valve 94 based on the pressure value detected by pressure sensor 93. When the water purifier is in a stable working state, the controller records the pressure value detected by pressure sensor 93 and the opening position of valve 94, and simultaneously converts the motion signal of valve 94 opening position into an electrical signal and stores it in the controller's memory. It also has a power-off memory function, so that the next time the tap is turned on to use the water purifier, the controller controls valve 94 to perform the corresponding action according to the stored valve 94 opening position information. In this way, the water purifier can be kept in a stable working state, so that the adjustable concentrate valve 9 can adapt to water purifiers with different flow rates.

[0036] Furthermore, the adjustable concentrate valve 9 also includes a motor 95 and a rotating shaft 96. The motor 95 is mounted on the valve body 91, and the output end of the motor 95 is connected to the rotating shaft 96. The end of the rotating shaft 96 that is away from the motor 95 passes through the side wall of the valve body 91 and is connected to the valve 94. The motor 95 drives the valve 94 to move up and down in the vertical direction through the rotating shaft 96.

[0037] Preferably, the adjustable concentrate valve 9 also includes a bearing 97. A groove is provided on the outer side wall of the valve body 91, and the bearing 97 is disposed in the groove. The output end of the motor 95 passes through the bearing 97 and the side wall of the valve body 91 in sequence and is connected to the rotating shaft 96.

[0038] Furthermore, it also includes a rubber pad, with the bearing 97 disposed on the outer wall of the valve body 91 via the rubber pad.

[0039] In this embodiment, a groove is provided on the outer wall of the valve body 91, and a bearing 97 is disposed in the groove. A motor 95 is disposed on the outer wall of the valve body 91, and the output end of the motor 95 is connected to a rotating shaft 96. The end of the rotating shaft 96 away from the motor 95 passes sequentially through the bearing 97 and the side wall of the valve body 91 before connecting to the valve 94. This allows the motor 95 to drive the valve 94 to move vertically up and down via the rotating shaft 96, thereby adjusting the opening area of ​​the concentrate channel 92 and controlling the flow rate of the concentrate. More preferably, a rubber gasket is provided between the bearing 97 and the outer wall of the valve body 91 to effectively improve the stability of the bearing 97 installation.

[0040] Specifically, it also includes an inlet solenoid valve 3, which is located at the midpoint between the pre-filter 1 and the TDS sensor 4.

[0041] In this embodiment, a water inlet solenoid valve 3 is provided at the middle position between the pre-filter 1 and the TDS sensor 4. The water inlet solenoid valve 3 is electrically connected to the controller, so that the opening and closing of the pipeline can be controlled by the water inlet solenoid valve 3.

[0042] Specifically, the one-way valve 7 is configured to open unidirectionally from the post-filter cartridge 6 toward the faucet.

[0043] In this embodiment, since the one-way valve 7 is configured to open unidirectionally from the post-filter cartridge 6 towards the faucet, the pipeline pressure between the one-way valve 7 and the faucet increases after the faucet is closed, thereby causing the high-pressure switch 8 to disconnect and the entire water purifier to stop working.

[0044] Example 2:

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a control method for a water purifier. Applied to any water purifier as described in Embodiment 1, the water purifier adjusts the opening area of ​​the concentrate channel through the action of the valve in the adjustable concentrate valve, simultaneously adjusting the current of the booster pump. This ensures the water purifier operates stably, allowing the adjustable concentrate valve to adapt to different flow rates. Furthermore, after the faucet is closed, the increased pressure in the pipeline causes the high-pressure switch to disconnect. The flushing time of the reverse osmosis filter is then controlled based on the initial TDS value. This method is simple and feasible. By controlling the opening of the concentrate channel to adjust the flow rate of the concentrate, the water purifier operates stably, while also effectively improving the flushing effect of the reverse osmosis filter.

[0046] The control method for the water purifier in this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0047] Step S101: After the tap is turned on for the first time, the external water supply is filtered to obtain pre-filtered water. The pre-filtered water is then filtered through the reverse osmosis filter and the post-filter before being output as pure water from the tap.

[0048] Step S102: Test the pre-filtered water to obtain the initial TDS value.

[0049] In step S103, the water pressure of the discharged concentrate is detected to obtain the initial water pressure value, and the opening of the concentrate channel is adjusted according to the initial water pressure value.

[0050] In step S104, after the faucet is turned off, the high-pressure switch disconnects due to the increased pipeline pressure.

[0051] Step S105: Open the concentrated water channel to its maximum value and control the rinsing time of the water purifier according to the initial TDS value.

[0052] In this embodiment, the step of controlling the flushing time of the reverse osmosis filter element based on the initial TDS value includes:

[0053] After turning the tap on again;

[0054] If the initial TDS value is greater than the preset TDS value, the water purifier is controlled to produce water for a preset first duration and flush for a preset second duration. If not, the water purifier is controlled to produce water for a preset first duration and flush for a preset third duration.

[0055] More preferably, in this embodiment, the preset TDS value is preferably set to 200 PPM, the preset first duration is preferably set to 3 hours, the preset second duration is preferably set to 60 seconds, and the preset third duration is preferably set to 30 seconds. After the faucet is turned on again, the countdown for the first preset duration begins. If the initial TDS value is greater than 200 PPM, the water purifier is controlled to produce water for 3 hours and flush for 60 seconds. If the initial TDS value is less than or equal to 200 PPM, the water purifier is controlled to produce water for 3 hours and flush for 30 seconds. Of course, within the preset first duration, the water purifier will flush for either the preset second or third duration each time the faucet is turned on and off, until the countdown for the first duration ends, at which point the clogging status of the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is checked.

[0056] Step S106: After rinsing, adjust the opening of the concentrate channel according to the initial water pressure value.

[0057] In this embodiment, after rinsing, the opening of the concentrated water channel is adjusted according to the initial water pressure value, thereby putting the water purifier into standby mode.

[0058] First, after rinsing, the steps following adjusting the opening of the concentrate channel according to the initial water pressure value include:

[0059] After the first preset time, turn on the tap again and test the water pressure of the concentrated water discharged to obtain the actual water pressure value.

[0060] The actual water pressure value is compared with the initial water pressure value. Based on the comparison result, the clogging status of the reverse osmosis filter element is obtained, and the corresponding flushing mode is operated according to the obtained clogging status.

[0061] After rinsing, adjust the opening of the concentrated water channel according to the initial water pressure value to put the water purifier into standby mode.

[0062] Secondly, the steps to compare the actual water pressure value with the initial water pressure value and determine the clogging status of the reverse osmosis filter cartridge based on the comparison results include:

[0063] If the actual water pressure value meets the first preset condition, it is determined that the clogging of the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is normal. The first preset condition is: P1≤P2*(1+K1), where P1 is the actual water pressure value, P2 is the initial water pressure value, and K1 is the first coefficient.

[0064] If the actual water pressure value meets the second preset condition, it is determined that the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is slightly clogged. The second preset condition is: P2*(1+K1)<P1≤P2*(1+K2), where P1 is the actual water pressure value, P2 is the initial water pressure value, K1 is the first coefficient, and K2 is the second coefficient.

[0065] If the actual water pressure value meets the third preset condition, then the clogging of the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is determined to be general clogging. The third preset condition is: P2*(1+K2)<P1≤P2*(1+K3), where P1 is the actual water pressure value, P2 is the initial water pressure value, K2 is the second coefficient, and K3 is the third coefficient.

[0066] If the actual water pressure value meets the fourth preset condition, then the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is determined to be severely clogged. The fourth preset condition is: P2*(1+K3)<P1, where P1 is the actual water pressure value, P2 is the initial water pressure value, and K3 is the third coefficient.

[0067] More preferably, the first coefficient K1 is set to 10%, the second coefficient K2 is set to 25%, and the third coefficient K3 is set to 35%.

[0068] In addition, the steps for operating according to the flushing mode corresponding to the obtained blockage condition include:

[0069] If the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is only slightly clogged, the water purifier will produce water for the fifth preset time period and flush it for the sixth preset time period.

[0070] If the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is only partially clogged, the water purifier will produce water for the preset seventh time period and flush it for the preset sixth time period.

[0071] If the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is severely clogged, the water purifier will be controlled to produce water for the preset eighth time period, and at the same time, it will be flushed for the preset sixth time period.

[0072] More preferably, in this embodiment, the preset fifth duration is preferably set to 2 hours, the preset sixth duration is preferably set to 60 seconds, the preset seventh duration is preferably set to 1 hour, and the preset eighth duration is preferably set to 1 hour. Furthermore, if the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is normally clogged, flushing is not required; the opening of the concentrate channel can be directly adjusted based on the initial water pressure value.

[0073] In this embodiment, after the water tap is turned on again to release purified water, there is a 10-second standby period during which the reverse osmosis filter cartridge flushes the water path. The flushing time is determined by the initial TDS value measured during the first use and stored in the controller's memory. Since the adjustable concentrate valve shaft is at its uppermost position at this time, the concentrate channel opening is opened to its maximum value, allowing flushing to be performed at the maximum flow rate of the concentrate channel. When the flushing is finished, the adjustable concentrate valve shaft is adjusted to its corresponding position according to the stored initial water pressure value, thereby adjusting the opening of the concentrate channel and controlling the output of concentrated water.

[0074] In addition, the longer the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is used, the more clogged its RO membrane will become. By classifying the clogging of the reverse osmosis filter cartridge into various clogging conditions, the clogging condition of the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is first obtained based on the water pressure of the concentrated water discharged to the outside. Then, the flushing mode corresponding to the obtained clogging condition is operated to effectively improve the flushing effect of the reverse osmosis filter cartridge.

[0075] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water purifier capable of adjusting the flow of concentrated water, characterized in that, include: The pre-filter (1) has its inlet end connected to an external water supply. The reverse osmosis filter element (2) is connected to the water outlet of the pre-filter element (1). A TDS sensor (4) and a booster pump (5) are sequentially arranged along the water inlet direction at the middle position between the water inlet of the reverse osmosis filter element (2) and the water outlet of the pre-filter element (1). The reverse osmosis filter element (2) has a pure water outlet and a concentrated water outlet. The post-filter (6) has its inlet end connected to the pure water outlet and its outlet end connected to the faucet. A one-way valve (7) and a high-pressure switch (8) are sequentially arranged in the middle position between the faucet and the post-filter (6) along the water inlet direction. An adjustable concentrate valve (9) includes a valve body (91), a concentrate channel (92) is defined within the valve body (91), the inlet end of the concentrate channel (92) is connected to the concentrate port, and its outlet end is connected to the outside. A pressure sensor (93) is provided at the outlet end of the concentrate channel (92) to detect the water pressure of the concentrate. A valve (94) is movably provided within the concentrate channel (92) to control the flow rate of the concentrate channel (92) through the action of the valve (94). The controller is electrically connected to the TDS sensor (4), the booster pump (5), and the adjustable concentrate valve (9).

2. The water purifier of claim 1, wherein The adjustable concentrate valve (9) also includes a motor (95) and a rotating shaft (96), wherein the motor (95) is mounted on the valve body (91), the output end of the motor (95) is connected to the rotating shaft (96), and the rotating shaft (96) passes through the side wall of the valve body (91) at the end away from the motor (95) and is connected to the valve (94). The motor (95) drives the valve (94) to move up and down in the vertical direction through the rotating shaft (96).

3. A water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustable concentrate valve (9) also includes a bearing (97). A groove is provided on the outer side wall of the valve body (91). The bearing (97) is located in the groove. The output end of the motor (95) passes through the bearing (97) and the side wall of the valve body (91) in sequence and is connected to the rotating shaft (96).

4. A water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a rubber pad, through which the bearing (97) is disposed on the outer wall of the valve body (91).

5. A water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way valve (7) is configured to open unidirectionally from the post-filter (6) toward the faucet.

6. A water purifier with adjustable concentrate flow rate according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an inlet solenoid valve (3), which is located at the middle position between the reverse osmosis filter element (2) and the pre-filter element (1).

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