A water softening control system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a water softening control system, wherein a water softener is connected to a drain pipe, and a TDS sensor device and a regeneration start flow sensor are connected to a single chip microcomputer. The TDS sensor device and the regeneration start flow sensor are connected to the drain pipe of the water softener. When the single chip microcomputer (P) regards the water softening regeneration as starting, the single chip microcomputer collects the TDS value and the number of data of the TDS sensor device (D) at a set time interval until the single chip microcomputer regards the water softening regeneration process as ending. In the detection cycle from the beginning of the water softening regeneration to the termination of the water softening regeneration, the single chip microcomputer (P) performs data analysis on the collected TDS value and the number of data, and according to the set judgment logic, gives a prompt signal whether the water softening regeneration ends normally and whether the salt box is short of salt. An alarm reminder is given for an unqualified water softening regeneration process and a salt box short of salt, so that the customer can grasp the relevant working conditions of the water softener in time and take necessary maintenance measures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of water treatment, and specifically relates to a control system used in conjunction with a softened water system for detecting and analyzing a softening regeneration process and giving an alarm reminder for an unqualified regeneration process and a salt box lacking salt. Background Art

[0002] At present, the existing water softening device uses sodium type (Na+) cationic resin as the filter filler. The filter material needs to be regenerated and consume NaCl (hereinafter referred to as salt) regularly. When the solid salt in the salt dissolving box equipped with the water softening device is consumed, the softening device will lose its regeneration function. Therefore, regular addition of salt is a necessary process.

[0003] Traditional water softening devices usually use the following reminder methods for this salt addition process:

[0004] First, there is no reminder, and the user controls it based on observation and experience - this is the most common method, accounting for more than 90% of similar devices.

[0005] Second, regular reminders are provided for each excessive addition. However, the existing problems and shortcomings are: this is a relatively extensive management method. Without a clear definition of the consumption of each regeneration, the amount of salt added each time, and the regeneration cycle, it is usually difficult to accurately grasp the timing of adding salt, that is, there are too many variables, too large a number of variables, and low reliability.

[0006] Third, using the infrared principle, a material level sensor is added to the salt box to sense the height change of the solid salt material to remind the user to add salt. However, there are problems and shortcomings: since the salt box is a harsh and complex solid / liquid mixed high-salt working environment, this is a big challenge for any sensor. At the same time, this type of sensor works on the photoelectric principle, and its lifespan and cost will hinder its promotion, that is, its reliability and economy are poor;

[0007] Fourth, using the principle of specific gravity change, when the density of the solution in the salt box is low enough, a regeneration switch signal device is triggered to remind you to add salt. However, there are problems and shortcomings: there is no stirring device in the salt solution box, and most of the time it is in a solid-liquid mixed state, and the concentration of the salt solution is not uniform. And the buoyancy change caused by the density change is not significant enough, which leads to the lack of reliability of this method. At the same time, it is also affected by the precision and reliability of the buoyancy transmission mechanism and the height change of the water injection level of the salt box, which will also bring about performance instability problems.

[0008] In summary, the timing and reminder of adding salt to traditional water softening devices are currently only available in a very small number of products, and the reliability and economy are not ideal. This also leads to the fact that most traditional water softening devices do not have a salt shortage alarm function (difficult to popularize), and users cannot accurately grasp the timing of adding salt, and the softener is prone to lose its softening function. Summary of the invention

[0009] In order to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a water softening control system, which is used to detect and analyze the water softening regeneration process, and give warning reminders for unqualified water softening regeneration processes and salt tank salt shortages, so that customers can timely understand the relevant working conditions of the water softener and take necessary maintenance measures.

[0010] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0011] A water softening control system includes a water softener and an automatic salt deficiency diagnosis device for the water softener; wherein the water softener is connected to a drain pipe;

[0012] The automatic diagnosis device for salt deficiency in a water softener comprises a single chip microcomputer, and a TDS sensor device and a regeneration start flow sensor respectively connected to the single chip microcomputer; the regeneration start flow sensor is set as a flow sensor, or is set as an automatic softening control valve. In the composition of the automatic diagnosis device for salt deficiency in a water softener, either the flow sensor connected to the single chip microcomputer or the automatic softening control valve can be selected;

[0013] When the regeneration start flow sensor is set as a flow sensor, the flow sensor and the TDS sensor device are respectively connected to the drain pipe of the water softener through the matching pipe fittings; the single chip microcomputer is used to collect the TDS value and the number of data of the TDS sensor device at the set time interval after the number of flow pulses emitted by the flow sensor reaches the set frequency, until the flow pulse signal of the flow sensor stops; the single chip microcomputer performs data analysis on the collected TDS value and the number of data, and gives a prompt signal whether the water softening regeneration is normally completed and whether the salt tank is short of salt;

[0014] When the regeneration start flow sensor is set as an automatic softening control valve, the automatic softening control valve is connected to the water softener, and the drain pipe is connected to the water softener through the automatic softening control valve; the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration start switch signal to the single-chip microcomputer, and the single-chip microcomputer collects the TDS value and the number of data of the TDS sensor device at the set time interval until the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration stop switch signal to the single-chip microcomputer. The single-chip microcomputer performs data analysis on the collected TDS value and the number of data, and gives a prompt signal whether the water softening regeneration is normally completed and whether the salt tank is short of salt.

[0015] In the water softening control system as described above, the TDS sensing device can be set as a TDS sensor, and the TDS sensor is connected to a TDS sensor access port provided on the single-chip microcomputer.

[0016] As described above, the TDS sensing device is configured as a TDS probe without a water quality and temperature processing circuit. The TDS probe is connected to a TDS probe access port provided by the single-chip microcomputer, and with the cooperation of the water quality test circuit and the temperature detection circuit built into the single-chip microcomputer, the detection result of the TDS probe in the drain pipe of the water softener is processed by the single-chip microcomputer to obtain water quality / temperature data.

[0017] In a water softening control system as described above, when the regeneration start flow sensor is set as a flow sensor, when the water softener performs regeneration, the flow sensor sends a flow pulse signal which is collected by the single chip microcomputer. When the pulse frequency is detected to be ≥20Hz and lasts for 1min, the single chip microcomputer regards that the water softening regeneration has started, and the regeneration diagnostic program is started at the same time; otherwise, the regeneration diagnostic program of the single chip microcomputer is not started; after the regeneration diagnostic program is started, the single chip microcomputer collects the TDS value of the TDS sensor device every 10 seconds, and automatically records the number of valid data >1500ppm until the detection work of the single chip microcomputer in a detection cycle is completed; when the single chip microcomputer system detects that the flow pulse frequency of the flow sensor is <20Hz and the duration is >2min, the detection is terminated, and the single chip microcomputer regards that the water softening regeneration is terminated; when a detection cycle ends, the single chip microcomputer performs data analysis on the TDS value collected during this detection period, the number of TDS value data, and the number of valid data: in case one, if the number of TDS value data collected is <120, it is regarded as an invalid cycle, and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0018] Case 2: If the number of TDS data collected is ≥ 120, and the total number of valid data is < 60, the microcontroller determines that the salt box is short of salt, and issues a softening salt shortage alarm, and controls the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm;

[0019] Case 3: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes after the termination of water softening regeneration is <1500ppm, the regeneration is considered to be completed normally, and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0020] Case 4: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥ 120, and the total number of valid data is ≥ 60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is ≥ 1500ppm, the microcontroller determines that the water softening regeneration is abnormally terminated, and issues a regeneration abnormality alarm, controlling the alarm to emit an audible and visual alarm.

[0021] In a water softening control system as described above, the regeneration start flow sensor is set as an automatic softening control valve. When the water softener performs regeneration, the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration start switch signal to the single chip microcomputer, which regards the start of water softening regeneration and starts the regeneration diagnostic program at the same time; the single chip microcomputer collects the TDS value of the TDS sensor device every 10 seconds and automatically records the number of valid data > 1500ppm until the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration stop switch signal to the single chip microcomputer, which regards the termination of water softening regeneration and terminates detection. The detection work of the single chip microcomputer in a detection cycle ends; when a detection cycle ends. The single chip microcomputer performs data analysis on the TDS value collected during this detection period, the number of TDS value data, and the number of valid data:

[0022] In case 1, if the number of collected TDS value data is less than 120, it is regarded as an invalid cycle and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0023] Case 2: If the number of TDS data collected is ≥ 120, and the total number of valid data is < 60, the microcontroller determines that the salt box is short of salt, and issues a softening salt shortage alarm, and controls the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm;

[0024] Case 3: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is <1500ppm, the regeneration is considered to be completed normally, and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0025] Case 4: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is ≥1500ppm, the microcontroller (P) determines that the water softening regeneration is abnormally terminated, and issues a regeneration abnormality alarm, controlling the alarm to emit an audible and visual alarm.

[0026] The technical solution provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] First, the water softening control system of the present invention realizes the diagnosis of abnormalities related to the water softener through the combined action of the flow signal + TDS water quality signal. Since the TDS index in the drainage during the softening and regeneration process varies greatly (the TDS index when there is no salt is the tap water index - according to relevant national regulations, the TDS of tap water must be <1500ppm, and when there is salt, it is as high as tens of thousands of PPM), this diagnostic process has extremely low requirements for the specific accuracy of flow and TDS, and is a semi-quantitative method, which makes it highly reliable and has good compatibility, which is conducive to large-scale promotion.

[0028] Second, the water softening control system of the present invention integrates a single-chip microcomputer, a TDS sensor device and a regeneration start flow sensor into one to form a compact and independent electronic product. The product can be installed on the drain pipe of any existing softening device to realize related functions without the need to modify the structure and circuit of the existing softening and regeneration device. The product has good compatibility and is conducive to large-scale promotion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the water softening control system of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the regeneration start flow sensor of the present invention being set as a flow sensor;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the regeneration start flow sensor of the present invention being set as an automatic softening control valve;

[0033] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the flow sensor and the TDS sensor device of the present invention are connected to a drain pipe;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the single chip microcomputer of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the working process of the water softening control system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0037] In the claims, description and the above-mentioned drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, the use of terms such as "first", "second" or "third" etc. are for distinguishing different objects rather than for describing a specific order.

[0038] In the claims, specification and the above-mentioned drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, directional words, such as the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the specific protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] In the claims, specification and the above drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, if the term "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" is used, it should be understood in a broad sense, that is, any connection method without a displacement relationship and relative rotation relationship between the two, that is to say, including non-detachable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integrated connection and fixed connection through other devices or elements.

[0040] In the claims, description and drawings of the present invention, if the terms "include", "have" and their variations are used, they are intended to mean "including but not limited to".

[0041] Now combined Figures 1 to 6 , describes a water softening control system of the present invention, including a water softener, and an automatic salt deficiency diagnosis device for the water softener.

[0042] The water softener of the present invention is connected with a tap water pipe, a drain pipe, a softened water outlet pipe and a salt box.

[0043] The automatic diagnosis device for salt deficiency of a water softener of the present invention comprises a single chip microcomputer (P). The present embodiment adopts a single chip microcomputer of model SWP-401. The device also comprises a TDS sensor device (D) and a regeneration start flow sensor. The TDS sensor device (D) and the regeneration start flow sensor are respectively connected to the single chip microcomputer (P).

[0044] The regeneration start flow sensor can be set as a flow sensor (F) or an automatic softening control valve. The flow sensor (F) is connected to the flow sensor interface provided on the single chip computer (P), and the automatic softening control valve is connected to the control valve interface provided on the single chip computer (P). That is, in the structure of the automatic diagnosis device for salt deficiency of a water softener of the present invention, either the flow sensor (F) for connecting to the single chip computer (P) or the automatic softening control valve can be selected.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the regeneration start flow sensor of the present invention is set as a flow sensor (F). The present embodiment adopts a flow sensor of model HZ21WI, and the flow sensor (F) is connected to the flow sensor interface provided on the single chip computer (P). That is, the automatic diagnosis device for salt deficiency of a water softener of the present invention comprises a single chip computer (P), a TDS sensor device (D) and a flow sensor (F). The flow sensor (F) and the TDS sensor device (D) are respectively connected to the single chip computer (P) through wires, and the flow sensor (F) and the TDS sensor device (D) are respectively connected to the drain pipe of the water softener through matching pipe fittings.

[0046] When the water softener is regenerating, water flows out of the drain pipe, triggering the flow sensor (F) to send a flow pulse signal. After the flow pulse signal is collected by the single-chip microcomputer (P), when the pulse number of the flow pulse signal reaches the set frequency, the single-chip microcomputer (P) regards the water softening regeneration as starting, and the regeneration diagnostic program starts. Then, the single-chip microcomputer (P) collects the TDS value and data number of the TDS sensor device (D) at the set time interval until the flow pulse signal of the flow sensor (F) stops, and the single-chip microcomputer (P) regards the water softening regeneration process as over. During the detection period from the start of water softening regeneration to the termination of the water softening regeneration, the single chip microcomputer (P) performs data analysis on the TDS value and the number of data collected during this detection period, and according to the set judgment logic, gives a prompt signal of whether the water softening regeneration is normally completed and whether the salt tank is short of salt, and then outputs the prompt signal to the display screen; and when it is judged that the water softening regeneration is not completed normally, it issues a regeneration abnormality alarm, and controls the alarm and indicator light to issue an audible and visual alarm; when it is judged that the salt tank is short of salt, it issues a softening salt shortage alarm, and controls the alarm and indicator light to issue an audible and visual alarm.

[0047] Specifically, when the water softener is regenerating, water flows out of the drain pipe of the water softener, which triggers the flow sensor (F) to send a flow pulse signal. After the flow pulse signal is collected by the single-chip microcomputer (P), when the pulse frequency is detected to be ≥20Hz and lasts for 1 minute, the single-chip microcomputer (P) regards that the water softening regeneration has started, and the regeneration diagnostic program is started at the same time; otherwise, the regeneration diagnostic program of the single-chip microcomputer (P) will not start.

[0048] After the regeneration diagnostic program is started, the single chip microcomputer (P) collects the TDS value of the TDS sensor device (D) every 10 seconds and automatically records the number of valid data (V) > 1500ppm until the detection work of the single chip microcomputer (P) in one detection cycle is completed.

[0049] When the single-chip computer (P) system detects that the flow pulse frequency of the flow sensor (F) is less than 20Hz and the duration is greater than 2min, the detection is terminated and the single-chip computer (P) regards the water softening regeneration as terminated. The process from the start of the water softening regeneration to the termination of the water softening regeneration is called a detection cycle.

[0050] When a detection cycle ends, the microcontroller (P) performs data analysis on the TDS value, the number of TDS value data, and the number of valid data (V) collected during this detection period:

[0051] In case 1, if the number of collected TDS value data is less than 120, it is regarded as an invalid cycle and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0052] Case 2: If the number of TDS values ​​collected is ≥ 120 and the total number of valid data (V) is < 60, the microcontroller (P) determines that the salt box is short of salt and issues a softening salt shortage alarm, while controlling the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm.

[0053] Case 3: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes after the termination of water softening regeneration is <1500ppm, the regeneration is considered to be completed normally, and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0054] Case 4: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is ≥1500ppm, the microcontroller (P) determines that the water softening regeneration is abnormally terminated, and issues a regeneration abnormality alarm, and controls the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm. The above situation is usually caused by insufficient positive washing.

[0055] Embodiment 2: The regeneration start flow sensor of the present invention is set as an automatic softening control valve, which is connected to the control valve interface provided on the single chip microcomputer (P). The automatic softening control valve can replace the function of the above-mentioned flow sensor (F). That is, the automatic diagnosis device for salt deficiency of the water softener includes a single chip microcomputer (P), an automatic softening control valve and a TDS sensor device (D). The TDS sensor device (D) is connected to the single chip microcomputer (P) through a wire, and the TDS sensor device (D) is connected to the drain pipe of the water softener through an adapted pipe. The automatic softening control valve is connected to the water softener and connected to the single chip microcomputer (P) through a wire. The tap water pipe, the drain pipe, the softened water outlet pipe and the salt tank are respectively connected to the water softener through the automatic softening control valve. The automatic softening control valve is used to control and realize the start or stop of the regeneration diagnosis program to replace the function of the above-mentioned flow sensor (F).

[0056] The automatic softening control valve inputs the regeneration switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P) in the form of a switch signal output, and the regeneration switch signal includes a regeneration start switch signal and a regeneration stop switch signal. The automatic softening control valve outputs the regeneration start switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), and the single chip microcomputer (P) regards it as the start of water softening regeneration; the automatic softening control valve outputs the regeneration stop switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), and the single chip microcomputer (P) regards it as the end of water softening regeneration; the process from the start of water softening regeneration to the end of water softening regeneration is called a detection cycle.

[0057] When the water softener performs regeneration, the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration start switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), and the single chip microcomputer (P) regards that the water softening regeneration has started, and the regeneration diagnostic program starts at the same time. Then, the single chip microcomputer (P) collects the TDS value and the number of data of the TDS sensor device (D) at the set time interval until the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration stop switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), and the single chip microcomputer (P) regards that the water softening regeneration has ended. In the detection cycle from the start of the water softening regeneration to the end of the water softening regeneration, the single chip microcomputer (P) performs data analysis on the TDS value and the number of data collected during this detection cycle, and according to the set judgment logic, gives a prompt signal whether the water softening regeneration has ended normally and whether the salt tank is short of salt; and when it is judged that the water softening regeneration has not ended normally, a regeneration abnormality alarm is issued, and the alarm and the indicator light are controlled to issue an audible and visual alarm; when it is judged that the salt tank is short of salt, a softening salt shortage alarm is issued, and the alarm and the indicator light are controlled to issue an audible and visual alarm.

[0058] Specifically, when the water softener performs regeneration, the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration start switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), and the single chip microcomputer (P) regards the water softening regeneration as starting, and the regeneration diagnostic program starts at the same time. After the regeneration diagnostic program is started, the single chip microcomputer (P) collects the TDS value of the TDS sensor device (D) every 10 seconds, and automatically records the number of valid data (V) > 1500ppm, until the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration stop switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), the single chip microcomputer (P) regards the water softening regeneration as terminated, terminates the detection, and the detection work of the single chip microcomputer (P) in one detection cycle ends.

[0059] When a detection cycle ends, the microcontroller (P) performs data analysis on the TDS value, the number of TDS value data, and the number of valid data (V) collected during this detection period:

[0060] In case 1, if the number of collected TDS value data is less than 120, it is regarded as an invalid cycle and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0061] Case 2: If the number of TDS values ​​collected is ≥ 120 and the total number of valid data (V) is < 60, the microcontroller (P) determines that the salt box is short of salt and issues a softening salt shortage alarm, while controlling the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm.

[0062] Case 3: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is <1500ppm, the regeneration is considered to be completed normally, and the system does not issue any alarm;

[0063] Case 4: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is ≥1500ppm, the microcontroller (P) determines that the water softening regeneration is abnormally terminated, and issues a regeneration abnormality alarm, and controls the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm. The above situation is usually caused by insufficient positive washing.

[0064] The TDS sensing device (D) of the present invention can be set as a TDS sensor. This embodiment uses a TDS sensor of model TDS-3TC, which is connected to the TDS sensor access port provided on the single-chip microcomputer (P). The TDS in the TDS sensor (D) is the abbreviation of total dissolved solids in English, and its Chinese translation is total dissolved solids, also known as total salt content. The measurement unit is milligrams per liter (mg / L), which indicates how many milligrams of total dissolved solids are dissolved in 1 liter of water, or the total amount of ions in 1 liter of water. The measurement principle of the TDS sensing device (D) is obtained by measuring the conductivity of water and converting it. Specifically, the TDS-3TC TDS sensor converts the detection result in the drain pipe of the water softener into a digital signal (TDS+temperature signal), and sends the digital signal output to the single-chip microcomputer (P). The digital signal is processed by the single-chip microcomputer (P) to obtain the original water quality / temperature data.

[0065] The TDS sensor device (D) of the present invention can also be a TDS probe without a water quality and temperature processing circuit. This embodiment uses a TDS probe of model TDS-3TC, which is connected to a TDS probe access port provided by the single-chip microcomputer (P). In cooperation with the water quality test circuit (A / D conversion and alternating voltage provided by the pin of the single-chip microcomputer (P)) and the temperature detection circuit built into the single-chip microcomputer (P), the detection result of the TDS probe in the drain pipe of the water softener is processed by the single-chip microcomputer (P) to obtain water quality / temperature data.

[0066] The above description shows and describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention. As mentioned above, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the form disclosed herein, and should not be regarded as excluding other embodiments, but can be used in various other combinations, modifications and environments, and can be modified within the scope of the invention concept described herein through the above teachings or the technology or knowledge of the relevant field. The changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and should be within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. A water softening control method, characterized in that: It includes a water softener and an automatic diagnosis device for salt deficiency in the water softener; wherein, Water softener, connected to a drain pipe; The invention discloses an automatic salt-deficient diagnosis device for a water softener, comprising a single chip microcomputer (P), and a TDS sensor device (D) and a regeneration start flow sensor respectively connected to the single chip microcomputer (P); the regeneration start flow sensor is configured as a flow sensor (F), or as an automatic softening control valve. In the configuration of the automatic salt-deficient diagnosis device for a water softener, either the flow sensor (F) connected to the single chip microcomputer (P) or the automatic softening control valve can be selected; When the regeneration start flow sensor is set as a flow sensor (F), the flow sensor (F) and the TDS sensor device (D) are respectively connected to the drain pipe of the water softener through matching pipes; the single chip microcomputer (P) is used to collect the TDS value and the number of data of the TDS sensor device (D) at a set time interval after the number of flow pulses emitted by the flow sensor (F) reaches a set frequency, until the flow pulse signal of the flow sensor (F) stops; the single chip microcomputer (P) performs data analysis on the collected TDS value and the number of data, and gives a prompt signal whether the water softening regeneration is normally completed and whether the salt tank is short of salt; When the regeneration start flow sensor is set as an automatic softening control valve, the automatic softening control valve is connected to the water softener, and the drain pipe is connected to the water softener through the automatic softening control valve; the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration start switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), and the single chip microcomputer (P) collects the TDS value and the number of data of the TDS sensor device (D) at a set time interval, until the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration stop switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P), and the single chip microcomputer (P) performs data analysis on the collected TDS value and the number of data, and gives a prompt signal whether the water softening regeneration is normally completed and whether the salt tank is short of salt; When the regeneration start flow sensor is set to flow sensor (F), when the water softener performs regeneration, the flow sensor (F) sends a flow pulse signal which is collected by the single chip microcomputer (P). When the pulse frequency is detected to be ≥20Hz and lasts for 1min, the single chip microcomputer (P) regards that the water softening regeneration has started and the regeneration diagnostic program is started at the same time; otherwise, the regeneration diagnostic program of the single chip microcomputer (P) will not start; after the regeneration diagnostic program is started, the single chip microcomputer (P) collects the TDS value of the TDS sensor device (D) every 10 seconds and automatically records the number of valid data (V) >1500ppm until the detection work of the single chip microcomputer (P) in a detection cycle is completed; when the single chip microcomputer (P) system detects that the flow pulse frequency of the flow sensor (F) is <20Hz and lasts for >2min, the detection is terminated and the single chip microcomputer (P) regards that the water softening regeneration is terminated; when a detection cycle ends, the single chip microcomputer (P) performs data analysis on the TDS value, the number of TDS value data, and the number of valid data (V) collected during this detection period: In case 1, if the number of collected TDS value data is less than 120, it is regarded as an invalid cycle and the system does not issue any alarm; Case 2: If the number of TDS data collected is ≥ 120, and the total number of valid data (V) is < 60, the single-chip microcomputer (P) determines that the salt box is short of salt, and issues a softening salt shortage alarm, and controls the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm; Case 3: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes after the termination of water softening regeneration is <1500ppm, the regeneration is considered to be completed normally, and the system does not issue any alarm; Case 4: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is ≥1500ppm, the single chip microcomputer (P) determines that the water softening regeneration is abnormally terminated, and issues a regeneration abnormality alarm, and controls the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm; The regeneration start flow sensor is set as an automatic softening control valve. When the water softener performs regeneration, the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration start switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P). The single chip microcomputer (P) regards that the water softening regeneration has started, and the regeneration diagnostic program starts at the same time; the single chip microcomputer (P) collects the TDS value of the TDS sensor device (D) every 10 seconds, and automatically records the number of valid data (V)>1500ppm, until the automatic softening control valve outputs a regeneration stop switch signal to the single chip microcomputer (P). The single chip microcomputer (P) regards that the water softening regeneration has terminated, terminates the detection, and the detection work of the single chip microcomputer (P) in a detection cycle ends; when a detection cycle ends; the single chip microcomputer (P) performs data analysis on the TDS value, the number of TDS value data, and the number of valid data (V) collected during this detection period: In case 1, if the number of collected TDS value data is less than 120, it is regarded as an invalid cycle and the system does not issue any alarm; Case 2: If the number of TDS data collected is ≥ 120, and the total number of valid data (V) is < 60, the single-chip microcomputer (P) determines that the salt box is short of salt, and issues a softening salt shortage alarm, and controls the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm; Case 3: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is <1500ppm, the regeneration is considered to be completed normally, and the system does not issue any alarm; Case 4: If the total number of recorded TDS data is ≥120, and the total number of valid data (V) is ≥60, and the average TDS value collected within 2 minutes of the termination of water softening regeneration is ≥1500ppm, the single chip microcomputer (P) determines that the water softening regeneration is abnormally terminated, and issues a regeneration abnormality alarm, controlling the alarm to emit an audible and visual alarm.

2. A water softening control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The TDS sensing device (D) is configured as a TDS sensor, which is connected to a TDS sensor access port provided on the single chip microcomputer (P).

3. A water softening control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The TDS sensor device (D) is configured as a TDS probe without a water quality and temperature processing circuit. The TDS probe is connected to a TDS probe access port provided on the single chip microcomputer (P). With the cooperation of a water quality test circuit and a temperature detection circuit built into the single chip microcomputer (P), the detection result of the TDS probe in the drain pipe of the water softener is processed by the single chip microcomputer (P) to obtain water quality / temperature data.

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