Multifunctional water meter and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a multifunctional water meter and a control method. The multifunctional water meter includes: a housing; a main line; a metering module; a water softening device, which is arranged on the main line; a first water hardness detection device, which is arranged on the main line and located upstream of the water softening device; a second water hardness detection device, which is arranged on the main line and located downstream of the water softening device; and a control module for calculating the softening degree based on the water hardness values detected by the first water hardness detection device and the second water hardness detection device, and adjusting the working parameters of the water softening device according to the softening degree. The multifunctional water meter of the present invention has a high degree of integration, so that it can realize the function of water softening while measuring, and occupies a small space. The softening degree of the water softening device is calculated by detecting the water hardness upstream and downstream of the water softening device, and then the working parameters of the water softening device are adjusted according to the softening degree, so that the water softened by it meets the set requirements, and the water softening degree can be adjusted and controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of water metering, and in particular relates to a multifunctional water meter and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A water meter is an instrument that measures water flow, mostly the cumulative flow of water.

[0003] Traditional mechanical water meters are generally divided into two categories: volumetric and velocity meters. Mechanical meters are widely used due to their ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and durability. However, mechanical meters are inherently difficult to read, leading them to be gradually replaced by smart meters in the market.

[0004] However, with the increasing severity of water pollution, tap water quality cannot be guaranteed, especially in high-rise buildings where secondary water supply is more susceptible to water contamination. Existing smart water meters cannot provide users with timely information on changes in their water quality. Users can use water regardless of its quality, which not only seriously harms their health but also damages water-related appliances, especially when water quality changes suddenly.

[0005] Water hardness is one of the parameters used to assess water quality. Due to regional variations, some areas have higher water hardness due to elevated calcium and magnesium ion content, which can negatively impact daily life and production. Using hard water in daily life not only affects quality of life but also human health. Using hard water in production can easily cause scaling in boilers and other heat exchange equipment, disrupting normal production and requiring time and effort to clean. Therefore, water with high hardness needs to be softened by removing excess calcium and magnesium ions. Currently, the most commonly used softening methods are reverse osmosis and ion exchange. The reverse osmosis membrane, the main component of reverse osmosis equipment, filters out most ions in water, producing soft water. However, reverse osmosis membranes require pressure to operate, resulting in low water production per unit time. Ion exchange equipment, consisting of ion exchange resins, removes calcium and magnesium ions through cation exchange, achieving water softening. However, ion exchange resins require regular regeneration to restore exchange capacity, making the operation cumbersome. Furthermore, water softening equipment using reverse osmosis and ion exchange methods is bulky and requires significant space. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention addresses the technical problems in the prior art where the water softening device and the water meter are independently provided and assembled separately, resulting in high cost and large space occupation, as well as the technical problem of uncontrollable water softening degree. A multifunctional water meter is proposed to solve the above problems.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A multifunctional water meter, comprising:

[0009] case;

[0010] a main pipeline, located in the shell;

[0011] A metering module located on the main pipe;

[0012] The multifunctional water meter further comprises:

[0013] a water softening device, which is arranged on the main pipe;

[0014] a first water hardness detection device, which is disposed on the main line and upstream of the water softening device;

[0015] a second water hardness detection device, which is disposed on the main line and downstream of the water softening device;

[0016] A control module is used to calculate the softening degree according to the water hardness values detected by the first water hardness detection device and the second water hardness detection device, and to adjust the working parameters of the water softening device according to the softening degree.

[0017] Furthermore, the water softening device is an electrodialysis water softening device, which includes:

[0018] Softening tank;

[0019] an ion exchange membrane disposed in the softening chamber;

[0020] A power supply module is connected to the control module and is used to provide a DC voltage to the softening chamber. The control module adjusts the soft water intensity of the water softening device by controlling the DC voltage value output by the power supply module.

[0021] Furthermore, the softening chamber is also connected to a sewage pipe, and a sewage valve is provided in the sewage pipe;

[0022] A flow sensor is provided in the main pipe, and the drain valve and the flow sensor are respectively connected to the control module.

[0023] Furthermore, the multifunctional water meter also includes a communication module, which is connected to the control module and is used to send water consumption information and water hardness information.

[0024] Furthermore, the multifunctional water meter further includes:

[0025] A TDS sensor is provided on the main line and upstream of the metering module;

[0026] A water quality detection branch connected to the main line between the TDS sensor and the metering module;

[0027] A water quality detection module is located on the water quality detection branch;

[0028] A switch module, used for controlling the opening or closing of the main line and the water quality detection branch line;

[0029] The control module turns on the main line and turns off the water quality detection branch when the TDS value detected by the TDS sensor meets the standard; turns on the water quality detection branch and turns off the main line when the TDS value does not meet the standard; turns on the main line and turns off the water quality detection branch when the water quality detected by the water quality detection module meets the standard; turns off the main line and the water quality detection branch when the water quality does not meet the standard, and / or, issues an alarm, and / or turns off the water inlet of the associated water-consuming appliances.

[0030] The present invention also proposes a multifunctional water meter control method, comprising the following steps:

[0031] Detect the inlet water hardness value GH1 and outlet water hardness value GH2 of the electrodialysis water softening device respectively;

[0032] Calculate the softening degree B based on the inlet water hardness value GH1 and the outlet water hardness value GH2;

[0033] The softening degree B is judged. When the softening degree B meets the set conditions, the current working state of the electrodialysis water softening device is maintained. Otherwise, the working voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device is adjusted or the output of soft water is stopped and an alarm is issued.

[0034] Furthermore, the step of judging the softening degree B includes:

[0035] Compare the softening degree B with the preset value A. When B=A, maintain the current working state of the electrodialysis water softening device;

[0036] When B>A, adjust the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device:

[0037] When B<A, adjusting the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device and / or stopping outputting soft water and issuing an alarm;

[0038] The adjustment amount of the working voltage V = V0×(BA)×α, where α is the correction coefficient and V0 is the standard voltage.

[0039] Furthermore, when B<A, it also includes detecting whether there is water flow in the current main line. When there is no water flow, the working voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device is reversed and the drain valve is opened at the same time.

[0040] Furthermore, after adjusting the operating voltage V of the electrodialysis water softening device, return to the step of calculating the softening degree.

[0041] Furthermore, the calculation method of the softening degree B is:

[0042] B=1- GH2 / GH1.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0044] 1. The multifunctional water meter of the present invention has a high degree of integration by arranging the water softening device in the main pipe of the water meter, so that it can realize the function of water softening while measuring. It is assembled in one piece during assembly, and there is no need to assemble a separate water softening device, so it takes up little space.

[0045] 2. Calculate the softening degree of the water softener by detecting the water hardness upstream and downstream of the water softener, and then adjust the working parameters of the water softener according to the softening degree so that the softened water meets the set requirements, thus realizing the adjustable and controllable water softening degree.

[0046] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after reading the detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the multifunctional water meter proposed by the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the local structure in;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of another embodiment of the multifunctional water meter proposed by the present invention;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of an embodiment of the multifunctional water meter control method proposed in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0053] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or component described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a multifunctional water meter, comprising a housing 11, a main line 12, and a metering module 13. The main line 12 is located within the housing 11. One end of the main line 12 is connected to the tap water network, and the other end is connected to a water terminal. The metering module 13 is located on the main line 12 and is used to measure water consumption at the water terminal. The metering module 13 may have a display dial for displaying the measured value.

[0056] The multifunctional water meter of this embodiment also includes a water softening device 14 , a first water hardness detection device 15 , a second water hardness detection device 16 and a control module 17 . The water softening device 14 is arranged on the main line 12 for softening the tap water flowing through the main line 12 .

[0057] The first water hardness detection device 15 is provided on the main pipeline 12 and is located upstream of the water softening device 14 , and is used to detect the water hardness GH1 of the water inlet of the water softening device 14 .

[0058] The second water hardness detection device 16 is provided on the main line 12 and is located downstream of the water softening device 14 , and is used to detect the outlet water hardness GH2 of the water softening device 14 .

[0059] Control module 17 determines the softening degree based on the inlet water hardness GH1 and outlet water hardness GH2, and adjusts the operating parameters of water softener 14 accordingly. By adjusting the operating parameters of water softener 14, the softening capacity of water softener 14 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the softening degree of water to achieve the desired softening degree.

[0060] Main conduit 12, located within housing 11, is the primary route for external water to enter the user's water supply. Main conduit 12 includes a water inlet and a water outlet, both of which extend beyond housing 11. The inlet of main conduit 12 connects to an external water source (tap water), while the outlet of main conduit 12 connects to the user's water pipe.

[0061] The multifunctional water meter of this embodiment has a high degree of integration by arranging the water softening device 14 in the main pipe 12 of the water meter, so that it can realize the function of water softening while measuring. It is assembled as a whole during assembly, and there is no need to assemble a separate water softening device, so it takes up little space.

[0062] It is understood that detecting the upstream and downstream of the water softening device 14 means that, based on the direction of water flow, the incoming water is considered upstream, and the outgoing water is considered downstream. In this embodiment, the water meter is typically installed at the user terminal to record the user's water consumption. The water plant supplies water to the user terminal through the water pipe network, so the water flow direction is fixed. Therefore, the upstream and downstream of the water softening device 14 are also fixed.

[0063] By detecting the water hardness of the water entering and leaving the water softening device 14, the softening degree of the water softening device can be obtained, and then the working parameters of the water softening device can be adjusted according to the softening degree so that the water softened by it meets the set requirements, thereby realizing the adjustable and controllable water softening degree. Users can adjust and set the softening degree according to their actual needs.

[0064] The water softening device is preferably disposed upstream of the metering module 13 so that the water passing through the metering module 13 is softened water, thereby protecting the metering module 13 .

[0065] The water softening device 14 of this embodiment is preferably implemented using an electrodialysis water softening device. Electrodialysis refers to the process of utilizing the selective permeability of ion exchange membranes (cation exchange membranes only allow cations to pass through, and anion exchange membranes only allow anions to pass through). Under the drive of an external DC electric field, anions and cations move toward the anode and cathode, respectively, resulting in directional migration of ions in the water, thereby achieving the purpose of desalination of salt water. Currently, tap water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, resulting in high water hardness. The water softening process is the process of filtering out calcium and magnesium ions in the water. In this solution, by using electrodialysis to soften water, the passage of calcium and magnesium ions, which are cations, is blocked, thereby achieving the purpose of water softening.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the water softening device 14 includes a softening chamber 141, an ion exchange membrane 142, and a power module 143. The softening chamber 141 has a water inlet 1411 and a water outlet 1412 at both ends, respectively, and the water inlet 1411 and the water outlet 1412 are respectively connected to the main pipeline 12. The ion exchange membrane 142 is disposed in the softening chamber 141. The power module 143 is connected to the control module 17 and is used to provide a DC voltage to the softening chamber 141. Driven by the DC electric field, ions move, and the ion exchange membrane adsorbs and blocks calcium and magnesium cations, allowing softened water to be discharged through the water outlet 1412.

[0067] The ion exchange membrane 142 can be implemented in a flat plate type or a rolled type.

[0068] The power module 143 can be implemented by an AD conversion module, which is used to convert the input AC power into a DC voltage output. The power module 143 is controlled by the control module.

[0069] The ability of ion movement and exchange is related to the intensity of the applied DC electric field. Specifically, the greater the applied DC voltage, the faster the ions move, and therefore more calcium and magnesium ions can be adsorbed and blocked, and the stronger the water softening ability. Conversely, the weaker the water softening ability.

[0070] Based on the above, the control module 17 controls the DC voltage value output by the power module 143 to thereby adjust the water softening strength of the water softening device.

[0071] The softening degree reflects the strength of the water softening and can be determined based on the water hardness before and after softening. The control module obtains the set target softening degree, compares the actual softening degree with the target softening degree, and adjusts the operating parameters of the water softener based on the comparison result.

[0072] When the actual softening degree is greater than the target softening degree, it indicates that the water is over-softened, and the DC voltage value output by the power module 143 can be adjusted to be smaller accordingly.

[0073] When the actual softening degree is less than the target softening degree, it indicates that the softening intensity of the water is insufficient, and the DC voltage value output by the power module 143 may be increased accordingly.

[0074] In this embodiment, by arranging the electrodialysis water softening device in the housing 11 of the water meter, the electrodialysis water softening device has the advantages of small space occupation, electrical principle of softening water without polluting the environment, no need for external booster pump drive, and low water production cost. The electrodialysis water softening device is small in size and can be combined with the water meter to realize the water metering function while softening the water.

[0075] When the DC voltage output by the power module 143 increases to a certain value, the softening degree is still insufficient, indicating that the ion exchange membrane 142 has adsorbed a large amount of cations and has reached a saturated state, and needs to be cleared.

[0076] The softening chamber 141 is also connected to a sewage pipe 144 , in which a sewage valve 145 is provided. The cleaned sewage containing a large amount of calcium and magnesium ions can be discharged through the sewage pipe 144 .

[0077] A flow sensor 18 is provided in the main line 12 for detecting whether there is water flow in the main line 12, reflecting the user's water usage status. The drain valve 145 and the flow sensor 18 are respectively connected to the control module 17. The flow sensor 18 sends the detected data to the control module 17, and the control module 17 can control the opening and closing status of the drain valve 145.

[0078] When the DC voltage value output by the power module 143 has increased to a certain value and still fails to reach the target softening degree, the control logic for removing calcium and magnesium ions from the ion exchange membrane 142 should be executed. The removal of calcium and magnesium ions should be performed when the user is not using water to prevent the removed sewage containing a large amount of calcium and magnesium ions from entering the pipelines of the user terminal and the water-using equipment and causing pollution.

[0079] The multifunctional water meter can also be linked with water-using appliances and servers, connecting the water meter to a smart home and enabling data transmission and sharing. To this end, the multifunctional water meter also includes a communication module that is connected to the control module and is used to transmit water consumption information and water hardness information.

[0080] The multifunctional water meter of this embodiment also has a water quality detection function, such as Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a TDS sensor 19, a water quality detection branch 20, a water quality detection module 21 and a switch module. The TDS sensor 19 is arranged on the main line 12, upstream of the metering module 13. The TDS sensor 19 is used to detect the TDS value of water. Since the total solid content TDS dissolved in the water changes first when the water is polluted, the present embodiment first detects the TDS value in real time through the TDS sensor 19, and determines whether a precise detection is required based on the TDS value. When the TDS value meets the standard and no precise detection is required, the water quality detection module 21 does not work. When the TDS value does not meet the standard and a precise detection is required, the water quality detection module 21 is used to perform a precise detection. This detection method can effectively reduce the frequency of use of the water quality detection module, increase the service life of the water quality detection module, and at the same time ensure detection accuracy.

[0081] The water quality detection branch 20 is connected to the main line 12 between the TDS sensor 19 and the metering module 13 .

[0082] The water quality detection module 20 is located on the water quality detection branch and is used to perform water quality testing when the water quality detection branch is connected. The water quality detection module 20 is capable of performing accurate water quality testing, including testing indicators such as TOC, COD, turbidity, and pH. The water quality detection module 20 includes at least one sensor for detecting any of these indicators, and uses these indicators to determine water quality. Preferably, the water quality detection module 20 is an integrated detection module capable of simultaneously detecting multiple indicators, and comprehensively determining water quality based on these multiple indicators.

[0083] The switch module is used to control the opening and closing of the main line 12 and the water quality detection branch line 20. In this embodiment, the switch module includes a first solenoid valve 71 located on the main line 12 and a second solenoid valve 72 located on the water quality detection branch line 20. Of course, the switch module can also be a two-way solenoid valve. The switch module also includes a one-way valve 73 located downstream of the water quality detection module 20 on the water quality detection branch line 20 to ensure the flow of water in the water quality detection branch line 20.

[0084] The control module is configured to open the main line 12 (open the first solenoid valve 71) and close the water quality detection branch 20 (close the second solenoid valve 72) when the TDS value detected by the TDS sensor 19 meets the standard. The control module is configured to open the water quality detection branch 20 (open the second solenoid valve 72) and close the main line 12 (close the first solenoid valve 71) when the TDS value does not meet the standard. The water quality detection module 20 performs precise water quality testing. The control module is configured to open the main line 12 (open the first solenoid valve 71) and close the water quality detection branch 20 (close the second solenoid valve 72) when the water quality detected by the water quality detection module 20 meets the standard. When the water quality does not meet the standard, the control module is configured to close the main line 12 (close the first solenoid valve 71) and the water quality detection branch 20 (close the second solenoid valve 72), forcing the water supply to stop and provide water lock protection. Alternatively, the control module may generate an alarm when the water quality does not meet the standard, prompting the user to take action. And / or, the control module is used to shut off the water supply of the associated water-using appliances when the water quality does not meet the standards, so as to protect the water-using appliances.

[0085] The TDS sensor 19 can perform an overall water quality test to provide a water quality warning. Furthermore, when the water quality does not meet the standards, the main line 12 and the water quality detection branch line 20 can be closed, forcing the water to stop flowing and providing water lock protection.

[0086] Preferably, the TDS sensor 19 is located downstream of the water softener 14, and the water quality detection branch 20 is located downstream of the TDS sensor 19. It is used to evaluate the quality of the water that finally enters the user terminal.

[0087] Example 2

[0088] This embodiment proposes a multifunctional water meter control method. The multifunctional water meter used in this control method can be found in the first embodiment and Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0089] Detect the inlet water hardness value GH1 and outlet water hardness value GH2 of the electrodialysis water softening device respectively;

[0090] The first water hardness detection device 15 is used to detect the water hardness of the water entering the electrodialysis water softening device, and the second water hardness detection device 16 is used to detect the water hardness of the water exiting the electrodialysis water softening device.

[0091] The softening degree B is calculated based on the inlet water hardness value GH1 and the outlet water hardness value GH2.

[0092] The softening degree B is judged. When the softening degree B meets the set conditions, the current working state of the electrodialysis water softening device is maintained, that is, the current working voltage of the water softening device 14 is maintained.

[0093] When the softening degree B does not meet the set conditions, the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device is adjusted or the output of soft water is stopped and an alarm is issued.

[0094] The calculation method of the softening degree B in this embodiment is:

[0095] B=1- GH2 / GH1.

[0096] The softening degree reflects the strength of the water softening and can be determined based on the water hardness before and after softening. The control module obtains the set target softening degree, compares the actual softening degree with the target softening degree, and adjusts the operating parameters of the water softener based on the comparison result.

[0097] Electrodialysis water softening devices utilize the selective permeability of ion exchange membranes (cation exchange membranes allow only cations to pass through, while anion exchange membranes allow only anions to pass through). Driven by an external DC electric field, anions and cations migrate toward the anode and cathode, respectively, resulting in directional migration of ions in the water, thereby achieving the purpose of desalination of salty water. Currently, tap water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, resulting in high water hardness. The water softening process involves filtering out these ions. This solution utilizes electrodialysis to soften water, blocking the passage of these cations, thereby achieving the desired water softening effect.

[0098] The control module controls the power module to provide a DC working voltage to the electrodialysis water softening device. Driven by the DC electric field, ions move, and the ion exchange membrane adsorbs and blocks calcium and magnesium cations. The electrodialysis water softening device discharges softened water through the water outlet.

[0099] The ability of ion movement and exchange is related to the strength of the applied DC electric field. Specifically, the greater the applied DC voltage, the stronger the water softening ability, and conversely, the weaker the water softening ability.

[0100] Adjusting the working parameters of the electrodialysis water softening device is to adjust the working voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device. In this solution, the control module 17 controls the DC voltage value output by the power module 143 to achieve the purpose of adjusting the water softening strength of the water softening device.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown, the steps for judging the softening degree B include:

[0102] Compare the softening degree B with the preset value A. When B=A, the softening degree B meets the set condition, and the current working state of the electrodialysis water softening device is maintained;

[0103] There are two situations in which the softening degree B does not meet the set conditions: one is that the softening degree B is too high, and the other is that the softening degree B is too low. Therefore, this solution adopts different treatment methods for the two situations.

[0104] When B>A, that is, the softening degree B is too high, adjust the working voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device. Specifically, the working voltage should be reduced to reduce the softening degree B to make it close to the preset value A.

[0105] When B<A, that is, the softening degree B is low, increase the working voltage to increase the softening degree B.

[0106] After increasing the working voltage, the softening degree B is detected again. If the softening degree B does not increase or the increase is less than the expected value, it means that the current ion exchange membrane 142 is in a saturated state and cannot continue to produce soft water efficiently. At this time, the output of soft water should be stopped and an alarm should be issued.

[0107] The operating voltage adjustment value, V, is V0 × (BA) × α, where α is the correction factor and V0 is the standard voltage. V can be positive or negative. A positive value increases the operating voltage, while a negative value decreases it.

[0108] The preset value A can be set in the control module or in a separate storage module. When the preset value A is set in the storage module, the control module reads the preset value A from the storage module.

[0109] When B<A, the method further includes detecting whether there is water flow in the current main line. If there is water flow, the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device is adjusted and / or the output of soft water is stopped and an alarm is issued.

[0110] When there is no water flow, the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softener is reversed, and the drain valve is opened. This means that the polarity of the input voltage to the electrodialysis water softener is reversed, changing the direction of ion movement. This causes calcium and magnesium ions attached to the ion exchange membrane 142 to leave the membrane. At this point, the drain valve is opened, allowing wastewater containing a large amount of calcium and magnesium ions to be discharged through the drain pipe, thereby maintaining optimal softening performance of the electrodialysis water softener.

[0111] After adjusting the working voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device, the process returns to the softening degree calculation step, and the softening degree B is close to or equal to the preset value A to achieve the target softening degree.

[0112] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for a person skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional water meter, comprising: case; a main pipeline, located in the shell; A metering module located on the main pipe; Characterized in that, the multifunctional water meter further comprises: a water softening device, which is arranged on the main pipe; a first water hardness detection device, which is disposed on the main line and upstream of the water softening device; a second water hardness detection device, which is disposed on the main line and downstream of the water softening device; a control module, configured to calculate a softening degree based on the water hardness values detected by the first water hardness detection device and the second water hardness detection device, and adjust operating parameters of the water softening device based on the softening degree; The multifunctional water meter further comprises: A TDS sensor is provided on the main line and upstream of the metering module; A water quality detection branch connected to the main line between the TDS sensor and the metering module; A water quality detection module is located on the water quality detection branch; The switch module is used to control the opening or closing of the main line and the water quality detection branch line.

2. The multifunctional water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water softening device is an electrodialysis water softening device, which comprises: Softening tank; an ion exchange membrane disposed in the softening chamber; A power supply module is connected to the control module and is used to provide a DC working voltage to the softening chamber. The control module adjusts the soft water intensity of the water softening device by controlling the working voltage value output by the power supply module.

3. The multifunctional water meter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The softening chamber is also connected to a sewage pipe, and a sewage valve is provided in the sewage pipe; A flow sensor is provided in the main pipe, and the drain valve and the flow sensor are respectively connected to the control module.

4. The multifunctional water meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The multifunctional water meter further comprises a communication module, which is connected to the control module and is used for sending water consumption information and water hardness information.

5. A multifunctional water meter control method, characterized in that: The multifunctional water meter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprises the following steps: Detect the inlet water hardness value GH1 and outlet water hardness value GH2 of the electrodialysis water softening device respectively; Calculate the softening degree B based on the inlet water hardness value GH1 and the outlet water hardness value GH2; The softening degree B is judged. When the softening degree B meets the set conditions, the current working state of the electrodialysis water softening device is maintained. Otherwise, the working voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device is adjusted or the output of soft water is stopped and an alarm is issued.

6. The multifunctional water meter control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The steps for judging the softening degree B include: Compare the softening degree B with the preset value A. When B=A, maintain the current working state of the electrodialysis water softening device; When B>A, adjust the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device: When B<A, adjusting the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device and / or stopping outputting soft water and issuing an alarm; The adjustment amount of the working voltage V = V0×(BA)×α, where α is the correction coefficient and V0 is the standard voltage.

7. The multifunctional water meter control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When B<A, the method further includes detecting whether there is water flow in the current main pipeline. When there is no water flow, the working voltage of the electrodialysis water softening device is reversed and the drain valve is opened at the same time.

8. The multifunctional water meter control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: After adjusting the operating voltage of the electrodialysis water softener, return to the step of calculating the softening degree.

9. The multifunctional water meter control method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: The calculation method of softening degree B is: B=1- GH2 / GH1.

Images