Multi-way valve and water softener

Abstract

The present application relates to a multi-way valve and a water softener, the water softener comprising: a water softening device; a multi-way valve and an ejector, the multi-way valve being mounted on the water softening device, the ejector being connected to the multi-way valve; wherein the multi-way valve and the ejector together form a regeneration channel for supplying salt water to the water softening device, a slow wash channel is formed on the multi-way valve for supplying raw water for performing a slow wash operation to the water softening device, the regeneration channel and the slow wash channel are selectively connected between the outside world and the water softening device. The salt supply channel and the latent channel in the above-mentioned water softener are independent of each other, the salt supply channel is used during regeneration, and the latent channel is used during slow washing. Compared with the prior art method of using the same channel for regeneration and slow washing, a latent channel independent of the salt supply channel is used for slow washing, which facilitates control of the flow rate of slow washing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a multi-way valve and a water softener. Background Art

[0002] With economic development and social progress, people's demands for a higher quality of life are becoming increasingly stringent, and a variety of water treatment equipment is being used in our lives. Common water treatment equipment includes water softeners and water purifiers. Water softeners are widely used in our lives because they can remove calcium and magnesium ions from water, reducing water hardness.

[0003] The water softener includes a resin tank. The functional ions (sodium ions) on the resin in the resin tank are exchanged with calcium and magnesium ions in the water, thereby absorbing excess calcium and magnesium ions in the water to achieve the purpose of removing scale (calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate).

[0004] After a period of use, the concentration of functional ions in the water softener's resin decreases, resulting in poor or no softening performance. In this case, salt water can be introduced into the resin tank through the regeneration channel to regenerate the functional ions in the resin. To improve the utilization rate of the salt solution, the resin is often slow-washed after regeneration. However, the flow rate during slow-washing in traditional water softeners is difficult to control, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a multi-way valve and a water softener that are easy to control the flow rate during slow washing in order to solve the problem that the flow rate of the traditional water softener is inconvenient to control during slow washing.

[0006] A water softener, comprising:

[0007] Water softener;

[0008] A multi-way valve and an ejector, wherein the multi-way valve is assembled on the water softening device, and the ejector is connected to the multi-way valve;

[0009] Among them, the multi-way valve and the ejector together form a regeneration channel for providing brine to the softening device, and a slow wash channel is formed on the multi-way valve for providing raw water for performing a slow wash operation to the softening device. The regeneration channel and the slow wash channel are alternatively connected between the outside world and the softening device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the multi-way valve includes a valve body assembly and a movable valve plate assembly, the valve body assembly is assembled on the water softening device, and the ejector is connected to the valve body assembly;

[0011] Wherein, the movable valve plate assembly is movably assembled on the valve body assembly so that the regeneration channel and the slow wash channel are selectively connected to the softening device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the valve body assembly has a salt supply channel, a latent channel, and a water inlet channel connected to the water softener; the movable valve plate assembly can move relative to the valve body assembly to connect the water inlet channel with the salt supply channel or the latent channel;

[0013] In which, the salt supply channel is constructed to be able to provide salt water to the softening device through the water inlet channel, and the submerged channel is constructed to be able to provide raw water for performing a slow washing operation to the softening device through the water inlet channel; the regeneration channel includes the salt supply channel and the water inlet channel, and the slow washing channel includes the submerged channel and the water inlet channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the movable valve plate assembly is rotatably assembled on the valve body assembly around its own axis.

[0015] In one embodiment, the movable valve plate assembly includes a movable valve plate, and the axial end surface of the movable valve plate facing the valve body assembly has a guide groove;

[0016] The guide groove connects the salt supply channel and the water inlet channel, or the guide groove connects the latent channel and the water inlet channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the water softener further comprises a salt supply device storing saturated salt water, and the ejector is provided between the multi-way valve and the salt supply device;

[0018] The ejector has a jet channel connected to the salt supply device, the raw water source and the salt supply channel. The raw water provided by the raw water source and the saturated salt water provided by the salt supply device are mixed in the jet channel to form salt water with a certain concentration to be supplied to the water softening device.

[0019] Wherein, the regeneration channel includes the jet channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, a backwash channel is formed on the multi-way valve to provide raw water for backwashing from bottom to top to the softening device, and the regeneration channel, the slow wash channel and the backwash channel are selectively connected between the outside and the softening device.

[0021] A multi-way valve for a water softener having a water softening device, the multi-way valve comprising:

[0022] a valve body assembly having a salt supply passage;

[0023] a movable valve plate assembly, which together with the valve body assembly forms a slow wash channel, and the movable valve plate assembly can move relative to the valve body assembly to selectively connect the salt supply channel or the slow wash channel between the outside world and the water softening device;

[0024] The salt supply channel is configured to provide salt water to the water softening device, and the slow wash channel is configured to provide raw water for performing a slow wash operation to the water softening device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the valve body assembly has a latent channel and a water inlet channel connected to the water softening device, and the movable valve plate assembly moves relative to the valve body assembly to connect the water inlet channel with the salt supply channel or the latent channel;

[0026] In which, the salt supply channel is constructed to be able to provide salt water to the softening device through the water inlet channel, and the submerged channel is constructed to be able to provide raw water for performing a slow washing operation to the softening device through the water inlet channel; the slow washing channel includes the submerged channel and the water inlet channel.

[0027] In one embodiment, the valve body assembly includes a valve body and a fixed valve plate, wherein the fixed valve plate is assembled on the valve body and forms the salt supply channel, the latent channel and the water inlet channel together with the valve body;

[0028] The movable valve plate assembly and the fixed valve plate are movably matched to enable the water inlet channel to communicate with the salt supply channel or the latent channel.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fixed valve plate is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet communicating with the latent channel;

[0030] The water inlet is configured to communicate with a raw water source, and the submerged channel is communicated with the water inlet channel through the water outlet.

[0031] In one embodiment, in the extension direction of the latent channel, the water inlet and the water outlet are respectively arranged at two ends of the latent channel.

[0032] In one embodiment, the valve body assembly has a connecting channel connected to the ejector of the water softening device and the raw water source, and the connecting channel has a connecting port formed on the fixed valve plate; wherein the connecting port and the water inlet are the same water port.

[0033] In one embodiment, a groove is provided on the fixed valve plate and / or the valve body, and a groove wall of the groove forms at least a portion of a channel wall of the latent channel.

[0034] In one embodiment, the movable valve plate assembly and the valve body assembly together form a backwash channel, and the movable valve plate assembly can move relative to the valve body assembly to selectively connect the salt supply channel, the slow wash channel, and the backwash channel between the outside and the water softening device;

[0035] The backwash channel is configured to provide raw water for performing a backwash operation from bottom to top to the softening device.

[0036] In the multi-way valve and water softener described above, the salt supply channel can provide salt water to the water softener through the water inlet channel to regenerate functional ions in the water softener. After regeneration, the latent channel can introduce raw water into the water softener through the water inlet channel for slow washing, allowing unused salt to flow during the slow washing process for secondary use. That is, the salt supply channel and the latent channel in the multi-way valve and water softener described above are independent of each other. The salt supply channel is used during regeneration, and the latent channel is used during slow washing. Compared to the prior art method of using the same channel for regeneration and slow washing, the latent channel, which is independent of the salt supply channel, is used for slow washing, making it easier to control the flow rate of the slow wash. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a water softener provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The structural diagram of the ejector of the water softener shown in ;

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ejector taken along the AA plane shown in FIG.

[0040] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the BB surface of the ejector shown in FIG.

[0041] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Exploded view of the ejector shown in ;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 1 An axonometric view of the multi-way valve of the water softener shown in FIG;

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 6 An axonometric view of the valve body of the multi-way valve shown in FIG;

[0044] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The structural diagram of the valve body shown in FIG;

[0045] Figure 9 for Figure 6Exploded view of the multi-way valve shown in ;

[0046] Figure 10 for Figure 6 An axonometric view of the movable valve plate of the multi-way valve shown in FIG;

[0047] Figure 11 for Figure 10 An axonometric view of the movable valve disc shown in another perspective;

[0048] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A plan view of the movable valve plate shown in FIG.

[0049] Figure 13 for Figure 7 An axonometric view of the valve body from another perspective shown in FIG;

[0050] Figure 14 for Figure 6 : A structural diagram of a fixed valve plate of a multi-way valve shown in FIG (the diagram shows a first flow control plane);

[0051] Figure 15 for Figure 6 : A structural diagram of a fixed valve plate of a multi-way valve shown in FIG (the diagram shows a second flow control plane);

[0052] Figure 16 for Figure 6 A top view of the multi-way valve shown in ;

[0053] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the CC plane of the multi-way valve shown in FIG;

[0054] Figure 18 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the DD plane of the multi-way valve shown in FIG;

[0055] Figure 19 for Figure 10 A plan view of the movable valve disc shown in FIG (the figure shows the plane of the movable valve disc facing the fixed valve disc);

[0056] Figure 20 for Figure 10 A plan view of the movable valve disc shown in FIG (the figure shows the plane of the movable valve disc facing away from the fixed valve disc);

[0057] Figure 21 for Figure 14 An axonometric view of the fixed valve disc shown in ;

[0058] Figure 22 for Figure 6 A partial structural diagram of the multi-way valve shown in FIG (the latent channel can be shown in the figure);

[0059] Figure 23 for Figure 1 The partial structure diagram of the water softener shown in (in this figure, no moving valve plate is placed on the fixed valve plate);

[0060] Figure 24 for Figure 1 The working principle diagram of the water softener when it is in the soft water supply state shown in FIG;

[0061] Figure 25 for Figure 1 The working principle diagram of the water softener shown in FIG is in the first regeneration state;

[0062] Figure 26 for Figure 1 The working principle diagram of the water softener shown in FIG is in the second regeneration state;

[0063] Figure 27 for Figure 1 The working principle diagram of the water softener when it is in slow washing state is shown in FIG;

[0064] Figure 28 for Figure 1 The working principle diagram of the water softener when it is in the normal washing state is shown in FIG;

[0065] Figure 29 for Figure 1 The working principle diagram of the water softener when it is in backwash state is shown in the figure;

[0066] Figure 30 for Figure 1 The working principle diagram of the water softener shown in the figure is when it is in the salt supply device water replenishment state.

[0067] Description of reference numerals:

[0068] 100. Soft water device:

[0069] 200, resin tank; 300, upper water distributor; 400, lower water distributor; 500, center pipe;

[0070] 600. Regeneration device:

[0071] 700. Salt supply device;

[0072] 800. Integrated waterway:

[0073] 10. Ejector; 11. First water conduit; 12. Second water conduit; 13. Ejector body; 131. Ejector body; 132. First water inlet; 133. Second water inlet; 134. First salt inlet; 135. Second salt inlet; 136. First water outlet; 137. Second water outlet; 14. First nozzle; 15. Second nozzle; 16. Cover plate; 17. Common channel; 18. First throat pipe; 19. Second throat pipe; 110. First filter screen; 111. Second filter screen.

[0074] 900, Multi-way valve:

[0075] 20. Valve body assembly; 21. First channel; 22. Second channel; 23. Third channel; 24. First water inlet; 25. Second water inlet; 26. Fourth channel; 27. Fifth channel; 28. First water outlet; 29. ​​Second water outlet; 210. Sixth channel; 211. Raw water interface; 212. Seventh channel; 213. Water outlet interface; 214. Eighth channel; 215. Valve body; 2151. Valve chamber; 216 , fixed valve disc; 2161, first flow control plane; 2162, second flow control plane; 2163, groove; A, first port; B, second port; C1, first sub-port; C2, second sub-port; D, fourth port; E, fifth port; F, sixth port; G, seventh port; G1, first part; G2, second part; H, eighth port; I, ninth port; J, water outlet; 217, valve core nut; 218, ninth channel; 219, latent channel;

[0076] 30. Movable valve disc assembly; 31. Movable valve disc; 311. Guide groove; 3111. First guide portion; 3112. Second guide portion; 3113. Third guide portion; 312. Water inlet groove; 313. Disc body; 314. Cut-off portion; 315. Drain groove; 3151. First drain groove; 3152. Second drain groove; 316. Blocking portion; 32. Valve stem; 321. Stem; 322. Internal component;

[0077] 40. Communication cavity;

[0078] 50. Conducting cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0080] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0081] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0082] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0083] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0084] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

[0085] As mentioned in the background technology, the flow rate of traditional water softeners during slow washing is difficult to control, resulting in a poor user experience. The inventors have found that the root cause of the above problems is:

[0086] Traditional water softeners have a regeneration channel. When functional ion regeneration is required, saturated brine provided by the softener's salt supply unit mixes with raw water from the source in the regeneration channel and flows through the channel into the resin tank. The brine passes through the degraded resin, replacing the calcium and magnesium ions in the resin with solution, thereby regenerating the sodium ions in the resin and restoring the softening function of the water softener. After regeneration, the resin undergoes a slow wash, which involves introducing raw water into the resin tank to mobilize unused brine. This flow allows the brine to be reused, thereby increasing the utilization rate of the brine solution.

[0087] However, this slow wash typically utilizes a regeneration channel, meaning the softener uses its regeneration channel for slow wash. Since only raw water is used during slow wash, a valve must be operated to disconnect the regeneration channel from the salt supply, making the operation cumbersome. Furthermore, using the regeneration channel during slow wash makes the flow rate uncontrollable.

[0088] See Figure 1 One embodiment of the present application provides a water softener, which includes a water softening device 100 and a regeneration device 600 that are interconnected. The water softening device 100 contains functional ions (sodium ions), which can exchange with calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water, and absorb excess calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water, so that hard water becomes soft water. Usually, in the sodium ion exchange process, when hardness appears in the soft water and the residual hardness exceeds the water quality standard, it is considered that the sodium ions have failed. The regeneration device 600 can pass brine (sodium chloride solution) into the water softening device 100, and the brine passes through the failed resin to replace the calcium and magnesium ions therein into the solution, thereby completing the regeneration of the sodium ions in the resin and restoring the soft water function of the water softening device 100.

[0089] The water softener has a soft water supply state and a non-soft water supply state, and the water softener can switch between the soft water supply state and the non-soft water supply state.

[0090] In the soft water supply state, raw water flows into the water softener 100. The functional ions (sodium ions) contained in the water softener 100 exchange with the calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water, absorbing the excess calcium and magnesium ions in the water, turning the hard water into soft water and discharging it for user use. It should be noted that when the water softener is in the soft water supply state, the water softener will not be able to supply raw water. However, when it is in the non-soft water supply state, the water softener can supply raw water. This ensures that water flows from the water softener in both the soft water supply state and the non-soft water supply state, thereby avoiding the water softener from being cut off and causing a negative experience for the user.

[0091] Specifically, the regeneration device 600 has a soft water supply channel and a raw water supply channel. When the water softener is in the soft water supply mode, the soft water supply channel is open, while the raw water supply channel is closed. The soft water softener 100 is connected to the raw water source via the soft water supply channel, and raw water flows into the softener 100 through the soft water supply channel. Functional ions (sodium ions) contained in the softener 100 exchange with calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water, absorbing excess calcium and magnesium ions, converting hard water into soft water. This water is then discharged through the soft water supply channel for consumption by the user. Since the raw water supply channel is closed, the softener cannot supply raw water during the soft water supply mode.

[0092] When the water softener is in a non-soft water supply state, the soft water supply channel is cut off and the raw water supply channel is connected. When the water softener no longer supplies soft water, the water softener can supply raw water to ensure continuous flow of water, thereby improving user experience.

[0093] The water softener 100 includes a resin tank 200, an upper water distributor 300, a central pipe 500, and a lower water distributor 400. The resin tank 200 includes a tank body and a resin containing functional ions disposed therein. The upper ends of the upper water distributor 300 and the central pipe 500 are both connected to the regeneration device 600, while the lower water distributor 400 is connected to the lower end of the central pipe 500. When the water softener is in the soft water supply mode, raw water first flows through the soft water supply channel to the upper water distributor 300. The upper water distributor 300 sprays water onto the resin in the resin tank 200. The calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water exchange with the functional ions on the resin to form soft water. The water then flows through the lower water distributor 400 to the central pipe 500. The soft water flowing out of the central pipe 500 then flows through the soft water supply channel on the regeneration device 600 for user use.

[0094] In one embodiment, the non-soft water supply state includes a regeneration state. In the regeneration state, the regeneration device 600 can pass brine (sodium chloride solution) into the water softening device 100. The brine passes through the failed resin to replace the calcium and magnesium ions therein into the solution, thereby completing the regeneration of the sodium ions in the resin and restoring the soft water function of the water softening device 100.

[0095] The regeneration state includes a first regeneration state and a second regeneration state. When the water softener is in the first regeneration state, the regeneration device 600 provides a first concentration of salt water to the water softener 100, which is defined as the first salt water. The first salt water passes through the failed resin, displacing the calcium and magnesium ions therein into the solution, thereby regenerating the sodium ions in the resin. In the second regeneration state, the regeneration device 600 provides a second concentration of salt water to the water softener 100, which is defined as the second salt water. The second salt water passes through the failed resin, displacing the calcium and magnesium ions therein into the solution, thereby regenerating the sodium ions in the resin. The first concentration salt water and the second concentration salt water have different concentrations, i.e., the first concentration and the second concentration are not equal.

[0096] In the water softener provided by the present application, the concentrations of the first brine and the second brine introduced into the water softening device 100 are different in the first regeneration state and the second regeneration state. Compared with the setting in the prior art in which the regeneration device 600 can only introduce brine of one concentration into the water softening device 100, the combination of two brine of different concentrations can improve the regeneration rate of the functional ions of the water softener. When the regeneration rate is improved, the water output of the water softener can be increased accordingly.

[0097] When the water softener is in the first regeneration state and the second regeneration state, the first brine and the second brine provided by the regeneration device 600 first flow to the lower water distributor 400 through the central pipe 500, and are sprayed into the resin in the resin tank 200 through the lower water distributor 400. The brine passes through the failed resin to replace the calcium and magnesium ions therein into the solution. The replaced solution flows to the upper water distributor 300, and enters the regeneration device 600 from the upper water distributor 300 for discharge.

[0098] The regeneration device 600 includes a regeneration channel that supplies salt water to the water softener 100 to regenerate functional ions. The regeneration channel includes a first regeneration channel and a second regeneration channel. When the water softener is in the first regeneration state, the first regeneration channel is open and supplies the first salt water to the water softener 100, while the second regeneration channel is closed. When the water softener is in the second regeneration state, the second regeneration channel is open and supplies the second salt water to the water softener 100, while the first regeneration channel is closed.

[0099] The regeneration device 600 also has a forward wash channel and a backwash channel. The water softener also has forward wash and backwash states. In the forward wash state, the forward wash channel is open, and raw water flows from the forward wash channel to clean the water softener 100 from top to bottom. Specifically, raw water flows from the upper water distributor 300 to the lower water distributor 400, and then from the lower water distributor 400 through the central pipe 500. In this state, the raw water flows from top to bottom through the resin layer in the resin tank 200. The water pressure slowly precipitates the fluffy resin, exchanging ions and simultaneously removing contaminants. In the backwash state, the backwash channel is open, and raw water flows from the backwash channel to clean the water softener 100 from bottom to top. Specifically, raw water flows through the central pipe 500 to the lower water distributor 400, and then from the lower water distributor 400 to the upper water distributor 300. In this state, raw water flows from bottom to top through the resin layer in the resin tank 200, making the resin fluffy and achieving the purpose of strong flushing (ion exchange).

[0100] The regeneration device 600 includes a salt supply device 700 and an integrated water channel 800, which is located between the salt supply device 700 and the water softener 100. The salt supply device 700 stores saturated salt water. The soft water supply channel, raw water supply channel, first regeneration channel, second regeneration channel, forward wash channel, and backwash channel are all located on the integrated water channel 800 and connected to the raw water source. When the water softener is in the soft water supply state, the soft water supply channel is open, allowing raw water from the raw water source to flow through the soft water supply channel into the water softener 100. The softened water from the water softener 100 can then flow out through the soft water supply channel for user use. When the water softener is in the first regeneration state, the first regeneration channel is open, allowing raw water from the raw water source and saturated salt water from the salt supply device 700 to mix in the first regeneration channel to form first salt water, which is then supplied to the water softener 100 through the first regeneration channel. When the water softener is in the second regeneration state, the second regeneration channel is turned on, and the raw water provided by the raw water source and the saturated brine provided by the salt supply device 700 are mixed in the second regeneration channel to form second brine, and the second brine is supplied to the water softener 100 through the second regeneration channel.

[0101] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first regeneration channel includes a first water channel 11, a first salt channel, and a first mixing channel. The first water channel 11, the first salt channel, and the first mixing channel are connected at one end at a first intersection. The other end of the first water channel, away from the first intersection, is connected to the raw water source. The other end of the first salt channel, away from the first intersection, is connected to the salt supply device 700. The other end of the first mixing channel, away from the first intersection, is connected to the water softening device 100. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first water channel 11 gradually decreases from the other end away from the first intersection to the end near the first intersection.

[0102] In this way, when the raw water flows through the first water guiding channel 11, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water guiding channel 11 gradually decreases from the other end away from the first intersection to the end close to the first intersection, when the raw water flows from the first water guiding channel 11 from the end away from the first mixing channel to the end close to the first mixing channel, the flow rate of the raw water gradually increases, and a first negative pressure is formed. Under the action of the first negative pressure, the saturated brine in the salt supply device 700 flows into the first mixing channel through the first salt guiding channel, and the raw water and the saturated brine are mixed in the first mixing channel to form first brine of a first concentration, and the first brine flows into the softening device 100 through the first mixing channel.

[0103] See Figure 4 The second regeneration channel includes a second water channel 12, a second salt channel, and a second mixing channel. The second water channel 12, the second salt channel, and the second mixing channel are connected at the second intersection. The other end of the second water channel 12 away from the second intersection is connected to the raw water source, the other end of the second salt channel away from the second intersection is connected to the salt supply device, and the other end of the second mixing channel away from the second intersection is connected to the second channel. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second water channel 12 gradually decreases from the other end away from the second intersection to the end closer to the second intersection.

[0104] In this way, when the raw water flows through the second water guiding channel 12, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water guiding channel 12 gradually decreases from the other end away from the second intersection to the end close to the second intersection, when the raw water flows from the second water guiding channel 12 from the end away from the second mixing channel to the end close to the second mixing channel, the flow rate of the raw water gradually increases, and a second negative pressure is formed. Under the action of the second negative pressure, the saturated brine in the salt supply device 700 flows into the second mixing channel through the second salt guiding channel, and the raw water and the saturated brine are mixed in the second mixing channel to form second brine of a second concentration, and the second brine flows into the softening device 100 through the second mixing channel.

[0105] Furthermore, the first water-conducting channel 11 and the second water-conducting channel 12 are of equal length, and the cross-sectional areas of the end of the first water-conducting channel 11 away from the first intersection and the end of the second water-conducting channel 12 away from the second intersection are equal. The cross-sectional areas of the end of the first water-conducting channel 11 near the first intersection and the end of the second water-conducting channel 12 near the second intersection are different. In this way, the first negative pressure and the second negative pressure are ensured to be different, thereby ensuring that the first concentration of the first brine and the second concentration of the second brine formed are different.

[0106] It should be understood that in other embodiments, other configurations may be used to achieve inequality between the first concentration and the second concentration, which is not limited here.

[0107] In a specific embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the first water-conducting channel 11 near the first intersection is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the second water-conducting channel 12 near the second intersection, so that the first negative pressure is less than the second negative pressure. At this time, more saturated brine flows into the first mixing channel through the first salt-conducting channel, while less saturated brine flows into the second mixing channel through the second salt-conducting channel, and the first concentration is less than the second concentration.

[0108] Continue reading Figure 1 The integrated waterway 800 includes an ejector 10 and a multi-way valve 900. The multi-way valve 900 is located between the ejector 10 and the salt supply device 700. The ejector 10 and the multi-way valve 900 together form a regeneration channel. The first water channel 11, the first salt channel, the second water channel 12, the second salt channel, the first mixing channel, and the second mixing channel are all located on the ejector 10. That is, the first water channel 11, the first salt channel, and the first mixing channel are all formed on the ejector 10, and thus, the first water channel 11, the first salt channel, and the first mixing channel together form the first ejection channel. The second water channel 12, the second salt channel, and the second mixing channel are all formed on the ejector 10, and thus, the second water channel 12, the second salt channel, and the second mixing channel together form the second ejection channel. In other words, raw water and saturated salt water mix in the ejection channel to form salt water of a certain concentration.

[0109] It should be noted here that, in other embodiments, the water softener may also have only one or more than two regeneration states. In this case, the regeneration device 600 has only one or more than two regeneration channels, and the ejector 10 has one or more than two ejection channels. Its specific structural setting can refer to the structural setting when there are two regeneration states, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] In one embodiment, see Figure 5 The ejector 10 includes an ejector body 13, a first nozzle 14, a second nozzle 15, and a cover plate 16. The first and second nozzles 14, 15 are assembled within the ejector body 13, and the cover plate 16 is mounted on the ejector body 13. The first water channel 11 is formed within the first nozzle 14, the second water channel 12 is formed within the second nozzle 15, and the first and second salt channels are both formed within the ejector body 13. The ejector body 13 and the cover plate 16 together form the first and second mixing channels. This facilitates the formation of the first water channel 11, the second water channel 12, the first salt channel, the second salt channel, the first mixing channel, and the second mixing channel.

[0111] The ejector body 13 includes an ejector body 131 and a first water inlet 132, a second water inlet 133, a first salt inlet 134, a second salt inlet 135, a second water outlet 136, and a second water outlet 137, all connected to the ejector body 131. The first water inlet 132 and the second water inlet 133 are both connected to a raw water source, the first salt inlet 134 and the second salt inlet 135 are both connected to a salt supply device 700, and the first water outlet 136 and the second water outlet 137 are both connected to a multi-way valve 900. The first nozzle 14 is disposed within the first water inlet 132, the second nozzle 15 is disposed within the second water inlet 133, a first salt channel is formed within the first salt inlet 134, and a second salt channel is formed within the second salt inlet 135. The first mixing channel and the second mixing channel have a common channel 17 to simplify the channel setting. Specifically, the cover plate 16 is covered on the ejector body 131, and the two form the common channel 17. The other part of the first mixing channel is formed in the first water outlet 136, and the other part of the second mixing channel is formed in the second water outlet 137.

[0112] The ejector 10 also includes a first throat 18 and a second throat 19. The first throat 18 is at least partially located within the first water inlet 132 and spaced apart from the first nozzle 14. The second throat 19 is at least partially located within the second water inlet 133 and spaced apart from the second nozzle 15. This creates a first siphon zone between the first nozzle 14 and the first throat 18, allowing saturated salt water to be drawn into this zone under the action of a first negative pressure for mixing, thereby forming a first salt water solution. Simultaneously, a second siphon zone is formed between the second nozzle 15 and the second throat 19, allowing saturated salt water to be drawn into this zone under the action of a second negative pressure for mixing, thereby forming a second salt water solution.

[0113] The ejector 10 further includes a first filter 110, which is disposed within the first water outlet 136 and filters impurities from the first brine to ensure the cleanliness of the first brine flowing to the multi-way valve 900. The ejector 10 further includes a second filter 111, which is disposed within the second water outlet 137 and filters impurities from the second brine to ensure the cleanliness of the second brine flowing to the multi-way valve 900.

[0114] See Figure 6The multi-way valve 900 includes a valve body assembly 20 and a movable valve disc assembly 30. The valve body assembly 20 is assembled on the resin tank 200. The upper water distributor 300 and the end of the central pipe 500 not connected to the lower water distributor 400 are both connected to the valve body assembly 20. The movable valve disc assembly 30 is movably mounted on the valve body assembly 20 to switch the water softener between the aforementioned soft water supply state and the non-soft water supply state. Specifically, the movable valve disc assembly 30 moves relative to the valve body assembly 20 to switch the water softener between the first regeneration state, the second regeneration state, the soft water supply state, the slow wash state, the forward wash state, and the backwash state.

[0115] More specifically, the multi-way valve 900 and the ejector 10 together form a regeneration channel, and the multi-way valve 900 is provided with a soft water supply channel, a slow wash channel, a forward wash channel, and a backwash channel. When the movable valve plate assembly 30 moves relative to the valve body assembly 20, the regeneration channel, the soft water supply channel, the slow wash channel, the forward wash channel, and the backwash channel selectively connect to the outside world and the water softening device 100.

[0116] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 The valve body assembly 20 includes a salt supply channel and a third channel 23 connected to the water softener 100. The third channel 23 also serves as the water inlet channel. The movable valve disc assembly 30 includes a movable valve disc 31 that can move relative to the valve body assembly 20 to connect or disconnect the third channel 23 from the salt supply channel. Therefore, when functional ion regeneration of the water softener 100 is required, the movable valve disc 31 moves relative to the valve body assembly 20 to connect the third channel 23 with the salt supply channel. The salt supply channel is configured to supply salt water to the water softener 100 through the third channel 23 for regeneration.

[0117] In one embodiment, the salt supply channel includes a first channel 21 and a second channel 22. The first channel 21 is connected to the first mixing channel, the second channel 22 is connected to the second mixing channel, and the third channel 23 is connected to the end of the central pipe 500 not connected to the lower water distributor 400.

[0118] Specifically, the valve body assembly 20 has a first water inlet 24 and a second water inlet 25. Part of the first channel 21 is formed in the first water inlet 24 or the first channel 21 is connected to the first water inlet 24, and part of the second channel 22 is formed in the second water inlet 25 or the second channel 22 is connected to the second water inlet 25. The first water inlet 24 is connected to the first water outlet 136 of the ejector 10, and the second water inlet 25 is connected to the second water outlet 137 of the ejector 10. In this way, the communication between the first channel 21 and the first mixing channel is facilitated, and the communication between the second channel 22 and the second mixing channel is facilitated.

[0119] The first channel 21 is configured to provide first salt water having a first concentration to the central tube 500 through the third channel 23 , and the second channel 22 is configured to provide second salt water having a second concentration to the central tube 500 through the third channel 23 .

[0120] With the above configuration, when the water softener needs to switch from the second regeneration state to the first regeneration state, the movable valve disc 31 moves relative to the valve body assembly 20, connecting the third channel 23 with the first channel 21. The first salt water flowing out of the first mixing channel can enter the third channel 23 through the first channel 21, and then flow through the third channel 23 to the central pipe 500. From the central pipe 500, it flows to the lower water distributor 400, and then through the lower water distributor 400 to the resin in the resin tank 200, thereby regenerating the functional ions. When the water softener needs to switch from the first regeneration state to the second regeneration state, the movable valve disc 31 moves again relative to the valve body assembly 20, connecting the third channel 23 with the second channel 22. The second salt water flowing out of the second mixing channel can enter the third channel 23 through the second channel 22, and then flow through the third channel 23 to the central pipe 500. From the central pipe 500, it flows to the lower water distributor 400, and then through the lower water distributor 400 to the resin in the resin tank 200, thereby regenerating the functional ions.

[0121] It should be emphasized here that the first channel 21 and the third channel 23 are both part of the first regeneration channel, and the second channel 22 and the third channel 23 are both part of the second regeneration channel.

[0122] It should be noted that the salt supply channel may include only one channel. When the salt supply channel includes only one channel, the ejector 10 also has only one ejection channel, and the water softener has one regeneration state. Alternatively, the salt supply channel may include more than two channels. When the salt supply channel includes more than two channels, the ejector 10 has more than two ejection channels, and the water softener has more than two regeneration states.

[0123] Specifically, the movable valve disc assembly 30 is rotatably mounted on the valve body assembly 20 about its own axis to switch the water softener between a soft water supply state and a non-soft water supply state. In other words, the movable valve disc 31 is rotatably mounted on the valve body assembly 20 about its own axis to switch the water softener between a soft water supply state and a non-soft water supply state. Of course, in other embodiments, the movable valve disc 31 may also be movably connected to the valve body assembly 20 using other motion methods, as long as the water softener can switch between a soft water supply state and a non-soft water supply state.

[0124] See Figure 10The axial end surface of the movable valve disc 31 facing the valve body assembly 20 is provided with a guide groove 311. When the water softener is in the first regeneration state, the guide groove 311 connects the first channel 21 with the third channel 23. When the water softener is in the second regeneration state, the guide groove 311 connects the first channel 21 with the second channel 22.

[0125] Continue reading Figure 7 and Figure 8 The valve body assembly 20 has communication channels. Specifically, the communication channels include a fourth channel 26 and a fifth channel 27. The fourth channel 26 communicates with the first water channel 11, and the fifth channel 27 communicates with the second water channel 12. Raw water flows through the fourth channel 26 into the first water channel 11 and then through the fifth channel 27 into the second water channel 12. Thus, the channel for introducing raw water to the ejector 10 is provided on the valve body assembly 20, simplifying the structure of the integrated waterway 800.

[0126] It should be noted that when the water softener has one regeneration state, the valve body assembly 20 may omit the fourth channel 26 or the fifth channel 27, and only provide the fourth channel 26 or the fifth channel 27 to communicate with one jet channel provided on the ejector 10. Alternatively, when the water softener has more than two regeneration states, the valve body assembly 20 may further provide additional channels to correspond to the number of jet channels on the ejector 10.

[0127] The valve body assembly 20 has a first water receiving outlet 28 and a second water receiving outlet 29. A portion of the fourth channel 26 is disposed within the first water receiving outlet 28 or is in communication with the first water receiving outlet 28. A portion of the fifth channel 27 is disposed within the second water receiving outlet 29 or is in communication with the second water receiving outlet 29. The first water receiving outlet 28 is connected to the first water inlet 132 of the ejector 10, thereby connecting the fourth channel 26 to the first water channel 11. The second water receiving outlet 29 is connected to the second water inlet 133 of the ejector 10, thereby connecting the fifth channel 27 to the second water channel 12.

[0128] The valve body assembly 20 includes a sixth channel 210 (water inlet channel) that directly connects to the raw water source. When the third channel 23 connects to the first channel 21, the fourth channel 26 connects to the sixth channel 210. Raw water flows through the sixth channel 210 to the fourth channel 26, and from there into the first water channel 11. When the third channel 23 connects to the second channel 22, the fifth channel 27 connects to the sixth channel 210. Raw water flows through the sixth channel 210 to the fifth channel 27, and from there into the second water channel 12. By providing the channel for directly introducing raw water on the valve body assembly 20, the structure of the integrated waterway 800 can be further simplified.

[0129] The valve body assembly 20 has a raw water interface 211 , which is connected to a raw water source. Part of the sixth channel 210 is disposed in the raw water interface 211 or the sixth channel 210 is connected to the raw water source through the raw water interface 211 .

[0130] It should be noted that the sixth channel 210 and the fourth channel 26 serve as a part of the first regeneration channel, and the sixth channel 210 and the fifth channel 27 serve as a part of the second regeneration channel.

[0131] For further information, see Figure 11 and Figure 12 A water inlet groove 312 is provided on the movable valve plate 31. When the third channel 23 is connected to the first channel 21, the water inlet groove 312 is connected to the fourth channel 26 and the sixth channel 210. When the third channel 23 is connected to the second channel 22, the water inlet groove 312 is connected to the fifth channel 27 and the sixth channel 210.

[0132] Continue reading Figure 7 and Figure 8 The valve body assembly 20 has a seventh channel 212 (water outlet channel). When the water softener is in the first regeneration state and the second regeneration state, that is, the third channel 23 is connected to the first channel 21, or the third channel 23 is connected to the second channel 22, the seventh channel 212 is connected to the sixth channel 210, that is, the water outlet channel is connected to the water inlet channel. At this time, the water softener can supply raw water to achieve continuous flow.

[0133] The valve body assembly 20 has a water outlet interface 213 , which is connected to an external water outlet pipe. Part of the seventh channel 212 is disposed in the water outlet interface 213 or the seventh channel 212 is connected to an external water outlet pipe through the water outlet interface 213 .

[0134] The valve body assembly 20 also has an eighth channel 214, which is connected to the upper water distributor 300 in the resin tank 200. When the water softener is in the soft water supply mode, the water inlet trough 312 connects the sixth channel 210 with the eighth channel 214, the third channel 23 with the seventh channel 212, and the seventh channel 212 is disconnected from the sixth channel 210. At this time, raw water flows from the raw water source into the sixth channel 210, from there into the eighth channel 214, and then through the eighth channel 214 to the upper water distributor 300. The upper water distributor 300 evenly distributes the raw water throughout the resin in the resin tank 200. Calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water exchange with sodium ions in the resin, resulting in softened water. The softened water then flows through the lower water distributor 400 to the central pipe 500, from there into the third channel 23, and finally into the seventh channel 212, where it is discharged for soft water supply. At this time, since the seventh channel 212 is cut off from the sixth channel 210 , the seventh channel 212 does not supply raw water, that is, the water softener does not supply raw water when supplying softened water.

[0135] Continue reading Figure 9 The valve body assembly 20 includes a valve body 215 and a fixed valve plate 216. The valve body 215 has a valve cavity 2151 (see Figure 13 ), the fixed valve disc 216 is disposed within the valve cavity 2151, and the first through eighth channels 21 through 214 are all formed on the valve body 215 and the fixed valve disc 216. Specifically, portions of the first through eighth channels 21 through 214 are formed on the valve body 215, while the remaining portions are formed on the fixed valve disc 216. Specifically, the first water inlet 24, second water inlet 25, first water outlet 28, second water outlet 29, raw water port 211, and water outlet port 213 are all disposed on the valve body 215.

[0136] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the valve body assembly 20 may omit the fixed valve plate 216. In this case, the first channel 21 to the eighth channel 214 are all formed on the valve body 215, which is not limited here.

[0137] The valve body 215 has an opening communicating between the outside and the valve cavity 2151. The fixed valve plate 216 is provided on the bottom wall of the valve cavity 2151 opposite to the opening. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The fixed valve disc 216 has a first flow control plane 2161 and a second flow control plane 2162. The first flow control plane 2161 and the second flow control plane 2162 are opposite to each other in the axial direction. The first flow control plane 2161 of the fixed valve disc 216 abuts against the bottom wall of the valve cavity 2151. Figure 16-Figure 18 The valve body assembly 20 also includes a valve core nut 217, which is arranged in the valve cavity 2151. The valve core nut 217, the fixed valve disc 216 and the valve body 215 form an assembly cavity. The movable valve disc assembly 30 also includes a valve stem 32. The movable valve disc 31 is arranged in the assembly cavity and abuts against the second flow control plane 2162 of the fixed valve disc 216 in the axial direction. The guide groove 311 is provided on the end surface of the movable valve disc 31 facing the fixed valve disc 216.

[0138] The valve stem 32 is inserted into the valve core nut 217 and connected to the movable valve plate 31. The valve stem 32 rotates relative to the valve core nut 217 to drive the movable valve plate 31 to rotate around its own axis, so that the water softener switches between the soft water supply state and the non-soft water supply state.

[0139] The valve body assembly 20 and the movable valve plate assembly 30 form a connecting cavity 40, which connects the water inlet groove 312 of the movable valve plate 31 and the sixth channel 210. That is, the water inlet groove 312 is connected to the sixth channel 210 through the connecting cavity 40. The water inlet groove 312 is opened at the edge of the movable valve plate 31 (see Figure 19 ), so as to communicate with the communication chamber 40. The sixth channel 210, the communication chamber 40 and the seventh channel 212 together form a raw water supply channel.

[0140] See Figure 19 and Figure 20 The movable valve disc 31 includes a disc body 313 and a truncation portion 314 extending radially from the disc body 313. The guide groove 311 and the water inlet groove 312 are both provided on the disc body 313. The water inlet groove 312 is provided at the radial edge of the disc body 313 to facilitate the flow of water from the communication chamber 40 to the water inlet groove 312. Specifically, the water inlet groove 312 is a blind groove provided on the axial end surface of the disc body 313 facing the fixed valve disc 216. That is, the water inlet groove 312 does not axially penetrate the disc body 313. The width of the water inlet groove 312 gradually increases from one end near the center of the disc body 313 to the other end, so that the water inlet groove 312 forms a larger entrance, facilitating the entry of water into the water inlet groove 312.

[0141] When the water softener is in the soft water supply state, the shutoff portion 314 blocks the connection between the raw water supply channel. Specifically, the shutoff portion 314 blocks the connection between the seventh channel 212 and the communication chamber 40. Thus, when raw water flows from the sixth channel 210 to the communication chamber 40, it cannot flow into the seventh channel 212. When the water softener is in the non-soft water supply state, the shutoff portion 314 allows the raw water supply channel to flow. Specifically, the shutoff portion 314 allows the seventh channel 212 to communicate with the communication chamber 40. Thus, when raw water flows from the sixth channel 210 to the communication chamber 40, it can flow out of the communication chamber 40 to the seventh channel 212, achieving uninterrupted flow.

[0142] See Figure 21 The first to eighth channels 21 to 214 all have openings located on the second flow control plane 2162 of the fixed valve plate 216 .

[0143] Specifically, the first channel 21 has a first port A, the second channel 22 has a second port B, the third channel 23 has a third port, the fourth channel 26 has a fourth port D, the fifth channel 27 has a fifth port E, the sixth channel 210 has a sixth port F, the seventh channel 212 has a seventh port G (port), and the eighth channel 214 has an eighth port H. It should be noted that, since the fixed valve disc 216 is provided separately from the valve body 215 in this embodiment, the valve body 215 is also provided with eight ports, which correspond to the first port A to the eighth port H, respectively. Specifically, the eight ports are equal in size to the first port A to the eighth port H. It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the eight ports may be different in size from the first port A to the eighth port H, and this is not a limitation here.

[0144] Furthermore, the third port includes a first sub-port C1 and a second sub-port C2, which are spaced apart. Around the circumference of the fixed valve disc 216, the first port A, the second port B, the eighth port H, the first sub-port C1, the fourth port D, the fifth port E, the seventh port G, and the second sub-port C2 are sequentially spaced apart. A sixth port F is provided on the circumference of the fixed valve disc 216, radially opposite the first port A and the second port B.

[0145] In one embodiment, continue to refer to Figure 7 The valve body assembly 20 has a ninth channel 218 (drainage channel). Specifically, the ninth channel 218 is opened on the valve body 215. The valve body 215 is provided with a drainage interface connected to the external drainage pipe. Part of the ninth channel 218 is provided in the drainage interface or the ninth channel 218 is connected to the external drainage pipe through the drainage interface.

[0146] Continue reading Figure 10 The movable valve disc 31 has a drain groove 315 formed on its body 313. When the water softener is in the first or second regeneration state, the drain groove 315 connects the eighth channel 214 with the ninth channel 218. Wastewater discharged from the water softener 100 flows through the eighth channel 214 to the drain groove 315, and then through the drain groove 315 to the ninth channel 218. Specifically, the ninth channel 218 has a ninth port I formed on the inner wall of the valve body 215. The drain groove 315 connects the eighth port H with the ninth port I.

[0147] The valve stem 32 and the valve core nut 217 form a conducting cavity 50 (see Figure 18 ), the conducting cavity 50 conducts the drain groove 315 and the ninth channel 218. The valve stem 32 includes a rod body 321 and an internal component 322 (see Figure 17 ), the rod body 321 is connected to the movable valve plate 31, the inner part 322 is arranged in the rod body 321, and the rod body 321, the inner part 322 and the valve core nut 217 form a conducting cavity 50. The drainage groove 315 includes a first drainage groove 3151 and a second drainage groove 3152 that are interconnected (see Figure 10 ), the first drainage groove 3151 is axially penetrated and arranged at the center position of the movable valve plate 31, one end of the second drainage groove 3152 is connected to the first drainage groove 3151, and the other end extends radially along the plate body 313, and the second drainage groove 3152 is not axially penetrated and arranged in the movable valve plate 31, but is arranged on the axial end face of the movable valve plate 31 facing the fixed valve plate 216.

[0148] The non-soft water supply state also includes a slow wash state. When the water softener is in the slow wash state, the regeneration device 600 supplies raw water to the water softener 100 for slow washing. Specifically, the rate at which the regeneration device 600 supplies raw water to the water softener 100 is slower than the rate at which the regeneration device 600 supplies brine to the water softener 100 when the water softener is in the first and second regeneration states. Thus, after the water softener enters the first regeneration state and switches to the slow wash state, the regeneration device 600 can supply raw water to the water softener 100 at a slower rate. After the water softener enters the second regeneration state, the regeneration device 600 switches to the slow wash state, at which point the regeneration device 600 can supply raw water to the water softener 100 at a slower rate. Combining the regeneration state with the slow wash state (the slow wash state allows the unused brine to flow, allowing it to be reused during the flow process, thereby improving brine utilization) can improve brine utilization.

[0149] The multi-way valve 900 is provided with a slow wash channel, which can supply raw water for the slow wash operation to the water softener 100. Compared with the prior art, this arrangement eliminates the need for slow wash through the regeneration channel during slow wash. Instead, the water softener 100 can be slow washed directly through the slow wash channel, making it easier to control the slow wash flow rate and simplifying operation.

[0150] See Figure 22 and Figure 23 The fixed valve disc 216 and valve body 215 form a latent channel 219 for slow washing. The fixed valve disc 216 is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet J, both connected to the latent channel 219. When slow washing is required for the water softener 100, the water inlet trough 312 is connected to the water inlet. Raw water flows through the sixth channel 210 to the connecting chamber 40, and from there to the water inlet trough 312, entering the water inlet. From the water inlet, it flows into the latent channel 219, from which it flows to the water outlet J, and finally to the water softener 100 through the water outlet J to perform the slow washing operation. This eliminates the need for separate piping for slow washing the water softener 100, simplifying the structure of the water softener.

[0151] In one embodiment, a groove 2163 is formed on the first flow control plane 2161 of the fixed valve plate 216 (see Figure 14 ), the groove wall of the groove 2163 and the valve body 215 form a latent channel 219. In the extending direction of the groove 2163, the water inlet and the water outlet J are respectively arranged at the two ends of the groove 2163. In another embodiment, the surface of the valve body 215 facing the fixed valve disc 216 is provided with a groove 2163, and the groove wall of the groove 2163 and the second flow control surface 2162 of the fixed valve disc 216 form the latent channel 219. In yet another embodiment, the surfaces of both the fixed valve disc 216 and the valve body 215 facing each other are provided with grooves 2163, and the groove walls of the two grooves 2163 form the latent channel 219.

[0152] The water inlet and the fourth port D (communication port) are the same water port to further simplify the structure of the water softener. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the water inlet and the fourth port D can also be set as different water ports, which is not limited here.

[0153] Along the extension direction of the latent channel 219, the water inlet and water outlet J are respectively arranged at both ends of the latent channel 219. Thus, when the latent channel 219 extends in a straight line and the water inlet and the fourth port D are the same port, the water outlet J is located between the first port A and the second port B in the circumferential direction of the fixed valve plate 216. Therefore, when the water softener is in the slow wash mode, the water guide groove connects the water outlet J with the second sub-port C2, allowing raw water to flow from the water outlet J to the second sub-port C2 and then through the third channel 23 into the water softening device 100, thereby flushing the resin layer from the bottom up.

[0154] The line connecting the water inlet and the center point of the fixed valve disc 216 is defined as a first line, and the line connecting the water outlet J and the center point of the fixed valve disc 216 is defined as a second line. The angle formed between the first and second lines is greater than 90° and less than 180°. This allows for a greater spacing between the water inlet and the water outlet J along the circumference of the fixed valve disc 216, facilitating the arrangement of the other ports on the fixed valve disc 216 and ensuring that the various states of the water softener do not interfere with each other.

[0155] There is a distance between the guide groove 311 and the center point of the movable valve plate 31, so that the position of the guide groove 311 on the movable valve plate 31 corresponds to the position of each of the above-mentioned ports on the fixed valve plate 216, thereby facilitating the guide groove 311 to connect two of the above-mentioned ports. Figure 10 The guide groove 311 includes a first guide portion 3111, a second guide portion 3112, and a third guide portion 3113, which are sequentially connected in the circumferential direction of the plate body 313. A barrier portion 316 is formed between the first guide portion 3111 and the second guide portion 3112. The second guide portion 3112 is radially opposite to the barrier portion 316. This arrangement enables the barrier portion 316 to block the remaining openings between the two openings of the guide groove 311 when the guide groove 311 is connected, thereby ensuring normal operation of the water softener between various states.

[0156] For example, when the diversion channel 311 connects the second sub-port C2 and the second port B, the blocking portion 316 can cover the first port A and the water outlet J, thereby preventing the first port A from connecting to the second sub-port C2 or the second port B, and preventing the water outlet J from connecting to the second sub-port C2 or the second port B. When the diversion channel 311 connects the second sub-port C2 and the water outlet J, the blocking portion 316 can cover the first port A, thereby preventing the first port A from connecting to the second sub-port C2 or the water outlet J.

[0157] Specifically, in the radial direction of the sheet 313, the barrier portion 316 is located outside the second guide portion 3112. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the barrier portion 316 may also be located inside the second guide portion 3112 in the radial direction of the sheet 313, which is not limited here.

[0158] The outer contour of the guide groove 311 is located within a virtual sector. In this case, the guide groove 311 forms a "door"-shaped guide groove 311, so that when the guide groove 311 connects two openings, the blocking portion 316 can block the remaining openings between the two openings connected by the guide groove 311. Of course, in other embodiments, the shape of the guide groove 311 is not limited.

[0159] The cut-off portion 314 is at least partially opposite to the guide groove 311. Specifically, the circumferential extension length of the cut-off portion 314 of the movable valve plate 31 is greater than the circumferential extension length of the first guide portion 3111 of the movable valve plate 31, so that when the first guide portion 3111 is connected to the seventh port G, the cut-off portion 314 can cover the portion of the seventh port G connected to the connecting chamber 40, thereby avoiding mixing of raw water when soft water is supplied.

[0160] The working principle of the water softener provided in the embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0161] The valve stem 32 rotates and the movable valve plate 31 is linked. When the movable valve plate 31 moves relative to the fixed valve plate 216, the opening on the fixed valve plate 216 that is connected to the water inlet groove 312 is different, and the opening of the guide groove 311 is different, so that the multi-way valve 900 is switched between the soft water supply position, the first regeneration position, the second regeneration position, the forward washing position, the backwash position, the slow washing position and the salt supply device water replenishment position, and accordingly, the water softener is switched between the soft water supply state, the first regeneration state, the second regeneration state, the forward washing state, the backwash state, the slow washing state and the salt supply device water replenishment state.

[0162] In order to facilitate the description of each state, the seventh port G is defined as including a first portion G1 and a second portion G2 connected to each other in the radial direction (see Figure 23 ), the second portion G2 is arranged away from the center point of the fixed valve plate 216 relative to the first portion G1.

[0163] In soft water supply state (see Figure 24 ):

[0164] The water inlet groove 312 communicates with the eighth port H. The diversion groove 311 connects to the second sub-port C2 and the first portion G1 of the seventh port G. The blocking portion 314 covers the second portion G2 of the seventh port G. The sixth channel 210, the connecting cavity 40, the eighth channel 214, the third channel 23, and the seventh channel 212 form a soft water supply channel. The raw water supply channel formed by the sixth channel 210, the connecting cavity 40, and the seventh channel 212 is blocked.

[0165] The raw water flows sequentially through the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, and the eighth channel 214 to the upper water distributor 300. The upper water distributor 300 sprays water onto the resin in the resin tank 200. The calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water are exchanged with the functional ions on the resin to form soft water. The water then flows through the lower water distributor 400 to the central pipe 500. The soft water flowing out of the central pipe 500 flows through the third channel 23 to the seventh channel 212 to supply soft water.

[0166] In the first regeneration state (see Figure 25 ):

[0167] The water inlet groove 312 communicates with the fourth port D, the diversion groove 311 connects the first port A and the second sub-port C2, and the drainage groove 315 communicates with the eighth port H. At this point, the second portion G2 of the seventh port G communicates with the connecting chamber 40. The sixth channel 210, connecting chamber 40, fourth channel 26, first jet channel, first channel 21, third channel 23, eighth channel 214, conducting chamber 50, and ninth channel 218 form the first regeneration channel. The raw water supply channel formed by the sixth channel 210, connecting chamber 40, and seventh channel 212 is interconnected.

[0168] Raw water flows sequentially through the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, the fourth channel 26, the first jet channel, the first channel 21, and the third channel 23 to the central pipe 500. From the central pipe 500, it flows to the lower water distributor 400, where it is sprayed onto the resin in the resin tank 200. The brine passes through the degraded resin, replacing the calcium and magnesium ions in the resin with the solution. The resulting wastewater flows to the upper water distributor 300, from which it flows sequentially to the eighth channel 214, the drain trough 315, the conducting chamber 50, and finally to the ninth channel 218. At this point, because the raw water supply channel is open, the raw water can flow from the sixth channel 210 to the connecting chamber 40, and then through the connecting chamber 40 to the seventh channel 212.

[0169] In the second regeneration state (see Figure 26 ):

[0170] The water inlet groove 312 communicates with the fifth port E, the diversion groove 311 connects the second port B and the second sub-port C2, and the drain groove 315 communicates with the eighth port H. At this point, the second portion G2 of the seventh port G communicates with the connecting chamber 40. The sixth channel 210, connecting chamber 40, fifth channel 27, second jet channel, second channel 22, third channel 23, eighth channel 214, diversion chamber, and ninth channel 218 form a second regeneration channel. The raw water supply channel formed by the sixth channel 210, connecting chamber 40, and seventh channel 212 is interconnected.

[0171] Raw water flows sequentially through the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, the fifth channel 27, the second jet channel, the second channel 22, and the third channel 23 to the central pipe 500. From the central pipe 500, it flows to the lower water distributor 400, where it is sprayed onto the resin in the resin tank 200. The brine passes through the degraded resin, replacing the calcium and magnesium ions in the resin with the solution. The resulting wastewater flows to the upper water distributor 300, from which it flows sequentially to the eighth channel 214, the drain trough 315, the conducting chamber 50, and finally to the ninth channel 218. At this point, because the raw water supply channel is open, the raw water can flow from the sixth channel 210 to the connecting chamber 40, and then through the connecting chamber 40 to the seventh channel 212.

[0172] In slow wash mode (see Figure 27 ):

[0173] The water inlet trough 312 is connected to the fourth port D, the diversion trough 311 is connected to the water outlet J and the second sub-port C2, and the drainage trough 315 is connected to the eighth port H. At this point, the second portion G2 of the seventh port G is connected to the connecting chamber 40. The sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, the fourth port D, the latent channel 219, the water outlet J, the third channel 23, the eighth channel 214, the diversion chamber, and the ninth channel 218 form a slow wash channel. The raw water supply channel formed by the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, and the seventh channel 212 is connected.

[0174] Raw water flows sequentially through the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, the fourth port D, the submerged channel 219, the water outlet J, and the third channel 23 to the central pipe 500. From there, it flows to the lower water distributor 400, passing through the resin layer to the upper water distributor 300, slowly flushing the resin layer from bottom to top, removing broken resin and residual dirt. Wastewater then flows from the upper water distributor 300 to the eighth channel 214, the drain trough 315, the conducting chamber 50, and finally to the ninth channel 218. At this point, because the raw water supply channel is open, raw water can flow from the sixth channel 210 to the connecting chamber 40, and then through the connecting chamber 40 to the seventh channel 212.

[0175] In the washing state (see Figure 28 ):

[0176] The water inlet groove 312 communicates with the eighth port H, the water outlet groove 315 communicates with the second sub-port C2, and the second portion G2 of the seventh port G communicates with the communication chamber 40. The sixth channel 210, the communication chamber 40, the eighth channel 214, the third channel 23, the conduction chamber 50, and the ninth channel 218 form a forward wash channel. The raw water supply channel formed by the sixth channel 210, the communication chamber 40, and the seventh channel 212 is interconnected.

[0177] Raw water flows sequentially through the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, and the eighth channel 214. It then flows through the upper water distributor 300 to the lower water distributor 400, from which it exits through the central tube 500. The raw water flows from top to bottom through the resin layer in the resin tank 200. The water pressure slowly precipitates the fluffy resin, exchanging ions and simultaneously removing impurities. The wastewater then flows from the central tube 500 to the third channel 23, the drain trough 315, the conducting chamber 50, and finally the ninth channel 218. At this point, because the raw water supply channel is open, the raw water can flow from the sixth channel 210 to the connecting chamber 40, and then through the connecting chamber 40 to the seventh channel 212.

[0178] In backwash state (see Figure 29 ):

[0179] The inlet channel 312 communicates with the first sub-port C1, the outlet channel 315 communicates with the eighth port H, and the second portion G2 of the seventh port G communicates with the communication chamber 40. The sixth channel 210, the communication chamber 40, the third channel 23, the eighth channel 214, the conduction chamber 50, and the ninth channel 218 form a backwash channel. The raw water supply channel formed by the sixth channel 210, the communication chamber 40, and the seventh channel 212 is interconnected.

[0180] Raw water flows sequentially through the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, and the third channel 23. It then flows through the central tube 500 to the lower water distributor 400, from which it flows out to the upper water distributor 300. The raw water then flows from bottom to top through the resin layer in the resin tank 200, fluffing the resin and achieving a strong flushing (ion exchange). Wastewater then flows from the upper water distributor 300 to the eighth channel 214, the conducting chamber 50, and the ninth channel 218. At this point, because the raw water supply channel is open, the raw water can flow from the sixth channel 210 to the connecting chamber 40, and then out through the connecting chamber 40 to the seventh channel 212.

[0181] It should be noted here that the flow rate of raw water in the backwash state is generally slower than that in the wash state, so as to achieve the purpose of strong flushing of the resin.

[0182] When the salt supply device is in water replenishment state (see Figure 30 ):

[0183] When the salt water reserve in the salt supply device 700 is insufficient, it is necessary to replenish raw water into the salt supply device 700 and add salt to the raw water to form sufficient saturated salt water in the salt supply device 700.

[0184] The water inlet tank 312 is connected to the second port B. The sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, the second channel 22, the second mixing channel, and the salt channel (including the first and second salt channels) form a water replenishment channel for the salt supply device 700. The raw water supply channel formed by the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, and the seventh channel 212 is connected.

[0185] The raw water flows sequentially through the sixth channel 210, the connecting chamber 40, the second channel 22, the second mixing channel, and the salt guide channel to the salt supply device 700, thereby replenishing the salt supply device 700 with sufficient raw water. At this time, since the raw water supply channel is open, the raw water can flow from the sixth channel 210 to the connecting chamber 40 and then be discharged through the connecting chamber 40 to the seventh channel 212.

[0186] Specifically, the first concentration is lower than the second concentration, and the water softener sequentially performs a first regeneration state and a second regeneration state.

[0187] In this way, when the functional ions in the water softening device 100 need to be regenerated, the water softener first performs the first regeneration state and then performs the second concentration regeneration state, that is, firstly introduces low-concentration salt water into the water softening device 100, and then introduces high-concentration salt water. In this way, low concentration and high concentration are carried out in sequence, which can reduce the waste of salt solution while improving the regeneration rate of functional ions.

[0188] Specifically, the third channel 23 on the control multi-way valve 900 is connected to the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 in sequence.

[0189] Furthermore, the slow wash state is executed after the first regeneration state and / or the second regeneration state. Specifically, after the first regeneration state, the water softener is in the slow wash state, and after the second regeneration state, the water softener is in another slow wash state. That is, after each regeneration state, the water softener is switched to the slow wash state, so that the resin layer can be slowly rinsed from bottom to top, taking away broken resin and residual dirt, and improving the utilization rate of the saline solution. It should be understood that in other embodiments, when the first regeneration state and the second regeneration state are performed sequentially, it is also possible to choose to perform slow washing after the first regeneration state and not perform slow washing after the second regeneration state, or not perform slow washing after the first regeneration state and perform slow washing after the second regeneration state.

[0190] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0191] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art could make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water softener, characterized in that: The water softener comprises: Water softening device (100); A multi-way valve and an ejector (10), wherein the multi-way valve is assembled on the water softening device (100), and the ejector (10) is connected to the multi-way valve; the multi-way valve comprises a valve body assembly (20) and a movable valve plate assembly (30); The multi-way valve and the ejector (10) together form a regeneration channel for supplying salt water to the water softening device (100), and a slow wash channel is formed on the multi-way valve for supplying raw water for performing a slow wash operation to the water softening device (100), and the regeneration channel and the slow wash channel are selectively connected between the outside world and the water softening device (100); The valve body assembly (20) has a salt supply channel, a latent channel (219), and a water inlet channel connected to the water softening device (100); the movable valve plate assembly (30) is movable relative to the valve body assembly (20) to connect the water inlet channel with the salt supply channel or the latent channel (219); The salt supply channel is configured to be capable of supplying salt water to the water softening device (100) through the water inlet channel, and the submerged channel (219) is configured to be capable of supplying raw water for performing a slow washing operation to the water softening device (100) through the water inlet channel; the regeneration channel includes the salt supply channel and the water inlet channel, and the slow washing channel includes the submerged channel (219) and the water inlet channel; The valve body assembly (20) comprises a valve body (215) and a fixed valve disc (216), wherein the fixed valve disc (216) is assembled on the valve body (215) and forms the salt supply channel, the latent channel (219) and the water inlet channel together with the valve body (215); a groove (2163) is provided on the fixed valve disc (216) and / or the valve body (215), and the groove wall of the groove (2163) forms at least a part of the channel wall of the latent channel (219).

2. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve body assembly (20) is assembled on the water softening device (100), and the ejector (10) is connected to the valve body assembly (20); The movable valve plate assembly (30) is movably mounted on the valve body assembly (20) so that either the regeneration channel or the slow wash channel is selectively connected to the water softening device (100).

3. The water softener according to claim 2, characterized in that The movable valve plate assembly (30) is rotatably assembled on the valve body assembly (20) around its own axis.

4. The water softener according to claim 2, characterized in that The movable valve plate assembly (30) comprises a movable valve plate (31), and the axial end surface of the movable valve plate (31) facing the valve body assembly (20) has a guide groove (311); The guide groove (311) connects the salt supply channel and the water inlet channel, or the guide groove (311) connects the latent channel (219) and the water inlet channel.

5. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The water softener further comprises a salt supply device (700) storing saturated salt water, and the ejector (10) is arranged between the multi-way valve and the salt supply device (700); The ejector (10) has an ejection channel connected to the salt supply device (700), the raw water source and the salt supply channel. The raw water provided by the raw water source and the saturated salt water provided by the salt supply device (700) are mixed in the ejection channel to form salt water with a certain concentration to be supplied to the softening device (100); Wherein, the regeneration channel includes the jet channel.

6. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that A backwash channel is formed on the multi-way valve to supply raw water for backwashing from bottom to top to the softening device (100), and the regeneration channel, the slow wash channel and the backwash channel are selectively connected between the outside and the softening device (100).

7. A multi-way valve for a water softener according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water softener comprises a water softening device (100), characterized in that: The multi-way valve comprises: A valve body assembly (20) having a salt supply passage; A movable valve plate assembly (30) and the valve body assembly (20) together form a slow wash channel, and the movable valve plate assembly (30) can move relative to the valve body assembly (20) to selectively connect the salt supply channel or the slow wash channel between the outside world and the water softening device (100); The salt supply channel is configured to be able to supply salt water to the water softening device (100), and the slow wash channel is configured to be able to supply raw water for performing a slow wash operation to the water softening device (100).

8. The multi-way valve according to claim 7, characterized in that: The valve body assembly (20) has a latent channel (219) and a water inlet channel communicating with the water softening device (100), and the movable valve plate assembly (30) moves relative to the valve body assembly (20) to connect the water inlet channel with the salt supply channel or the latent channel; The salt supply channel is configured to be capable of providing salt water to the softening device (100) through the water inlet channel, and the submerged channel (219) is configured to be capable of providing raw water for performing a slow wash operation to the softening device (100) through the water inlet channel; the slow wash channel includes the submerged channel (219) and the water inlet channel.

9. The multi-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that: The movable valve plate assembly (30) and the fixed valve plate (216) are movably matched to connect the water inlet channel with the salt supply channel or the latent channel (219).

10. The multi-way valve according to claim 9, characterized in that: The fixed valve plate (216) is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet (J) communicating with the latent channel (219); The water inlet is configured to communicate with a raw water source, and the submerged channel (219) is communicated with the water inlet channel through the water outlet (J).

11. The multi-way valve according to claim 10, characterized in that: In the extension direction of the latent channel (219), the water inlet and the water outlet (J) are respectively arranged at two ends of the latent channel (219).

12. The multi-way valve according to claim 10, characterized in that: The valve body assembly (20) has a communication channel that is in communication with the ejector (10) of the water softening device (100) and the raw water source, and the communication channel has a communication port formed on the fixed valve plate (216); Wherein, the communication port and the water inlet are the same water outlet.

13. The multi-way valve according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that: The movable valve plate assembly (30) and the valve body assembly (20) together form a backwash channel, and the movable valve plate assembly (30) can move relative to the valve body assembly (20) so that the salt supply channel, the slow wash channel and the backwash channel are selectively connected between the outside and the water softening device (100); The backwash channel is configured to provide raw water for performing a backwash operation from bottom to top to the softening water device (100).

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