Multi-way valves, fixed valve plates and water softeners

Abstract

This application relates to a multi-way valve, a fixed valve plate, and a water softener. The valve body includes a valve body with a valve cavity and multiple connecting holes. Each connecting hole can selectively communicate with at least one other connecting hole to form multiple flow paths communicating with the valve cavity. Along the water flow direction of the flow path, the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole is larger than the flow areas of the other connecting holes. Thus, by setting the upstream connecting hole to have the largest flow area, a sufficient amount of liquid flows into the multi-way valve, and after being diverted to multiple flow paths, flows through the other connecting holes with smaller flow areas. This allows the flow area of ​​the flow paths at different positions of the multi-way valve to be designed according to the actual flow rate, thereby providing a multi-way valve with a reasonable water circuit configuration, ensuring better water supply performance from the water softener.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a multi-way valve, a fixed valve plate, and a water softener. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, tap water used in cities is usually sourced from groundwater. However, groundwater typically contains calcium and magnesium ions, which can easily cause scale buildup during use, leading to damage to electrical appliances. Softening hard water can effectively prevent kidney stones, reduce the burden on the heart and kidneys, and benefit people's health. It also prevents electrical appliances from being damaged by excessive scale buildup. Therefore, water softeners, which can soften hard water, are being used more and more frequently in daily life.

[0003] Water softeners typically work by exchanging functional ions on resin with calcium and magnesium ions in the water, thereby adsorbing excess calcium and magnesium ions and removing limescale. Current water softeners generally include an integrated water circuit and a softening device and a brine supply device connected to it. Raw water enters the softening device through the integrated water circuit, where the resin layer softens the raw water and outputs it to the user through the integrated water circuit. When all the resin is saturated with calcium and magnesium ions, the water softener can no longer soften tap water, requiring backwashing and regeneration of the exchange resin. The brine supply device, after dissolving and saturating with salt, enters the softening device. The saturated salt solution soaks the resin, causing the numerous sodium ions in the solution to replace the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed on the resin. Once the calcium and magnesium ions are replaced, the resin achieves regeneration, preparing it for the next water softening cycle.

[0004] In existing water softeners, the multi-way valve is the core component for controlling the flow direction of water in the integrated water circuit. By controlling the multi-way valve to switch between different work positions, the water flow can be controlled to flow in different directions in different structures, thereby realizing functions such as water supply, backwashing, regeneration, and water replenishment. Therefore, the wastewater generated from cleaning the resin and the raw water to be softened are both collected in the multi-way valve.

[0005] In existing integrated water circuits, the water flow has the same flow area upstream and downstream when passing through a multi-way valve. However, the water flow is split upstream, resulting in a decrease in the downstream flow. The flow area of ​​the internal flow channel of the multi-way valve is not designed according to the actual flow rate, which leads to an unreasonable multi-way valve structure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application addresses the problem of unreasonable water circuit structure settings in multi-way valves by providing a multi-way valve, a fixed valve plate, and a water softener, which can achieve the technical effect of reasonable water circuit structure settings.

[0007] According to one aspect of this application, a multi-way valve is provided, comprising:

[0008] A valve body has a valve cavity, and the valve body has a plurality of connecting holes, any one of the connecting holes can selectively communicate with at least one other connecting hole to form a plurality of flow paths communicating with the valve cavity;

[0009] Furthermore, along the water flow direction of the flow path, the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole is greater than the flow area of ​​the other connecting holes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flow area of ​​the connecting hole gradually decreases along the water flow direction of the flow path.

[0011] In one embodiment, the multi-way valve has seven positions, and the communication ports include four, any one of which is selectively connected to at least one of the remaining communication ports to allow the multi-way valve to switch between the seven different positions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connecting hole includes a first connecting hole, a second connecting hole, a third connecting hole, and a fourth connecting hole;

[0013] When the multi-way valve is in the water supply position, the first connecting hole, the third connecting hole, the fourth connecting hole and the second connecting hole are sequentially connected to form a first flow path;

[0014] Furthermore, the flow area of ​​the first connecting hole is greater than the flow area of ​​the third connecting hole, which is greater than the flow area of ​​the fourth connecting hole, which is greater than the flow area of ​​the second connecting hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the multi-way valve is in the remaining six positions, the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are connected to form a second flow path.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first connecting hole, the fourth connecting hole, the second connecting hole, and the third connecting hole are distributed sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the valve body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the third connecting hole and the fourth connecting hole are arranged in a ring shape extending circumferentially along the valve body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the valve body includes a seat and a valve core assembly, the seat and the valve core assembly together defining the valve cavity, the valve cavity including a flow control portion and a sidewall surrounding the flow control portion in the circumferential direction;

[0019] The first connecting hole is formed on the sidewall, the second connecting hole is formed on the side of the flow control part away from the first connecting hole, and the third connecting hole and the fourth connecting hole are formed in the flow control part.

[0020] According to one aspect of this application, a fixed valve plate is provided, wherein a plurality of through holes are provided through the fixed valve plate, and any one of the through holes can selectively connect with at least one of the other through holes to form a flow path;

[0021] Furthermore, along the water flow direction of the flow path, the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole is greater than the flow area of ​​the other connecting holes.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flow area of ​​the connecting hole gradually decreases along the water flow direction of the flow path.

[0023] In one embodiment, the connecting hole includes a first connecting hole, a second connecting hole, a third connecting hole, and a fourth connecting hole;

[0024] When the multi-way valve is in the water supply position, the first connecting hole, the third connecting hole, the fourth connecting hole and the second connecting hole are sequentially connected to form a first flow path;

[0025] Furthermore, the flow area of ​​the first connecting hole is greater than the flow area of ​​the third connecting hole, which is greater than the flow area of ​​the fourth connecting hole, which is greater than the flow area of ​​the second connecting hole.

[0026] According to one aspect of this application, a water softener is provided, the water softener including the multi-way valve described above.

[0027] The aforementioned multi-way valve, by setting the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole to be the largest, allows a sufficient amount of liquid to flow into the multi-way valve. After being diverted to multiple flow paths, the liquid flows through other connecting holes with smaller flow areas. This allows the flow area of ​​the flow path at different positions of the multi-way valve to be designed according to the actual flow rate, thus providing a multi-way valve with a reasonable water circuit setting, ensuring better water supply performance for the water softener. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of some structural modules of a water softener according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication port of a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the conduction of a multi-way valve in the water supply position according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the conduction of a multi-way valve in the backwash position according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the conduction of a multi-way valve in the first regeneration position according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the conduction of a multi-way valve in the slow wash position according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the conduction of a multi-way valve in the second regeneration position according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the conduction of a multi-way valve in the water supply position according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the conduction of a multi-way valve in the positive washing position according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A partial structural schematic diagram of the multi-way valve shown;

[0039] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the fixed valve plate of the multi-way valve shown.

[0040] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the moving valve plate of the multi-way valve shown.

[0041] Figure 14 for Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the multi-way valve.

[0042] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0043] 100. Water softener; 20. Multi-way valve; 21. Valve body; 211. Seat; A. First connecting hole; B. Second connecting hole; C. Third connecting hole; D. Fourth connecting hole; 22. Valve core assembly; 221. Fixed valve plate; 223. Moving valve plate; 2232. First connecting groove; 2234. Second connecting groove; 2236. Third connecting groove; 2238. Flow cut-off part; 23. Valve stem; 24. Valve core nut; 25. Valve cavity; 40. Water softening device; 41. Resin tank; 43. Central pipe; 45. Upper water distributor; 47. Lower water distributor; 60. Jet ejector; 80. Salt tank; K. Continuous flow channel. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0046] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0049] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening 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 possible implementation.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a water softener 100, which can remove calcium and magnesium ions from raw water through ion exchange resin, thereby reducing water hardness and providing soft water with lower calcium and magnesium ion content for water-using equipment.

[0051] As described in the background section, and see also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The water softener 100 includes an integrated water circuit and a water softening device 40 and a brine supply device connected to the integrated water circuit. The integrated water circuit includes a multi-way valve 20 for controlling the direction of water flow. The water softening device 40 includes a resin tank 41, an upper water distributor 45, a lower water distributor 47, and a central pipe 43. The resin tank 41 is filled with a resin layer formed of resin particles. The central pipe 43 is vertically inserted into the resin tank 41. The upper water distributor 45 and the lower water distributor 47 are respectively installed at both ends of the central pipe 43. The upper ends of the upper water distributor 45 and the central pipe 43 are connected to the multi-way valve 20, while the lower water distributor 47 is inserted into the resin layer. The salt supply device includes an ejector 60 and a salt tank 80. The multi-way valve 20 is connected to the salt tank 80 through the ejector 60. The ejector 60 includes a first water inlet, a first water outlet, a second water inlet, and a second water outlet, which are respectively connected to the multi-way valve 20. The raw water in the multi-way valve 20 can enter the ejector 60 through the first water inlet and the second water inlet. The salt solution generated in the ejector 60 can flow into the multi-way valve 20 through the first water outlet or the second water outlet.

[0052] The multi-way valve 20 has seven positions: water supply position, backwash position, first regeneration position, slow wash position, second regeneration position, water replenishment position, and forward wash position. The multi-way valve 20 can switch between the above positions so that the water softener 100 has seven states: water supply state, backwash state, first regeneration state, slow wash state, second regeneration state, water replenishment state, and forward wash state.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, when the water softener 100 is in the water supply state, the multi-way valve 20 is in the water supply position. The raw water enters the resin layer in the resin tank 41 through the upper water distributor 45 from the multi-way valve 20. The calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water exchange with the sodium ions on the resin layer to soften the water. The softened water generated enters the central pipe 43 through the lower water distributor 47 and finally flows out through the multi-way valve 20 to supply water to water-using equipment.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, when the water softener 100 is in the backwashing state, the multi-way valve 20 is in the backwashing position. Part of the raw water passes through the multi-way valve 20 in sequence through the central pipe 43 and the lower water distributor 47, and then flushes the resin layer in the resin tank 41 from bottom to top. The wastewater after cleaning is discharged through the upper water distributor 45 and then through the multi-way valve 20.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, when the water softener 100 is in the first regeneration state, the multi-way valve 20 is in the first regeneration position. The raw water flows into the first water inlet of the ejector 60 through the multi-way valve 20. Due to the negative pressure, the brine in the brine tank 80 is drawn out and mixed with the raw water to form a salt solution of the first concentration. The salt solution flows out from the first water outlet of the ejector 60 and passes through the multi-way valve 20, the central pipe 43 and the lower water distributor 47 in sequence into the resin layer in the resin tank 41. After the salt solution mixes with the resin layer and replaces the sodium and magnesium ions on the resin layer, it is discharged through the multi-way valve 20 via the upper water distributor 45.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, when the water softener 100 is in slow wash mode, the multi-way valve 20 is in slow wash position. The raw water passes through the central pipe 43 and the lower water distributor 47 in sequence through the multi-way valve 20 and slowly rinses the resin layer in the resin tank 41 from bottom to top. The wastewater after rinsing is discharged from the multi-way valve 20 through the upper water distributor 45.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, when the water softener 100 is in the second regeneration state, the multi-way valve 20 is in the second regeneration position. The raw water flows into the second water inlet of the ejector 60 through the multi-way valve 20. Due to the negative pressure, the brine in the brine tank 80 is drawn out and mixed with the raw water to form a brine solution of the second concentration. The brine solution flows out from the second water outlet of the ejector 60 and passes through the multi-way valve 20, the central pipe 43 and the lower water distributor 47 in sequence into the resin layer in the resin tank 41. After the brine solution mixes with the resin layer and replaces the sodium and magnesium ions on the resin layer, it is discharged through the multi-way valve 20 via the upper water distributor 45.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 8As shown, when the water softener 100 is in the water replenishment state, the multi-way valve 20 is in the water replenishment position. The raw water flows from the multi-way valve 20 into the ejector 60 and then into the brine tank 80 to replenish the brine tank 80.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, when the water softener 100 is in the forward washing state, the multi-way valve 20 is in the forward washing position. The raw water enters the resin layer in the resin tank 41 through the multi-way valve 20 via the upper water distributor 45. The water pressure slowly settles the loose resin and precipitates the dirt. The wastewater after washing passes through the lower water distributor 47 and the central pipe 43 and is discharged through the multi-way valve 20.

[0060] See Figure 2 and Figures 10 to 11 The multi-way valve 20 has a valve cavity 25 and a valve body 21. The valve body 21 has a plurality of connecting holes. Any connecting hole can be selectively connected to at least one other connecting hole to form a plurality of flow paths connected to the valve cavity 25. Furthermore, along the water flow direction of the flow path, the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole is greater than the flow area of ​​the other connecting holes.

[0061] In this way, by setting the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole to be the largest, a sufficient amount of liquid can flow into the multi-way valve 20 and then be diverted. Liquid with a relatively smaller flow rate then flows into other connecting holes with smaller flow areas. This allows the flow area of ​​the multi-way valve 20 at different positions to be designed according to the actual flow rate, thus providing a multi-way valve 20 with a reasonable water circuit setting, ensuring better water supply effect of the water softener 100.

[0062] In one specific embodiment, the multi-way valve 20 has four connecting holes, any one of which can selectively connect to at least one of the remaining connecting holes, so that the multi-way valve 20 can switch between multiple different workstations. It is understood that the number of connecting holes in the multi-way valve 20 is not limited to this and can be set according to the number of workstations to meet different requirements.

[0063] Understandably, when the multi-way valve 20 is in some of its positions, one of its connecting holes may not be connected to other connecting holes but connected to an external structure to form a flow path. In this case, the size of the flow hole forming the flow path is not limited and can be set according to the adaptability of the installation space.

[0064] Furthermore, as the flow area of ​​the connecting hole gradually decreases along the direction of water flow, the liquid is continuously diverted along the direction of water flow, resulting in a smaller flow rate for the liquid further downstream. By setting the connecting hole to gradually reduce the flow area along the direction of water flow, the water circuit structure of the multi-way valve 20 is set up to be more reasonable and compact.

[0065] In one embodiment, see [reference] Figure 10 and Figure 11The valve body 21 includes a seat 211 and a valve core assembly 22. The multi-way valve 20 also includes a valve stem 23 and a valve core nut 24. The seat 211 has a hollow shell structure and a receiving cavity with one end communicating with the external environment. The receiving cavity has a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall surrounds the bottom wall circumferentially to form an opening communicating with the external environment. The valve core assembly 22 is housed within the receiving cavity of the seat 211.

[0066] Furthermore, the valve core assembly 22 includes a fixed valve plate 221 and a movable valve plate 223. The fixed valve plate 221 is fixedly installed in the receiving cavity and abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity. The movable valve plate 223 is stacked on the side of the fixed valve plate 221 away from the bottom wall of the receiving cavity. The first axial end of the valve stem 23 extends into the receiving cavity and is drivenly engaged with the movable valve plate 223. The second axial end of the valve stem 23 extends out of the receiving cavity to engage with the drive unit. The valve core nut 24 is sleeved on the end of the valve stem 23 that connects the first axial end to the second axial end and is received in the receiving cavity. The valve core nut 24 is used to close the opening of the receiving cavity to form a sealed space, and at the same time, it can apply pressure to the valve core assembly 22 to form an end face seal between the movable valve plate 223 and the fixed valve plate 221. Under the drive of the drive unit, the valve stem 23 drives the movable valve plate 223 to rotate relative to the fixed valve plate 221, thereby switching the multi-way valve 20 between different working positions.

[0067] Thus, the valve core assembly 22 and the seat 211 together define and form the valve cavity 25, which has a flow control part and a side wall surrounding the flow control part in the circumferential direction. The flow control part is formed by the bottom wall of the receiving cavity and the valve core assembly 22, and the side wall of the valve cavity 25 is formed by the side wall of the receiving cavity.

[0068] Understandably, multiple connecting holes may be formed in at least one of the seat 211, the fixed valve plate 221, or the movable valve plate 223. See also Figure 12 Multiple connecting holes are formed on the fixed valve plate 221. In other embodiments, multiple connecting holes may also be formed directly on the seat 211. This application does not limit this.

[0069] like Figure 13As shown, the movable valve plate 223 has multiple connecting slots, and multiple connecting holes are interconnected through the connecting slots on the movable valve plate 223. Specifically, the movable valve plate 223 has a first connecting slot 2232, a second connecting slot 2234, and a third connecting slot 2236 on the side surface of the movable valve plate 223 facing the fixed valve plate 221. The first connecting slot 2232, the second connecting slot 2234, and the third connecting slot 2236 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the movable valve plate 223. Among them, the first connecting slot 2232 is fan-shaped, extending along the circumference of the movable valve plate 223, and the outer edge of the first connecting slot 2232 connects to the outer periphery of the movable valve plate 223. The second connecting slot 2234 is elongated, with the edge of the automatic valve plate 223 extending radially to the center of the movable valve plate 223 and penetrating the side end face of the movable valve plate 223 away from the fixed valve plate 221 at the center point. The third connecting slot 2236 is a "door" shaped opening facing the edge of the movable valve plate 223.

[0070] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 10 The connecting holes on the valve body 21 specifically include a first connecting hole A, a second connecting hole B, a third connecting hole C, and a fourth connecting hole D. Any connecting hole can be selectively connected to at least one remaining connecting hole so that the multi-way valve 20 can switch between seven different positions.

[0071] Specifically, a first connecting hole A is formed on the side wall of the valve cavity 25 and connects to a raw water source. Raw water supplied by the raw water source flows into the valve cavity 25 through the first connecting hole A. A second connecting hole B is formed on the side of the flow control section away from the first connecting hole A. The other end of the second connecting hole B connects to a water-using device to supply soft water to the water-using device. A third connecting hole C and a fourth connecting hole D are formed in the flow control section, and the second connecting hole B, the fourth connecting hole D, the third connecting hole C, and the first connecting hole A are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the valve body 21.

[0072] When the multi-way valve 20 is in the water supply position, the third connecting hole C is connected to the first connecting hole A, and the fourth connecting hole D is connected to the second connecting hole B. Raw water flowing from the first connecting hole A enters the upper water distributor 45 through the third connecting hole C and flows down to the lower water distributor 47 through the central pipe 43 before exiting through the central pipe 43. Soft water output from the central pipe 43 flows through the fourth connecting hole D to the second connecting hole B to supply water to the water-using equipment. This forms a first flow path where the first connecting hole A, the third connecting hole C, the fourth connecting hole D, and the second connecting hole B are sequentially connected.

[0073] Furthermore, the flow area of ​​the first connecting hole A is greater than that of the third connecting hole C, which is greater than that of the fourth connecting hole D, which is greater than that of the second connecting hole B. That is, along the direction of water flow, the flow area of ​​the four connecting holes gradually decreases, so that the downstream connecting holes can be set with appropriate flow areas according to the water volume after diversion, thus making the structure of the multi-way valve 20 reasonable.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second connecting hole B and the fourth connecting hole D are arranged in a ring extending circumferentially along the valve body 21 to match the connecting groove on the moving valve plate 223.

[0075] Specifically, when the multi-way valve 20 is in one of the six positions: backwashing, first regeneration, slow washing, second regeneration, water replenishment, and forward washing, the first connecting hole A and the second connecting hole B are connected to form a second flow path, and the raw water flowing out from the first connecting hole A can be supplied to the water-using equipment through the second connecting hole B.

[0076] Further, see Figure 14 In order to achieve the connection between the first connecting hole A and the second connecting hole B, the outer diameter of the flow control part of the valve cavity 25 is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve cavity 25. Therefore, the flow control part and the cavity sidewall together define a continuous flow channel K that surrounds the flow control part in the circumferential direction. The raw water flowing into the valve cavity 25 from the first connecting hole A can flow along the continuous flow channel K to surround the flow control part in the circumferential direction, and then enter the second connecting hole B to achieve a continuous supply of raw water.

[0077] Furthermore, combining Figure 13 As shown, a flow-blocking portion 2238 protrudes from part of the edge of the moving valve plate 223. The flow-blocking portion 2238 is used to block the continuous flow channel K. When the multi-way valve 20 is in the water supply position, the flow-blocking portion 2238 covers the outer edge of the second connecting hole B, so the raw water in the continuous flow channel K cannot flow into the second connecting hole B, thereby preventing the raw water from being supplied to the water-using equipment.

[0078] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 13 As shown, when the multi-way valve 20 is in the water supply position, the first connecting hole A is connected to the third connecting hole C through the continuous flow channel K and the first connecting groove 2232, and the fourth connecting hole D is connected to the second connecting hole B through the third connecting groove 2236.

[0079] Therefore, the raw water flows sequentially through the first connecting hole A, the continuous flow channel K, and the third connecting hole C into the upper water distributor 45, while the soft water flowing out from the central pipe 43 flows sequentially through the fourth connecting hole D and the second connecting hole B into the water-using equipment.

[0080] When the multi-way valve 20 is in one of the six positions: backwash, first regeneration, slow wash, second regeneration, water replenishment, and forward wash, the first connecting hole A is connected to the second connecting hole B through the continuous flow channel K, thereby achieving raw water supply.

[0081] According to another aspect of this application, a multi-way valve 20 and a fixed valve plate 221 as described in the above embodiment are provided.

[0082] Specifically, the fixed valve plate 221 has multiple through holes, any one of which can be selectively connected to at least one other through hole to form a flow path. Furthermore, along the water flow direction of the flow path, the flow area of ​​the upstream through hole is greater than the flow area of ​​the other through holes.

[0083] In this way, by setting the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole to be the largest, a sufficient amount of liquid flows into the upstream connecting hole of the fixed valve plate 221 and is then diverted. Liquid with a relatively smaller flow rate then flows into other connecting holes with smaller flow areas. This allows the flow area of ​​the fixed valve plate 221 at different positions to be designed according to the actual flow rate, thereby providing a fixed valve plate 221 with a reasonable water circuit structure to ensure better water supply effect of the water softener 100.

[0084] Furthermore, along the water flow direction, the flow area of ​​the connecting hole gradually decreases. As the water flows in the flow path, the liquid is continuously diverted, resulting in a smaller flow rate for liquids further downstream. By setting the connecting hole to gradually reduce the flow area along the water flow direction, the water circuit structure of the fixed valve plate 221 is designed to be more reasonable and compact.

[0085] In one embodiment, the connecting holes on the fixed valve plate 221 specifically include a first connecting hole A, a second connecting hole B, a third connecting hole C, and a fourth connecting hole D. When the multi-way valve 20 is in the water supply position, the first connecting hole A, the third connecting hole C, the fourth connecting hole D, and the second connecting hole B are sequentially connected to form a first flow path. Furthermore, the flow area of ​​the first connecting hole A is greater than that of the third connecting hole C, which is greater than that of the fourth connecting hole D, which is greater than that of the second connecting hole B. That is, along the water flow direction, the flow area of ​​the four connecting holes gradually decreases, so that the downstream connecting holes can be set with an appropriate flow area according to the water volume after diversion, thereby making the structure of the fixed valve plate 221 and the multi-way valve 20 reasonable.

[0086] Furthermore, the number of connecting holes on the fixed valve plate 221 is not limited to the four mentioned above. The number of connecting holes can be adaptively set according to the needs of the working position of the multi-way valve 20. As long as the flow area of ​​the upstream connecting hole is maximized, it is within the protection scope of this application.

[0087] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above 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.

[0088] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve characterized in that, the multi-way valve (20) has seven working positions, a valve body (21) comprises a seat body (211) and a spool assembly (22), the seat body (211) and the spool assembly (22) jointly define a valve cavity (25), the valve cavity (25) comprises a flow control part and a side wall surrounding the flow control part in a circumferential direction; the outer diameter of the flow control part of the valve cavity (25) is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve cavity (25), the valve body (21) is provided with four communication holes, any one of the communication holes can be selectively communicated with at least one of the remaining communication holes to form multiple flow paths communicated with the valve cavity (25), and the multi-way valve is switched between seven different working positions; and, in the direction of water flow along the flow path, the flow area of the most upstream communication hole is greater than that of the remaining communication holes; wherein the communication holes comprise a first communication hole (A) and a second communication hole (B), a third communication hole (C) and a fourth communication hole (D); the first communication hole (A) is formed in the side wall, the second communication hole (B) is formed on the side of the flow control part away from the first communication hole (A); the third communication hole (C) and the fourth communication hole (D) are formed in the flow control part; when the multi-way valve (20) is in a water supply position, the first communication hole (A), the third communication hole (C), the fourth communication hole (D) and the second communication hole (B) are sequentially communicated to form a first flow path; the flow area of the first communication hole (A), the flow area of the third communication hole (C), the flow area of the fourth communication hole (D) and the flow area of the second communication hole (B) gradually decrease.

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein In the direction of water flow along the flow path, the flow area of the communication holes gradually decreases.

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein When the multi-way valve (20) is in the remaining six working positions, the first communication hole (A) and the second communication hole (B) are communicated to form a second flow path.

4. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, wherein The first communication hole (A), the fourth communication hole (D), the second communication hole (B) and the third communication hole (C) are sequentially and spacedly distributed in the circumferential direction of the valve body (21).

5. The multi-way valve of claim 1, wherein, The third communication hole (C) and the fourth communication hole (D) are annularly arranged extending in the circumferential direction of the valve body (21).

6. A water softener characterized by comprising: The multi-way valve (20) comprises any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images