Water softener and its jet device

Abstract

The application relates to a soft water machine and a jet device thereof. The jet device of the soft water machine is arranged between a bypass valve and a multi-way valve of the soft water machine. The bypass valve is provided with a first connecting port, the multi-way valve is provided with a second connecting port, the height positions of the first connecting port and the second connecting port are different, and the jet device comprises a main body provided with a flow channel for connecting the bypass valve and the multi-way valve. The flow channel is provided with a first opening end and a second opening end with different height positions. The second connecting port is connected to the second opening end, and the first connecting port is connected to the first opening end. The jet device of the soft water machine has the advantages that the height positions of the first connecting port of the bypass valve and the second connecting port of the multi-way valve are different, the flow channel of the jet device is provided with the opening ends with different height positions, the opening ends are connected to the first connecting port of the bypass valve and the second connecting port of the multi-way valve respectively, and the problem of misalignment of the bypass valve and the multi-way valve is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water softening technology, and in particular to a water softener and its jet injector. Background Technology

[0002] The commonly used softening material in water softeners is an ion exchange resin tank. After producing a certain amount of soft water through ion exchange, the resin will become saturated with hardness ions, requiring resin regeneration. An ejector mixes the brine from the brine supply device with the raw water to form a regenerated solution, which is then introduced into the resin tank to replace the hardness ions within the resin, allowing the water softener to continue operating. However, the bypass valve and the multi-way valve are misaligned at different heights, preventing effective connection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a water softener and its ejector to address the problem of misalignment between the bypass valve and the multi-way valve at different heights.

[0004] An ejector for a water softener is disposed between a bypass valve and a multi-port valve of the water softener. The bypass valve has a first connection port, and the multi-port valve has a second connection port. The second connection port and the first connection port are at different heights. The ejector includes:

[0005] The main body has a flow channel for connecting the bypass valve and the multi-way valve. The flow channel has a first opening end and a second opening end at different heights. The second connection port is connected to the second opening end, and the first connection port is connected to the first opening end.

[0006] The ejector of the aforementioned water softener has different height positions for the first connection port of the bypass valve and the second connection port of the multi-way valve. The flow channel of the ejector has openings at different height positions to connect to the first connection port of the bypass valve and the second connection port of the multi-way valve respectively, effectively solving the problem of misalignment between the bypass valve and the multi-way valve.

[0007] In one embodiment, the flow channel is Z-shaped or S-shaped.

[0008] In one embodiment, the main body includes a first cover, a second cover, and a third cover that are detachably connected. The third cover and the first cover are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second cover, and the flow channel passes through the first cover, the second cover, and the third cover.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second cover includes a fixing part and a first protrusion connected to one end of the fixing part. The fixing part is clamped between the first cover and the second cover along a first direction, and the first protrusion is located on the inner side of the inner wall of the first cover in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the jet injector further includes a seal sandwiched between the first protrusion and the inner wall of the first cover; the seal has a circular cross-section with a diameter of d, the distance between the first protrusion and the inner wall of the first cover is H, and the compression ratio of the seal is W = (dH) / d.

[0011] In one embodiment, the compression ratio of the seal ranges from 10% to 30%.

[0012] In one embodiment, the hardness of the seal is 60 to 90 degrees.

[0013] In one embodiment, the number of seals is at least two, and all the seals are arranged side by side along the first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second cover further includes a second protrusion connected to one end of the fixing portion away from the first protrusion. The second protrusion is located inside the inner wall of the third cover in the second direction, and the sealing element is provided between the second protrusion and the inner wall of the third cover.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first opening end has two first openings spaced apart, the first connection port includes a first inlet and a first outlet, and the first inlet and the first outlet are respectively connected to one of the first openings; the second opening end has two second openings spaced apart, the second connection port includes a second inlet and a second outlet, and the second inlet and the second outlet are respectively connected to one of the second openings.

[0016] A water softener includes the jet injector of the aforementioned water softener.

[0017] In the aforementioned water softener, the first connection port of the bypass valve and the second connection port of the multi-way valve are at different heights. The flow channel of the ejector has openings at different heights to connect to the first connection port of the bypass valve and the second connection port of the multi-way valve respectively, effectively solving the problem of misalignment between the bypass valve and the multi-way valve. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combination of an ejector, a bypass valve, and a multi-way valve in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the ejector, bypass valve and multi-way valve shown;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2The first cross-sectional view of the jet ejector shown;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A of the jet ejector shown;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The second cross-sectional view of the jet injector shown.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 10. Ejector; 20. Multi-way valve; 21. Second connection port; 21a. Second inlet; 21b. Second outlet; 30. Bypass valve; 31. First connection port; 31a. First inlet; 31b. First outlet; 100. Main body; 101. Flow channel; 101a. First opening end; 101b. Second opening end; 110. First cover; 120. Second cover; 121. Fixing part; 122. First extension part; 123. Second extension part; 130. Third cover; 140. Fastener; 200. Ejector assembly; 300. Seal. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "initial," "connected," "linked," and "fixed," 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The water softener has three modes: water supply, regeneration, and replenishment. In water supply mode, raw water flows through bypass valve 30 and ejector 10 to multi-way valve 20 and then into the resin tank. The resin in the tank adsorbs hardness ions (calcium ions, magnesium ions, etc.) in the raw water, thus softening it. In regeneration mode, raw water mixes with the brine in the brine supply device to form regenerated solution. This regenerated solution passes through multi-way valve 20 into the resin tank, where it regenerates the resin, ensuring sufficient regenerated ions. After a period of use, the brine in the brine supply device needs replenishment. During this replenishment, the water softener supplies raw water to dissolve more salt, creating more brine for use.

[0032] The regenerated solution enters the resin tank and undergoes a regeneration reaction with the resin. The principle is as follows: the sodium ions in the regenerated solution, which play a regeneration role, replace the hardness ions (calcium ions, magnesium ions, etc.) adsorbed by the resin. The sodium ions in the absorbed regenerated solution will exchange with the exhausted resin particles, restoring part of the resin's softening ability. The solution containing calcium and magnesium ions, after the exchange, is rapidly discharged under the impetus of gas, thus achieving regeneration.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the ejector 10 of the water softener is connected to the brine supply device, the multi-way valve 20, and the bypass valve 30 of the water softener, respectively. The bypass valve 30 is connected to the water supply device that provides raw water. The ejector 10 is located between the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20. The ejector 10 can guide liquid from the brine supply device or the bypass valve 30 to the multi-way valve 20, and then into the resin tank of the water softener through the multi-way valve 20. In addition, the ejector 10 can also guide liquid from the multi-way valve 20 to the brine supply device, thereby replenishing the brine supply device. The composition of the liquid guided by the ejector 10 is selected according to the state of the water softener.

[0034] For details, please refer to Figure 2 The bypass valve 30 has a first connection port 31, and the multi-way valve 20 has a second connection port 21. The second connection port 21 and the first connection port 31 are at different heights. The ejector 10 includes a main body 100, which has a flow channel 101 for connecting the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20. The flow channel 101 has a first opening end 101a and a second opening end 101b at different heights. The second connection port 21 is connected to the second opening end 101b, and the first connection port 31 is connected to the first opening end 101a.

[0035] Here, the height direction is Figure 2 In the Y direction shown, the flow channel 101 is normally open and is used to connect the first connection port 31 and the second connection port 21 of the multi-way valve 20. For example, when the water softener is in the water supply state, the raw water flows into the resin tank through the first connection port 31, the flow channel 101, and the second connection port 21 in sequence for softening treatment, and then flows to the multi-way valve 20, the flow channel 101, and the bypass valve 30, and the softened water is output by the bypass valve 30.

[0036] The above-mentioned jet injector 10 has different height positions for the first connection port 31 of the bypass valve 30 and the second connection port 21 of the multi-way valve 20. The flow passage 101 of the jet injector 10 has opening ends with different height positions so as to connect to the first connection port 31 of the bypass valve 30 and the second connection port 21 of the multi-way valve 20 respectively, effectively solving the problem of misalignment between the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20.

[0037] It should be noted that, in the above embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 2The main body 100 also has a jet channel that is independently set apart from the flow channel 101, and the jet channel can be selectively connected to the multi-way valve 20.

[0038] For example, when the water softener is in the water supply state, the jet channel and the multi-way valve 20 are in the blocked state. The raw water flows sequentially through the bypass valve 30, the flow channel 101, and the multi-way valve 20 into the resin tank for softening treatment. After softening, it flows to the multi-way valve 20, the flow channel 101, and the bypass valve 30, and the softened water is output from the bypass valve 30. When the water softener is in the regeneration state, the jet channel and the multi-way valve 20 are in the open state. The raw water flows sequentially through the bypass valve 30, the flow channel 101, the multi-way valve 20, and the jet channel to generate regenerated liquid. The regenerated liquid then flows from the multi-way valve 20 into the resin tank to achieve the purpose of cleaning the resin and ion exchange. When the water softener is in the water replenishment state, the jet channel and the multi-way valve 20 are in the open state. The raw water flows sequentially through the bypass valve 30, the flow channel 101, the multi-way valve 20, and the jet channel into the brine supply device to ensure that the brine supply device stores sufficient brine.

[0039] For more specific details, please refer to Figure 1 The flow channel 101 is Z-shaped or S-shaped.

[0040] It is understandable that the jet injector 10 includes not only the main body 100, but also the jet assembly 200 disposed inside the main body 100. By making the flow channel 101 Z-shaped or S-shaped, the flow channel 101 can have opening ends at different heights without affecting the layout of the jet assembly 200, so as to smoothly connect with the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20.

[0041] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the flow channel 101 may also be C-shaped or other shapes, as long as it has an open end with a different height position from the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20.

[0042] In this embodiment, the body 100 of the jet injector 10 has one flow channel 101. In other embodiments, the body 100 of the jet injector 10 may also have at least two flow channels 101, and all flow channels 101 may be arranged side by side at intervals in the same direction.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 2 The main body 100 includes a first cover 110, a second cover 120 and a third cover 130 that are detachably connected. The third cover 130 and the first cover 110 are respectively located on opposite sides of the second cover 120. A flow channel 101 is disposed between the first cover 110, the second cover 120 and the third cover 130.

[0044] For details, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4One side of the second cover 120 is fastened to the first cover 110 to form a first cavity, and the other side of the second cover 120 is fastened to the third cover 130 to form a second cavity. The second cavity is connected to the second connection port 21 of the multi-way valve 20, and the first cavity is connected to the first connection port 31 of the bypass valve 30. The first cavity and the second cavity are electrically connected, and the jet channel is connected to the second cavity. In this way, the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20 are respectively located on different sides of the jet injector 10, which can avoid mutual interference between the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20, and enable the jet injector 10 to meet the requirements of integrated and miniaturized design.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first cover 110, the second cover 120, and the third cover 130 are all detachably connected, facilitating quick assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the jet injector 10. For example, the first cover 110 has a first fixing hole, the second cover 120 has a second fixing hole, and the third cover 130 has a third fixing hole. Each cover is secured by a fastener 140 passing through the first, second, and third fixing holes. The fastener 140 can be a screw or a bolt. In other embodiments, the first cover 110, the second cover 120, and the third cover 130 can also be a single-piece structure.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second cover 120 includes a fixing part 121 and a first protruding part 122 connected to one end of the fixing part 121. The fixing part 121 is clamped between the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 along a first direction. The first protruding part 122 is located on the inner side of the inner wall of the first cover 110 in a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0047] Here, the first direction is Figure 3 and Figure 4 The X direction is shown, and the second direction is... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The Y direction (i.e., the height direction) is shown. With the above configuration, the fixing part 121 can seal the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 in the first direction, and the first protruding part 122 can seal the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 in the second direction, preventing gaps from appearing in the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 and affecting the sealing performance.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fixing part 121 and the first protruding part 122 are integrally formed structures, which have good integrity and high mechanical strength, and are conducive to improving the sealing performance between the covers. In other embodiments, the fixing part 121 and the first protruding part 122 can also be separate structures.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The jet injector 10 also includes a seal 300, which is sandwiched between the first protrusion 122 and the inner wall of the first cover 110. The longitudinal section of the seal 300 is circular with a diameter of d, the distance between the first protrusion 122 and the inner wall of the first cover 110 is H, and the compression ratio of the seal 300 is W = (dH) / d.

[0050] It is understandable that the compression ratio of the seal 300 is related to the diameter d of the seal 300 and the distance H between the first protrusion 122 and the inner wall of the first cover 110. With the above arrangement, the first cover 110, the second cover 120 and the third cover 130 are assembled and fixed along the first direction, and the seal 300 is subjected to a lateral clamping force in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. By controlling the compression ratio of the seal 300, the leakage problem caused by excessive deformation of the seal 300 under pressure can be improved.

[0051] Preferably, the seal 300 is a silicone ring or a rubber ring.

[0052] Further, please refer to Figure 3 The compression ratio of seal 300 ranges from 10% to 30%.

[0053] Understandably, if the compression ratio of the seal 300 is too high, the seal 300 is easily damaged due to excessive clamping force, leading to leakage between the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. If the compression ratio of the seal 300 is too low, the clamping force on the seal 300 is too small, resulting in seal failure and preventing a seal between the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. By controlling the compression ratio of the seal 300 to be within the optimal range, it is possible to ensure that the seal 300 is not damaged due to excessive clamping force while effectively sealing both the first cover 110 and the second cover 120.

[0054] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 3 The hardness of the 300 seal is 60-90 degrees.

[0055] Understandably, if the hardness of seal 300 is too high, it will lead to problems such as assembly difficulties and excessive stress. For example, if the structure is easily deformed or the surface roughness of the sealing surface is large, it is prone to poor sealing and leakage. If the hardness of seal 300 is too low, it will not be able to withstand sufficient lateral pressure, resulting in poor sealing due to the large impact force of the liquid on the seal 300. By controlling the hardness of seal 300 within the optimal range, it is possible to ensure that seal 300 is easy to assemble while also ensuring a good sealing effect.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3The number of seals 300 is at least two, and all seals 300 are arranged side by side along the first direction. In this way, the sealing effect between the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 can be enhanced.

[0057] In this embodiment, all seals 300 are made of the same material and have the same dimensions. In other embodiments, the materials and dimensions of all seals 300 may not be exactly the same or may be completely different, as can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 3 The second cover 120 also includes a second protrusion 123, which is connected to the end of the fixing part 121 away from the first protrusion 122. The second protrusion 123 is located on the inner side of the inner wall of the third cover 130 in the second direction. A sealing element 300 is also provided between the second protrusion 123 and the inner wall of the third cover 130.

[0059] With the above configuration, the second protrusion 123 can seal the third cover 130 and the second cover 120 in the second direction; the third cover 130 and the second cover 120 are assembled and fixed in the first direction, and the sealing element 300 is subjected to a lateral pressing force in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which can improve the water leakage problem caused by excessive deformation of the sealing element 300 under pressure.

[0060] In this embodiment, the number of seals 300 between the second protrusion 123 and the inner wall of the third cover 130 is not limited to one; that is, there can be at least two seals 300 between the second protrusion 123 and the inner wall of the third cover 130.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The first opening end 101a has two spaced-apart first openings, and the first connection port 31 includes a first inlet 31a and a first outlet 31b, each connected to one of the first openings. The second opening end 101b has two spaced-apart second openings, and the second connection port 21 includes a second inlet 21a and a second outlet 21b, each connected to one of the second openings. Through this configuration, the flow channel 101 enables the connection and docking of the corresponding inlets and outlets of the bypass valve 30 and the multi-way valve 20.

[0062] For example, when the water softener is in water supply mode, the raw water flows sequentially through the first inlet 31a of the bypass valve 30, the flow channel 101, and the second inlet 21a of the multi-way valve 20 into the resin tank for softening treatment. After softening, the water flows to the second outlet 21b of the multi-way valve 20, the flow channel 101, and the first outlet 31b of the bypass valve 30, and the softened water is output from the first outlet 31b of the bypass valve 30.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the water softener includes the jet injector 10 of the water softener described above.

[0064] Specifically, the aforementioned water softener also includes a bypass valve 30, a multi-way valve 20, a resin tank, and a brine supply device. When the water softener is in water supply mode, raw water enters the resin tank through the bypass valve 30, the ejector 10, and the multi-way valve 20 to soften the raw water; when the water softener is in regeneration mode, regenerated liquid enters the resin tank through the multi-way valve 20 to regenerate the resin tank; when the water softener is in water replenishment mode, raw water enters the brine supply device through the bypass valve 30 and the ejector 10 to replenish the brine supply device.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 invention patent. 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 jet injector (10) for a water softener, disposed between a bypass valve (30) and a multi-way valve (20) of the water softener, wherein the bypass valve (30) has a first connection port (31) and the multi-way valve (20) has a second connection port (21), wherein the second connection port (21) and the first connection port (31) are at different heights, characterized in that, The jet ejector (10) includes: The main body (100) has a flow passage (101) for connecting the bypass valve (30) and the multi-way valve (20). The flow passage (101) has a first opening end (101a) and a second opening end (101b) at different heights. The second connection port (21) is connected to the second opening end (101b), and the first connection port (31) is connected to the first opening end (101a). The flow channel (101) is Z-shaped or S-shaped; The main body (100) includes a first cover (110), a second cover (120) and a third cover (130) that are detachably connected. The third cover (130) and the first cover (110) are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second cover (120). The flow channel (101) is disposed between the first cover (110), the second cover (120) and the third cover (130).

2. The ejector (10) of the water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cover (120) includes a fixing part (121) and a first protruding part (122) connected to one end of the fixing part (121). The fixing part (121) is sandwiched between the first cover (110) and the second cover (120) along a first direction. The first protruding part (122) is located on the inner side of the inner wall of the first cover (110) in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The ejector (10) of the water softener according to claim 2, characterized in that, The jet injector (10) further includes a seal (300), which is sandwiched between the first protrusion (122) and the inner wall of the first cover (110); the longitudinal section of the seal (300) is circular with a diameter of d, the distance between the first protrusion (122) and the inner wall of the first cover (110) is H, and the compression ratio of the seal (300) is W=(dH) / d.

4. The ejector (10) of the water softener according to claim 3, characterized in that, The compression ratio of the seal (300) ranges from 10% to 30%.

5. The ejector (10) of the water softener according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hardness of the seal (300) is 60~90 degrees.

6. The ejector (10) of the water softener according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of the seals (300) is at least two, and all the seals (300) are arranged side by side along the first direction.

7. The ejector (10) of the water softener according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second cover (120) further includes a second protrusion (123), which is connected to the end of the fixing part (121) away from the first protrusion (122). The second protrusion (123) is located on the inner side of the inner wall of the third cover (130) in the second direction. The sealing element (300) is also provided between the second protrusion (123) and the inner wall of the third cover (130).

8. The ejector (10) of the water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first opening end (101a) has two first openings spaced apart. The first connection port (31) includes a first inlet (31a) and a first outlet (31b), and the first inlet (31a) and the first outlet (31b) are respectively connected to one of the first openings. The second opening end (101b) has two second openings spaced apart. The second connection port (21) includes a second inlet (21a) and a second outlet (21b), and the second inlet (21a) and the second outlet (21b) are respectively connected to one of the second openings.

9. A water softener, characterized in that, Includes the jetting device (10) of the water softener as described in any one of claims 1-8.

Images