Waterway system of water softener, salt dissolving control method and water softener

Abstract

A water route system of a water softener, a salt dissolving control method and the water softener. The water route system of the water softener comprises a salt tank (11), a salt dissolving water route (101), a water pump (16) and a first detection unit (35). The water inlet end and the water outlet end of the salt dissolving water route (101) are communicated with the salt tank (11) to form a circulating salt dissolving loop. The water pump (16) is arranged in the salt dissolving water route (101) and is used for pumping out the salt water in the salt tank (11) and flowing through the salt dissolving water route (101). The first detection unit (35) is arranged in the salt dissolving water route (101) and is used for detecting the salt concentration of the solution passing through the salt dissolving water route (101). The salt concentration of the solution can be monitored during the salt dissolving process, the preset salt concentration can be reached in the shortest time for each salt dissolving, and the salt can be saved to a certain extent.

Description

The water system, salt dissolution control method, and water softener of a water softener Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a water circuit system for a water softener, a salt dissolution control method, and a water softener. Background Technology

[0002] Water softeners typically use ion exchange resin technology to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water, thereby reducing limescale buildup and improving the bathing and washing experience. After a period of use, the ion exchange resin becomes saturated with calcium and magnesium ions and needs to be regenerated by rinsing with concentrated brine to restore its performance. Before regeneration, salt dissolution is usually required, which involves dissolving the salt particles in the brine tank to reach a preset salt concentration (generally saturation). Traditional water softeners control the salt concentration of the solution solely by time during salt dissolution, which cannot guarantee that the preset salt concentration will be reached in the shortest possible time each time. Too short a dissolution time results in poor subsequent regeneration, while too long a dissolution time leads to an excessively long regeneration cycle. Furthermore, traditional water softeners generally use static soaking to achieve saturation, which requires excessive salt and leads to some salt waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a water circuit system for a water softener, which aims to monitor the salt concentration of the solution during the salt dissolution process, ensuring that the preset salt concentration can be reached in the shortest possible time each time salt is dissolved; and to a certain extent, it can save salt.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the water circuit system of the water softener proposed in this invention includes:

[0005] Salt box;

[0006] A salt solution path, wherein the inlet and outlet of the salt solution path are respectively connected to the salt tank to form a circulating salt solution loop;

[0007] A water pump, located in the dissolved salt water path, is used to extract brine from the salt tank and allow it to flow through the dissolved salt water path; and

[0008] The first detection unit is located in the saline solution path and is used to detect the salt concentration of the solution passing through the saline solution path.

[0009] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a controller, and the water pump and the first detection unit are electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the operating status of the water pump based on the information fed back by the first detection unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener also includes an alarm module electrically connected to the controller.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a resin tank, a regenerated water path, and a water path switching component. The regenerated water path includes a brine suction channel and a drainage channel. The inlet end of the brine suction channel is connected to the brine tank, the outlet end of the brine suction channel is connected to the resin tank, and the inlet end of the drainage channel is connected to the resin tank. The dissolved salt water path and the regenerated water path share the brine suction channel. The water pump and the first detection unit are both located in the brine suction channel. The water path switching component is used to switch the water system of the water softener between the various water paths.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a backflushing water path and a backwashing water path, and the regeneration water path, the backflushing water path, and the backwashing water path share the drainage channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a second detection unit disposed in the drain channel, the second detection unit being used to detect the salt concentration and / or hardness of the solution passing through the drain channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the regenerated water path further includes a first water inlet channel, the outlet of which is connected to the brine absorption channel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a flow restrictor disposed in the first water inlet channel, the flow restrictor being used to limit the liquid flow rate through the first water inlet channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the salt absorption channel includes a salt absorption section and a confluence section. The inlet end of the salt absorption section is connected to the salt tank, and the outlet end of the confluence section is connected to the resin tank. The outlet end of the first inlet channel, the outlet end of the salt absorption section, and the inlet end of the confluence section converge at a point and are connected. The first detection unit is located in the confluence section.

[0017] In one embodiment, the dissolved salt water path further includes a water injection channel and a connecting channel, wherein the water injection channel connects the first water inlet channel to the salt tank, and the connecting channel connects the salt absorption channel to the first water inlet channel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the water circuit switching assembly includes a first control valve, a second control valve, a third control valve, and a fourth control valve. The first control valve is located in the first water inlet channel to open or close the first water inlet channel. The second control valve is located in the water injection channel to open or close the water injection channel. The third control valve is located in the connection channel to open or close the connection channel. The fourth control valve is located in the drainage channel to open or close the drainage channel.

[0019] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener has a salt dissolving mode. In the salt dissolving mode, the second control valve, the third control valve, and the water pump are all in the open state, and the first control valve and the fourth control valve are both in the closed state. The salt tank, the salt suction channel, the connecting channel, the first water inlet channel, the water injection channel, and the salt tank are sequentially connected to form the circulating salt dissolving circuit.

[0020] This invention also proposes a salt dissolution control method for the water circuit system of the water softener described above, comprising the following steps:

[0021] Obtain the current salt concentration of the solution passing through the saline path;

[0022] Compare the current salt concentration with the preset salt concentration;

[0023] When the current salt concentration reaches the preset salt concentration, the water pump is turned off.

[0024] In one embodiment, the salt dissolution control method further includes the following steps:

[0025] If the water pump continues to run for a preset time and the current salt concentration still has not reached the preset salt concentration, the water pump will be turned off.

[0026] In one embodiment, the salt dissolution control method further includes the following steps:

[0027] If the water pump runs continuously for a preset time and the current salt concentration still has not reached the preset salt concentration, a salt shortage reminder will be issued.

[0028] The present invention also proposes a water softener, including the water circuit system of the water softener as described above.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] The technical solution of this invention uses a water pump to extract brine from the salt tank and allow it to flow along the dissolved salt path, then return it to the salt tank via the output end of the dissolved salt path. This cycle is repeated, forming a dynamic circulation of water for salt dissolution, which effectively increases the salt dissolution rate. Simultaneously, by installing a first detection unit on the dissolved salt path, the salt concentration of the solution can be monitored during the dissolution process. When the first detection unit detects that the brine concentration passing through the dissolved salt path reaches the preset salt concentration, the dissolution process can be considered complete. Compared to traditional techniques that rely on time-controlled dissolution, this invention ensures that the preset salt concentration is reached in the shortest possible time each time. Furthermore, compared to traditional static soaking dissolution, the technical solution of this invention, through dynamic circulation dissolution, can dissolve salt to saturation even when the volume of salt is less than that of water, thus achieving salt conservation to a certain extent. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of a water softener in the prior art;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of the water softener in Figure 1 in regeneration mode;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of the water softener in Figure 1 during backwashing mode;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of the water softener of the present invention according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5 is a simplified water circuit diagram of the water softener in Figure 4 in the salt dissolving mode.

[0037] Figure 6 is a simplified water circuit diagram of the water softener in Figure 4 during the first regeneration mode.

[0038] Figure 7 is a simplified water circuit diagram of the water softener system in Figure 4 during the second regeneration mode.

[0039] Figure 8 is a simplified water circuit diagram of the water softener in Figure 4 during backwashing mode;

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of the first embodiment of the salt dissolution control method of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of the second embodiment of the salt dissolution control method of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic flowchart of the third embodiment of the salt dissolution control method of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the salt dissolution control method of the present invention.

[0044] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0050] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0051] Water softeners typically use ion exchange resin technology to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water. After the ion exchange resin becomes saturated with calcium and magnesium ions, it is regenerated using a salt solution. Taking sodium-type ion exchange resin as an example, after it reaches saturation with calcium and magnesium ions, it is generally regenerated using a sodium chloride solution. The softening and regeneration processes specifically involve the following reactions:

[0052] Softening: 2R-SO3Na+Ca 2+ →(R-SO3)2Ca+2Na +

[0053] Regeneration: (R-SO3)2Ca + 2Na + →2R-SO3Na+Ca 2+

[0054] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of a conventional water softener. A conventional water softener typically includes a valve head 1, a brine tank 2, and a resin tank 3. The brine tank 2 contains salt granules 4 (e.g., sodium chloride granules), and the resin tank 3 contains ion exchange resin 5. The valve head 1 is connected to the resin tank 3. The inlet a, water outlet b, outlet c, and brine tank 2 are all connected to the resin tank 3 via the valve head 1. The valve head 1 constitutes the core component of the water softener's water circuit system. It controls the flow direction and the on / off state of the water circuit, enabling the water softener to perform functions such as normal operation, water injection and salt dissolution, salt absorption (regeneration), backwashing, backflushing, and forward flushing.

[0055] Existing water softeners generally include normal operation mode, water injection + salt dissolution mode, salt absorption (regeneration) mode, backwash mode, backflushing mode, and forward flush mode. For ease of understanding, the water flow direction of existing water softeners in the above modes is briefly explained below.

[0056] In normal operation mode, tap water flows from inlet a to inlet 6 of resin tank, and then enters resin tank 3. Calcium and magnesium ions in the tap water are adsorbed by ion exchange resin 5 in resin tank 3 to obtain softened water. The softened water then flows through outlet 7 of resin tank to user water outlet b.

[0057] In the water injection + salt dissolving mode, tap water flows from inlet a to salt tank 2. The salt particles 4 in salt tank 2 come into contact with the water and form saturated or concentrated brine through long-term soaking.

[0058] In the salt absorption (regeneration) mode, after the water injection and salt dissolution are completed, the valve head 1 switches the water circuit and uses tap water as power to draw out the saturated brine dissolved in the salt tank 2 through the Venturi effect of the ejector 8. After mixing with tap water, it is diluted into concentrated brine and enters the resin tank 3. The concentrated brine comes into contact with the ion exchange resin 5 in the resin tank 3 for regeneration.

[0059] In the backwash mode, as shown in Figure 3, after the brine in the brine tank 2 is completely absorbed, only tap water enters the resin tank 3 to flush away the remaining brine.

[0060] In backwash mode, tap water flows from inlet a to outlet 7 of the resin tank, then into the resin tank 3, and finally from inlet 6 to outlet c. Backwash mode can include pre-regeneration backwash and post-regeneration backwash. Pre-regeneration backwash loosens the ion exchange resin 5 that is compressed during normal operation, improving the efficiency of contact between the brine and the ion exchange resin 5 during regeneration. Post-regeneration backwash removes residual brine. The difference between pre-regeneration backwash and post-regeneration backwash lies in the water volume; post-regeneration backwash requires a larger flow rate.

[0061] In the forward flushing mode, tap water flows from inlet a to resin tank inlet 6, then into resin tank 3, and then from resin tank outlet 7 to drain outlet c. Generally, after regeneration, the water is rinsed to remove any residual salt water from the regeneration process.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 2, which shows a schematic diagram of the water circuit in the brine (regeneration) mode of a conventional water softener. During regeneration, tap water is used as the driving force, and the saturated brine dissolved in the brine tank 2 is drawn out through the Venturi effect of the ejector 8. The brine mixes with the tap water to produce concentrated brine, which enters the resin tank 3 for regeneration. Before regeneration, salt dissolution is usually required, that is, the salt particles 4 in the brine tank 2 are dissolved to reach a preset salt concentration (generally the saturated salt concentration). Traditional water softeners control the salt concentration of the solution only by time during salt dissolution, which cannot guarantee that the preset salt concentration can be reached in the shortest possible time each time. Too short a salt dissolution time will result in poor subsequent regeneration effect, while too long a salt dissolution time will result in an excessively long overall salt dissolution and regeneration cycle.

[0063] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a water circuit system for a water softener.

[0064] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the water system of the water softener includes a brine tank 11, a dissolved salt water path 101, a water pump 16, and a first detection unit 35. The inlet and outlet of the dissolved salt water path 101 are respectively connected to the brine tank 11 to form a circulating dissolved salt circuit; the water pump 16 is located in the dissolved salt water path 101, and is used to extract brine from the brine tank 11 and allow it to flow through the dissolved salt water path 101; the first detection unit 35 is located in the dissolved salt water path 101 and is used to detect the salt concentration of the solution passing through the dissolved salt water path 101.

[0065] Specifically, the salt tank 11 contains salt granules 32 (e.g., sodium chloride). After a certain amount of water is injected into the salt tank 11, the salt dissolution stage begins. As shown in Figure 5, in the salt dissolution mode, the water pump 16 is activated, and the brine in the salt tank 11 is extracted and flows along the salt dissolution path 101. It then flows back into the salt tank 11 via the output of the salt dissolution path 101, repeating this cycle to form a dynamic circulation salt dissolution. The salt dissolution path 101 is equipped with a first detection unit 35, which can be a salinity meter. The salinity meter can detect the water temperature and salt concentration. Taking a preset salt concentration as the saturated salt concentration as an example, at 20 degrees Celsius, the saturated salt mass fraction is 26.74%. During the salt dissolution process, when the first detection unit 35 detects that the brine concentration passing through the salt dissolution path 101 reaches the aforementioned saturated salt concentration, the salt dissolution process can be considered complete. This ensures that the saturated concentration is reached in the shortest possible time each time salt is dissolved. In some embodiments, if the preset salt concentration is less than the saturated salt concentration, when the first detection unit 35 detects that the salt concentration through the salt solution path 101 has reached the preset salt concentration, it can be determined that the salt dissolution process is complete. At this time, the salt solution in the salt tank 11 that has reached the preset salt concentration can be extracted into a separate container for storage, which can prevent the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11 from continuing to dissolve and affecting the concentration of the salt solution.

[0066] The technical solution of this invention uses a water pump 16 to extract brine from the salt tank 11 and allow it to flow along the dissolved salt water path 101. The brine then flows back into the salt tank 11 via the output of the dissolved salt water path 101, creating a dynamic circulation system for salt dissolution, which effectively increases the salt dissolution rate. Simultaneously, by installing a first detection unit 35 on the dissolved salt water path 101, the salt concentration of the solution can be monitored during the dissolution process. When the first detection unit 35 detects that the brine concentration passing through the dissolved salt water path 101 reaches a preset salt concentration, the dissolution process is considered complete. Compared to traditional techniques that rely on time-controlled dissolution, this invention ensures that the preset salt concentration is reached in the shortest possible time each time. Furthermore, compared to traditional static soaking dissolution, the technical solution of this invention, through dynamic circulation dissolution, can dissolve salt to saturation even when the volume of salt is less than that of water, thus achieving salt conservation to a certain extent.

[0067] To achieve intelligent control of the water softener, in one embodiment, the water circuit system of the water softener further includes a controller (not shown). The water pump 16 and the first detection unit 35 are electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the operating status of the water pump 16 based on the information fed back by the first detection unit 35. Specifically, the controller can be a microcontroller or a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller has a preset salt concentration, such as a saturated salt concentration, built into a preset program to achieve the required salt dissolution. The first detection unit 35 detects the salt concentration passing through the salt dissolution circuit 101 in real time and feeds the detection result back to the controller. The controller compares the detection result with the preset salt concentration in the program. If the preset salt concentration is reached, it indicates that salt dissolution is complete, and the controller controls the water pump 16 to stop running. If the preset salt concentration is not reached, the controller controls the water pump 16 to continue running. At the same time, the first detection unit 35 continues to detect and feed back, and the controller continues to compare the detection result with the preset salt concentration in the program until the preset salt concentration is reached, at which point the water pump 16 is controlled to stop running.

[0068] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener also includes an alarm module (not shown) electrically connected to the controller. Specifically, taking a preset salt concentration as the saturated salt concentration as an example, during the salt dissolution process, the first detection unit 35 detects the salt concentration passing through the salt dissolution path 101 in real time and feeds the detection result back to the controller. The controller compares the detection result with the preset saturated salt concentration. If the preset salt concentration is not reached, the controller controls the water pump 16 to continue running. If the salt concentration detected by the first detection unit 35 still does not reach the preset saturated salt concentration after the water pump 16 has been running for a period of time, it indicates that the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11 have been consumed. At this time, the controller controls the water pump 16 to stop running and controls the alarm module to issue a salt shortage reminder signal to remind the user to replenish the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11 in time. The alarm module may include a buzzer and / or an alarm indicator light. The buzzer can emit an audible reminder signal, and the alarm indicator light can emit a visual reminder signal.

[0069] Referring to Figures 4, 6, and 7, based on the above embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a resin tank 12, a regenerated water path 102, and a water path switching component. The regenerated water path 102 includes a brine suction channel 13 and a drainage channel 27. The inlet end of the brine suction channel 13 is connected to the brine tank 11, and the outlet end of the brine suction channel 13 is connected to the resin tank 12. The inlet end of the drainage channel 27 is connected to the resin tank 12. The water path switching component is used to switch the water system of the water softener between the various water paths.

[0070] Specifically, resin tank 12 is used to store ion exchange resin 33. Resin tank 12 has a first port 121 and a second port 122. The first port 121 can be the inlet of resin tank 12, and the second port 122 can be the outlet of resin tank 12. The outlet of brine suction channel 13 is connected to the second port 122 of resin tank 12, and drainage channel 27 is connected to the first port 121 of resin tank 12. After salt dissolution is completed, the brine path is switched to the regeneration water path through the water path switching component, as shown in Figure 6. Water pump 16 is started, and brine in salt tank 11 is drawn out and flows along brine suction channel 13 to resin tank 12. The brine comes into contact with ion exchange resin 33 in resin tank 12 to replace the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by ion exchange resin 33 to achieve performance regeneration. The exchanged brine is discharged through drainage channel 27. During the regeneration process, the salt concentration of the regeneration solution can also be detected by the first detection unit 35 on brine suction channel 13 to monitor the salt concentration of the regeneration solution in real time.

[0071] Based on the above embodiments, the water system of the water softener also includes a backflushing water path and a backwashing water path, and the regeneration water path 102, the backflushing water path and the backwashing water path share the drainage channel 27.

[0072] Specifically, the regeneration water path 102, the backwash water path, and the backwash water path share a common drainage channel 27. After regeneration is completed, the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12 is rinsed through the backwashing or backwashing stage to clean the residual brine in the resin tank 12 during the regeneration stage. The rinsed water is then discharged through the drainage channel 27.

[0073] Existing water softeners lack monitoring during the backwashing and flushing stages to ensure the residual brine in the resin tank 12 is completely removed, making it impossible to accurately determine the flushing time. Insufficient flushing time results in salty water supplied to users during normal operation, while excessive flushing time leads to water waste. To address these issues, in one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a second detection unit 36 ​​located in the drain channel 27. This second detection unit 36 ​​is used to detect the salt concentration and / or hardness of the solution passing through the drain channel 27.

[0074] Specifically, the second detection unit 36 ​​includes a salinity meter and / or a water hardness meter. The salinity meter can detect the salt concentration of the solution flowing through the drainage channel 27. During the backwashing and flushing stages, when water is discharged from the drainage channel 27, the salinity meter can detect the salt concentration of the water discharged from the resin tank 12. When the brine concentration is detected to be zero, it is determined that the rinsing is complete, and rinsing can be stopped; when the brine concentration is detected to be non-zero, it is determined that the rinsing is not complete, and rinsing needs to continue. Compared to the traditional timed rinsing method, this ensures that rinsing is completed in the shortest possible time. Furthermore, during the regeneration process, since the concentration of brine does not change significantly between entering and exiting the resin tank 12, with only a slight time difference, the salinity meter on the drainage channel 27 can also monitor the brine concentration during regeneration. A water hardness meter is used to detect the hardness of the solution passing through the drainage channel 27. During the backwashing and flushing stages, when water is discharged from the drainage channel 27, the hardness of the water discharged from the resin tank 12 can be detected by the water hardness meter. The water hardness represents the amount of calcium and magnesium ions that have been displaced. When the detected water hardness is less than or equal to a preset value, it is determined that the rinsing is complete and rinsing can be stopped; when the detected water hardness is greater than the preset value, it is determined that the rinsing is not complete and rinsing needs to continue. Furthermore, during the regeneration process, the water hardness meter on the drainage channel 27 can monitor the drainage hardness (i.e., the amount of calcium and magnesium ions displaced), thereby determining the regeneration effect and calculating the subsequent water consumption. In addition, by setting up the water hardness meter, the detection results are fed back to the controller in real time, enabling data collection. Since the regeneration effect is affected by the regeneration concentration, time, and salt content, the salt concentration, flow rate, and regeneration time for the next regeneration can be adjusted through the controller's built-in program, thereby achieving closed-loop performance control.

[0075] The regeneration mode can be divided into two types, as shown in Figure 6. In the first regeneration mode, the brine in the brine tank is directly extracted and transported to the resin tank for regeneration, as shown in Figure 7. Tap water needs to be mixed with the brine extracted from the brine tank 11 to form a regeneration solution of a certain concentration. In order to realize the second regeneration mode, in one embodiment, the regeneration water circuit 102 further includes a first water inlet channel 14, the outlet of the first water inlet channel 14 being connected to the brine suction channel 13.

[0076] Specifically, in regeneration mode, water pump 16 is turned on, and water pump 16 is used to extract brine from salt tank 11 and transport it to resin tank 12 through brine suction channel 13. Tap water is transported to brine suction channel 13 through inlet A and first inlet channel 14. After the tap water and brine are mixed, a regenerated liquid is formed and then transported to resin tank 12. The regenerated liquid comes into contact with ion exchange resin 33 in resin tank 12 to regenerate ion exchange resin 33 and restore its performance. After regeneration, the brine in resin tank 12 can be discharged through drainage channel 27.

[0077] To enable real-time monitoring of the salt concentration of the mixed regenerated solution, as shown in Figure 7, the salt absorption channel 13 includes a salt absorption section and a confluence section 15. The inlet of the salt absorption section is connected to the salt tank 11, and the outlet of the confluence section 15 is connected to the resin tank 12. The outlet of the first inlet channel 14, the outlet of the salt absorption section, and the inlet of the confluence section 15 converge at a single point and are interconnected. The first detection unit 35 is located in the confluence section 15. In the second regeneration mode, tap water and brine are mixed and transported to the resin tank 12 through the confluence section 15. The first detection unit 35 on the confluence section 15 can monitor the salt concentration of the mixed regenerated solution in real time, thereby monitoring the regeneration degree in the second regeneration mode.

[0078] In addition, as shown in Figure 8, when the water pump 16 is turned off, tap water can still enter the resin tank 12 through the first water inlet channel 14 and the confluence section 15 to achieve the backwash (slow wash) function. The backwashed water is discharged through the drain channel 27.

[0079] To achieve adjustable regenerant concentration to meet different usage requirements, in one embodiment, the water pump 16 is an adjustable-speed water pump. There are many types of adjustable-speed water pumps 16, as long as they can achieve self-priming and speed regulation functions. For example, the water pump 16 can be any of a diaphragm pump, a vane pump, or a plunger pump.

[0080] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a flow restrictor 17 disposed in the first water inlet channel 14, the flow restrictor 17 being used to limit the liquid flow rate through the first water inlet channel 14. By limiting the liquid flow rate of the first water inlet channel 14 through the flow restrictor 17, the liquid flow rate output from the outlet end of the first flow restrictor 17 remains stable and is not affected by the tap water pressure at the inlet A.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, traditional water softeners use tap water as the power source during regeneration. The saturated brine dissolved in the brine tank 2 is drawn out through the Venturi effect of the ejector 8. The brine mixes with the tap water to produce concentrated brine, which then enters the resin tank 3 for regeneration. The entire regeneration process is powered by tap water pressure. When the tap water pressure changes, the regeneration performance deviates significantly, resulting in poor stability. The technical solution of the present invention uses a water pump 16 to extract brine from the brine tank 11. When the rotation speed of the water pump 16 is constant, the liquid flow rate in the brine suction channel 13 remains stable. Furthermore, the liquid flow rate of the first water inlet channel 14 is limited by the flow limiting component 17, so that the liquid flow rate output from the outlet of the first water inlet channel 14 remains stable and is not affected by the tap water pressure at the inlet A. In this way, the concentration and flow rate of the regenerated brine formed after the brine transported by the brine suction channel 13 and the tap water transported by the first water inlet channel 14 are kept stable, and the regenerated brine is not affected by changes in tap water pressure, thereby improving the stability of regeneration performance.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4, in one embodiment, the salt dissolving channel 101 further includes a water injection channel 20 and a connecting channel 22. The water injection channel 20 connects the first water inlet channel 14 to the salt tank 11, and the connecting channel 22 connects the salt absorption channel 13 to the first water inlet channel 14. In salt dissolving mode, the brine in the salt tank 11 is extracted and sequentially transported through the salt absorption channel 13, the connecting channel 22, and the first water inlet channel 14 to the water injection channel 20, and then flows back into the salt tank 11 through the water injection channel 20, achieving dynamic circulation salt dissolving. Furthermore, before the salt dissolving mode, a certain amount of water can be injected into the salt tank 11 through the first water inlet channel 14 and the water injection channel 20.

[0083] To facilitate water circuit switching, in one embodiment, the water circuit switching assembly includes a first control valve 19, a second control valve 21, a third control valve 23, and a fourth control valve 28. The first control valve 19 is located in the first water inlet channel 14 to open or close the first water inlet channel 14. The second control valve 21 is located in the water injection channel 20 to open or close the water injection channel 20. The third control valve 23 is located in the connecting channel 22 to open or close the connecting channel 22. The fourth control valve 28 is located in the drainage channel 27 to open or close the drainage channel 27.

[0084] Specifically, the water softener can switch between multiple functional modes by controlling the operating status of the water pump 16, the first control valve 19, the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23, and the fourth control valve 28. The first control valve 19, the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23, and the fourth control valve 28 can be solenoid valves, electric ball valves, mechanical ball valves, ceramic disc valves, etc., as long as they can achieve the opening and closing of the water circuit.

[0085] In water injection mode, water pump 16 is turned off, first control valve 19 and second control valve 21 are both open, and third control valve 23 and fourth control valve 28 are both closed. At this time, the first water inlet channel 14, water injection channel 20 and salt tank 11 are connected to form a water injection circuit. Tap water enters the first water inlet channel 14 through water inlet A, and is then transported to water injection channel 20, and injected into salt tank 11 through water injection channel 20 to mix with salt particles 32 in salt tank 11.

[0086] In salt dissolving mode, water pump 16 is turned on, and both the second control valve 21 and the third control valve 23 are open, while the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28 are closed. At this time, the salt suction channel 13, the connecting channel 22, the first water inlet channel 14, and the water injection channel 20 are connected to form a salt dissolving circuit 101. Water pump 16 draws salt water from the salt tank 11 and then transports it back to the salt tank 11 through the salt suction channel 13, the connecting channel 22, the first water inlet channel 14, and the water injection channel 20 to form a circulating salt dissolving loop; this cycle repeats continuously to achieve dynamic salt dissolving.

[0087] In backwash mode, pump 16 is shut off, and control valves 19, 23, and 28 are all open, while control valve 21 is closed. At this time, the first inlet channel 14, connecting channel 22, manifold 15, resin tank 12, and drain channel 27 are connected to form a backwash water path. Tap water enters the first inlet channel 14 through inlet A, then flows through the connecting channel 22, then through manifold 15 and second port 122 into the resin tank 12, and finally exits through first port 121 and drain channel 27 to drain outlet C. The backwash mode can include pre-regeneration backwash and post-regeneration backwash.

[0088] In regeneration mode, water pump 16 is turned on, first control valve 19 and fourth control valve 28 are both open, and second control valve 21 and third control valve 23 are both closed. Water pump 16 draws brine from brine tank 11 and transports it through brine suction channel 13. Tap water is transported through inlet A and first inlet channel 14 to the manifold 15 of brine suction channel 13. After the brine and tap water mix, they form a regenerated solution, which is transported through manifold 15 to resin tank 12 for regeneration by contacting the ion exchange resin 33 in resin tank 12. The regenerated wastewater is then transported through drainage channel 27 to drain outlet C. It should be noted that in another regeneration mode, first control valve 19 can be closed, and the brine in brine tank 11 can be directly drawn into resin tank 12 for regeneration without mixing with tap water.

[0089] In backwash mode, water pump 16 is turned off, first control valve 19 and fourth control valve 28 are both open, and second control valve 21 and third control valve 23 are both closed. At this time, the first inlet channel 14, the manifold 15, the resin tank 12, and the drain channel 27 are connected to form the backwash water circuit. Tap water is delivered to the manifold 15 through inlet A and the first inlet channel 14, then to the resin tank 12 through the manifold 15, and finally to the drain outlet C through the drain channel 27 to rinse away the residual brine after regeneration.

[0090] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a second inlet channel 29 and an outlet channel 30. The second inlet channel 29 is connected to the first port 121, and the outlet channel 30 is connected to the second port 122. In normal operation mode, the water pump 16 is turned off, and the first control valve 19, the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23, and the fourth control valve 28 are all closed. Tap water (raw water) enters the resin tank 12 through the second inlet channel 29 and the first port 121. The raw water comes into contact with the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12, and the ion exchange resin 33 adsorbs calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water to obtain softened water. The softened water is then delivered to the user's water inlet B through the second port 122 and the outlet channel 30. The water inlet B can be used to connect to a faucet or other water-using equipment.

[0091] In addition, in some applications where water quality requirements are not high, users do not need to use softened water. To more conveniently provide users with untreated raw water, in one embodiment, the water system of the water softener also includes a bypass channel 31, which connects the second inlet channel 29 to the outlet channel 30. Thus, the raw water transported by the second inlet channel 29 enters the outlet channel 30 via the bypass channel 31, and is then transported to the user's water inlet B via the outlet channel 30. The water system of the water softener may include a switching valve (not shown) located at the bypass channel 31, which allows switching between the softened water path and the direct water supply path.

[0092] This invention also proposes a salt dissolution control method for the water circuit system of a water softener.

[0093] Specifically, referring to Figure 4, in one embodiment, the water system of the water softener includes a brine tank 11, a dissolved salt water path 101, a water pump 16, a first detection unit 35, and a controller. The inlet and outlet of the dissolved salt water path 101 are respectively connected to the brine tank 11 to form a circulating dissolved salt circuit. The water pump 16 is located in the dissolved salt water path 101, and is used to extract brine from the brine tank 11 and allow it to flow through the dissolved salt water path 101. The first detection unit 35 is located in the brine suction channel 13 and is used to detect the salt concentration of the solution passing through the brine suction channel 13. The water pump 16 and the first detection unit 35 are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used to control the operating status of the water pump 16 based on the information fed back by the first detection unit 35.

[0094] Referring to Figure 9, in the first embodiment, the salt dissolution control method includes the following steps:

[0095] S1. Obtain the current salt concentration of the solution passing through the saline solution path 101;

[0096] S2. Compare the current salt concentration with the preset salt concentration;

[0097] S3. When the current salt concentration reaches the preset salt concentration, turn off the water pump 16.

[0098] Specifically, the controller activates water pump 16 to enter the salt dissolving mode. Water pump 16 extracts brine from salt tank 11 and flows it along the salt dissolving path 101, eventually returning it to salt tank 11. During the salt dissolving process, the first detection unit 35 monitors the salt concentration of the solution passing through the salt dissolving path 101 in real time to obtain the current salt concentration, and feeds the current salt concentration back to the controller. The first detection unit 35 can be a salinity meter, capable of simultaneously detecting water temperature and salt concentration. The controller compares the current salt concentration with a preset salt concentration in the program. The preset salt concentration can be set according to actual needs, such as a saturated salt concentration. If the current salt concentration reaches the preset saturated salt concentration (e.g., 26.74% saturated salt mass fraction at 20℃), it indicates that salt dissolving is complete, water pump 16 is turned off, and the salt dissolving mode is exited. After exiting the salt dissolving mode, you can choose to enter the backflushing mode or the regeneration mode. If the current salt concentration has not reached the preset saturated salt concentration, the water pump 16 continues to run. During this process, the first detection unit 35 continues to detect the current salt concentration of the solution passing through the salt dissolving water path 101 and feeds it back to the controller. The controller continues to compare the current salt concentration with the preset salt concentration until the preset saturated salt concentration is reached, and then turns off the water pump 16.

[0099] Furthermore, if the salt dissolution is not yet complete (i.e., the brine concentration has not reached the preset value), and the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11 are consumed, even if the water pump 16 runs continuously, it will be ineffective and the brine concentration cannot reach the preset value. To avoid the water pump 16 continuing to run and doing useless work after the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11 are consumed, please refer to Figure 10. In the second embodiment, the salt dissolution control method further includes the following steps:

[0100] If the water pump 16 runs continuously for a preset time and the current salt concentration still does not reach the preset salt concentration, the water pump 16 will be turned off.

[0101] That is, when the water pump 16 has been running for a preset time, if the first detection unit 35 detects that the current salt concentration of the solution passing through the salt solution path 101 cannot be increased or cannot reach the preset salt concentration, it can be determined that there is a lack of salt in the salt tank 11. At this time, the controller controls the water pump 16 to stop running, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption caused by the water pump 16 continuing to run.

[0102] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, in the third and fourth embodiments, in order to promptly remind the user to replenish salt granules 32 when salt is insufficient, the salt dissolution control method further includes the following steps:

[0103] If the water pump 16 runs continuously for a preset time and the current salt concentration still has not reached the preset salt concentration, a salt shortage reminder will be issued.

[0104] Specifically, the water system of the water softener also includes an alarm module electrically connected to the first detection unit 35. Referring to Figure 11, in the third embodiment, after the water pump 16 has been running continuously for a preset time, if the first detection unit 35 detects that the current salt concentration of the solution passing through the dissolved salt water path 101 cannot increase or cannot reach the preset salt concentration, it can be determined that the salt tank 11 is low on salt. When it is determined that the salt tank 11 is low on salt, the controller controls the alarm module to issue a low-salt reminder to remind the user to replenish the salt granules 32 in the salt tank 11 in a timely manner. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, in the fourth embodiment, after it is determined that the salt tank 11 is low on salt, the controller controls the water pump 16 to stop running, and the controller controls the alarm module to issue a low-salt reminder to remind the user to replenish the salt granules 32 in the salt tank 11 in a timely manner. It should be noted that in the fourth embodiment, the actions of shutting down the water pump 16 and issuing the low-salt reminder can be performed simultaneously, or the water pump 16 can be shut down first and then the low-salt reminder can be issued, or the low-salt reminder can be issued first and then the water pump 16 can be shut down; no specific limitation is made here.

[0105] It should be noted that the above description describes specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps described in the claims can be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0106] The present invention also proposes a water softener, which includes a water circuit system. The specific structure of the water circuit system is as described in the above embodiments. Since the present water softener adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0107] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water circuit system for a water softener, characterized in that, include: Salt box; A salt solution path, wherein the inlet and outlet of the salt solution path are respectively connected to the salt tank to form a circulating salt solution loop; A water pump, located in the dissolved salt water path, is used to extract the brine from the salt tank and allow it to flow through the dissolved salt water path. The system includes a first detection unit located in the dissolved salt water path for detecting the salt concentration of the solution passing through the dissolved salt water path. The water system also includes a resin tank, a regenerated water path, and a water path switching assembly. The regenerated water path includes a salt absorption channel and a drainage channel. The inlet of the salt absorption channel is connected to the salt tank, and the outlet of the salt absorption channel is connected to the resin tank. The inlet of the drainage channel is connected to the resin tank. The dissolved salt water path and the regenerated water path share the salt absorption channel. The water pump and the first detection unit are both located in the salt absorption channel. The water path switching assembly allows the water system of the water softener to switch between different water paths. The regenerated water path also includes a first inlet channel and a flow restrictor located in the first inlet channel. The outlet of the first inlet channel is connected to the salt absorption channel. The flow restrictor limits the liquid flow rate through the first inlet channel, ensuring a stable liquid flow rate output from the outlet of the first inlet channel. The salt absorption channel includes a salt absorption section and a confluence section. The inlet end of the salt absorption section is connected to the salt tank, and the outlet end of the confluence section is connected to the resin tank. The outlet end of the first inlet channel, the outlet end of the salt absorption section, and the inlet end of the confluence section converge at a point and are connected. The first detection unit is located in the confluence section. The dissolved salt path also includes a water injection channel and a connecting channel. The water injection channel connects the first inlet channel to the salt tank, and the connecting channel connects the salt absorption channel to the first inlet channel. The water path switching component includes a first control valve, a second control valve, a third control valve, and a fourth control valve. The first control valve is located in the first inlet channel to open or close the first inlet channel. The second control valve is located in the water injection channel to open or close the water injection channel. The third control valve is located in the connecting channel to open or close the connecting channel. The fourth control valve is located in the drainage channel to open or close the drainage channel.

2. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a controller, and the water pump and the first detection unit are electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the operating status of the water pump based on the information fed back by the first detection unit.

3. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm module that is electrically connected to the controller.

4. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a backwash water path and a backwash water path, and the three of them—the regeneration water path, the backwash water path, and the backwash water path—share the drainage channel.

5. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a second detection unit disposed in the drainage channel, the second detection unit being used to detect the salt concentration and / or hardness of the solution passing through the drainage channel.

6. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener has a salt dissolving mode. In the salt dissolving mode, the second control valve, the third control valve and the water pump are all in the open state, and the first control valve and the fourth control valve are both in the closed state. The salt tank, the salt suction channel, the connecting channel, the first water inlet channel, the water injection channel and the salt tank are connected in sequence to form a circulating salt dissolving circuit.

7. A salt dissolution control method for the water circuit system of a water softener as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain the current salt concentration of the solution passing through the saline path; compare the current salt concentration with the preset salt concentration; when the current salt concentration reaches the preset salt concentration, turn off the water pump.

8. The salt dissolution control method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: When the water pump runs continuously for a preset time and the current salt concentration has not yet reached the preset salt concentration, the water pump will be turned off.

9. The salt dissolution control method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: When the water pump runs continuously for a preset time and the current salt concentration has not yet reached the preset salt concentration, a salt shortage reminder will be issued.

10. A water softener, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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