Waterway system, control method of water softener and water softener

Abstract

A water system of a water softener, a control method and the water softener, wherein the water system of the water softener comprises a salt tank (11), a resin tank (12), a salt suction channel (13), a first water inlet channel (14) and a converging channel (15), the water inlet end of the salt suction channel (13) communicates with the salt tank (11), the water outlet end of the salt suction channel (13) converges with the water outlet end of the first water inlet channel (14) and communicates with the resin tank (12) through the converging channel (15), a water pump (16) is arranged in the salt suction channel (13) and used to pump out the liquid in the salt tank (11) and flow along the salt suction channel (13), and a flow limiting member (17) is arranged in the first water inlet channel (14) and used to limit the flow of the liquid delivered by the first water inlet channel (14). The water system of the water softener can improve the stability of the regeneration performance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0003] Traditional water softeners typically incorporate an ejector in their water system. During regeneration, tap water serves as the power source, and the ejector's Venturi effect draws saturated brine dissolved in the brine tank. This brine mixes with the tap water to produce concentrated brine, which then enters the resin tank for regeneration. Since the entire regeneration process relies on tap water pressure, fluctuations in this pressure can significantly impact regeneration performance, resulting in poor stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to propose a water circuit system for a water softener, which aims to improve the stability of regeneration performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the water circuit system of the water softener proposed in this invention includes:

[0006] Salt box;

[0007] Resin tank;

[0008] The system includes a brine suction channel, a first water inlet channel, and a confluence channel. The water inlet end of the brine suction channel is connected to the brine tank, and the water outlet end of the brine suction channel merges with the water outlet end of the first water inlet channel and is connected to the resin tank via the confluence channel.

[0009] A water pump, located in the brine suction channel, is used to draw liquid from the brine tank and allow it to flow along the brine suction channel; and

[0010] A flow restrictor is provided in the first water inlet channel to limit the flow rate of liquid transported through the first water inlet channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water pump is an adjustable speed water pump.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener includes a softening water path, an injection water path, a dissolved salt water path, a backwash water path, a regeneration water path, a backwash water path, and a control device. The control device is used to control the water system of the water softener to switch between the various water paths.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flow restrictor has a flow restricting orifice for liquid to pass through, the orifice having a fixed or adjustable diameter.

[0014] In one embodiment, the brine suction channel is provided with a one-way valve located on the outlet side of the water pump, and the one-way valve is used to restrict the backflow of liquid toward the water pump.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a first control valve disposed in the first water inlet channel, the first control valve being used to open or close the first water inlet channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a water injection channel and a second control valve disposed in the water injection channel. The water injection channel connects the first water inlet channel to the brine tank, and the second control valve is used to open or close the water injection channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a connecting channel and a third control valve disposed on the connecting channel. The connecting channel connects the first water inlet channel to the confluence channel. The intersection of the connecting channel and the first water inlet channel is located between the upstream of the flow restrictor and the downstream of the first control valve. The third control valve is used to open or close the connecting channel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a storage container, a first conveying channel, a second conveying channel, and a switch valve. The brine suction channel connects the brine tank to the storage container, the first conveying channel connects the storage container to the brine tank, and the second conveying channel connects the storage container to the brine suction channel. The intersection of the second conveying channel and the brine suction channel is located on the inlet side of the water pump. The switch valve is used to control the on / off state of the first conveying channel and the second conveying channel.

[0019] In one embodiment, the resin tank has a first port and a second port, and the water system of the water softener further includes a drain channel and a fourth control valve disposed in the drain channel. The drain channel is connected to the first port, the confluence channel is connected to the second port, and the fourth control valve is used to open or close the drain channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener has a water injection mode. In the water injection mode, the first control valve and the second control valve are both in the open state, and the third control valve, the fourth control valve and the water pump are all in the closed state. The first water inlet channel, the water injection channel and the salt tank are connected in sequence to form a water injection channel.

[0021] 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, while the first control valve and the fourth control valve are both in the closed state. The salt tank, the salt suction channel, the confluence channel, the connecting channel, the first water inlet channel, the water injection channel, and the salt tank are sequentially connected to form a circulating salt dissolving water circuit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener has a backflushing mode. In the backflushing mode, the first control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve are all in the open state, and the second control valve and the water pump are all in the closed state. The first water inlet channel, the connecting channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank, and the drain channel are sequentially connected to form a backflushing water circuit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener has a regeneration mode. In the regeneration mode, the first control valve, the fourth control valve, and the water pump are all in the open state, while the second control valve and the third control valve are both in the closed state. The salt tank, the salt suction channel, the first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank, and the drainage channel are sequentially connected to form a regeneration water circuit.

[0024] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener has a backwash mode. In the backwash mode, the first control valve and the fourth control valve are both in the open state, and the second control valve, the third control valve and the water pump are all in the closed state. The first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank and the drain channel are sequentially connected to form a backwash water path.

[0025] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a second inlet channel and an outlet channel, wherein the second inlet channel is connected to the first port and the outlet channel is connected to the second port.

[0026] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener has a normal operating mode. In the normal operating mode, the water pump, the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve and the fourth control valve are all in the closed state, and the second water inlet channel, the resin tank and the water outlet channel are sequentially connected to form a softened water circuit.

[0027] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a bypass channel that connects the second inlet channel to the outlet channel.

[0028] This invention also proposes a control method for the water circuit system of a water softener, used in the water circuit system of the water softener as described above. The water circuit system of the water softener has a normal operation mode, a water injection mode, a salt dissolution mode, and a regeneration mode. The control method for the water circuit system of the water softener includes the following steps:

[0029] The on / off states of the water pump, the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve are controlled to allow the water circuit system of the water softener to switch between the normal operation mode, the water injection mode, the salt dissolution mode, and the regeneration mode.

[0030] In one embodiment, the switching is performed sequentially in the order of water injection mode, salt dissolution mode, and regeneration mode;

[0031] Switching to the water injection mode includes the following steps:

[0032] Open both the first control valve and the second control valve, and close the third control valve, the fourth control valve and the water pump, so that the first water inlet channel, the water injection channel and the salt tank are connected in sequence to form a water injection circuit;

[0033] Switching to the salt dissolving mode includes the following steps:

[0034] Open the second control valve, the third control valve, and the water pump, and close the first control valve and the fourth control valve, so that the salt tank, the salt suction channel, the confluence 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 dissolved salt water circuit;

[0035] Switching to the regeneration mode includes the following steps:

[0036] Open the first control valve, the fourth control valve, and the water pump, and close the second control valve and the third control valve, so that the salt tank, the salt suction channel, the first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank, and the drainage channel are connected in sequence to form a regenerated water circuit.

[0037] In one embodiment, the water circuit system of the water softener further includes a backflushing mode, and the control method of the water circuit system of the water softener further includes switching to the backflushing mode after the salt dissolving mode is completed and before entering the regeneration mode;

[0038] Switching to the recoil mode includes the following steps:

[0039] Open the first control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve, and close the second control valve and the water pump. The first water inlet channel, the connecting channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank, and the drainage channel are sequentially connected to form a backwash water path.

[0040] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a backwash mode, and the control method of the water system of the water softener further includes switching to the backwash mode after the regeneration mode is completed. Switching to the backwash mode includes the following steps:

[0041] Open both the first control valve and the fourth control valve, and close the second control valve, the third control valve and the water pump. The first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank and the drainage channel are connected in sequence to form a backwash water path.

[0042] In one embodiment, switching the water system of the water softener to the normal operating mode includes the following steps:

[0043] The water pump, the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve are all closed, so that the second water inlet channel, the resin tank, and the water outlet channel are connected in sequence to form a softened water circuit.

[0044] The present invention also proposes a water softener, including the water circuit system of the water softener as described above.

[0045] The technical solution of this invention involves installing a water pump in the brine suction channel to extract brine from the brine tank. When the pump speed is constant, the liquid flow rate in the brine suction channel remains stable. Furthermore, a flow restrictor is installed in the first water inlet channel to limit the liquid flow rate, ensuring a stable liquid flow rate output from the outlet of the first flow restrictor, unaffected by the tap water pressure at the inlet. This ensures that the concentration and flow rate of the regenerated liquid formed after the brine from the brine suction channel mixes with the tap water from the first water inlet channel remain stable, and the regenerated liquid is unaffected by changes in tap water pressure, thereby improving the stability of the regeneration performance. Attached Figure Description

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water softener in the prior art;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of a water softener in the brine (regeneration) mode in the prior art;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of an embodiment of the water softener of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit system of Zhongruan Water Treatment Plant during normal operation.

[0051] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit system of a Zhongruan water purifier in water injection mode;

[0052] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit system of a Zhongruan water purifier in salt dissolving mode;

[0053] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit system of Zhongruan Water Refrigeration Equipment in backflushing mode;

[0054] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit system of a Zhongruan water purifier in regeneration mode;

[0055] Figure 9 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit system of a Zhongruan water purifier in backwash mode;

[0056] Figure 10 for Figure 3 A simplified water circuit diagram of the water circuit system of Zhongruan Water Treatment Plant in normal operating mode;

[0057] Figure 11 for Figure 3 A simplified water circuit diagram of the water circuit system of Zhongruan Water Refrigeration Equipment in direct water supply mode;

[0058] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the water circuit in the salt dissolution mode of another embodiment of the water circuit system of a water softener;

[0059] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the water circuit in regeneration mode, representing another embodiment of the water circuit system of a water softener;

[0060] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the control method for the water circuit system of the water softener of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 15This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the control method for the water circuit system of the water softener of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of the control method for the water circuit system of the water softener of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth embodiment of the control method for the water circuit system of the water softener of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the fifth embodiment of the control method for the water circuit system of the water softener of the present invention.

[0065] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0066] a. Inlet; b. Water inlet; c. Drain outlet; 1. Valve head; 2. Salt tank; 3. Resin tank; 4. Salt granules; 5. Ion exchange resin; 6. Resin tank inlet; 7. Resin tank outlet; 8. Ejector; A. Inlet; B. Water inlet; C. Drain outlet; 11. Salt tank; 12. Resin tank; 121. First port; 122. Second port; 13. Salt suction channel; 14. First inlet channel; 15. Combination channel; 1 6. Water pump; 17. Flow restrictor; 18. Check valve; 19. First control valve; 20. Water injection channel; 21. Second control valve; 22. Connection channel; 23. Third control valve; 24. Liquid storage container; 25. First conveying channel; 26. Second conveying channel; 27. Drainage channel; 28. Fourth control valve; 29. ​​Second water inlet channel; 30. Water outlet channel; 31. Bypass channel; 32. Salt granules; 33. Ion exchange resin.

[0067] 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

[0068] 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.

[0069] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators 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 indicators will also change accordingly.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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:

[0072] Softening: 2R-SO3Na + Ca 2+ →(R-SO3)2Ca+2Na +

[0073] Regeneration: (R-SO3)2Ca + 2Na + →2R-SO3Na+Ca 2+

[0074] Please refer to Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the water system of a conventional water softener. A typical conventional water softener 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, 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 is the core component of the water softener's water 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In the backwash mode, 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 2This paper illustrates the water circuit diagram of a conventional water softener in brine (regeneration) mode. During regeneration, tap water is used as the power source. 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. Changes in tap water pressure significantly affect regeneration performance, resulting in poor stability. Furthermore, the ejector structure for regeneration makes it impossible to control and adjust regeneration parameters in real time, such as brine concentration and flow rate, due to the physical characteristics of the ejector 8. Additionally, when the water softener requires a very low regeneration flow rate, the ejector 8's small orifice size increases manufacturing difficulty, makes size control challenging, and leads to a high performance limit and high cost. To address these issues, this invention proposes a novel water circuit system and water softener.

[0083] This invention proposes a water circuit system for a water softener.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the water system of the water softener includes a brine tank 11, a resin tank 12, a brine suction channel 13, a first water inlet channel 14, a confluence channel 15, a water pump 16, and a flow restrictor 17. 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 merges with the outlet end of the first water inlet channel 14 and connects to the resin tank 12 via the confluence channel 15. The water pump 16 is located in the brine suction channel 13 and is used to extract liquid from the brine tank 11 and allow it to flow along the brine suction channel 13. The flow restrictor 17 is located in the first water inlet channel 14 and is used to limit the flow rate of the liquid transported through the first water inlet channel 14.

[0085] Specifically, the salt tank 11 contains salt particles 32 (e.g., sodium chloride), and the resin tank 12 contains ion exchange resin 33. The salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11 can be pre-dissolved to form saturated brine or concentrated brine through processes such as water injection and salt dissolution. In regeneration mode, the water pump 16 is turned on, and the saturated brine or concentrated brine in the salt tank 11 is drawn out by the water pump 16 and transported to the manifold 15 through the salt suction channel 13. At the same time, tap water is transported to the manifold 15 through the first water inlet channel 14 via the water inlet A. The tap water and brine mix in the manifold 15 to form a regenerated solution, which is then transported to the resin tank 12 through the manifold 15. The regenerated solution comes into contact with the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12 to regenerate the ion exchange resin 33 and restore its performance. In addition, when the water pump 16 is turned off, tap water can also enter the resin tank 12 through the first water inlet channel 14 and the manifold 15 to achieve a backwash (slow wash) function.

[0086] The technical solution of this invention involves installing a water pump 16 in the brine suction channel 13 to extract brine from the brine tank 11. When the rotational speed of the water pump 16 is constant, the liquid flow rate in the brine suction channel 13 remains stable. Furthermore, a flow restrictor 17 is installed in the first water inlet channel 14 to limit the liquid flow rate of the first water inlet channel 14, ensuring that the liquid flow rate output from the outlet of the first flow restrictor 17 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 liquid 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 liquid is not affected by changes in tap water pressure, thereby improving the stability of regeneration performance.

[0087] To achieve adjustable regenerated solution concentration to meet different usage requirements, in one embodiment, the water pump 16 is an adjustable-speed water pump 16. Specifically, the regenerated solution refers to the brine formed by mixing the brine transported by the brine suction channel 13 with the tap water transported by the first water inlet channel 14. Regenerated solution concentration = (Brine concentration in brine tank 11) / (Brine concentration in brine tank 11) (Water supply flow rate of pump 16) / (Tap water flow rate after flow restrictor 17 + Water supply flow rate of pump 16). Since the brine concentration in the brine tank 11 remains constant (generally saturated brine concentration), and the tap water flow rate after flow restrictor 17 remains constant, pump 16 is a self-priming and speed-regulating adjustable pump. Adjusting the speed of pump 16 adjusts the water supply flow rate, thereby regulating the regenerated solution concentration. Furthermore, the adjustable flow rate of pump 16 allows for adjustment of the regenerated solution flow rate and regeneration effect. By adjusting the regeneration effect, the salt consumption (i.e., the frequency of salt addition and regeneration) and the size of the brine tank 11 can be controlled, thus determining different product forms to meet different needs. The regeneration effect refers to the salt efficiency and degree of regeneration achievable with different salt consumption levels.

[0088] Salt consumption = (amount of salt used in this regeneration in g) / volume of resin packed in L;

[0089] Salt efficiency = (the volume of water in L that reaches the set hardness value after regeneration) Raw water hardness (mg / L) / Salt amount used in this regeneration (g);

[0090] Regeneration degree = (Water volume L when the hardness of the regenerated effluent reaches the set value) Raw water hardness (mg / L) / theoretical total adsorption capacity of packed resin (mg);

[0091] There are many types of adjustable speed water pumps 16, as long as they can achieve self-priming and speed regulation functions. In one embodiment, the water pump 16 is any one of a diaphragm pump, a vane pump, and a plunger pump.

[0092] In order to achieve intelligent control of the water circuit system of the water softener, in one embodiment, the water circuit system of the water softener includes a softening water circuit, an injection water circuit, a dissolved salt water circuit, a backwash water circuit, a regeneration water circuit, a backwash water circuit, and a control device. The control device is used to control the water circuit system of the water softener to switch between the various water circuits.

[0093] Specifically, the softening water circuit is used to transport raw water to the resin tank 12 for softening, providing softened water to users. The water injection circuit can be used to inject a certain amount of water into the brine tank 11. The brine dissolving circuit can be used to extract brine from the brine tank 11 and then return it to the brine tank 11 to achieve dynamic circulating brine dissolution. The backwash circuit can loosen the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12 before regeneration, and can also flush away the residual brine in the resin tank 12 after regeneration. The regeneration water circuit can be used to extract brine from the brine tank 11 and transport it to the resin tank 12 for ion exchange regeneration. The backwash circuit can be used to rinse away the residual brine in the resin tank 12. The control device has a built-in preset program. In actual application, the control device determines which mode the water softener needs to enter according to the preset program, and then switches the water circuit system of the water softener to the corresponding mode. The whole process is automated, which can effectively improve the operating efficiency and reliability of the water softener. For example, in water injection mode, a certain amount of water is injected into the salt tank 11 through the water injection path. When the amount of water injected into the salt tank 11 reaches the preset value, it is determined that the water injection is complete. At this time, the control device controls the water circuit system of the water softener to switch from the water injection path to the salt dissolving path, thereby entering the salt dissolving mode.

[0094] Typically, the inlet A of the first water inlet channel 14 is connected to a tap water pipe. Due to the high water pressure at inlet A, the water flow velocity within the first water inlet channel 14 is relatively high. Since the regeneration mode also requires a certain flow velocity of the regenerated liquid, a flow restrictor 17 is needed to limit the flow. In one embodiment, the flow restrictor 17 has a flow-limiting orifice for liquid passage. When liquid passes through the flow-limiting orifice, the flow rate is limited. It is understood that the flow-limiting orifice is generally a small orifice with a small diameter. The orifice diameter can be fixed or adjustable. When the orifice diameter is fixed, the liquid flow rate after passing through the orifice remains stable. When the orifice diameter is adjustable, the tap water flow rate after passing through the flow restrictor 17 can be adjusted, thereby allowing for adjustment of the regenerated liquid concentration, regenerated liquid flow rate, and regeneration effect.

[0095] In one embodiment, the brine suction channel 13 is equipped with a one-way valve 18, which is located on the outlet side of the water pump 16. The one-way valve 18 is used to restrict the backflow of liquid towards the water pump 16. By setting the one-way valve 18, the solution in the resin tank 12 can be prevented from entering the water pump 16 and then flowing back into the brine tank 11 through the manifold 15 and the brine suction channel 13, thus ensuring the operational reliability of the entire water system.

[0096] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a first control valve 19 disposed in the first water inlet channel 14. The first control valve 19 is used to open or close the first water inlet channel 14. The first control valve 19 can be a solenoid valve, an electric ball valve, a mechanical ball valve, a ceramic valve, etc., as long as it can realize the opening and closing of the water circuit. The regeneration mode can specifically include a first regeneration mode and a second regeneration mode. In the first regeneration mode, the first control valve 19 is open, the first water inlet channel 14 is in a conducting state, and the water pump 16 draws brine from the brine tank 11 to the brine suction channel 13, where it is mixed with tap water output from the first water inlet channel 14 to form a regenerated liquid. The regenerated liquid is then transported to the resin tank 12 for regeneration via the manifold 15. In the second regeneration mode, the first control valve 19 is closed, the first water inlet channel 14 is in a closed state, and the water pump 16 draws brine from the brine tank 11 and transports it to the resin tank 12 for regeneration via the brine suction channel 13 and the manifold 15.

[0097] Optionally, the manifold 15 may also be equipped with a flow meter and / or a salinity meter. The flow meter can detect the liquid flow rate through the manifold 15, and the salinity meter can detect the liquid salt concentration through the manifold 15. In this way, in regeneration mode, the flow rate and / or concentration of the regenerated liquid through the manifold 15 can be monitored in real time.

[0098] Typically, the salt tank 11 stores a certain amount of solid salt particles 32. Before regeneration mode, a certain amount of water needs to be injected into the salt tank 11 to dissolve the salt particles 32 and form brine. To allow free switching between water injection mode and regeneration mode, in one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a water injection channel 20 and a second control valve 21 located in the water injection channel 20. The water injection channel 20 connects the first water inlet channel 14 to the salt tank 11, and the second control valve 21 is used to open or close the water injection channel 20. Specifically, in water injection mode, both the first control valve 19 and the second control valve 21 are open. At this time, the first water inlet channel 14 and the water injection channel 20 are connected, and tap water is injected into the salt tank 11 through the first water inlet channel 14 and the water injection channel 20, thereby dissolving the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11 to form brine. In regeneration mode, the second control valve 21 is closed, the water injection channel 20 is in an isolated state, and then the water pump 16 is turned on to extract the brine from the brine tank 11.

[0099] In water injection mode, to quickly inject a certain amount of water into the brine tank 11, the intersection of the water injection channel 20 and the first inlet channel 14 can optionally be located between the upstream of the flow restrictor 17 and the downstream of the first control valve 19. When both the first control valve 19 and the second control valve 21 are open, the tap water in the first inlet channel 14 can flow directly into the water injection channel 20 without passing through the flow restrictor 17, resulting in a larger water flow rate and improved water injection efficiency. In regeneration mode or backwashing mode, the second control valve 21 is closed, and the tap water in the first inlet channel 14 is output to the confluence channel 15 after passing through the flow restrictor 17.

[0100] Furthermore, traditional water softeners typically involve static salt dissolution. After water is added to the salt tank 11, the salt particles 32 dissolve over a prolonged period to form saturated brine, requiring a long dissolution time. To accelerate the salt dissolution process, in one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a connecting channel 22 and a third control valve 23 located on the connecting channel 22. The connecting channel 22 connects the first inlet channel 14 to the confluence channel 15. The intersection of the connecting channel 22 and the first inlet channel 14 is located between the upstream of the flow restrictor 17 and the downstream of the first control valve 19. The third control valve 23 is used to open or close the connecting channel 22.

[0101] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, after water injection is completed, the water pump 16 is turned on, and both the second control valve 21 and the third control valve 23 are opened. The outlet of the salt tank 11, the salt suction channel 13, the manifold channel 15, the connecting channel 22, the first water inlet channel 14, the water injection channel 20, and the water inlet A of the salt tank 11 are sequentially connected to form a circulation loop. The brine in the salt tank 11 can flow along the circulation loop, thereby achieving dynamic salt dissolution and enabling the brine in the salt tank 11 to quickly reach the preset concentration, effectively improving the salt dissolution efficiency. In addition, in the backwash mode, by switching the water path, the first water inlet channel 14, the connecting channel 22, the manifold channel 15, and the resin tank 12 can be connected to input tap water into the resin tank 12 to rinse the ion exchange resin.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, traditional water softeners, after filling with water, dissolve the salt particles 4 in the brine tank 2 through prolonged soaking to form a brine of a certain concentration. However, because the brine particles 4 are present in the brine tank 2, they continue to dissolve during the soaking process. Only when the brine in the brine tank 2 reaches saturation or the salt particles 4 are completely dissolved can the brine concentration be guaranteed to be stable. Under normal circumstances, the regeneration process does not require saturated brine. Therefore, to obtain a stable brine concentration and reduce salt consumption, please refer to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a storage container 24, a first conveying channel 25, a second conveying channel 26, and a switch valve. The brine suction channel 13 connects the brine tank 11 to the storage container 24. The first conveying channel 25 connects the storage container 24 to the brine tank 11. The second conveying channel 26 connects the storage container 24 to the brine suction channel 13. The intersection of the second conveying channel 26 and the brine suction channel 13 is located on the inlet side of the water pump 16. The switch valve is used to control the on / off state of the first conveying channel 25 and the second conveying channel 26.

[0103] Specifically, both the first conveying channel 25 and the second conveying channel 26 can be opened and closed by switching valves. These switching valves can include two control valves respectively located in the first and second conveying channels 25 and 26, or a single two-position three-way valve. After water injection is complete, the water pump 16 is started to enter the salt dissolving mode. In this mode, the first conveying channel 25 is open, and the second conveying channel 26 is closed. The brine in the salt tank 11 enters the storage container 24 via the salt suction channel 13, and then flows back to the salt tank 11 via the first conveying channel 25, achieving dynamic salt dissolving in a circulating manner. When the brine in the salt tank 11 reaches a preset concentration, the water pump 16 extracts the brine from the salt tank 11 into the storage container 24 for storage, thereby ensuring that the brine concentration in the storage container 24 remains at the preset concentration and stable. It should be noted that this preset concentration can be less than or equal to the saturated salt concentration. In regeneration mode, the first conveying channel 25 is in an isolated state, while the second conveying channel 26 is in a conductive state. The water pump 16 is activated, extracting the pre-concentrated brine from the storage container 24 and conveying it to the resin tank 12 via the second conveying channel 26 and the brine suction channel 13. The brine then contacts the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12 to achieve regeneration. This method eliminates the need for mixing with the tap water conveyed through the first inlet channel 14.

[0104] In regeneration mode, backflushing mode, and backwashing mode, it is necessary to discharge the liquid that has come into contact with the ion exchange resin 33 in resin tank 12. To facilitate drainage, based on the above embodiment, the resin tank 12 has a first port 121 and a second port 122. The water system of the water softener also includes a drainage channel 27 and a fourth control valve 28 disposed in the drainage channel 27. The drainage channel 27 is connected to the first port 121, and the manifold 15 is connected to the second port 122. The fourth control valve 28 is used to open or close the drainage channel 27. Specifically, in regeneration mode, backflushing mode, and backwashing mode, when drainage is required, the fourth control valve 28 is opened, the drainage channel 27 is in a conductive state, and the liquid in the resin tank 12 can enter the drainage channel 27 through the second port 122, and then be transported by the drainage channel 27 to the drain outlet C for discharge.

[0105] In the above embodiments, 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 valves, etc., as long as they can realize the opening and closing of the water circuit. By controlling the on / off state 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 water circuit system of the water softener can be switched between multiple modes.

[0106] like Figure 5As shown, the water system of the water softener has a water injection mode. In the water injection mode, the first control valve 19 and the second control valve 21 are both in the open state, while the third control valve 23, the fourth control valve 28 and the water pump 16 are all in the closed state. The first water inlet channel 14, the water injection channel 20 and the salt tank 11 are connected in sequence to form a water injection circuit.

[0107] Specifically, in the water injection mode, the water pump 16 is turned off, the first control valve 19 and the second control valve 21 are both open, and the third control valve 23 and the fourth control valve 28 are both closed. Tap water enters the first water inlet channel 14 through the water inlet A, and is then transported to the water injection channel 20 through the main channel of the first water inlet channel 14. The water is then injected into the salt tank 11 through the water injection channel 20 to mix with the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, the water system of the water softener has a salt dissolving mode. In the salt dissolving mode, the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23 and the water pump 16 are all in the open state, and the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28 are both in the closed state. The salt tank 11, the salt suction channel 13, the confluence channel 15, the connecting channel 22, the first water inlet channel 14, the water injection channel 20 and the salt tank 11 are connected in sequence to form a circulating salt solution circuit.

[0109] Specifically, in the salt dissolving mode, the water pump 16 extracts the brine from the salt tank 11 and then transports it back into the salt tank 11 via the salt suction channel 13, the manifold channel 15, the connecting channel 22, the first water inlet channel 14, and the water injection channel 20; this cycle repeats continuously to achieve dynamic salt dissolving. Compared to traditional static soaking salt dissolving, the technical solution of this invention, through dynamic circulating flow salt dissolving, can dissolve to saturation even when the volume of salt is less than that of water, thus achieving salt conservation to a certain extent.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown, the water system of the water softener has a backflushing mode. In the backflushing mode, the first control valve 19, the third control valve 23 and the fourth control valve 28 are all in the open state, and the second control valve 21 and the water pump 16 are both in the closed state. The first water inlet channel 14, the connecting channel 22, the confluence channel 15, the resin tank 12 and the drain channel 27 are sequentially connected to form a backflushing water circuit.

[0111] Specifically, in backwash mode, tap water enters the first inlet channel 14 through inlet A, then flows through the first inlet channel 14 to the connecting channel 22, and then through the connecting channel 22, the manifold channel 15, and the second port 122 into the resin tank 12. Finally, it is discharged through the first port 121 and the drain channel 27 to the drain port C. The backwash mode can include pre-regeneration backwash and post-regeneration backwash. Pre-regeneration backwash is used to loosen the ion exchange resin 33 that is compressed during normal operation, improving the efficiency of contact between the brine and the ion exchange resin 33 during regeneration. Post-regeneration backwash removes any remaining brine.

[0112] like Figure 8 As shown, the water system of the water softener has a regeneration mode. In the regeneration mode, the first control valve 19, the fourth control valve 28 and the water pump 16 are all in the open state, and the second control valve 21 and the third control valve 23 are all in the closed state. The salt tank 11, the salt suction channel 13, the first water inlet channel 14, the confluence channel 15, the resin tank 12 and the drainage channel 27 are sequentially connected to form a regeneration water circuit.

[0113] Specifically, in regeneration mode, pump 16 extracts brine from brine tank 11 and transports it to manifold 15 via brine suction channel 13. Tap water is transported to manifold 15 via inlet A and first inlet channel 14. The brine mixes with the tap water to form regenerated solution, which is then transported to resin tank 12 via manifold 15 for regeneration by contacting the ion exchange resin 33 in resin tank 12. The regenerated wastewater is then transported to outlet C via drainage channel 27. It should be noted that in regeneration mode, the first control valve 19 can also be closed to prevent mixing with tap water, allowing the brine in brine tank 11 to be directly extracted to resin tank 12 for regeneration.

[0114] like Figure 9 As shown, the water system of the water softener has a backwash mode. In the backwash mode, the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28 are both in the open state, while the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23 and the water pump 16 are all in the closed state. The first water inlet channel 14, the confluence channel 15, the resin tank 12 and the drain channel 27 are connected in sequence to form a backwash water path.

[0115] Specifically, in the backwash mode, tap water is transported through inlet A and the first inlet channel 14 to the manifold channel 15, then through the manifold channel 15 to the resin tank 12, and finally through the drain channel 27 to the drain outlet C to rinse away the residual brine after regeneration.

[0116] In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener further includes a second inlet channel 29 and an outlet channel 30, wherein the second inlet channel 29 is connected to the first port 121 and the outlet channel 30 is connected to the second port 122.

[0117] The water system of the water softener has a normal operating mode. In this mode, the water pump, the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve are all closed. The second inlet channel, the resin tank, and the outlet channel are sequentially connected to form a softened water circuit. In the normal operating mode, 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.

[0118] 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 further 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.

[0119] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, in normal operating mode, inlet A, second inlet channel 29, resin tank 12, outlet channel 30, and water inlet B are connected to form a softened water circuit; Figure 11 As shown, in direct water supply mode, inlet A, second inlet channel 29, bypass channel 31, outlet channel 30, and water inlet B are connected to form a direct water supply circuit. The water circuit system of the water softener may include a switching valve (not shown) located at the bypass channel 31, which enables switching between the softened water circuit and the direct water supply circuit.

[0120] Please refer to Figures 14 to 18 The present invention also proposes a control method for the water circuit system of a water softener.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 14 In the first embodiment, the water system of the water softener has a normal operation mode, a water injection mode, a salt dissolution mode, and a regeneration mode. The control method of the water system of the water softener includes the following steps:

[0122] The on / off states of water pump 16, first control valve 19, second control valve 21, third control valve 23 and fourth control valve 28 are controlled to switch the water circuit system of the water softener between the normal operation mode, the water injection mode, the salt dissolution mode and the regeneration mode.

[0123] Specifically, in normal operation mode, tap water is delivered to resin tank 12, where ion exchange resin 33 adsorbs calcium and magnesium ions from the tap water to produce softened water, which is then delivered to the user's water inlet. When the amount of calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by ion exchange resin 33 reaches a certain level, the ion exchange resin 33 can no longer perform its softening function or the softening function cannot achieve the preset effect, so regeneration of ion exchange resin 33 is required. Before regeneration, the system needs to switch to water injection mode to inject water into brine tank 11; when the water volume in brine tank 11 reaches the preset value, the system switches to salt dissolution mode to perform dynamic salt dissolution through circulation to dissolve the salt particles in brine tank 11 to the preset concentration (e.g., saturated brine concentration); then the system switches to regeneration mode to extract the brine from brine tank 11 into resin tank 12 to regenerate ion exchange resin 33. It is understood that in some embodiments, to achieve better regeneration, the water system of the water softener may also include a backflushing mode. After the salt dissolving mode is completed, the system switches to backflushing mode first to loosen the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12, and then switches to regeneration mode. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the water system of the water softener may also include a backwashing mode. After the regeneration mode is completed, the system switches to backwashing mode to rinse away any residual brine in the resin tank 12, ensuring that the softened water discharged from the resin tank 12 during normal operation is free of residual brine. Additionally, it should be noted that in practical applications, the water system of the water softener can be switched to any mode as needed, without needing to follow a specific sequence. For example, after the water filling mode is completed, salt dissolution can be performed through static soaking, and then the system can be directly switched to regeneration mode, in which case it is not necessary to switch to the salt dissolving mode first.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 15 In the second embodiment, the modes are switched sequentially in the order of water injection mode, salt dissolution mode, and regeneration mode.

[0125] Switching to the water injection mode includes the following steps:

[0126] Open the first control valve 19 and the second control valve 21, and close the third control valve 23, the fourth control valve 28 and the water pump 16, so that the first water inlet channel 14, the water injection channel 20 and the salt tank 11 are connected in sequence to form a water injection circuit;

[0127] Switching to the salt dissolving mode includes the following steps:

[0128] Open the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23 and the water pump 16, and close the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28, so that the salt tank 11, the salt suction channel 13, the confluence channel 15, the connecting channel 22, the first water inlet channel 14, the water injection channel 20 and the salt tank 11 are connected in sequence to form a circulating dissolved salt water circuit.

[0129] Switching to the regeneration mode includes the following steps:

[0130] Open the first control valve 19, the fourth control valve 28 and the water pump 16, and close the second control valve 21 and the third control valve 23, so that the salt tank 11, the salt suction channel 13, the first water inlet channel 14, the confluence channel 15, the resin tank 12 and the drainage channel 27 are connected in sequence to form a regenerated water circuit.

[0131] Specifically, firstly, both the first control valve 19 and the second control valve 21 are opened, while the third control valve 23, the fourth control valve 28, and the water pump 16 are closed. At this point, the system switches to water injection mode, injecting water into the salt tank 11 through the water injection circuit. When the water volume in the salt tank 11 reaches the preset value, the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23, and the water pump 16 are opened, while the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28 are closed. At this point, the system switches to salt dissolution mode, circulating and dynamically dissolving salt through the circulating salt solution circuit to dissolve the salt particles in the salt tank 11 to a preset concentration (e.g., saturated brine concentration). Then, the first control valve 19, the fourth control valve 28, and the water pump 16 are opened, while the second control valve 21 and the third control valve 23 are closed. At this point, the system switches to regeneration mode, extracting the brine from the salt tank 11 into the resin tank 12 to regenerate the ion exchange resin 33.

[0132] Please refer to Figure 16 In the third embodiment, the water circuit system of the water softener further includes a backflushing mode, and the control method of the water circuit system of the water softener further includes switching to the backflushing mode after the salt dissolving mode is completed and before entering the regeneration mode;

[0133] Switching to the recoil mode includes the following steps:

[0134] Open the first control valve 19, the third control valve 23 and the fourth control valve 28, and close the second control valve 21 and the water pump 16. The first water inlet channel 14, the connecting channel 22, the confluence channel 15, the resin tank 12 and the drainage channel 27 are connected in sequence to form a backwash water path.

[0135] Specifically, after the water injection mode is completed, the first control valve 19, the third control valve 23 and the fourth control valve 28 are all opened, and the second control valve 21 and the water pump 16 are all closed. At this time, the backflushing mode is switched, and high-speed water is delivered to the resin tank 12 through the backflushing water path and then discharged. This can flush and loosen the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12, so that the subsequent ion exchange efficiency is higher, thereby improving the regeneration efficiency.

[0136] Please refer to Figure 17 In the fourth embodiment, the water circuit system of the water softener further includes a backwash mode, and the control method of the water circuit system of the water softener further includes switching to the backwash mode after the regeneration mode is completed.

[0137] Switching to the backwash mode includes the following steps:

[0138] Open both the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28, and close the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23 and the water pump 16. The first water inlet channel 14, the confluence channel 15, the resin tank 12 and the drainage channel 27 are connected in sequence to form a backwash water path.

[0139] Specifically, after the regeneration mode is completed, the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28 are both opened, and the second control valve 21, the third control valve 23 and the water pump 16 are all closed. At this time, the mode is switched to backwash mode, and tap water is delivered to the resin tank 12 through the backwash water path and then discharged, which can clean up the residual brine during the regeneration process.

[0140] Please refer to Figure 18 In the fifth embodiment, the water circuit system of the water softener is switched sequentially in the order of water injection mode, salt dissolution mode, backflushing mode, regeneration mode and backwashing mode.

[0141] In one embodiment, switching the water system of the water softener to the normal operating mode includes the following steps:

[0142] 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 are all closed, so that the second water inlet channel 29, the resin tank 12 and the water outlet channel 30 are connected in sequence to form a softened water circuit.

[0143] Specifically, 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 are all closed. At this time, the system switches to normal operation mode, and tap water is transported to the resin tank 12 through the softening water circuit for softening. The softened water is then output through the water outlet channel 30.

[0144] 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 may 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] The following describes in detail several operating modes of the water softener of the present invention with reference to a specific embodiment. Please refer to... Figure 3 In one embodiment, the water system of the water softener includes a brine tank 11, a resin tank 12, a brine suction channel 13, a first inlet channel 14, a confluence channel 15, a water injection channel 20, a connecting channel 22, a drain channel 27, a second inlet channel 29, an outlet channel 30, and a bypass channel 31. The brine tank 11 stores salt particles 32, and the resin tank 12 stores ion exchange resin 33. The resin tank 12 has a first port 121 and a second port 122. The first port 121 can be the inlet of the resin tank 12, and the second port 122 can be the outlet of the resin tank 12. The inlet of the brine suction channel 13 is connected to the outlet of the brine tank 11, and the outlet of the brine suction channel 13 merges with the outlet of the first inlet channel 14 and connects to the second port 122 of the resin tank 12 via the confluence channel 15. The brine suction channel 13 is equipped with a water pump 16 and a one-way valve 18 located on the output side of the water pump 16. The first water inlet channel 14 is equipped with a flow restrictor 17 and a first control valve 19. The inlet end of the water injection channel 20 is connected to the first water inlet channel 14, and the outlet end of the water injection channel 20 is connected to the inlet of the brine tank 11. The water injection channel 20 is equipped with a second control valve 21. A connecting channel 22 connects the first water inlet channel 14 to the confluence channel 15, and the connecting channel 22 is equipped with a third control valve 23. The drain channel 27 is connected to the first port 121 of the resin tank 12, and the drain channel 27 is equipped with a fourth control valve 28. The second water inlet channel 29 is connected to the first port 121 of the resin tank 12, and the outlet channel 30 is connected to the second port 122 of the resin tank 12. A bypass channel 31 connects the second water inlet channel 29 to the outlet channel 30.

[0147] The working process of a water softener generally includes the following steps: the water softener operates in normal mode to provide softened water to users; after the water softener has reached a certain water volume, it enters the water injection mode to inject water into the brine tank 11; after water injection for a period of time, the water pump 16 is started to enter the dynamic salt dissolution mode to dissolve the salt particles 32 to reach a preset concentration (e.g., saturated brine concentration); after salt dissolution is completed, it enters the backwash mode to flush and loosen the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12; after backwashing is completed, it enters the regeneration mode to transport the regenerated liquid to the resin tank 12 to regenerate the ion exchange resin; when the dissolved brine is completely absorbed or the set regeneration time is reached, it enters the backwash mode (also known as the slow wash mode) to rinse away the residual regenerated liquid in the resin tank 12.

[0148] It should be noted that in normal operating mode, the water softener's operating volume generally refers to the preset operating volume by the manufacturer. For example, if the manufacturer tests a 500L water flow rate with a hardness removal rate >90% under a certain hardness test, then the set operating volume is 500L. However, if the raw water hardness changes, the operating volume setting will be adjusted proportionally by pre-setting the raw water hardness value (operating volume = test hardness). (Test water volume / actual hardness), the water volume can be monitored by setting a flow meter at the water outlet end.

[0149] The aforementioned water softener controls the operation 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 through a control system, enabling the water softener to switch between multiple functional modes.

[0150] like Figure 4 As shown, in normal operating mode, water pump 16 is shut off, and the first control valve 19, second control valve 21, third control valve 23, and fourth control valve 28 are all closed. Tap water enters the second inlet channel 29 through inlet A, and then enters the resin tank 12 through the second inlet channel 29 and the first port 121. After contacting the ion exchange resin 33 in the resin tank 12, softened water is formed. The softened water is delivered to the user's water inlet B through the second port 122 and the outlet channel 30 to provide softened water to the user.

[0151] like Figure 5 As shown, in the water injection mode, the water pump 16 is off, the first control valve 19 and the second control valve 21 are both open, and the third control valve 23 and the fourth control valve 28 are both closed. Tap water enters the first water inlet channel 14 through the water inlet A, and is then transported to the water injection channel 20 through the main channel of the first water inlet channel 14. The water is then injected into the salt tank 11 through the water injection channel 20 to mix with the salt particles 32 in the salt tank 11.

[0152] like Figure 6As shown, in the salt dissolving mode, water pump 16 is turned on, the second control valve 21 and the third control valve 23 are both open, and the first control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 28 are both closed. Water pump 16 draws brine from the salt tank 11 and then transports it back to the salt tank 11 through the salt suction channel 13, the manifold channel 15, the connecting channel 22, the first water inlet channel 14, and the water injection channel 20; this cycle repeats continuously to achieve dynamic salt dissolving.

[0153] like Figure 7 As shown, in backwash mode, water pump 16 is off, first control valve 19, third control valve 23, and fourth control valve 28 are all open, and second control valve 21 is closed. Tap water enters the first inlet channel 14 through inlet A, then is sent to the connecting channel 22 through the first inlet channel 14, and then enters the resin tank 12 through the connecting channel 22, the manifold channel 15, and the second port 122. Finally, it is discharged to the drain outlet C through the first port 121 and the drain channel 27. The backwash mode can include pre-regeneration backwash and post-regeneration backwash.

[0154] like Figure 8 As shown, 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 salt tank 11 and transports it to manifold 15 via brine suction channel 13. Tap water is transported to manifold 15 via inlet A and first inlet channel 14. After the brine and tap water mix, they form regenerated solution, which is transported to resin tank 12 via manifold 15 to regenerate the ion exchange resin 33 in resin tank 12. The regenerated wastewater is then transported to outlet C via drainage channel 27. It should be noted that in regeneration mode, first control valve 19 can also be closed, and the brine in salt tank 11 can be directly drawn to resin tank 12 for regeneration without mixing with tap water.

[0155] like Figure 9 As shown, in backwash mode, water pump 16 is turned off, first control valve 19 and fourth control valve 28 are both opened, and second control valve 21 and third control valve 23 are both closed. Tap water is transported through inlet A and first inlet channel 14 to manifold channel 15, then through manifold channel 15 to resin tank 12, and finally through drain channel 27 to drain outlet C to rinse away the residual brine after regeneration.

[0156] 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; Resin tank; The system includes a brine suction channel, a first water inlet channel, and a confluence channel. The water inlet end of the brine suction channel is connected to the brine tank, and the water outlet end of the brine suction channel merges with the water outlet end of the first water inlet channel and is connected to the resin tank via the confluence channel. A water pump, located in the salt suction channel, is used to draw out the liquid in the salt tank and allow it to flow along the salt suction channel; as well as A flow restrictor is provided in the first water inlet channel to limit the flow rate of liquid transported through the first water inlet channel; The water pump is an adjustable speed water pump; It also includes a first control valve disposed in the first water inlet channel, the first control valve being used to open or close the first water inlet channel; It also includes a water injection channel and a second control valve disposed in the water injection channel. The water injection channel connects the first water inlet channel to the salt tank, and the second control valve is used to open or close the water injection channel. It also includes a connecting channel and a third control valve disposed in the connecting channel. The connecting channel connects the first water inlet channel and the confluence channel. The intersection of the connecting channel and the first water inlet channel is located between the upstream of the flow restrictor and the downstream of the first control valve. The third control valve is used to open or close the connecting channel. The adjustable speed water pump is configured to adjust the output flow rate according to the regeneration requirements, so that the brine and the raw water with the flow rate limited by the flow limiter are premixed in the confluence channel, so as to actively control the concentration of the regenerated liquid entering the resin tank. When the second control valve and the third control valve are open and the water pump is running, the connecting channel, the brine suction channel, the water injection channel and the water pump cooperate to form a brine circulation loop to accelerate the dissolution of salt in the brine tank. When the backflushing operation is performed, the first control valve and the third control valve are opened and the second control valve and the water pump are closed, so that the raw water is guided to flow back into the resin tank through the first water inlet channel, the connecting channel and the confluence channel.

2. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a softened water circuit, an injection water circuit, a dissolved salt water circuit, a backwash water circuit, a regeneration water circuit, a backwash water circuit, and a control device. The control device is used to control the water circuit system of the water softener to switch between the various water circuits.

3. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow restrictor has a flow restricting orifice for liquid to pass through, and the orifice diameter is fixed or adjustable.

4. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The brine suction channel is equipped with a one-way valve, which is located on the outlet side of the water pump. The one-way valve is used to restrict the backflow of liquid toward the water pump.

5. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a storage container, a first conveying channel, a second conveying channel, and a switch valve. The brine suction channel connects the brine tank to the storage container, the first conveying channel connects the storage container to the brine tank, and the second conveying channel connects the storage container to the brine suction channel. The intersection of the second conveying channel and the brine suction channel is located on the water inlet side of the water pump. The switch valve is used to control the on / off state of the first conveying channel and the second conveying channel.

6. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The resin tank has a first port and a second port. The water system of the water softener also includes a drainage channel and a fourth control valve located in the drainage channel. The drainage channel is connected to the first port, and the confluence channel is connected to the second port. The fourth control valve is used to open or close the drainage channel.

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

8. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 6, 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 confluence 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 water circuit.

9. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener has a backflushing mode. In the backflushing mode, the first control valve, the third control valve and the fourth control valve are all in the open state, and the second control valve and the water pump are both in the closed state. The first water inlet channel, the connecting channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank and the drainage channel are connected in sequence to form a backflushing water circuit.

10. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener has a regeneration mode. In the regeneration mode, the first control valve, the fourth control valve, and the water pump are all in the open state, while the second control valve and the third control valve are all in the closed state. The salt tank, the salt suction channel, the first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank, and the drainage channel are sequentially connected to form a regeneration water circuit.

11. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener has a backwash mode. In the backwash mode, the first control valve and the fourth control valve are both in the open state, and the second control valve, the third control valve and the water pump are all in the closed state. The first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank and the drain channel are connected in sequence to form a backwash water circuit.

12. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a second water inlet channel and a water outlet channel, wherein the second water inlet channel is connected to the first port and the water outlet channel is connected to the second port.

13. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener has a normal operating mode. In the normal operating mode, the water pump, the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve and the fourth control valve are all in the closed state. The second water inlet channel, the resin tank and the water outlet channel are connected in sequence to form a softened water circuit.

14. The water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a bypass channel that connects the second inlet channel to the outlet channel.

15. A control method for the water circuit system of a water softener, used in the water circuit system of the water softener as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener has a normal operation mode, a water injection mode, a salt dissolution mode, and a regeneration mode. The control method of the water system of the water softener includes the following steps: The on / off states of the water pump, the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve are controlled to allow the water circuit system of the water softener to switch between the normal operation mode, the water injection mode, the salt dissolution mode, and the regeneration mode.

16. The control method for the water circuit system of a water softener as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Switch between water injection mode, salt dissolution mode, and regeneration mode in sequence; Switching to the water injection mode includes the following steps: Open both the first control valve and the second control valve, and close the third control valve, the fourth control valve and the water pump, so that the first water inlet channel, the water injection channel and the salt tank are connected in sequence to form a water injection circuit; Switching to the salt dissolving mode includes the following steps: Open the second control valve, the third control valve, and the water pump, and close the first control valve and the fourth control valve, so that the salt tank, the salt suction channel, the confluence 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 dissolved salt water circuit; Switching to the regeneration mode includes the following steps: Open the first control valve, the fourth control valve, and the water pump, and close the second control valve and the third control valve, so that the salt tank, the salt suction channel, the first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank, and the drainage channel are connected in sequence to form a regenerated water circuit.

17. The control method for the water circuit system of a water softener as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The water circuit system of the water softener also includes a backflushing mode, and the control method of the water circuit system of the water softener also includes switching to the backflushing mode after the salt dissolving mode is completed and before entering the regeneration mode; Switching to the recoil mode includes the following steps: Open the first control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve, and close the second control valve and the water pump. The first water inlet channel, the connecting channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank, and the drainage channel are sequentially connected to form a backwash water path.

18. The control method for the water circuit system of a water softener as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener also includes a backwash mode, and the control method of the water system of the water softener also includes switching to the backwash mode after the regeneration mode is completed. Switching to the backwash mode includes the following steps: Open both the first control valve and the fourth control valve, and close the second control valve, the third control valve and the water pump. The first water inlet channel, the confluence channel, the resin tank and the drainage channel are connected in sequence to form a backwash water path.

19. The control method for the water circuit system of a water softener as described in any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, Switching the water system of the water softener to the normal operating mode includes the following steps: The water pump, the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve are all closed, so that the second water inlet channel, the resin tank, and the water outlet channel are connected in sequence to form a softened water circuit.

20. A water softener, characterized in that, The water system of the water softener as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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