Device for controlling a water softener

Abstract

A device for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application includes a concentration detector that detects a total dissolved solid concentration of water introduced into a passage, a flow rate detector that detects a flow rate of the water introduced into the passage, and a water softening time controller that controls a water softening time for the water based on the detected flow rate such that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration, and controls the water softening time for the water to increase when the flow rate is low based on the detected flow rate.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 22, 2020, with the title of "Apparatus and method for controlling a soft water device", application number 2020111373716.

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 22, 2020, with the title of "Apparatus and method for controlling a soft water device", application number 2020111373716.

[0003] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0004] This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0131716, filed on October 22, 2019, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0124816, filed on September 25, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a soft water device operated in an electrodeionization manner. BACKGROUND

[0006] The operating efficiency of a soft water device is affected by the introduction water pressure, water quality, power consumption, etc. Therefore, the operating efficiency of the soft water device can vary depending on the installation area and environment. That is, the soft water device needs to be controlled by an operating method suitable for the installation area and environment.

[0007] However, the soft water device according to the related art uses a high voltage without independent voltage control only for performance improvement in an electrodeionization method (e.g., capacitive deionization (CDI)).

[0008] Therefore, in the operating method of the soft water device according to the related art, power is wasted, and thus the economic efficiency is deteriorated, which is problematic.

[0009] In addition, in the soft water device according to the related art, the water softening time is not controlled, and water softening and regeneration are repeatedly performed only for a certain duration. As a result, the amount of water used for water softening and the amount of wasted water are similar to each other, which inevitably leads to a decrease in recovery rate. SUMMARY

[0010]

Technical Problem

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for controlling a soft water device, in which a voltage applied to an electrode can be controlled according to the total dissolved solid concentration of water introduced into a channel, and a water softening time can be controlled according to a flow rate, thereby improving energy efficiency and maintaining a high recovery rate.

[0012]

Technical Solution

[0013] The apparatus for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application includes a concentration detector that detects a total dissolved solid (TDS) concentration in water introduced into a passage;

[0014] a voltage controller that controls a voltage applied to an electrode so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration, a flow detector that detects a flow of water introduced into the passage, and a water softening time controller that controls a water softening time for the water based on the detected flow so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches the target concentration.

[0015] The method for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application includes detecting a total dissolved solid concentration in water introduced into a passage, controlling a voltage applied to an electrode so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration, detecting a flow of water introduced into the passage, and controlling a water softening time for the water based on the detected flow so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches the target concentration.

[0016]

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] With the apparatus and method for controlling a water softener according to the present application, it is possible to improve the energy efficiency of a water softener and maintain a high recovery rate by controlling the voltage applied to an electrode and the water softening time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram for describing an ion removal principle in a capacitive deionization (CDI) method.

[0019] FIG. 1B is a conceptual diagram for describing an electrode regeneration principle in a CDI method.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 3 is a graph showing results obtained in a voltage control method of an apparatus for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 4 is a graph showing results obtained in a water softening time control method of an apparatus for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a water softener according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 7 A hardware configuration of a device for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals will be used to describe the same components throughout the drawings, and repetitive description of the same components will be omitted.

[0027] Only specific structural and functional descriptions will be provided in order to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present application disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, various exemplary embodiments of the present application can be implemented in various forms, and the present application should not be interpreted as being limited to the exemplary embodiments described in the present specification.

[0028] The expressions "first", "second", and the like used in various exemplary embodiments can indicate various components regardless of the order and / or importance of the components, and do not limit the corresponding components. For example, a "first" component can be named a "second" component without departing from the scope of the present application, and vice versa.

[0029] The terms used in the present specification are only used to describe specific exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of other exemplary embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form used herein can be intended to include the plural form.

[0030] It should be understood that all terms used in the present specification, including technical terms and scientific terms, can have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. It should be understood that terms defined by a dictionary can have the same or similar meaning as in the context of the prior art, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, they should not be ideologically or excessively formally defined. In some cases, even the terms defined in the present specification cannot be interpreted to exclude exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0031] FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram for describing an ion removal principle in a capacitive deionization (CDI) method, which is one of electro-deionization methods, and FIG. 1B is a conceptual diagram for describing an electrode regeneration principle in the CDI method.

[0032] When a direct current (DC) voltage is applied to charged particles in an electrolyte, positively charged particles move toward a negative electrode, and negatively charged particles move toward a positive electrode, which is called electrophoresis. The electro-deionization method refers to a method of selectively removing ions (ionic substances) in water based on the principle of electro-motive force (electrophoresis).

[0033] Examples of the electrodeionization method include electrodialysis (ED), electrodeionization (EDI), continuous electrodeionization (CEDI), and capacitive deionization (CDI). The filter unit used in ED includes an electrode and an ion exchange membrane. The filter unit used in EDI includes an electrode, an ion exchange membrane, and an ion exchange resin. The filter unit used in CDI includes only an electrode, or an electrode and an ion exchange membrane.

[0034] The filter unit according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application can remove ionic materials by using CDI as one of the electrodeionization methods. CDI refers to a method of removing ions by using a principle of adsorbing and desorbing ions (or ionic materials) onto and from the surface of an electrode.

[0035] A water softener according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is described by using an example of removing ionic materials by using CDI as one of the electrodeionization methods. However, this is only an example, and the present application is not limited to CDI. The various electrodeionization methods described above can each be applied to the water softener according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Generally, CDI refers to a method of removing ions by using a principle of adsorbing and desorbing ions (or ionic materials) onto and from the surface of an electrode.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, when raw water containing ions passes between electrodes in a state in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes, negative ions move toward the positive electrode, and positive ions move toward the negative electrode. That is, adsorption occurs. Ions can be removed from the raw water by this adsorption. Hereinafter, a mode of removing ions (ionic materials) as described above is referred to as a removal mode.

[0038] However, the adsorption capacity of the electrode is limited. Thus, when the adsorption continues, ions can no longer be adsorbed onto the electrode. To prevent this problem, as shown in FIG. IB, it is necessary to regenerate the electrode by desorbing ions adsorbed onto the electrode. To this end, a reverse voltage of the voltage in the removal mode can be applied to the electrode, or a voltage can not be applied. Hereinafter, a mode of regenerating the electrode as described above is referred to as a regeneration mode. The regeneration mode can be performed before or after the removal mode, and the time interval between the regeneration mode and the removal mode can be set to various values.

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling a water softener according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2The apparatus 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application can include a concentration detector 110, a voltage controller 120, a flow detector 130, a water softening time controller 140, and a database 150. Hereinafter, a case in which the apparatus for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is applied to CDI will be described. However, the present application is not limited to CDI, and various electrodeionization methods described above can be applied to the water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0041] The concentration detector 110 can detect a concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water introduced into a passage. Here, the total dissolved solids refer to a total amount of ionic materials or organic materials such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfate, or carbonate ions.

[0042] The voltage controller 120 can control a voltage applied to an electrode for adsorbing ionic materials contained in water such that the concentration of total dissolved solids detected by the concentration detector 110 reaches a target concentration.

[0043] Generally, in the electrodeionization method, the higher the voltage applied to the electrode, the stronger the adsorption of ionic materials. Therefore, when the voltage applied to the electrode is increased by the voltage controller 120, ionic materials are actively adsorbed, and when the voltage is decreased, ionic materials are less actively adsorbed.

[0044] In addition, the voltage controller 120 can control the voltage applied to the electrode to be a minimum voltage required for the total dissolved solids concentration to reach the target concentration within a preset time. As described above, the higher the voltage applied to the electrode, the stronger the adsorption of ionic materials. Therefore, although water softening is actively performed in the water softener, energy consumption is inevitably high due to the high voltage applied.

[0045] In this regard, with the voltage controller 120, water softening can be performed with a minimum voltage required for the concentration to reach the target concentration within a predetermined time, thereby minimizing power consumption.

[0046] The flow detector 130 can detect a flow of water introduced into a passage. Generally, as the flow of water introduced increases, the amount of ionic materials adsorbed to the deionization electrode decreases. In this way, the flow of water affects the deionization performance of the electrode. Therefore, in order to control the water softener, it is necessary to detect the flow using the flow detector 130.

[0047] The water softening time controller 140 can control the water softening time for water so that the total dissolved solid concentration detected on the basis of the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector 130 reaches the target concentration. That is, the water softening time controller 140 can perform control to shorten the water softening time when the flow rate of water introduced is high, and can perform control to lengthen the water softening time when the flow rate of water introduced is low, thereby improving the water softening efficiency.

[0048] In addition, the water softening time controller 140 can control the water softening time for water to be the maximum water softening time required for the detected total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration at the voltage applied to the electrode using the voltage controller 120.

[0049] That is, the water softening time controller 140 can secure the maximum water softening time for the concentration of the total dissolved solid to reach the target concentration at a certain voltage, thereby minimizing the amount of water wasted without being used, and improving the recovery rate.

[0050] The database 150 can store the minimum voltage required for each total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration within a preset time, and the maximum water softening time required for each total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration at a preset voltage. That is, the values of the minimum voltage and the maximum water softening time required for each concentration to reach the target concentration can be stored in the database 150.

[0051] In addition, the database 150 can store information on the water softening time (e.g., the maximum water softening time) according to the voltage applied to the electrode for each total dissolved solid concentration and each flow rate within the passage. That is, the database 150 can store data on the water softening time of the total dissolved solid concentration controlled according to the voltage applied to the electrode in the case where each of the total dissolved solid concentration and the flow rate within the passage is changed.

[0052] For example, in the database 150, the water softening time can be set so that, in the case of the same total dissolved solid concentration, the water softening time when the flow rate is low is longer than the water softening time when the flow rate is high. In addition, the database 150 can store a table indicating that, in the case of the same total dissolved solid concentration and the same flow rate, a voltage lower than an initial voltage is applied and a preset water softening time is applied, or the initial voltage is applied and the water softening time is lengthened. Accordingly, information on the possible water softening time at a certain voltage for a desired total dissolved solid concentration and a desired flow rate within the passage can be extracted from the data stored in the database 150.

[0053] Meanwhile, Figure 2The case where the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application includes a database 150 is shown, but the present application is not limited thereto. The external server can include a separate database, and can receive data through a communication unit (not shown) of the device 100 for controlling a water softener.

[0054] As such, with the device 100 for controlling a water softener, the voltage applied to the electrode can be controlled according to the total dissolved solid concentration introduced into the water in the passage, and the water softening time can be controlled according to the detected flow rate, thereby improving energy efficiency and maintaining a high recovery rate.

[0055] Specifically, in the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration detected by the concentration detector 110 is equal to or higher than a reference concentration and the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector 130 is equal to or higher than a preset reference flow rate, the voltage controller 120 can maintain the voltage applied to the electrode at an initial value so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration, and the water softening time controller 140 can perform control to maintain the water softening time for water at a maximum water softening time required for the total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration at the corresponding voltage.

[0056] That is, when the passage flow rate exceeds a certain level, there can not be enough time for the ion material to be adsorbed to the electrode, and it can be difficult to control the water softening time. Accordingly, in the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, for example, at the reference flow rate or higher, the water softening time is maintained at a maximum water softening time required for each total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration, which is stored in the database 150, and the voltage applied to the electrode is maintained at the initial value so that the total dissolved solid (TDS) concentration reaches the target concentration.

[0057] Meanwhile, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration detected by the concentration detector 110 is equal to or higher than a reference concentration and the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector 130 is lower than a reference flow rate, the voltage controller 120 can maintain the voltage applied to the electrode at an initial value, and the water softening time controller 140 can perform control to extend the water softening time required for the detected total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration.

[0058] That is, when the flow rate in the passage is equal to or lower than a certain level, it is more efficient in terms of energy consumption to control the water softening time than to control the voltage applied to the electrode. Accordingly, in the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, at a flow rate lower than the reference flow rate, the voltage can be maintained at the initial value so that each total dissolved solid concentration stored in the database 150 reaches the target concentration, and the water softening time can be extended so that the total dissolved solid (TDS) concentration reaches the target concentration, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0059] Meanwhile, in the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration detected by the concentration detector 110 is lower than the reference concentration, the voltage controller 110 can maintain the voltage applied to the electrode at the initial value so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches the target concentration, and the water softening time controller 140 can perform control to extend the water softening time for water.

[0060] As an alternative, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration detected by the concentration detector 110 is lower than the reference concentration, instead of increasing the water softening time, the voltage controller 110 can decrease the voltage applied to the electrode so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches the target concentration, and the water softening time controller 140 can maintain the water softening time for water.

[0061] That is, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration in water introduced into the passage is low, the voltage can be maintained constant and the water softening time can be adjusted, or the voltage can be decreased and the water softening time can be maintained, so that the total dissolved solid concentration reaches the target concentration, thereby improving the recovery rate.

[0062] As such, in the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration is equal to or higher than the reference concentration, the initial voltage can be maintained so that the total dissolved solid concentration reaches the target concentration at a certain flow rate or more of water introduction, and in the case where the flow rate of water introduction is lower than the certain flow rate, the water softening time can be extended while a certain voltage (i.e., a voltage for each supplied TDS according to the target TDS concentration at the reference flow rate) is applied, thereby further improving power efficiency. Further, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration is lower than the reference concentration, the voltage can be maintained at a certain value and the water softening time can be extended, or the voltage can be decreased and the water softening time can be maintained, thereby improving the recovery rate.

[0063] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a graph showing results obtained in a voltage control method of a device for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Figure 3Results obtained by measuring the minimum voltage required for the total dissolved solid concentration in water to reach a target concentration within a reference time while maintaining the water softening time and the regeneration time are shown, the total dissolved solid concentration being within a certain range.

[0065] Referring to Figure 3 the graph, it can be seen that the higher the initial total dissolved solid concentration, the higher the voltage required for the total dissolved solid concentration to reach a target concentration within a certain time. That is, when the total dissolved solid concentration increases, the amount of ionic material to be adsorbed onto the electrode increases. In this case, a relatively strong electric attraction force is required, and thus the voltage needs to be increased.

[0066] As such, with the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the (minimum) voltage required for each concentration to reach a target concentration within a certain time is measured in advance and stored in a database, so that electrodeionization can be performed with a voltage appropriate for the concentration detected by the concentration detector. As a result, power consumption for water softening is significantly reduced, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0067] Figure 4 is a graph showing results obtained in a water softening time control method of a device for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Similarly to Figure 3 , Figure 4 Results obtained by measuring the maximum water softening time required for the total dissolved solid concentration in water to reach a target concentration while maintaining the water softening time and the regeneration time are shown, the total dissolved solid concentration being within a certain range.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4 , it can be seen that when the flow rate becomes less than a reference flow rate, the water softening time is extended at a voltage for achieving a target TDS concentration for each supplied TDS at the reference flow rate. Thus, when the amount of water introduced in a state where the regeneration time is maintained is small, the water softening time is relatively extended. As a result, the recovery rate can be improved.

[0070] As such, with the device 100 for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the (maximum) water softening time required for each concentration to reach a target concentration at a voltage for achieving a target TDS concentration for each supplied TDS at a reference flow rate within a certain time is measured in advance, so that electrodeionization can be performed with a water softening time appropriate for the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector. Thus, in the case of a low flow rate, since the water softening time is relatively extended, the amount of water subjected to water softening becomes greater than the amount of water wasted. As a result, the recovery rate can be improved.

[0071] Figure 5is a flowchart of a method for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Referring to Figure 5 , first, a total dissolved solid (TDS) concentration of water introduced into a passage is detected (S410).

[0073] Then, a voltage applied to an electrode for adsorbing an ion material contained in water is controlled so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration (S420). Here, in S420, the voltage applied to the electrode can be controlled to be a minimum voltage required for the total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration within a preset time.

[0074] Next, a flow rate of water introduced into the passage is detected (S430). Then, a water softening time for water is controlled so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches the target concentration based on the detected flow rate (S440). Here, in S440, the water softening time for water can be controlled to be a maximum softening time required for the total dissolved solid concentration to reach the target concentration under the voltage applied to the electrode.

[0075] Meanwhile, in Figure 5 , after measuring the total dissolved solid concentration of water introduced into the passage and controlling the voltage (S410 and S420), the flow rate is measured and the water softening time is controlled (S430 and S440). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Water softening can be performed in such a manner that, after measuring the flow rate of introduced water and controlling the water softening time, the total dissolved solid concentration is measured and the voltage is controlled. Further, the target concentration of total dissolved solids to be removed can be adjusted by controlling the voltage (S420) or controlling the water softening time (S440).

[0076] As such, with the method for controlling a water softener, the voltage applied to the electrode can be controlled according to the total dissolved solid concentration of water introduced into the passage, and the water softening time can be controlled according to the flow rate, thereby improving energy efficiency and maintaining a high recovery rate.

[0077] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a water softener according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to Figure 6, first, a total dissolved solid (TDS) concentration introduced into the channel is detected (S510). Then, a flow rate of the water introduced into the channel is detected (S520). Next, it is determined whether the detected total dissolved solid concentration is equal to or higher than a reference concentration (S530). In the case where the detected total dissolved solid concentration is lower than the reference concentration (No), the method can proceed to S580 to maintain the voltage applied to the electrode at an initial value so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration and extends a water softening time, or maintains the water softening time at a certain value and reduces the voltage applied to the electrode.

[0079] In the case where the detected total dissolved solid concentration is equal to or higher than the reference concentration (Yes), the method proceeds to S540 to determine whether the detected flow rate is equal to or higher than a reference flow rate (S540). In the case where the detected flow rate is equal to or higher than the reference flow rate (Yes), the water softening time is maintained at a certain value (S550), and the voltage applied to the electrode is maintained at an initial value so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration (S560).

[0080] In the case where the detected flow rate is lower than the reference flow rate (No), the voltage applied to the electrode is maintained at an initial value (S570), and the water softening time for the water is increased so that the detected total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration (S580).

[0081] As such, in the method for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration is equal to or higher than the reference concentration, the initial voltage can be maintained so that the total dissolved solid concentration reaches a target concentration at a certain flow rate or more of the water introduced, and in the case where the flow rate of the water introduced is lower than the certain flow rate, the water softening time can be increased while a certain voltage (i.e., a voltage for each of the supplied TDS according to a target TDS concentration at a reference flow rate) is applied, thereby further improving power efficiency. In addition, in the case where the total dissolved solid concentration is lower than the reference concentration, the voltage can be maintained at a certain value and the water softening time can be increased, or the voltage can be reduced and the water softening time can be maintained, thereby improving recovery rate.

[0082] Figure 7 A hardware configuration of an apparatus for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is illustrated.

[0083] Reference Figure 7 The apparatus 600 for controlling a water softener according to the disclosed exemplary embodiments of the present application can include a control processing unit (CPU) 610, a memory 620, an input and output I / F 630, and a communication I / F 640.

[0084] The CPU 610 can control various processes and each component of the device 600 for controlling the water softener. That is, the CPU 610 can be a processor that executes a water softener control program stored in the memory 620, processes various data for the water softener control program, and performs a function for controlling the device of the water softener.

[0085] In the memory 620, an operating system program and various programs (for example, a water softener control program) can be recorded. Here, examples of the memory 620 can include a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), or a static RAM (SRAM), and a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electrically-alterable ROM (EAROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically-erasable PROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. However, the above-listed memory 620 is only an example, and the memory 620 is not limited thereto.

[0086] The input and output I / F 630 can connect an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, an output device such as a display (not shown) with the CPU 610 to enable transmission and reception of data.

[0087] The communication I / F 640 can enable communication with the outside (for example, a higher-level controller) through a wired or wireless communication network.

[0088] As such, the computer program according to the present application can be recorded in the memory 620 and processed by the CPU 610, thereby being implemented as a module that performs each function of the illustrated blocks. Figure 2

[0089] Meanwhile, although it has been described that all components constituting the exemplary embodiment of the present application are combined with each other as one component or combined with each other and operated with each other, the present application is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, all components can be selectively combined and operated with each other as one or more components without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0090] ​Also, in the above, the terms "include", "comprise", "comprising", "have", "having", etc. shall be interpreted as implying inclusion of other components rather than exclusion of other components, as they mean that other components can be included unless otherwise specifically stated. Unless defined otherwise, all terms including technical terms and scientific terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains. Unless clearly defined in the present application, a commonly used term such as a term defined in a dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meaning as that in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted as an ideal or excessively formal meaning.

[0091] The spirit of the present application has been exemplarily described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present application. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present application are not intended to limit the present application, but to describe the spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is not limited only to the exemplary embodiments. The scope of the present application should be interpreted by the appended claims, and it should be understood that all spirits equivalent to the appended claims fall within the scope of the present application.

[0092]

List of Reference Numerals

[0093] 100, 600: device for controlling water softener

[0094] 110: concentration detector

[0095] 120: voltage controller

[0096] 130: flow detector

[0097] 140: water softening time controller

[0098] 150: database

[0099] 610: CPU

[0100] 620: memory

[0101] 630: input and output I / F

[0102] 640: communication I / F

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling a water softener, the apparatus comprising: A concentration detector that detects the total dissolved solids concentration in the water introduced into the channel; A flow detector that detects the flow rate of water introduced into the channel; as well as A water softening time controller controls the water softening time based on detected flow rate, ensuring that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches a target concentration, and further controls the water softening time based on the detected flow rate by increasing the water softening time when the flow rate is low. If the total dissolved solids concentration detected by the concentration detector is equal to or higher than the reference concentration and the flow rate detected by the flow detector is lower than the reference flow rate, the water softening time controller controls the water softening time for the water so that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches the target concentration.

2. An apparatus for controlling a water softener, the apparatus comprising: A concentration detector that detects the total dissolved solids concentration in the water introduced into the channel; A flow detector that detects the flow rate of water introduced into the channel; as well as A water softening time controller controls the water softening time based on detected flow rate, ensuring that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches a target concentration, and further controls the water softening time to decrease when the flow rate is high. If the total dissolved solids concentration detected by the concentration detector is equal to or higher than the reference concentration and the flow rate detected by the flow detector is lower than the reference flow rate, the water softening time controller controls the water softening time for the water so that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches the target concentration.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A voltage controller that controls the voltage applied to the electrodes so that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches the target concentration.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The voltage controller controls the voltage applied to the electrode to the minimum voltage required to make the total dissolved solids concentration reach the target concentration within a preset time.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, When the total dissolved solids concentration detected by the concentration detector is equal to or higher than the reference concentration and the flow rate detected by the flow detector is equal to or higher than the reference flow rate, the voltage controller maintains the voltage applied to the electrode at the initial value, and the water softening time controller maintains the water softening time for the water at a preset value, so that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches the target concentration.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, If the total dissolved solids concentration detected by the concentration detector is equal to or higher than the reference concentration and the flow rate detected by the flow detector is lower than the reference flow rate, the voltage controller maintains the voltage applied to the electrode at the initial value, and the water softening time controller controls the water softening time for the water so that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches the target concentration.

7. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, If the total dissolved solids concentration detected by the concentration detector is lower than the reference concentration, the voltage controller maintains the voltage applied to the electrode at the initial value, and the water softening time controller controls the water softening time for the water so that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches the target concentration.

8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, If the total dissolved solids concentration detected by the concentration detector is lower than the reference concentration, the voltage controller reduces the voltage applied to the electrode, and the water softening time controller maintains the water softening time for the water at a preset value, so that the detected total dissolved solids concentration reaches the target concentration.

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