Water softening valve, control method of water softening valve, and water softener

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of water treatment, and provides a soft water valve, a control method of the soft water valve and a water softener. The soft water valve comprises a valve shell, a main valve assembly and a secondary valve assembly. The valve shell comprises a raw water inlet, a soft water outlet, a main cavity, a secondary cavity, a raw water outlet and a soft water inlet. A raw water channel is formed between the raw water inlet and the main cavity, and a soft water channel is formed between the soft water outlet and the secondary cavity. One of the raw water inlet and the raw water outlet is always connected with the main cavity, and the other of the raw water inlet and the raw water outlet is adjusted by a main valve core. One of the soft water inlet and the soft water outlet is always connected with the secondary cavity, and the other of the soft water inlet and the soft water outlet is adjusted by a secondary valve core. A bypass valve is connected to the valve shell, and the bypass valve can adjust the raw water channel and the soft water channel. A main driving part is used to drive the main valve core to switch between a plurality of main valve positions, and a secondary driving part is used to drive the secondary valve core to switch between a plurality of secondary valve positions. The soft water valve can adjust and control the outlet water by the cooperation of the double cavities, the double valves and the bypass valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a soft water valve, a control method for the soft water valve, and a soft water machine. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, their demands for daily water use are also increasing. Residential water contains a large amount of calcium and magnesium ions, and long-term use of hard water can be harmful to health. For example, washing clothes with hard water for extended periods can cause them to yellow and lose their luster. Scale buildup in water pipes can clog them, and scale buildup in heating equipment can affect heat exchange efficiency and, over time, damage the equipment. Reducing or removing calcium and magnesium ions from water, turning hard water into soft water, offers numerous benefits to people's lives. For instance, bathing with soft water prevents dry skin, and using soft water for skincare results in smoother skin. Water heaters also benefit from improved heat exchange efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.

[0003] In related technologies, water softening equipment is usually used to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water. Water softening equipment is usually equipped with a water softening valve. The water softening valve has a concentrated function and a complex structure. The water circuit inside the water softening valve is complicated, and the structure of the water softening valve needs to be optimized. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a soft water valve, which, through a dual-chamber, dual-valve structure, allows for switching between multiple modes of the soft water valve via multiple flow paths. Combined with a bypass valve, the hardness and flow rate of the soft water can be adjusted.

[0005] This invention also proposes a control method for a soft water valve.

[0006] This invention also proposes a water softener.

[0007] A soft water valve according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0008] The valve body includes a raw water inlet, a soft water outlet, a main chamber, a secondary chamber, a raw water outlet, and a soft water inlet; the raw water outlet and the soft water inlet can be connected through a softening device, a raw water channel is formed between the raw water inlet and the main chamber, and a soft water channel is formed between the soft water outlet and the secondary chamber;

[0009] The main valve assembly includes a main valve core and a main drive unit for driving the main valve core to move. One of the raw water inlet and the raw water outlet is normally connected to the main cavity, and the other of the raw water inlet and the raw water outlet is regulated to be connected to the main cavity through the main valve core.

[0010] A secondary valve assembly includes a secondary valve core and a secondary drive unit for driving the movement of the secondary valve core. One of the soft water inlet and the soft water outlet is normally connected to the secondary cavity, and the other of the soft water inlet and the soft water outlet is regulated to be connected to the secondary cavity by the secondary valve core.

[0011] A bypass valve, connected to the valve housing, is located between the raw water channel and the soft water channel;

[0012] The main drive unit is used to drive the main valve core to switch between multiple main valve positions, and the auxiliary drive unit is used to drive the auxiliary valve core to switch between multiple auxiliary valve positions, so that the soft water valve can switch between water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode. In at least one of the water production mode, the water injection mode, the brine suction mode and the cleaning mode, the bypass valve can open and close the raw water channel and the soft water channel.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the raw water outlet is normally connected to the main chamber, the raw water inlet is connected to the main chamber by means of the main valve core, the soft water outlet is normally connected to the secondary chamber, and the soft water inlet is connected to the secondary chamber by means of the secondary valve core.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the raw water inlet is normally connected to the main chamber, the raw water outlet is connected to the main chamber by means of the main valve core, the soft water inlet is normally connected to the soft water outlet, and the soft water outlet is connected to the secondary chamber by means of the secondary valve core.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the soft water valve has a brine tank connection port and a drain port. One of the main valve core and the auxiliary valve core can switch the raw water inlet and the brine tank connection port on and off. The auxiliary valve core can switch the brine tank connection port and the soft water inlet on and off. The main valve core can switch the raw water outlet and the drain port on and off. The auxiliary valve core can switch the soft water inlet and the drain port on and off.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass valve includes a bypass valve core and a bypass drive unit. The bypass valve core includes a bypass stationary valve plate and a bypass moving valve plate. The bypass stationary valve plate is fixed to the valve housing. The bypass drive unit is used to drive the bypass moving valve plate to move relative to the bypass stationary valve plate to adjust the opening degree of the bypass valve.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass stationary valve plate has a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet. The bypass inlet is connected to the raw water channel, and the bypass outlet is connected to the soft water channel. The bypass moving valve plate includes a first adjusting part for opening and closing the bypass inlet and a second adjusting part for opening and closing the bypass outlet. The first adjusting part and the second adjusting part are connected to move synchronously.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the soft water valve of the present invention, the main valve assembly further includes a main encoder connected to the main drive unit, and the auxiliary valve assembly further includes a secondary encoder connected to the secondary drive unit, wherein at least one of the main encoder and the secondary encoder is configured as an AB phase encoder.

[0019] A control method for a soft water valve according to a second aspect of the present invention, applied to any of the soft water valves described above, includes:

[0020] The system receives the target outlet water hardness, the soft water inlet water hardness, and the raw water inlet water hardness.

[0021] By combining the hardness of the soft water and the hardness of the raw water, the ratio of the soft water inlet to the water output of the bypass valve is determined, the opening degree of the bypass valve is adjusted, and the soft water outlet is controlled to output water with the target water hardness.

[0022] According to the control method of the soft water valve of the present invention, the step of determining the water ratio between the soft water inlet and the bypass valve by combining the soft water hardness and the raw water hardness, adjusting the opening degree of the bypass valve, and controlling the soft water outlet to output water with the target water hardness, further includes:

[0023] Obtain the current mode of the soft water valve;

[0024] If the current mode is determined to be the water production mode, the water injection mode, or the forward washing mode, and the current outlet water hardness is determined to exceed the target outlet water hardness, then the opening degree of the bypass valve is adjusted in combination with the soft water hardness and the raw water hardness.

[0025] According to the control method of the soft water valve of the present invention, the step of determining the water ratio between the soft water inlet and the bypass valve by combining the soft water hardness and the raw water hardness, adjusting the opening degree of the bypass valve, and controlling the soft water outlet to output water with the target water hardness, further includes:

[0026] Obtain the current mode of the soft water valve;

[0027] Once the current mode is determined to be either the brine absorption mode or the backwash mode, the adjustment of the target effluent hardness is stopped.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method for a soft water valve, after the step of determining whether the soft water valve is in the brine suction mode or the backwash mode, includes:

[0029] Obtain the current and set flow rates of the soft water outlet;

[0030] If the current outflow rate is determined to be less than the set outflow rate, the opening of the bypass valve is adjusted so that the current outflow rate meets the set outflow rate.

[0031] The control method for a soft water valve according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes,

[0032] Obtain the current opening degree of the bypass valve and the target opening degree that matches the target effluent hardness.

[0033] Determine the number of bypass pulses required for the bypass valve to rotate from the current opening to the target opening, and control the bypass valve to rotate by the number of bypass pulses.

[0034] The control method for a soft water valve according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes:

[0035] Obtain the current hardness of the soft water outlet;

[0036] The difference between the current effluent hardness and the target effluent hardness is determined. If the difference is positive, the opening of the bypass valve is reduced. If the difference is negative, the opening of the bypass valve is increased.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a water softener includes a softening device and a water softening valve as described in any of the above claims, wherein the softening device connects the raw water outlet and the water softening inlet.

[0038] The water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure and is convenient for users to obtain water.

[0039] A water softener according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a controller for performing a control method for a water softener valve as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0040] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is one of the bottom view structural schematic diagrams of the soft water valve provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the soft water valve provided in the embodiments of the present invention from a lower perspective;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a second bottom view structural schematic diagram of the soft water valve provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a second three-dimensional structural diagram of the soft water valve provided in the embodiment of the present invention from a lower perspective;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the soft water valve provided in the first embodiment of the present invention from a side and rear view, wherein the valve shell in the figure is not equipped with the main valve assembly and the auxiliary valve assembly.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the main valve assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the main valve core provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the auxiliary valve core provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main stationary valve plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the main stationary valve plate facing the active valve plate;

[0053] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the active valve plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the active valve plate facing the main stationary valve plate;

[0054] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary stationary valve plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the auxiliary stationary valve plate facing the auxiliary moving valve plate;

[0055] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the auxiliary valve plate facing the auxiliary stationary valve plate;

[0056] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water softener provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water softener in water production mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram of the main valve core in water production mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main valve core is located in the first main valve position;

[0059] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve core in the water production mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary valve core is located in the position of the first auxiliary valve;

[0060] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water softener in water injection mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the main valve core in the water injection mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main valve core is located in the first main valve position;

[0062] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the secondary valve core in the water injection mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the secondary valve core is located in the position of the second secondary valve;

[0063] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water softener in brine mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the main valve core in the salt suction mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with the main valve core positioned as the third main valve.

[0065] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the secondary valve core in the salt suction mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the secondary valve core is located in the position of the third secondary valve;

[0066] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water softener in backwash mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the main valve core in the backwashing mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main valve core is located in the third main valve position;

[0068] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve core in the backwashing mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary valve core is located in the position of the first auxiliary valve;

[0069] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water softener in the forward washing mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the main valve core in the forward washing mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main valve core is in the first main valve position;

[0071] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve core in the positive washing mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary valve core is located at the fourth auxiliary valve position;

[0072] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water softener with adjustable water hardness provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention, and... Figure 32 The difference lies in the position of the bypass valve plate, which changes the opening degree of the connection between the raw water channel and the soft water channel.

[0075] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of the bypass valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of the structure for using a water softener to extract tap water, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 36 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the ejector is in a disassembled state, and the main drive unit and the auxiliary drive unit are not shown.

[0078] Figure 37 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the jet ejector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 38 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ejector installed inside the valve housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dashed lines with arrows in the figure indicate the flow paths of raw water and salt solution in the salt suction mode.

[0080] Figure 39 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ejector installed inside the valve housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dashed line with arrows in the figure indicates the flow path of the raw water in the water injection mode.

[0081] Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 41 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 42 This is a schematic diagram of the valve housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 43 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water softener provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The dashed arrows in the diagram indicate the water path inside the softening device.

[0085] Figure 44 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main valve core located at the second main valve position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] In the above waterway diagram, the dashed arrows indicate the water flow path; Figure 17 , Figure 20 , Figure 23 , Figure 26 , Figure 29 This shows the view from the main stationary valve plate to the active valve plate, with the main stationary valve plate positioned above the active valve plate. Figure 18 , Figure 21 , Figure 24 , Figure 27 , Figure 30 The diagram shows the auxiliary stationary valve plate above the auxiliary moving valve plate, viewed from the auxiliary stationary valve plate towards the auxiliary moving valve plate.

[0087] Figure 45 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a soft water valve provided in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 46 This is a schematic diagram of the valve housing provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0088] Figure 47 This is a schematic diagram of the main valve core provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] Figure 48 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve core provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 49 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main stationary valve plate provided in another embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the main stationary valve plate facing the active valve plate;

[0091] Figure 50 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the active valve plate provided in another embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the active valve plate facing the main stationary valve plate;

[0092] Figure 51 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary stationary valve plate provided in another embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the auxiliary stationary valve plate facing the auxiliary moving valve plate;

[0093] Figure 52 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve plate provided in another embodiment of the present invention, showing the side of the auxiliary valve plate facing the auxiliary stationary valve plate;

[0094] Figure 53 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main valve core in the first main valve position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0095] Figure 54 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main valve core in the position of the first auxiliary valve according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] Figure 55 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve core in the fourth auxiliary valve position corresponding to the water production mode, provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0097] Figure 56 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main valve core in the third main valve position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0098] Figure 57 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the secondary valve core in the salt suction mode corresponding to the second secondary valve position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0099] Figure 58 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve core in the fifth auxiliary valve position corresponding to the backwashing mode, provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0100] Figure 59 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary valve core in the position of the third auxiliary valve corresponding to the positive washing mode, provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0101] Figure 60 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main valve core in the second main valve position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0102] Figure 61 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, numbers 1 to 4 on the left side are used to indicate the four positions of the secondary valve core, and numbers 1 to 3 on the right side are used to indicate the three positions of the main valve core.

[0103] Figure 62 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate provided in another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the numbers 1 to 5 on the left are used to represent the five positions of the auxiliary valve core, and the numbers 1 to 3 on the right are used to represent the three positions of the main valve core.

[0104] Figure 63 This is a schematic flowchart of the control method for a soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Figure label:

[0106] 110. Valve housing; 111. Main chamber; 112. Secondary chamber; 113. Raw water inlet; 114. Soft water outlet; 115. Drain outlet; 116. Main chamber connecting hole; 118. Raw water outlet; 119. Soft water inlet; 1110. Salt tank connection port; 1111. Secondary chamber connecting hole; 1112. Water outlet channel; 1113. Connecting channel; 1114. Drain channel; 1115. Filter channel; 1116. Cover; 1117. Drain tank; 1119. Salt inlet; 1120. Brine outlet; 1121. Softening connection port; 1124. Second drain opening; 1125. First drain opening; 1132. Bypass trough; 1133. Cover; 1134. First connecting port; 1135. Second connecting port; 1136. Installation channel; 1137. Cover plate; 1140. First shell; 1141. Second shell; 1142. Third shell; 1143. Softening connection part;

[0107] 120. Main valve assembly; 121. Active valve plate; 1211. Main valve inlet; 1212. First groove of main valve; 1213. Second groove of main valve; 122. Main stationary valve plate; 1221. Main valve inlet hole; 1222. Main valve drain hole; 1223. Main and auxiliary connection hole; 124. Main valve core; 125. Main drive unit; 1251. Main shaft assembly; 126. Main water control channel; 127. First drain channel; 128. Connecting channel; 129. Main trigger element;

[0108] 130. Secondary valve assembly; 131. Secondary valve plate; 1311. First groove of secondary valve; 1312. Secondary valve groove; 1313. Third groove of secondary valve; 1314. Secondary valve inlet; 1315. Fourth groove of secondary valve; 1316. Fifth groove of secondary valve; 132. Secondary stationary valve plate; 1321. Secondary valve drain hole; 1322. Softening connection hole; 1323. Brine hole; 1324. Salt suction and water injection hole; 134. Secondary valve core; 1341. First salt suction channel; 1342. Secondary salt suction channel; 135. Secondary drive unit; 1351. Secondary shaft assembly; 136. Secondary water control channel; 137. Water injection channel; 138. Forward washing channel; 139. Secondary trigger element;

[0109] 321. Active valve plate; 3211. Main valve inlet; 3212. First main valve chamber; 3213. Second main valve chamber; 3214. Shielding part; 322. Main stationary valve plate; 3221. Main valve inlet; 3222. Main valve drain hole;

[0110] 331. Auxiliary valve plate; 3311. First groove of auxiliary valve; 3312. Secondary valve groove; 3313. Third groove of auxiliary valve; 3314. Auxiliary valve inlet; 332. Auxiliary stationary valve plate; 3321. Auxiliary valve drain hole; 3322. Softening connection hole; 3323. Brine outlet; 3324. Brine suction and water injection hole;

[0111] 110. Valve housing; 316. Main chamber inlet; 3111. Connecting channel; 3117. Sewage discharge port; 3119. Brine intake port; 3120. Brine port; 3121. Softening connection port; 3124. Second sewage discharge opening; 3125. First sewage discharge opening; 3126. Water inlet; 140. Bypass valve; 141. Bypass moving valve plate; 1411. First sector; 1412. Second sector; 142. Bypass stationary valve plate; 1421. First bypass opening; 1422. Second bypass opening; 143. Bypass motor; 144. Bypass sealing ring;

[0112] 150. Flow meter;

[0113] 160. Ejector; 161. Ejector inlet; 162. Ejector outlet; 163. Suction port; 164. First flow channel; 165. Second flow channel; 166. Ejector flow restrictor; 190. Softening device;

[0114] 200. Salt box. Detailed Implementation

[0115] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0116] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple," "multiple roots," and "multiple groups" mean two or more.

[0117] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0118] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0119] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0120] Embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 1 to 62 As shown, a water softener valve is provided for use in a water softener. The water softener valve is used to adjust the flow path of the water softener so as to achieve switching of multiple functional modes.

[0121] refer to Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 45 , Figure 46 and Figure 43 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a soft water valve, including a valve housing 110, a main valve assembly 120, and a secondary valve assembly 130. The valve housing 110 includes a main chamber 111 and a secondary chamber 112. By adjusting the flow path of the main valve assembly 120 and the flow path of the secondary valve assembly 130, and in conjunction with the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112, multiple functional modes can be switched.

[0122] The water softener valve has switchable functional modes including: water production mode, water injection mode, brine extraction mode, and cleaning mode. In water production mode, raw water can be fed into the softening device 190 through the water softener valve, and the softened water obtained by the softening device 190 is then returned to the water softener valve. Users can obtain soft water from the soft water outlet 114 of the water softener valve. In water injection mode, water can be injected into the brine tank 200 through the brine tank connection port 1110 of the water softener valve. The water injected into the brine tank 200 can be either raw water or softened water, so as to dissolve the salt in the brine tank 200. After the water is injected into the brine tank 200, the salt in the brine tank 200 can dissolve for a period of time; this process can be called brine dissolution mode. In salt mode, brine from salt tank 200 is fed into softening device 190 through softening valve, and water that has cleaned softening device 190 is discharged through softening valve. In cleaning mode, raw water is fed into softening device 190 through softening valve, and water that has cleaned softening device 190 is discharged through softening valve. Cleaning mode includes at least one of backwash mode and forward wash mode. Backwash mode can be understood as raw water being fed into softening device 190 through softening inlet 119 and then discharged to softening valve through raw water outlet 118. Forward wash mode can be understood as raw water being fed into softening device 190 through raw water outlet 118 and then discharged to softening valve through softening inlet 119.

[0123] It should be noted that raw water can be understood as the water introduced into the raw water inlet 113 of the softening valve, such as tap water, and the hardness of the raw water is greater than that of the softened water. The softening device 190 includes a resin tank, in which the resin softens the raw water to obtain soft water. Of course, the softening device 190 can also be other structures that can be used to soften raw water.

[0124] refer to Figures 2 to 6 , Figures 9 to 14 as well as Figure 21As shown, the valve housing 110 includes a raw water inlet 113, a soft water outlet 114, a main chamber 111, a secondary chamber 112, a raw water outlet 118, and a soft water inlet 119. The raw water inlet 113 is used to connect to a raw water pipeline so that raw water enters the valve housing 110 of the soft water valve. At least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 can be connected to the raw water inlet 113, that is, raw water can flow into at least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112, and then the flow direction of the raw water is regulated through the corresponding valve assembly. The raw water outlet 118 and raw water inlet 113 can be switched on and off via the main valve assembly 120. When the main valve assembly 120 connects the raw water inlet 113 and the raw water outlet 118, raw water can be transported to the softening device 190 through the raw water outlet 118. Since the raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119 can be connected through the softening device 190, after the raw water is softened in the softening device 190, the soft water in the softening device 190 can be transported to the soft water valve through the soft water inlet 119. The soft water inlet 119 is connected to the soft water outlet 114 to send the soft water out through the soft water valve. Of course, the soft water inlet 119 can also be switched on and off with the flow channel inside the auxiliary valve assembly 130 to adjust the flow direction of the soft water. (Refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118 are connected, which can be understood as normally open. When water enters the main chamber 111, water can flow to the softening device through the raw water outlet 118. When water does not enter the main chamber 111, the supply of water to the softening device through the raw water outlet 118 stops, eliminating the need to adjust the on / off state of the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118, thus simplifying the structure of the main valve core 124. Raw water enters the valve body 110 through the raw water inlet 113, and then the flow direction of the raw water is controlled by the main valve assembly 120, causing the raw water to flow to the main chamber 111 or the auxiliary chamber 112. When the raw water flows to the main chamber 111, it can flow into the softening device 190 from the raw water outlet 118. When the raw water flows to the auxiliary chamber 112, at least part of the raw water can flow to the softened water outlet 114 and be discharged from the softened water valve. Of course, the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118 can also be adjusted by the on / off state of the main valve core 124 (see reference). Figure 45 and Figure 46 (As shown in the embodiments).

[0125] For example, the main cavity 111 is provided with a main cavity communication hole 116, which is connected to the raw water outlet 118, so that the main cavity 111 and the raw water outlet 118 are connected, so that the water in the main cavity 111 can flow to the raw water outlet 118 through the main cavity communication hole 116, or the water at the raw water outlet 118 can flow into the main cavity 111 through the main cavity communication hole 116.

[0126] It is also understandable that one of the raw water inlet and raw water outlet is always connected to the main cavity, while the other of the raw water inlet and raw water outlet is regulated to be connected to the main cavity through the on / off state of the main valve core.

[0127] In some cases, the above describes the situation where "the raw water outlet and the main chamber are always connected." In this case, the flow direction of the raw water can be adjusted by opening and closing the main valve core. When the raw water inlet and the main chamber are connected through the main valve core, the raw water enters the main chamber through the main valve core and can then enter the softening device through the raw water outlet. When the raw water inlet and the main chamber are disconnected through the main valve core, the flow of water from the raw water inlet to the main chamber is blocked, and the raw water cannot enter the softening device through the main chamber.

[0128] In some other cases, refer to Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, the raw water inlet is normally connected to the main chamber, and the raw water outlet is connected to the main chamber via a main valve core. This means that the raw water inlet can supply water to the main chamber. When the raw water outlet is connected to the main chamber via the main valve core, the raw water in the main chamber flows to the raw water outlet through the main valve core to be sent to the softening device. When the raw water outlet is disconnected from the main chamber via the main valve core, the main chamber no longer supplies water to the softening device. The aforementioned secondary chamber 112 and soft water outlet 114 are connected. This means that the secondary chamber 112 and soft water outlet 114 are normally connected. When water enters the secondary chamber 112, the user can obtain water from the secondary chamber 112 through the soft water outlet 114. This water can be either raw water or softened water, and water can be obtained in multiple modes. When water does not enter the secondary chamber 112, the user cannot obtain water from the secondary chamber 112. The water in the secondary chamber 112 can also be transported to the brine tank 200 or the softening device 190 via the secondary valve core 134. When liquid is present in the secondary chamber in each functional mode (water production mode, water injection mode, brine absorption mode, or cleaning mode), the soft water valve is in a state of continuous water intake to meet the user's water needs. The technical solution of this invention, by keeping water in the secondary chamber 112, allows the user to continuously draw water from the secondary chamber 112, achieving 24-hour water supply. The soft water inlet 119 and soft water outlet 114 are regulated by the on / off state of the secondary valve core. When the soft water inlet 119 and soft water outlet 114 are connected through the secondary valve core, it can be understood that the soft water inlet 119 is connected to the secondary chamber 112 through the secondary valve core, and the soft water outlet 114 is connected to the soft water inlet 119 through the secondary valve core, resulting in a simple structure. When the soft water inlet 119 and soft water outlet 114 are disconnected through the secondary valve core, the soft water outlet 114 cannot draw soft water. If the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, the soft water outlet 114 can draw raw water.

[0129] It is also understandable that one of the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112 is normally connected to the soft water outlet 114, and the other of the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112 is regulated to be connected to the soft water outlet 114 through the on / off control of the secondary valve core.

[0130] The above content explains the "normally open secondary cavity 112 and soft water outlet 114". In some other cases, please refer to... Figure 45 and Figure 46As shown, the soft water inlet 119 and soft water outlet 114 are normally connected. The secondary chamber 112 and soft water outlet 114 are regulated by the on / off state of the secondary valve core. It can be understood that the soft water flowing out of the soft water inlet 119 can be directly obtained through the soft water outlet 114. When the secondary chamber 112 and soft water outlet 114 are connected through the secondary valve core, the solution in the secondary chamber 112 can be sent to the softening device 190 through the soft water inlet 119, for example, in brine suction mode or backwashing mode. When the secondary chamber 112 is disconnected from the soft water outlet 114, the secondary chamber 112 is also disconnected from the soft water inlet 119, and the secondary chamber 112 cannot supply solution to the softening device 190 through the soft water outlet 114 in conjunction with the soft water inlet 119. For example, the secondary chamber 112 is provided with a secondary chamber communication hole 1111, which is connected to the soft water outlet 114, allowing water in the secondary chamber 112 to flow along the secondary chamber communication hole 1111 and the soft water outlet 114. That is, the water obtained by the user at the soft water outlet 114 and the water in the secondary chamber 112 are the same type of water. Through the coordinated control of the main valve assembly 120 and the secondary valve assembly 130, the water in the secondary chamber 112 can be used in water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode, and cleaning mode. For example, in water production mode and water injection mode, the water in the secondary chamber 112 is soft water, and in brine suction mode, the water in the secondary chamber 112 is raw water, so that the user has water available regardless of the mode.

[0131] For example, the valve housing 110 is configured with a water outlet channel 1112, which connects the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 and the soft water outlet 114, so that water in the secondary cavity 112 can flow along the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111, the water outlet channel 1112 and the soft water outlet 114.

[0132] It should be noted that the water outlet channel 1112 can be directly connected to the soft water outlet 114, or the water outlet channel 1112 can be connected to the soft water outlet 114 through a corresponding channel.

[0133] The valve housing 110 is equipped with a soft water channel that connects the secondary chamber 112 and the soft water outlet 114, allowing water in the secondary chamber 112 to flow along the soft water channel to the soft water outlet 114.

[0134] Understandably, the soft water channel can be connected to the secondary cavity 112 through the outlet channel 1112, so that the water in the secondary cavity 112 can flow along the outlet channel 1112 and the soft water channel to the soft water outlet 114.

[0135] For example, the valve housing 110 is connected to a flow meter 150, the detection part of the flow meter 150 is located inside the soft water channel, and the flow meter 150 can detect the flow rate of water flowing out of the soft water channel.

[0136] The valve housing 110 is constructed with a raw water channel. One end of the raw water channel forms a raw water inlet 113, and the other end of the raw water channel can be connected to at least one of the main cavity 111 and the auxiliary cavity 112, so that raw water can be introduced into at least one of the main cavity 111 and the auxiliary cavity 112.

[0137] Understandably, the main valve assembly 120 is located at the other end of the raw water channel, so that the raw water is first delivered to the main valve assembly 120. The main valve assembly 120 has at least two flow paths, one of which is used to connect the other end of the raw water channel and the main chamber 111, and the other flow path is used to connect the other end of the raw water channel and the secondary chamber 112. By controlling the opening and closing of the two flow paths through the main valve assembly 120, the on / off control between the raw water inlet 113 and the main chamber 111 can be realized, as well as the on / off control between the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112 can be realized.

[0138] The valve housing 110 is equipped with a connecting channel 1113. The outlet of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the secondary cavity 112, and the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 can be adjusted to be connected to or disconnected from the raw water inlet 113. When the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, raw water enters the valve housing 110 through the raw water inlet 113, and then enters the secondary cavity 112 through the connecting channel 1113. When the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 is disconnected from the raw water inlet 113, it means that the raw water cannot flow directly to the secondary cavity 112.

[0139] For example, the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 through the main valve assembly 120. Since the main valve assembly 120 is located between the raw water inlet 113 and the connecting channel 1113, the on / off control of the inlet of the raw water inlet 113 and the connecting channel 1113 can be realized through the main valve assembly 120.

[0140] Of course, the outlet of the connecting channel 1113 can also be switched on and off with the secondary chamber 112 (not shown in the figure). The secondary valve assembly 130 switches the secondary chamber 112 on and off with the connecting channel 1113. At this time, the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113 can be normally open or switched on and off through the main valve assembly 120. The connecting channel 1113 can also be switched on and off with the main chamber 111 through the main valve assembly 120. When the main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, the main valve assembly 120 controls the on and off of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112. That is, the main valve assembly 120 can control both the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 to be connected to the raw water inlet 113, or the main valve assembly 120 can make the raw water inlet 113 simultaneously connected to the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112.

[0141] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 is located at the bottom of the main chamber 111. The inlet of the connecting channel 1113 corresponds to the main and auxiliary connection hole 1223 of the main static valve plate 122. The water inlet of the connecting channel 1113 is mainly controlled by the main valve core 124 located in the main chamber 111. The active valve plate 121 can actively control whether the raw water can flow into the auxiliary chamber 112. The connecting channel 1113 between the two chambers is designed to be controllable, mainly to ensure that users can use water during the regeneration of the softening material of the water softener without affecting the regeneration of the softening material. The outlet of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the auxiliary chamber 112. A secondary chamber water inlet hole is opened on the side wall of the auxiliary chamber 112, and the outlet of the connecting channel 1113 is the secondary chamber water inlet hole, thus forming a channel connecting the two chambers.

[0142] The outlet end of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the secondary connecting port of the secondary cavity 112, and the inlet end of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the main connecting port of the main cavity 111. The main connecting port is connected to the raw water inlet 113 through the main valve core 124, so that the soft water valve can switch between the state where the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the main connecting port and the state where the raw water inlet 113 is disconnected from the main connecting port. That is, the main valve core 124 can control the on / off state between the raw water inlet 113 and the connecting channel 1113, and the connecting channel 1113 can be connected to the secondary cavity 112 through the secondary connecting port, so that the main valve core 124 can control the on / off state between the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary cavity 112.

[0143] The secondary connection port can be connected to the raw water inlet 113 via the secondary valve core 134, allowing the soft water valve to switch between the state where the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the secondary connection port and the state where the raw water inlet 113 is disconnected from the secondary connection port, thus controlling the connection between the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112.

[0144] The outlet of the connecting channel 1113 is formed on the wall of the secondary cavity 112, and the outlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 are located on the same side of the secondary valve core 134. When the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, the raw water can flow directly through the raw water inlet 113 and the connecting channel 1113 to the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111, and then flow through the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 to the soft water outlet 114, without having to pass through the secondary valve core 134, thus simplifying the structure of the secondary valve core 134.

[0145] The outlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the soft water inlet 119 are located on both sides of the auxiliary valve core 134, which facilitates the auxiliary valve core 134 to control the opening and closing between the outlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the soft water inlet 119. The auxiliary valve core 134 can separate the outlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the soft water inlet 119.

[0146] It should be noted that "both sides" in "both sides of the secondary valve core 134" refers to the two positions separated by the secondary valve core 134, that is, "both sides" refers to the relationship including but not limited to front and back, left and right, and up and down.

[0147] The outlet of the connecting channel 1113 is higher than the connecting hole 1111 of the secondary cavity, so that when the raw water flows through the connecting channel 1113 to the connecting hole 1111 of the secondary cavity, the raw water can flow entirely through the connecting hole 1111 to the soft water outlet 114, thus avoiding the problem of water accumulation in the secondary cavity 112 caused by the outlet of the connecting channel 1113 being lower than the connecting hole 1111 of the secondary cavity.

[0148] Since the soft water valve is in a state where the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, the secondary valve inlet 1314 is correspondingly connected to the secondary connecting port. When the raw water flows into the secondary chamber 112 through the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary connecting port, the raw water can flow directly into the secondary chamber 112 without obstructing the flow of the raw water into the secondary chamber 112, allowing the raw water to flow smoothly into the secondary chamber 112.

[0149] The following section, based on the structure of the valve housing described above, explains the various functional modes of the soft water valve.

[0150] Combination Figures 1 to 42 As shown, the raw water inlet 113 is normally connected to the main chamber 111, and the raw water outlet 118 is connected to the main chamber 111 by the main valve core 124. The soft water inlet 119 is normally connected to the soft water outlet 114, and the soft water outlet 114 is connected to the secondary chamber 112 by the secondary valve core 134.

[0151] Combination Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, the raw water outlet 118 is normally connected to the main chamber 111, the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the main chamber 111 through the main valve core 124, the soft water outlet 114 is normally connected to the secondary chamber 112, and the soft water inlet 119 is connected to the secondary chamber 112 through the secondary valve core 134.

[0152] Based on the above, the functional modes of a water softener valve include water production mode, water injection mode, brine absorption mode, and cleaning mode. The following is an explanation of each functional mode.

[0153] refer to Figure 16 As shown, in water production mode, raw water inlet 113 and raw water outlet 118 are connected via main valve core 124, and soft water inlet 119 and soft water outlet 114 are connected, so that raw water inlet 113, main chamber 111, raw water outlet 118, soft water inlet 119 and soft water outlet 114 form a connected flow path. Raw water inlet 113 is connected to softening device 190 via main valve core 124, and softening device 190 is connected to soft water outlet 114 via auxiliary valve core 134, realizing soft water output.

[0154] Corresponding to the above implementation method, refer to Figures 1 to 42 As shown, the soft water inlet 119 and soft water outlet 114 are normally open, or, refer to Figures 45 to 60 As shown, the soft water inlet 119 and the soft water outlet 114 are connected through the auxiliary valve core 134.

[0155] refer to Figure 19 As shown, in the water injection mode, the raw water inlet 113 and the raw water outlet 118 are connected through the main valve core 124, and the soft water inlet 119 is connected through the auxiliary valve core 134 to the brine tank connection port 1110 of the valve body 110, so that the raw water inlet 113, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the auxiliary chamber 112, and the brine tank connection port 1110 form a connected flow path. Raw water can be introduced into the softening device 190, and soft water is introduced into the brine tank 200 through the auxiliary valve core 134.

[0156] If the secondary cavity 112 is normally connected to the soft water outlet 114, then in the water injection mode, soft water can be drawn through the soft water outlet 114. If the secondary cavity 112 is disconnected from the soft water outlet 114 in the water injection mode, then water cannot be drawn from the soft water outlet 114 in the water injection mode.

[0157] refer to Figure 22 As shown, in the brine suction mode, the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the secondary chamber 112. The secondary chamber 112 is connected to the brine tank connection port 1110 of the valve body 110 via the secondary valve core 134. The brine tank connection port 1110 is connected to the soft water inlet 119 via the secondary valve core 134, thus connecting the raw water inlet 113, the secondary chamber 112, the brine tank connection port 1110, and the soft water inlet 119 to introduce a brine mixture into the softening device 190. The raw water outlet 118 is connected to the drain port 115 of the valve body 110 to discharge the solution inside the softening device 190. Raw water is delivered to the brine tank connection port 1110 through the secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve core 134. The raw water provides a negative suction force to the brine solution in the brine tank 200, causing the brine mixture of the brine solution and raw water to be delivered into the softening device 190. The solution inside the softening device 190 is discharged from the drain port 115 through the main valve core 124, realizing the brine suction and slow washing process.

[0158] refer to Figure 25As shown, the cleaning mode includes a backwash mode. In the backwash mode, the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the secondary chamber 112, the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the soft water inlet 119 through the secondary valve core 134, and the raw water outlet 118 is connected to the drain port 115 of the valve body 110, so that the raw water inlet 113, the secondary chamber 112, the secondary valve core 134, the soft water inlet 119, the raw water outlet 118, and the drain port 115 form a connected flow path. The raw water from the raw water inlet 113 enters the secondary chamber 112 through at least one of the main chamber 111 and the main valve core 124. The secondary chamber 112 is connected to the softening device 190 through the secondary valve core 134, and the softening device 190 is then connected to the drain port 115 through the main valve core 124 to achieve sewage discharge.

[0159] In the aforementioned brine absorption and backwashing modes, "the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the secondary chamber 112" can be understood as the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112 being either normally connected or adjustable. When the raw water inlet 113 is normally connected to the main chamber 111, and a connecting channel 3111 is provided between the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112, the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112 are normally connected. When the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112 are adjustable, this can be controlled by the main valve core 124. The raw water inlet 113 is connected to the secondary chamber 112 through the flow channel within the main valve core 124; or, the raw water inlet 113 is able to be switched on and off with the main chamber 111 through the main valve core 124, and the main chamber 111 is connected to the secondary chamber 112.

[0160] refer to Figure 28 As shown, the cleaning modes include a forward wash mode. In the forward wash mode, the raw water inlet 113 and the raw water outlet 118 are connected through the main valve core 124, and the soft water inlet 119 and the drain port 115 of the valve body 110 are connected through the auxiliary valve core 134, so that the raw water inlet 113, the main valve core 124, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the auxiliary valve core 134, and the drain port 115 form a connected flow path. The raw water inlet 113 is connected to the softening device 190 through the main valve core 124, and the softening device 190 is connected to the drain port 115 through the auxiliary valve core 134 to achieve sewage discharge. (Reference) Figure 28 As shown, the softening device 190 is connected to the drain port 115 via the secondary chamber 112, and the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the soft water outlet 114, so the soft water outlet 114 can draw water from the softening device 190. In some cases, the secondary valve core 134 is disconnected from the soft water outlet 114, in which case water cannot be drawn.

[0161] Below, based on the flow paths corresponding to each functional mode, and the fact that "raw water outlet 118 is normally connected to main chamber 111, raw water inlet 113 is connected to main chamber 111 through main valve core 124, soft water outlet 114 is normally connected to secondary chamber 112, and soft water inlet 119 is connected to secondary chamber 112 through secondary valve core 134," the structure and function of main valve assembly 120 and secondary valve assembly 130 will be explained.

[0162] Below, based on the flow paths corresponding to each functional mode, and on the premise that "the raw water outlet is always connected to the main chamber, the raw water inlet is regulated to the main chamber by the on / off switch of the main valve core, the soft water outlet is always connected to the secondary chamber, and the soft water inlet is regulated to the secondary chamber by the on / off switch of the secondary valve core", the structure and function of the main valve assembly and the secondary valve assembly will be explained.

[0163] Specifically, the main drive unit 125 is used to drive the main valve core 124 so that the main valve core 124 switches between the third main valve position connecting the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113 and the first main valve position connecting the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113.

[0164] Understandably, the main valve core 124 is switched between the first main valve position and the third main valve position by the main drive unit 125. When the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, it connects the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113, while simultaneously blocking the inlet of the raw water inlet 113 and the inlet of the connecting channel 1113, allowing raw water to flow into the main chamber 111. At this time, the soft water valve is in water production mode, water injection mode, or forward washing mode. When the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position, it connects the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113, allowing raw water to flow into the secondary chamber 112 through the raw water inlet 113 and the connecting channel 1113. At this time, the main valve core 124 blocks the raw water inlet 113 and the main chamber 111, and the soft water valve is in brine suction mode or backwash mode.

[0165] In other words, when the cleaning mode includes forward washing mode and backwashing mode, in water production mode, water injection mode and forward washing mode, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, the connecting flow channel 128 is disconnected, and the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the main chamber 111. At this time, the main valve assembly 120 is mainly used to deliver raw water to the main chamber 111, so that the raw water enters the softening device 190. At this time, the auxiliary valve assembly 130 switches between water production mode, water injection mode and forward washing mode by switching the flow path. In brine suction mode and backwashing mode, the connecting flow channel 128 is connected, and the raw water inlet 113 is disconnected from the main chamber 111. At this time, the main valve assembly 120 is mainly used to discharge the sewage from the softening device 190 to the raw water outlet 118 into the valve body 110. At this time, the auxiliary valve assembly 130 switches between brine suction mode and backwashing mode by switching the flow path.

[0166] It is important to note that in both the brine suction mode and the backwash mode, the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position, connecting the connecting channel 1113 to the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112, thus connecting the raw water inlet 113, the connecting channel 1113, and the secondary chamber 112. Raw water can flow through the raw water inlet 113 and the connecting channel 1113 to the secondary chamber 112. Then, the flow path switching of the secondary valve assembly 130 enables the soft water valve to switch between the brine suction mode and the backwash mode. However, regardless of how the secondary valve assembly 130 switches, the raw water must first flow into the secondary chamber 112. The secondary chamber 112 is connected to the soft water outlet 114, ensuring that the water at the soft water outlet 114 is raw water during both the brine suction mode and the backwash mode, guaranteeing that the user has water available during both modes.

[0167] In the third main valve position, the main drive unit 125 drives the main valve core 124, thereby connecting the main valve core 124 through the connecting channel 128. The inlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113 are connected through the connecting channel 128, thus connecting the raw water inlet 113, the connecting channel 128, the connecting channel 1113, and the secondary chamber 112. The connecting channel 128 connects the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113, allowing water to flow along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the connecting channel 128, the connecting channel 1113, and the secondary chamber 112. The inlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113 are connected by the connecting channel 128. When the main valve core 124 rotates to the first main valve position, the connecting channel 128 is disconnected, so that the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113 are disconnected. When the main valve core 124 rotates to the third main valve position, the connecting channel 128 is connected, so that the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113 are connected.

[0168] For example, the inlet of the connecting channel 128 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, and the outlet of the connecting channel 128 is connected to the inlet of the connecting channel 1113. The inlet of the connecting channel 128 faces the raw water inlet 113. That is, at this time, the inlet of the connecting channel 128 is not connected to the main cavity 111. The raw water flows through the path of the raw water inlet 113, the inlet of the connecting channel 128, the connecting channel 128, the connecting channel 1113 and the secondary cavity 112. The raw water does not need to pass through the main cavity 111, which can separate the main cavity 111 and the raw water inlet 113, ensuring that the main cavity 111 will not enter the main cavity 111 when the main valve is in the third position.

[0169] For example, the main valve inlet 1221 of the main stationary valve plate 122 is connected to the main valve first groove 1212 of the active valve plate 121 and the main and auxiliary connection hole 1223 of the main stationary valve plate 122 to form a connecting flow channel 128. The main and auxiliary connection hole 1223 is connected to the inlet of the connecting channel 1113. The inlet of the connecting flow channel 128 is formed in the main valve inlet 1221, and the outlet of the connecting flow channel 128 is formed in the main and auxiliary connection hole 1223. The main drive unit 125 drives the active valve plate 121 to rotate to the third main valve position, so that the first groove 1212 of the main valve connects the main valve inlet hole 1221 and the main-subsidiary connection hole 1223, so that the main valve inlet hole 1221, the first groove 1212 of the main valve and the main-subsidiary connection hole 1223 are connected to form a connecting flow channel 128, and the raw water can flow along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the main valve inlet hole 1221, the first groove 1212 of the main valve, the main-subsidiary connection hole 1223, the connecting channel 1113 and the secondary cavity 112.

[0170] In both the brine suction mode and the backwash mode, the main valve inlet 1221 includes a first region and a second region that are connected. The first region is connected to the main valve first groove 1212 and the main-subsidiary connection hole 1223, while the second region is closed by the main valve process groove of the active valve plate 121. This allows raw water to flow into the secondary chamber through the first region, the main valve first groove 1212, and the main-subsidiary connection hole 1223.

[0171] The main valve inlet 1221 can be normally connected to the raw water inlet 113. The main drive unit 125 drives the active valve plate 121 to rotate, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the connecting flow channel 128, which can simplify the structure of the main valve assembly 120.

[0172] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 36 and Figure 40 As shown, the main valve assembly 120 includes a main valve core 124 and a main drive unit 125 for driving the main valve core 124 to move. The main valve core 124 is located in the main chamber 111. The main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113 can be switched on and off through the main valve core 124, so that the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113 can be switched between connected and disconnected.

[0173] In some cases, the connection between the secondary chamber 112 and the raw water inlet 113 can be adjusted via the main valve core 124, allowing the connection between the secondary chamber 112 and the raw water inlet 113 to be switched between open and closed states. When the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, raw water enters the secondary chamber 112 and then the flow direction is distributed by the secondary valve assembly 130. When the secondary chamber 112 is disconnected from the raw water inlet 113, raw water flows through the main valve core 124 into the main chamber 111, then flows through the raw water outlet 118 to the soft water inlet 119, where the flow direction is controlled by the cooperation of the secondary valve assembly 130 and the secondary chamber 112.

[0174] The secondary valve assembly 130 includes a secondary valve core 134 and a secondary drive unit 135 for driving the movement of the secondary valve core 134. The secondary valve core 134 is located in the secondary cavity 112. The flow channel of the secondary valve core 134 is regulated to adjust the opening and closing of the soft water inlet 119 and the corresponding channel in the secondary valve core 134, as well as the opening and closing of the corresponding channel in the secondary cavity 112 and the secondary valve core 134. For example, the secondary valve core 134 can regulate the opening and closing of the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary cavity 112, the opening and closing of the secondary cavity 112 and the brine tank connection port 1110 of the valve housing 110, and the opening and closing of the soft water inlet 119 and the ejector 160 of the soft water valve. The secondary cavity 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130 are mainly used to realize the regeneration of the softening material in the softening device 190 (the regeneration process includes: water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode). The secondary cavity 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130 are also used to continuously supply water to the soft water outlet 114.

[0175] The main valve core 124 can be driven to move by the main drive unit 125, and the auxiliary valve core 134 can be driven to move by the auxiliary drive unit 135, so that the soft water valve can switch between water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode.

[0176] The main chamber 111, in conjunction with the main valve assembly 120, is primarily used to supply water to the softening device 190. The main chamber 111 and main valve assembly 120 are mainly used for normal water production. Since the normal water production flow rate is relatively large, the large opening structure of the main chamber 111 and main valve core 124 is utilized for water production. At this time, the auxiliary valve core 134 is used to connect the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary chamber 112. The auxiliary chamber 112, in conjunction with the auxiliary valve assembly 130, is mainly used to transport soft water from the softening device 190 to the auxiliary chamber 112 for various modes requiring soft water. The large opening structure of the auxiliary chamber 112 and auxiliary valve core 134 allows users to draw water. Since the water softener also has other functions such as forward washing, backwashing, water injection, and slow brine flushing, these functions require relatively low flow rates. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the holes in the secondary valve core 134 used for water injection and brine flushing can be smaller than the opening area of ​​the holes used for water inlet. Thus, these functions are mainly controlled by the secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130, while the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120 provide auxiliary functions. The secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130 are mainly used for regulating other flow paths. The main chamber 111, in conjunction with the main valve assembly 120, can increase the flow rate of water supplied to the softening device 190. The secondary chamber 112, in conjunction with the main chamber 111, performs other functions.

[0177] The main chamber 111, in conjunction with the main valve assembly 120, primarily functions to produce water normally. Due to the relatively large raw water flow requirement in the water production mode, the main valve core 124 forms the main water production channel 126. This channel connects the main chamber 111 to the raw water inlet 113, and the main chamber 111 to the raw water outlet 118. Water production is achieved using the large opening structure of the main valve core 124. In the water production mode, the auxiliary valve core 134 forms the auxiliary water production channel 136. The soft water inlet 119 connects to the auxiliary chamber 112 via the auxiliary water production channel 136, and the soft water outlet 114 connects to the auxiliary chamber 112. Water is drawn from the auxiliary valve core 134 using its large opening structure.

[0178] Since the water softener also has other functions such as cleaning, water injection, and slow brine washing, these functions require relatively low raw water flow. Therefore, the secondary valve core 134 can form multiple flow channels. The flow channels formed by the secondary valve core 134 require a smaller flow area. These functions are mainly controlled by the secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130. At the same time, the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120 cooperate with these regeneration processes to discharge wastewater. In some cases, the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 have the same shape, and the main valve assembly 120 and the secondary valve assembly 130 have the same outer contour dimensions. The flow area of ​​the flow channel formed by the secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130 is smaller than the flow area of ​​the main water supply channel 126 formed by the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120.

[0179] As described above, at least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 can be connected to the raw water inlet 113. This can be understood as follows: at least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 is supplied with raw water, and the raw water is sent into the softening device 190 through at least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112. At least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 can be connected to the raw water inlet 113 through a channel. That is, a raw water channel can be provided between the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113, and / or, a channel can also be provided between the secondary chamber 112 and the raw water inlet 113. Of course, when both the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 are connected to the raw water inlet 113, the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 can be connected to the raw water inlet 113 through independent channels. Alternatively, one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 can be connected to the raw water inlet 113 through a channel, and the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 can be connected through a connecting channel 1113.

[0180] The water softener valve of this invention features a multi-functional two-chamber structure design, which can meet the usage requirements of the water softener in different states. By switching the water circuit of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130, the water circuit adjustment of the water softener in different states can be realized, namely, water production mode, cleaning mode (including at least one of forward washing and backwashing), water injection mode, and brine slow washing mode (hereinafter referred to as brine suction mode). The entire valve head structure is compact and simple, with high reliability and stable operation.

[0181] refer to Figures 1 to 6 as well as Figures 40 to 42 As shown, the valve body 110 of the soft water valve is also provided with a drain port 115 and a brine tank connection port 1110. The drain port 115 is used to discharge sewage. The drain port 115 can connect to at least one of the flow channels of the main chamber 111 and the auxiliary chamber 112 to realize the discharge of sewage through different flow paths. The brine tank connection port 1110 is used to connect to the brine tank 200. The brine tank connection port 1110 can inject water into the brine tank 200 and can also export brine from the brine tank 200 and send it into the soft water valve. The brine tank connection port 1110 can have at least one of the functions of water injection and brine suction. One of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 can be used to adjust the brine tank connection port 1110 to realize the on / off connection between the soft water valve and the brine tank 200.

[0182] The valve housing 110 has a drain channel 1114, which can connect to at least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 to achieve draining through different flow paths. For example, one end of the drain channel 1114 is connected to at least one of the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112, and the other end of the drain channel 1114 forms a drain port 115, so that sewage in the valve housing 110 can be discharged through the drain channel 1114 and the drain port 115.

[0183] In some cases, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, at least one of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is a multi-position multi-way valve. Both the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 can be switched at multiple positions, and after switching, multiple flow paths can be adjusted for on / off.

[0184] For example, the main valve assembly 120 can switch between at least two main valve positions. In one main valve position, the main valve assembly 120 connects the main chamber 111 to the raw water inlet 113 for supplying water to the softening device 190. In this position, the softening valve corresponds to the water production mode and the water injection mode. In another main valve position, the main valve assembly 120 connects the raw water outlet 118 to the drain outlet 115 for wastewater discharge. In this position, the softening valve corresponds to the backwash mode and the brine suction mode. In yet another main valve position, the main valve assembly 120 can also connect the secondary chamber 112 to the raw water inlet 113. The secondary valve assembly 130 can switch between multiple secondary valve positions (e.g., three, four, five, etc.), with each secondary valve position corresponding to a different softening valve mode. The secondary valve assembly 130 can also switch between three secondary valve positions (not shown in the figure). These secondary valve positions are mainly used for cleaning and coordinating with the water injection and brine suction modes. The main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 have various structures, and their functions and structures can be set as needed.

[0185] In some cases, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8and Figure 40 As shown, the main drive unit 125 of the main valve assembly 120 is used to drive the main valve core 124 to rotate, and the main valve core 124 switches between multiple main valve positions by rotation. And / or, the secondary drive unit 135 of the secondary valve assembly 130 is used to drive the secondary valve core 134 to rotate, and the secondary valve core 134 switches between multiple secondary valve positions by rotation.

[0186] At least one of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is a disc valve. Disc valves have a simple structure, and both the valve discs of the main valve core 124 and the auxiliary valve core 134 can be ceramic discs. (Reference) Figure 7 As shown, when the main valve assembly 120 is a disc valve, the main valve core 124 includes a main stationary valve disc 122 and a driving valve disc 121. The main stationary valve disc 122 is fixed in the main cavity 111. The main drive unit 125 is connected to the driving valve disc 121. The main drive unit 125 is used to drive the driving valve disc 121 to rotate relative to the main stationary valve disc 122, so as to adjust the flow path of the corresponding main valve assembly 120. And / or, refer to Figure 8 As shown, when the secondary valve assembly 130 is a disc valve, the secondary valve core 134 includes a secondary stationary valve plate 132 and a secondary moving valve plate 131. The secondary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed in the secondary cavity 112, and the secondary drive part 135 is connected to the secondary moving valve plate 131. The secondary drive part 135 is used to drive the secondary moving valve plate 131 to rotate relative to the secondary stationary valve plate 132, so as to adjust the flow channel opening and closing of the secondary valve assembly 130.

[0187] Among them, when the disc valve's disc is made of ceramic, the valve's lifespan and reliability are higher due to the good wear resistance of ceramic. Compared to plunger valves, which require higher precision in structural machining, disc valves have lower manufacturing costs, making them an important direction for the development of soft water valves.

[0188] For example, the active valve plate 121 has at least one notch structure or groove structure, and the main stationary valve plate 122 has at least one hole structure, so that the main valve core 124 has at least one flow channel. When the main valve core 124 has at least two flow channels, the active valve plate 121 can be driven to rotate by the main drive unit 125, so that the active valve plate 121 and the main stationary valve plate 122 form different flow channels.

[0189] For example, on the side of the active valve plate 121 that contacts the main stationary valve plate 122, the active valve plate 121 is arranged in a large fan shape, with a large main valve inlet 1211 on the side. The main valve inlet 1211 is also arranged in a fan shape. The main stationary valve plate 122 is provided with a main valve inlet hole 1221. Water in the raw water inlet 113 can enter the main cavity 111 through the main valve inlet hole 1221 of the main stationary valve plate 122 and the main valve inlet 1211 of the active valve plate 121. At the same time, the active valve plate 121 is also designed with two grooves. By rotating the active valve plate 121, the grooves of the active valve plate 121 can connect or disconnect the main valve drain hole 1222 of the main stationary valve plate 122 from the main cavity 111, so as to realize the connection or disconnection of the corresponding flow channel. The main valve inlet 1221 and main valve outlet 1211 have a large flow area, mainly used for water production. The main valve drain hole 1222 has a small flow area, which can reduce the drain flow.

[0190] In some cases, when the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 through the main valve core 124, the main stationary valve plate 122 is also provided with a main-secondary connection hole 1223, which connects to the secondary chamber 112. The active valve plate 121 is provided with a main valve first groove 1212, which can connect the main-secondary connection hole 1223 and the main valve inlet hole 1221, forming a connecting flow channel 128.

[0191] refer to Figures 16 to 30 As shown, in some cases, the main valve core 124 has a flow channel structure including a main water control channel 126, a connecting flow channel 128, and a first sewage discharge channel 127. The main valve inlet 1211 of the active valve plate 121 and the main valve inlet 1221 of the main stationary valve plate 122 can be connected to form the main water control channel 126. At this time, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, and the soft water valve can be in water control mode, water injection mode, or forward flushing mode. The main valve inlet 1221 of the main stationary valve plate 122 is connected via the active valve... The main valve first groove 1212 of valve plate 121 and the main auxiliary connection hole 1223 of main stationary valve plate 122 are connected to form a connecting flow channel 128. At this time, the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position, and the soft water valve can be in the brine suction mode or the backwash mode. The main valve drain hole 1222 of main stationary valve plate 122 is connected to the main valve inlet 1211 of active valve plate 121 to form a first drain flow channel 127. At this time, the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position, and the soft water valve is in the brine suction mode or the backwash mode.

[0192] For example, the secondary valve core 134 has at least one flow channel, the secondary moving valve plate 131 has at least one notch structure or groove structure, and the secondary stationary valve plate 132 has at least one hole structure, so that the secondary valve core 134 has at least one flow channel. When the secondary valve core 134 has at least two flow channels, the secondary moving valve plate 131 can be driven to rotate by the secondary driving part 135, so that the secondary moving valve plate 131 and the secondary stationary valve plate 132 form different flow channels.

[0193] In some cases, the secondary valve core 134 has a secondary water supply channel 136, a water injection channel 137, a forward wash channel 138, a backwash channel, a first brine suction channel 1341, and a second brine suction channel 1342. The softening connection hole 1322 of the secondary stationary valve plate 132 communicates with the secondary valve inlet 1314 of the secondary moving valve plate 131 to form the secondary water supply channel 136. At this time, the secondary valve core 134 is in the first secondary valve position, and the softened water valve is in water supply mode; the secondary stationary valve plate 1341... The softening connection hole 1322 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and the brine injection hole 1324 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 are connected to form a water injection channel 137. If the softening connection hole 1322 and the brine injection hole 1324 can be connected through the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 of the auxiliary valve plate 131, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the second auxiliary valve position and the softened water valve is in the water injection mode; the softening connection hole 1322 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 are connected. A forward wash flow channel 138 is formed. For example, the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 can be connected to the softening connection hole 1322 through the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 of the auxiliary valve plate 131. At this time, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the fourth auxiliary valve position, and the softened water valve is in forward wash mode. The softening connection hole 1322 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is connected to the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 of the auxiliary valve plate 131 to form a backwash flow channel. At this time, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the first auxiliary valve position, and the softened water valve is in backwash mode. Washing mode; the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 of the auxiliary valve plate 131 and the brine injection hole 1324 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 are connected to form the first brine suction channel 1341. The brine hole 1323 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is connected through the first groove 1311 of the auxiliary valve of the auxiliary valve plate 131 and the softening connection hole 1322 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 to form the second brine suction channel 1342. At this time, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the third auxiliary valve position, and the soft water valve is in the brine suction mode.

[0194] It should be noted that in both water production mode and backwashing mode, the secondary valve core 134 is in the first secondary valve position. The secondary valve core 134, the secondary chamber 112, and the softening device 190 are connected in the same way, but the water flow direction is different.

[0195] Of course, in some cases, the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 can also switch the flow path on and off in other ways, such as one of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 switching the flow path by moving, and one of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 can be a plunger valve.

[0196] In some cases, refer to Figure 36As shown, the main drive unit 125 includes a main valve motor and a main shaft assembly 1251. One end of the main shaft assembly 1251 is connected to the main valve motor, and the other end is connected to the active valve plate 121. The main valve motor drives the main valve motor to rotate through the main shaft assembly 1251. The main valve motor can drive the active valve plate 121 to rotate, thereby changing the relative position between the active valve plate 121 and the main stationary valve plate 122, so that the main valve core 124 forms different flow channels.

[0197] In some cases, refer to Figure 36 As shown, the secondary drive unit 135 includes a secondary valve motor and a secondary shaft assembly 1351. One end of the secondary shaft assembly 1351 is connected to the secondary valve motor, and the other end is connected to the secondary moving valve plate 131. The secondary valve motor drives the secondary valve motor to rotate through the secondary shaft assembly 1351. The secondary valve motor can drive the secondary moving valve plate 131 to rotate, thereby changing the relative position between the secondary moving valve plate 131 and the secondary stationary valve plate 132, so that the secondary valve core 134 forms different flow channels.

[0198] It should be noted that the main drive unit 125 and the auxiliary drive unit 135 can also share a drive motor, and are not limited to the above-mentioned configuration of a main valve motor and an auxiliary valve motor.

[0199] Below, for reference Figures 9 to 30 As shown, in the case of a soft water valve including a valve body 110, a main valve assembly 120 and a secondary valve assembly 130, the main valve assembly 120 and the secondary valve assembly 130 cooperate to achieve switching between multiple modes, which will be explained below.

[0200] Regarding water production mode:

[0201] refer to Figures 9 to 14 , Figures 16 to 18 As shown, in water production mode, the main water production channel 126 of the main valve core 124 is connected, which connects the main chamber 111 to the raw water inlet 113, and the auxiliary chamber 112 to the soft water inlet 119. The raw water inlet 113, the main water production channel 126, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the auxiliary chamber 112, and the soft water outlet 114 are connected. The main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120 are mainly used to supply water to the softening device 190 in water production mode, which helps to increase the flow rate of water supplied by the soft water valve to the softening device 190, thereby increasing the flow rate of soft water produced by the softening device 190, so that users can easily access the soft water.

[0202] In the water production mode, the main chamber 111 cooperates with the main valve assembly 120 to connect the raw water inlet 113 to the main chamber 111, and the secondary chamber 112 cooperates with the secondary valve assembly 130 to connect the secondary chamber 112 to the soft water outlet 114. Based on the connection of the raw water inlet 113, the main water production channel 126, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the secondary chamber 112, and the soft water outlet 114, water flows along the raw water inlet 113, the main water production channel 126, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the secondary chamber 112, and the soft water outlet 114. The water outlet 114 connects to the path of water flow, enabling water to be supplied to the softening device 190 through the main valve assembly 120 and the main chamber 111. The softened water obtained by the softening device 190 can be discharged to the secondary chamber 112 through the soft water inlet 119. The soft water in the secondary chamber 112 is discharged through the soft water outlet 114. During this process, the secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130 are used to connect the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112, so that the soft water can be discharged from the soft water inlet 119 to the secondary chamber 112, ensuring that the soft water is discharged from the secondary chamber 112 to the soft water outlet 114, which is convenient for users to take water.

[0203] The main drive unit 125 drives the main valve core 124 to move, so that the main valve core 124 switches to the main water control channel 126. It can be understood that the main water control channel 126 can be connected in some modes and disconnected in some modes.

[0204] Among them, reference Figure 9 As shown, the main valve core 124 includes a main stationary valve plate 122 and an active valve plate 121. The active valve plate 121 is connected to the main drive unit 125, and the main stationary valve plate 122 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The main stationary valve plate 122 has a main valve inlet hole 1221, and the active valve plate 121 has a main valve inlet port 1211. The main valve inlet hole 1221 communicates with the raw water inlet 113, and the main valve inlet port 1211 communicates with the main chamber 111. The main valve inlet hole 1221 and the main valve inlet port 1211 communicate to form the main water control channel 126. The active valve plate 121 is driven by the main drive unit 125 to adjust its position relative to the main stationary valve plate 122, thereby realizing the on / off adjustment of the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113. The structure is simple and the adjustment is convenient.

[0205] Understandably, in water production mode, the main drive unit 125 drives the active valve plate 121 to move, causing the main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve inlet hole 1221 to connect accordingly. That is, the main water production channel 126 formed by the main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve inlet hole 1221 is connected, and water at the raw water inlet 113 can flow to the main chamber 111 through the main water production channel 126. In some non-water production modes, the main drive unit 125 drives the active valve plate 121 to move, causing the main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve inlet hole 1221 to not connect accordingly. That is, the main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve inlet hole 1221 are disconnected, the main water production channel 126 is disconnected, the raw water inlet 113 cannot connect to the main chamber 111, and the water at the raw water inlet 113 cannot flow to the main chamber 111.

[0206] Understandably, when the soft water valve switches from other modes to water production mode, the main drive unit 125 drives the active valve plate 121 to rotate to the first main valve position. At this time, the main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve inlet hole 1221 are connected to form the main water production channel 126, so that the raw water inlet 113 can be connected to the main chamber 111 through the main water production channel 126, and water can be injected into the resin tank through the main water production channel 126.

[0207] When the main drive unit 125 drives the active valve plate 121 to rotate, the active valve plate 121 can rotate to connect or disconnect the main valve inlet 1211 from the main valve inlet hole 1221. The main valve inlet hole 1221 can be a fan-shaped hole, and the main valve inlet 1211 can be formed through the fan-shaped notch of the active valve plate 121 to ensure the flow area of ​​the raw water.

[0208] The above content describes the main valve assembly 120, the main chamber 111, and the valve housing 110 in the water production mode.

[0209] The water production mode is the main functional mode of the water softener valve. Other functional modes (water injection mode, brine suction mode, and cleaning mode) are primarily to ensure the softening effect of the softening device 190 and regenerate the softening material within it, thus continuously providing soft water. Specifically, the water injection mode involves injecting water into the brine tank 200 to dissolve the salt and use it to regenerate the softening material within the softening device 190.

[0210] The following describes the auxiliary valve assembly 130, the auxiliary chamber 112, and the valve housing 110 in the water production mode.

[0211] In the water production mode, the secondary water production channel 136 of the secondary valve core 134 is connected, and the secondary water production channel 136 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary cavity 112, thereby connecting the raw water inlet 113, the main water production channel 126, the main cavity 111, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the secondary water production channel 136, the secondary cavity 112, and the soft water outlet 114. It can be understood that in the water production mode, by driving the secondary valve core 134 through the secondary drive unit 135, the secondary valve core 134 can be connected to the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary cavity 112. Specifically, in the water production mode, the secondary water production channel 136 of the secondary valve core 134 is connected. The secondary water production channel 136 is mainly used to connect the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112. Based on the state of the main valve assembly 120 in the water production mode, it can be known that the raw water inlet 113, the main water production channel 126, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119 are connected. That is, the raw water can be transported from the raw water outlet 118 to the softening device 190. After the softening device 190 converts the raw water into soft water, it transports the soft water from the soft water inlet 119 to the valve body 110. At this time, the soft water inlet 119 is connected to the secondary water control channel 136 and the secondary cavity 112. Thus, the soft water inlet 119, the secondary water control channel 136, the secondary cavity 112 and the soft water outlet 114 are connected. The soft water at the soft water inlet 119 can flow along the path of the secondary water control channel 136, the secondary cavity 112 and the soft water outlet 114, so that the user can obtain soft water at the soft water outlet 114, thus realizing the water production function of the soft water valve.

[0212] Understandably, the secondary drive unit 135 drives the secondary valve core 134 to move, so that the secondary valve core 134 is in the first secondary valve position. At this time, the secondary valve core 134 can connect the secondary cavity 112 and the soft water inlet 119, so that the water at the soft water inlet 119 can flow into the secondary cavity 112.

[0213] It is understandable that when the secondary valve core 134 is in the first secondary valve position, the secondary water control channel 136 of the secondary valve core 134 is connected, and the soft water inlet 119 is connected to the secondary cavity 112 through the secondary water control channel 136.

[0214] The auxiliary valve core 134 includes an auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and an auxiliary moving valve plate 131. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit 135. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is configured with a softening connection hole 1322. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is configured with a auxiliary valve inlet 1314. The softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the soft water inlet 119. The auxiliary valve inlet 1314 is connected to the auxiliary cavity 112. The softening connection hole 1322 and the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 are connected to form an auxiliary water control channel 136.

[0215] Understandably, in water production mode, the secondary drive unit 135 drives the secondary valve plate 131 to rotate, causing a change in the relative position between the secondary valve plate 131 and the secondary stationary valve plate 132. The secondary valve inlet 1314 and the softening connection hole 1322 connect to form the secondary water production channel 136. At this time, the soft water inlet 119 can connect to the secondary cavity 112 through the secondary water production channel 136, allowing water at the soft water inlet 119 to flow into the secondary cavity 112. In some non-water production modes, such as brine extraction mode, the secondary drive unit 135 drives the secondary valve plate 131 to rotate, causing the secondary valve plate 131 to rotate relative to the secondary stationary valve plate 132. This causes the secondary valve inlet 1314 and the softening connection hole 1322 to no longer connect. In other words, the secondary water production channel 136 is disconnected, and the soft water inlet 119 cannot connect to the secondary cavity 112 through the secondary water production channel 136, allowing the soft water valve to operate in other modes.

[0216] Understandably, in water production mode, the auxiliary drive unit 135 drives the auxiliary valve plate 131 to move to the first auxiliary valve position, so that the auxiliary valve plate 131 and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 can form a connected auxiliary water production channel 136, and the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary cavity 112 can be connected through the auxiliary water production channel 136.

[0217] In some cases, the secondary chamber 112 and the soft water inlet 119 can be normally open, without needing to be controlled by the secondary valve core 134 (not shown in the figure), thus simplifying the structure of the secondary valve core 134. Regarding the water injection mode:

[0218] refer to Figures 9 to 14 , Figures 19 to 21 as well as Figures 36 to 39 Understandably, the valve housing 110 is provided with a brine tank connection port 1110 for connecting to the brine tank 200. In water injection mode, the water injection channel 137 of the auxiliary valve core 134 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the brine tank connection port 1110, thus connecting the soft water inlet 119, the water injection channel 137, and the brine tank connection port 1110. By adjusting the state of the auxiliary valve assembly 130, the softening device 190 is connected to the brine tank 200. The softened water from the softening device 190 is delivered to the brine tank 200, dissolving the salt in the brine tank 200 so that the salt solution can be introduced into the softening device 190.

[0219] Specifically, in the water injection mode, the secondary drive unit 135 drives the secondary valve core 134 to rotate to the second secondary valve position. The water injection channel 137 of the secondary valve core 134 connects the brine suction water injection hole 1324 and the brine tank connection port 1110. The brine suction water injection hole 1324 can be connected to the soft water inlet 119 or the secondary cavity 112. The water at the brine suction water injection hole 1324 can be directly or indirectly transported to the brine tank connection port 1110, and then transported from the brine tank connection port 1110 to the brine tank 200, thereby realizing the water injection operation of the brine tank 200.

[0220] It should be noted that the water flows from the soft water inlet 119 to the brine tank connection port 1110 in the following manner: when the state of the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120 is the same as the water production mode, the raw water can flow along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the main water production channel 126, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119, so that the raw water is converted into soft water by the softening device 190 and then transported to the soft water outlet 114. The soft water is then transported from the soft water outlet 114 to the brine tank connection port 1110, realizing the operation of injecting soft water into the brine tank 200.

[0221] The water flows from the secondary chamber 112 to the brine tank connection port 1110 in the following manner: When the flow channel of the main valve assembly 120 is switched, the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112 are connected. At this time, the water at the raw water inlet 113 can be directly delivered into the secondary chamber 112. The secondary valve core 134 can connect the secondary chamber 112 and the brine tank connection port 1110, thereby realizing the operation of injecting raw water into the brine tank 200.

[0222] It should be noted that the water at the soft water inlet 119 can flow directly to the water injection channel 137, that is, the soft water inlet 119 is directly connected to the water injection channel 137; the water at the soft water inlet 119 can also flow through the secondary cavity 112 before flowing to the water injection channel 137, that is, the soft water inlet 119, the secondary cavity 112 and the water injection channel 137 are connected.

[0223] The soft water inlet 119 is connected to the water injection channel 137 via the secondary cavity 112, thus connecting the soft water inlet 119, the secondary cavity 112, and the water injection channel 137. This allows water from the soft water inlet 119 to flow through the secondary cavity 112 before reaching the water injection channel 137. Conversely, some water from the soft water inlet 119 can flow into the water injection channel 137, while the rest flows into the secondary cavity 112. In other words, it ensures that water flows into the secondary cavity 112 during water injection mode, and the water in the secondary cavity 112 can flow out from the soft water outlet 114, guaranteeing that users still have water available during water injection mode. Furthermore, the water flowing into the secondary cavity 112 at this time is softened water treated by the softening device 190, meaning users still have soft water available during water injection mode.

[0224] It is understandable that in the water injection mode, the way the raw water inlet 113 supplies water to the softening device 190 can be the same as in the water production mode described above. That is, the raw water inlet 113 and the raw water outlet 118 can be connected through the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120, so that the raw water flows into the softening device 190 along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the main water production channel 126, the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118, which helps to simplify the structure of the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120.

[0225] With the main valve core 124 equipped with a main water control channel 126, the main water control channel 126 connects the main chamber 111 with the raw water inlet 113. For details, please refer to the above description of the water control mode. Figure 20 As shown, details will not be repeated here. It can be understood that the difference between the water injection mode and the water production mode lies in the different states of the secondary valve assembly 130. When the soft water valve switches between the water injection mode and the water production mode, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position. By switching the position of the secondary valve core 134, the two modes can be switched. In the water production mode, the position of the secondary valve core 134 can be understood as the first secondary valve position; in the water injection mode, the position of the secondary valve core 134 can be understood as the second secondary valve position. The secondary drive unit 135 drives the secondary valve core 134 to rotate, causing it to switch between the first and second secondary valve positions. That is, the secondary drive unit 135 drives the secondary valve core 134 to rotate until the water injection channel 137 is connected or disconnected, and the secondary water production channel 136 is also connected or disconnected accordingly. The secondary valve assembly 130 has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0226] The auxiliary valve core 134 includes an auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and an auxiliary moving valve plate 131. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit 135, and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 has a softening connection hole 1322 and a brine suction and water injection hole 1324. The softening connection hole 1322 communicates with the soft water inlet 119, and the brine suction and water injection hole 1324 communicates with the brine tank connection port 1110. The softening connection hole 1322 and the brine suction and water injection hole 1324 communicate to form a water injection channel 137. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 cooperate to connect the softening device 190 and the brine tank 200, so as to smoothly send the soft water in the softening device 190 into the brine tank 200. The structure is simple.

[0227] Specifically, in the water injection mode, the auxiliary drive unit 135 drives the auxiliary valve plate 131 to rotate to the second auxiliary valve position, causing a relative positional change between the auxiliary valve plate 131 and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132. This connects the softening connection hole 1322 and the brine injection hole 1324, forming a water injection channel 137. The soft water inlet 119 connects to the brine tank connection port 1110 through the water injection channel 137, allowing water at the soft water inlet 119 to be transported to the brine tank connection port 1110 via the water injection channel 137. In some non-water injection modes, the auxiliary drive unit 135 drives the auxiliary valve plate 131 to rotate, causing the brine injection hole 1324 and the softening connection hole 1322 to become disconnected. This prevents the soft water inlet 119 from connecting to the brine tank connection port 1110 via the water injection channel 137, thus preventing water at the soft water inlet 119 from flowing to the brine tank connection port 1110. This allows the soft water valve to operate in different modes.

[0228] The auxiliary valve core 134 includes an auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and an auxiliary driving valve plate 131. The auxiliary driving valve plate 131 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit 135. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is constructed with a softening connection hole 1322 and a brine suction water injection hole 1324. The softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the soft water inlet 119. The brine suction water injection hole 1324 is connected to the auxiliary cavity 112 and the brine tank connection port 1110. The auxiliary driving valve plate 131 is constructed with a auxiliary valve inlet 1314. The auxiliary valve inlet 1314 is connected to the auxiliary cavity 112. The softening connection hole 1322 and the brine suction water injection hole 1324 are connected through the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 to form a water injection channel 137.

[0229] It is understandable that by driving the auxiliary valve plate 131 to rotate through the auxiliary drive unit 135, the softening connection hole 1322 and the brine injection hole 1324 can be connected through the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 to form a water injection channel 137. At this time, the water injection channel 137 can not only connect the soft water inlet 119 and the brine tank connection port 1110, but also connect the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary cavity 112, so that the soft water at the soft water inlet 119 can flow to the brine tank connection port 1110, or flow to the soft water outlet 114 after passing through the auxiliary cavity 112.

[0230] In this configuration, the water softener valve includes an ejector 160, which connects the brine injection port 1324 to the brine tank connection port 1110. This means the ejector 160 also connects the water injection channel 137 to the brine tank connection port 1110. By switching the state of the secondary valve core 134, the water softener valve can also draw brine solution from the brine tank 200 and send it to the softening device 190 via the ejector 160. Therefore, in the water injection mode and the brine injection mode, the flow path of water between the softening device 190, the ejector 160, and the brine tank 200 is different. In the water injection mode... Water flows from the softening device 190 through the secondary valve assembly 130 to the ejector 160, or from the secondary chamber 112 to the ejector 160, and then flows through the ejector 160 into the brine tank connection port 1110. In the brine suction mode, the raw water entering the ejector 160 from the secondary chamber 112 carries the brine solution from the brine tank 200 into the ejector 160, and then the mixed solution in the ejector 160 is sent to the softening device 190 through the secondary valve assembly 130. It should be noted that the flow channels connected in the secondary valve assembly 130 are different in the water injection mode and the brine suction mode. Of course, in the water injection mode, the water flowing to the brine tank connection port 1110 through the water injection channel 137 of the secondary valve assembly 130 can also flow directly into the brine tank connection port 1110 without passing through the ejector 160. In this case, the brine suction water injection hole 1324 can be directly connected to the brine tank connection port 1110.

[0231] In the above embodiments, in the water injection mode, the path of water supply from the raw water inlet 113 to the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is the same as in the water production mode. That is, the softening device 190 is controlled by the soft water valve to supply soft water to the brine tank connection port 1110. However, in the water injection mode, raw water can also be introduced into the brine tank connection port 1110 in other ways. In some cases, in the water injection mode, the main chamber 111 may not participate in the operation. By adjusting the state of the auxiliary valve assembly 130, when the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the auxiliary chamber 112, the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is controlled to connect the auxiliary chamber 112 to the brine tank connection port 1110, or the soft water outlet 114 is connected to the brine tank connection port 1110 in other ways. The raw water is then introduced into the brine tank 200 (not shown in the figure) through the brine tank connection port 1110, so that the salt in the brine tank 200 dissolves and the brine is introduced into the softening device 190. For example, the secondary chamber 112 of the valve body 110 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, and the water injection channel 137 is connected to the connection port 1110 of the secondary chamber 112 and the salt tank. The raw water in the secondary chamber 112 can be sent into the salt tank 200, and can also be dissolved in the salt tank 200 to obtain brine. At this time, the secondary valve inlet 1314 of the secondary valve plate 131 is connected to the brine suction and water injection hole 1324. The raw water in the secondary chamber 112 flows in the direction of the secondary valve inlet 1314, the brine suction and water injection hole 1324 and the salt tank connection port 1110. At this time, the main valve assembly 120 can disconnect or connect the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113.

[0232] The above describes the water filling mode. After water is filled into the salt tank 200, the salt in the salt tank 200 will dissolve for a preset time, typically 1 hour or 2 hours. This process can be understood as the salt tank 200 entering a salt dissolving state. During the salt dissolving process, the water production mode can be executed, allowing users to obtain soft water from the soft water outlet 114. After the salt in the salt tank 200 has dissolved, the brine is sent into the softening device 190, which is the salt absorption mode. The salt absorption mode is explained below.

[0233] Salt absorption mode:

[0234] refer to Figures 9 to 14 , Figures 22 to 34 as well as Figures 36 to 39 As shown, it can be understood that the valve housing 110 is connected to the ejector 160, and the valve housing 110 is provided with a salt tank connection port 1110. The salt solution in the salt tank connection port 1110 is drawn into the salt tank connection port 1110 through the ejector 160, and the salt solution is sent into the softening device 190 through the cooperation of the ejector 160 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130. Then, the wastewater after the softening material in the softening device 190 is discharged.

[0235] In salt absorption mode, combined Figures 22 to 24 as well as Figures 36 to 39As shown, valve housing 110 is connected to ejector 160, which has an ejector channel. Valve housing 110 has a brine tank connection port 1110. In brine suction mode, the ejector inlet 161 of the ejector channel is connected to the raw water inlet 113 via the auxiliary valve core 134, the ejector suction port 163 is connected to the brine tank connection port 1110, and the ejector outlet 162 is connected to the soft water inlet 119 via the auxiliary valve core 134. The soft water inlet 119 is connected to the softening device 190. The connection between the raw water inlet 113, the ejector inlet 161, the ejector outlet 162, and the soft water inlet 119 allows the raw water from the raw water inlet 113 to flow into the ejector channel. The raw water and the brine from the brine tank connection port 1110 mix in the ejector channel to form a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid flows into the softening device 190 along the ejector outlet 162 and the soft water inlet 119. The suction port 163 is located in the flow path between the jet inlet 161 and the jet outlet 162. The raw water flows from the jet inlet 161 to the jet outlet 162. The flow of the raw water in the jet channel creates a negative pressure at the suction port 163. Under the action of the negative pressure, the salt solution in the salt tank 200 is sucked into the jet inlet 161 and the jet channel through the salt tank connection port 1110 and the suction port 163. This allows the salt solution and the raw water to mix in the jet channel to obtain a mixed solution. The mixed solution flows along the jet outlet 162 to the softening device 190, completing the process of sending the mixed solution into the softening device 190.

[0236] Understandably, in the brine suction mode, the secondary valve core 134 is located in the third secondary valve position under the drive of the secondary drive unit 135, so that the jet inlet 161 of the jet channel is connected to the raw water inlet 113, and the jet outlet 162 of the jet channel is connected to the soft water inlet 119. The raw water can flow along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the jet inlet 161, the jet outlet 162 and the soft water inlet 119.

[0237] In some cases, the jet inlet 161 is connected to the secondary chamber 112 via the secondary valve core 134, and the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, thus connecting the jet inlet 161 and the raw water inlet 113. Raw water flows from the raw water inlet 113 to the secondary chamber 112, and then from the secondary chamber 112 through the jet inlet 161 into the jet channel, achieving the connection between the jet inlet 161 and the raw water inlet 113. Of course, the jet inlet 161 can also be connected to the raw water inlet 113 in other ways, such as directly connecting the jet inlet 161 to the raw water inlet 113, or connecting it to the raw water inlet 113 through other valve assemblies without going through the secondary valve assembly 130.

[0238] Understandably, when the jet inlet 161 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 via the secondary chamber 112, the raw water will first flow into the secondary chamber 112. A portion of the raw water in the secondary chamber 112 will flow into the jet channel, and the remaining portion will be discharged from the soft water outlet 114, ensuring that the user still has water available when the soft water valve is in brine suction mode. Furthermore, the mixed solution obtained after the brine solution and raw water mix in the jet channel flows to the soft water inlet 119 through the jet outlet 162. The soft water inlet 119 is disconnected from the secondary chamber 112 via the secondary valve assembly 130, meaning that the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112 are not connected. The brine at the soft water inlet 119 will not flow into the secondary chamber 112, ensuring that the water in the secondary chamber 112 is raw water and not brine, thus guaranteeing that the user has raw water available when the soft water valve is in brine suction mode.

[0239] In some cases, the auxiliary drive unit 135 drives the auxiliary valve plate 131 to rotate, causing the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 to be misaligned with the softening connection hole 1322, and the auxiliary valve plate 131 to block the softening connection hole 1322 and the auxiliary chamber 112. In the brine suction mode, the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 is misaligned with the softening connection hole 1322, that is, the soft water inlet 119 is separated from the auxiliary valve inlet 1314, which separates the soft water inlet 119 from the auxiliary chamber 112, blocking the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary chamber 112, thus preventing the brine at the soft water inlet 119 from contaminating the water at the auxiliary chamber 112.

[0240] The first drain channel 127 of the main valve core 124 connects the raw water outlet 118 and the drain port 115 of the valve body 110, allowing the raw water from the raw water inlet 113 and the brine from the brine tank connection port 1110 to mix in the jet channel to obtain a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid flows out along the jet channel, the soft water inlet 119, the raw water outlet 118, the first drain channel 127, and the drain port 115. The mixed liquid obtained by mixing raw water and brine flows along the jet outlet 162 and the soft water inlet 119 into the softening device 190. After regenerating the softening device 190, the mixed liquid is discharged from the raw water outlet 118. Since the raw water outlet 118 is connected to the drain port 115 of the valve body 110 through the first drain channel 127, the mixed liquid will flow along the raw water outlet 118, the first drain channel 127, and the drain port 115 and be discharged from the valve body 110.

[0241] In some cases, the raw water outlet 118 is connected to the first sewage discharge channel 127 via the main chamber 111, meaning the mixed liquid flows along the raw water outlet 118, the main chamber 111, and the first sewage discharge channel 127. Of course, the raw water outlet 118 can also be directly connected to the first sewage discharge channel 127, making the structure of the soft water valve simpler.

[0242] In some cases, the mixed solution at jet outlet 162 is not limited to being directed to the soft water inlet 119. It can also be directed to the raw water outlet 118 via the cooperation of the secondary valve assembly 130 and the main valve assembly 120. This allows the mixed solution to flow into the softening device 190 along the raw water outlet 118. Within the softening device 190, the mixed solution cleans the softening material, and the resulting wastewater is directed to the drain outlet 115 via the secondary valve assembly 130. The paths for introducing the mixed solution into the softening device 190 and discharging wastewater from the softening device 190 are diverse and can be selected as needed.

[0243] In this configuration, when raw water from the secondary chamber 112 is introduced into the jet inlet 161 via the secondary valve assembly 130, the mixed solution from the jet outlet 162 is sent into the soft water inlet 119 via the secondary valve assembly 130, and wastewater from the raw water outlet 118 is discharged to the drain outlet 115 via the main valve assembly 120, the first brine suction channel 1341 and the second brine suction channel 1342 of the secondary valve core 134 are connected. The first brine suction channel 1341 connects the secondary chamber 112 with the jet inlet 161, and the second brine suction channel 1342 connects the jet outlet 162 with the soft water inlet. 119. The first drain channel 127 of the main valve core 124 connects the raw water outlet 118 and the drain channel 1114 of the valve body 110 (the end of the drain channel 1114 forms a drain port 115). The raw water in the secondary chamber 112 enters the jet inlet 161 along the first salt absorption channel 1341. The raw water and salt solution are mixed in the jet channel to obtain a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid flows out along the jet outlet 162, the soft water inlet 119, the raw water outlet 118, the first drain channel 127 and the drain port 115, realizing the salt absorption and slow washing of the softening device 190.

[0244] It should be noted that when the first brine suction channel 1341 is connected to the secondary cavity 112 and the jet inlet 161, the secondary cavity 112 is also connected to the raw water inlet 113, allowing the raw water at the raw water inlet 113 to flow along the secondary cavity 112 and the jet inlet 161 into the jet channel. Alternatively, the first brine suction channel 1341 can also be directly connected to the jet inlet 161 and the raw water inlet 113, allowing the raw water at the raw water inlet 113 to be transported into the jet channel through the jet inlet 161.

[0245] In some cases, the valve housing 110 is provided with a filter channel 1115, and a filter element is provided in the filter channel 1115. The filter channel 1115 connects the jet inlet 161 and the first brine suction channel 1341, so that the raw water flowing out of the first brine suction channel 1341 is filtered through the filter channel 1115 and then sent to the softening device 190 along the jet channel and the second brine suction channel 1342. The filtered raw water is then used for the regeneration of the softening material.

[0246] Filter elements can be filter screens, filter cartridges, filter membranes, etc., and their structures are diverse. Filter elements can be fixed within the filter channel 1115 using methods such as snap-fit, fastener connection, or threaded connection. Various fixing methods are available to suit different needs. Filter elements are detachably connected within the filter channel 1115 for easy replacement.

[0247] The valve housing 110 is provided with an installation channel 1136, and the ejector 160 is detachably installed within the installation channel 1136 for easy assembly and disassembly of the ejector 160. In some cases, refer to... Figure 35 and Figure 40 As shown, the valve housing 110 is integrally formed with an installation channel 1136, which facilitates the processing of the valve housing 110 and simplifies the structure of the soft water valve. Alternatively, the valve housing 110 can be directly connected to the ejector 160 (not shown in the figure). The ejector 160 does not need to be installed in the channel, giving it greater independence. When the valve housing 110 is provided with a filter channel 1115, the filter channel 1115 can also be formed by a structural component independent of the valve housing 110, such as a detachable pipe connected to the valve housing 110. This pipe can be integrated with the independent ejector 160, reducing the number of parts. Based on the foregoing, there are various ways to install the ejector 160 and the filter element on the valve housing 110, which can be selected according to needs. These methods will not be listed here.

[0248] It should be noted that the reference Figures 36 to 39 As shown, the ejector 160 can be a venturi structure. The ejector 160 is located on the left side of the valve housing 110. Two channels are opened on the left side of the valve housing 110. The lower channel houses the filter element 1115, used to filter impurities and prevent the ejector 160 from clogging. An installation channel 1136 for mounting the ejector 160 is provided above. A brine tank connection port 1110, perpendicular to the water flow direction of the pipe, is installed on the side of the ejector 160. The brine tank connection port 1110 can be connected to the brine tank connection port 1110 via a flexible hose for brine suction during regeneration.

[0249] refer to Figures 36 to 39 As shown, the ejector 160 has a first flow channel 164 and a second flow channel 165. One end of the first flow channel 164 is connected to the suction port 163, and the other end of the first flow channel 164 forms a jet inlet 161. One end of the second flow channel 165 is connected to the suction port 163, and the other end of the second flow channel 165 forms a jet outlet 162. A jet flow restrictor 166 is inserted at the end of the first flow channel 164 to adjust the flow rate of the ejector 160.

[0250] The structure of the secondary valve core 134 that forms the first salt suction channel 1341 and the second salt suction channel 1342 will be described below.

[0251] refer to Figure 24As shown, the auxiliary valve core 134 includes an auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and an auxiliary actuating valve plate 131. The auxiliary actuating valve plate 131 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit 135. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is constructed with a brine injection hole 1324, a brine hole 1323, and a softening connection hole 1322. The auxiliary actuating valve plate 131 is constructed with a auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and a auxiliary valve first groove 1311. The auxiliary valve inlet 1314 is connected to the auxiliary valve core 110. The cavity 112 is connected, the brine injection hole 1324 is connected to the jet inlet 161, the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the brine injection hole 1324 are connected to form the first brine suction channel 1341, the brine hole 1323 is connected to the jet outlet 162, the softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the soft water inlet 119, and the brine hole 1323 is connected to the auxiliary valve first groove 1311 and the softening connection hole 1322 to form the second brine suction channel 1342.

[0252] Understandably, the secondary valve inlet 1314 and the brine injection hole 1324 are connected to form a first brine suction channel 1341, which connects the secondary cavity 112 and the jet inlet 161. Water in the secondary cavity 112 can flow into the jet channel through the first brine suction channel 1341. The brine hole 1323 and the softening connection hole 1322 are connected through the first groove 1311 of the secondary valve to form a second brine suction channel 1342, which connects the jet outlet 162 and the soft water inlet 119. The mixed liquid of raw water and brine in the jet channel can flow into the soft water inlet 119 through the second brine suction channel 1342, and then the mixed liquid enters the softening device 190 from the soft water inlet 119, thus delivering brine into the softening device 190. In other words, in the brine suction mode, the raw water flows along the path of the secondary chamber 112, the secondary valve inlet 1314, the brine suction injection hole 1324, the jet inlet 161, the jet outlet 162, and the soft water inlet 119. After the raw water enters the jet inlet 161, under the negative pressure of the raw water, the salt solution in the salt tank 200 enters the suction port 163 along the salt tank connection port 1110, so that the salt solution and the raw water are mixed in the jet channel to obtain a mixed solution. The mixed solution flows along the path of the jet outlet 162, the brine hole 1323, the secondary valve first groove 1311, and the softening connection hole 1322. The mixed solution enters the softening device 190 through the softening connection hole 1322, and the brine solution is transported according to the aforementioned path.

[0253] The raw water in the secondary valve inlet 1314 comes from the secondary chamber 112, and the raw water in the secondary chamber 112 comes from the raw water inlet 113.

[0254] In some cases, refer to Figure 41 and Figure 42As shown, the valve body 110 includes a connecting channel 1113, which connects the secondary chamber 112 and the raw water inlet 113, so that raw water can be transported to the secondary chamber 112 along the raw water inlet 113 and the connecting channel 1113, which simplifies the flow path of raw water transportation and simplifies the structure of the soft water valve.

[0255] It is understandable that the outlet of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the secondary cavity 112, and the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 is adjustable to open or close with the raw water inlet 113 via the main valve core 124. By driving the main valve core 124 through the main drive unit 125, the main valve core 124 can switch between the third main valve position (connecting the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113) and the first main valve position (connecting the main cavity 111 and the raw water inlet 113). When the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, the raw water inlet 113 is disconnected from the inlet of the connecting channel 1113, thus enabling the adjustment of the connection between the connecting channel 1113 and the raw water inlet 113, and consequently, enabling the adjustment of the connection between the secondary cavity 112 and the raw water inlet 113.

[0256] In brine extraction mode, the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 via the main valve core 124. Raw water flows through the raw water inlet 113, the main valve core 124, and the connecting channel 1113 into the secondary chamber 112. Then, a portion of the water in the secondary chamber 112 flows through the secondary valve core 134 to the soft water inlet 119. During this flow, the raw water mixes with the brine in the brine tank 200. The resulting mixture flows to the soft water inlet 119 and enters the softening device 190. The remaining water in the secondary chamber 112 can flow to the soft water outlet 114, ensuring that the user still has water available in brine extraction mode. In this case, raw water is drawn from the soft water outlet 114.

[0257] The above content describes the structure and state of the secondary valve assembly 130 in the brine suction mode, that is, it describes the path of the mixed solution being transported to the softening device 190. The following describes the flow path of the wastewater generated after the mixed solution regenerates the softening material in the softening device 190.

[0258] refer to Figure 23 As shown, in the brine suction mode, the first sewage discharge channel 127 of the main valve core 124 is connected, and the first sewage discharge channel 127 is connected to the raw water outlet 118 and the sewage discharge channel 1114 of the valve body 110, so that the raw water outlet 118, the first sewage discharge channel 127 and the sewage discharge channel 1114 are connected.

[0259] Understandably, after the mixture of raw water and brine enters the softening device 190, the wastewater flows along the path of the raw water outlet 118, the first sewage discharge channel 127 and the sewage discharge channel 1114, so that the wastewater can be discharged from the valve body 110.

[0260] It should be noted that the raw water outlet 118 can be directly connected to the first sewage discharge channel 127, or it can be connected to the first sewage discharge channel 127 through the main chamber 111. When the raw water outlet 118 is connected to the first sewage discharge channel 127 through the main chamber 111, sewage is discharged from the valve body 110 along the raw water outlet 118, the main chamber 111, the first sewage discharge channel 127, and the sewage discharge channel 1114. At this time, the main water control channel 126 is disconnected, and the main chamber 111 is disconnected from the raw water inlet 113, so that the sewage in the main chamber 111 will not mix with the raw water, which can prevent the raw water at the raw water inlet 113 from being contaminated. This ensures that the water flowing from the raw water inlet 113 to the secondary chamber 112 is raw water and not sewage. The secondary chamber 112 is connected to the soft water outlet 114, that is, the water used by the user is the water in the secondary chamber 112, which ensures that the user uses raw water and not sewage when the soft water valve is in the brine suction mode.

[0261] It should be noted that the main valve core 124 has the same flow path when the soft water valve is in backwash mode and brine suction mode, so that the soft water valve can discharge sewage from the valve body 110 in both brine suction mode and backwash mode, and the two modes share the same sewage discharge flow path, which can simplify the structure of the main valve core 124.

[0262] The main valve core 124 includes a main stationary valve plate 122 and an active valve plate 121. The active valve plate 121 is connected to the main drive unit 125. The main stationary valve plate 122 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The main stationary valve plate 122 has a main valve drain hole 1222, and the active valve plate 121 has a main valve inlet 1211. The main valve drain hole 1222 is connected to the drain channel 1114, and the main valve inlet 1211 is connected to the raw water outlet 118. The main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve drain hole 1222 are connected to form a first drain channel 127. The main drive unit 125 drives the main valve core 124 to the third main valve position, so that the main valve core 124 forms the first drain channel 127. The first drain channel 127 connects the raw water outlet 118 and the drain channel 1114, so that the sewage in the valve housing 110 can be discharged.

[0263] It is understandable that the first sewage discharge channel 127 formed by the connection between the main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve drain hole 1222 can connect the raw water outlet 118 and the sewage discharge channel 1114, so that sewage can flow along the raw water outlet 118, the main valve inlet 1211, the main valve drain hole 1222 and the sewage discharge channel 1114 and be discharged from the valve body 110, thereby realizing the discharge of sewage.

[0264] Of course, the main static valve plate 122 can also have two main valve drain holes 1222 (not shown in the figure). One main valve drain hole 1222 is connected to the raw water outlet 118, and the other main valve drain hole 1222 is connected to the drain port 115 of the valve body 110. The two drain holes are connected through the groove of the active valve plate 121, which can also discharge the sewage in the softening device 190.

[0265] The following describes the water injection mode performed by the auxiliary valve core 134, assuming that the valve housing 110 has a jet flow channel and other related structures.

[0266] In water injection mode, refer to Figure 21 As shown, the water injection channel 137 of the auxiliary valve core 134 is connected, the water injection channel 137 is connected to the jet inlet 161 and the soft water inlet 119, and the main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, so that the raw water inlet 113, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the water injection channel 137, the jet channel and the brine tank connection port 1110 are connected. That is, water flows along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118, the soft water inlet 119, the water injection channel 137, the jet channel and the brine tank connection port 1110, and then enters the brine tank 200 through the brine tank connection port 1110.

[0267] It should be noted that the path for sending soft water into the brine tank 200 and the flow path of soft water after it flows out of the softening device 190 are provided here. The path for raw water to flow into the softening device 190 is not described. The path for raw water to flow into the softening device 190 can be referred to the water production mode described above, that is, the main water production channel 126 is connected to send the raw water at the raw water inlet 113 to the raw water outlet 118. Of course, it can also be done through other paths.

[0268] Understandably, the jet inlet 161 is connected to the soft water inlet 119, allowing soft water to flow into the jet channel through the jet inlet 161. At this time, the jet outlet 162 is closed, and the suction inlet 163 is connected to the salt tank connection port 1110, allowing water to flow from the jet inlet 161 to the suction inlet 163, and then to the salt tank connection port 1110.

[0269] The auxiliary valve core 134 includes an auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and an auxiliary moving valve plate 131. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit 135. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is constructed with a softening connection hole 1322 and a brine suction water injection hole 1324. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is constructed with a auxiliary valve inlet 1314. The brine suction water injection hole 1324 is connected to the jet inlet 161. The softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the soft water inlet 119. The softening connection hole 1322, the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the brine suction water injection hole 1324 are connected to form a water injection channel 137. In the water injection mode, the jet outlet 162 is closed, so that water flows into the jet channel from the brine suction water injection hole 1324. The water in the jet channel flows to the brine tank connection port 1110 through the suction port 163. The softening connection hole 1322, the auxiliary valve inlet 1314, the brine injection hole 1324 and the jet inlet 161 are connected, so that the soft water at the soft water inlet 119 can flow into the jet channel through the jet inlet 161.

[0270] When soft water is delivered into the jet channel, the jet outlet 162 is closed, the jet inlet 161 is connected to the brine injection hole 1324, and the suction port 163 is connected to the brine tank connection port 1110, so that water flows into the jet inlet 161 through the brine injection hole 1324, and the water in the jet channel flows to the brine tank connection port 1110 through the suction port 163.

[0271] Based on the brine hole 1323 corresponding to the jet outlet 162, the auxiliary valve plate 131 can be moved to close the brine hole 1323, thereby closing the jet outlet 162 and allowing the water in the jet channel to enter the brine tank connection port 1110 through the suction port 163.

[0272] Based on the above description of the valve types for the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130, when the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is a disc valve, the auxiliary drive unit 135 is used to drive the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 to rotate relative to the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132, so that the auxiliary valve core 134 switches between the position where the water injection channel 137 is connected and the position where the first brine suction channel 1341 and the second brine suction channel 1342 are connected.

[0273] The auxiliary drive unit 135 is used to drive the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 to rotate relative to the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132, so that the auxiliary valve core 134 switches between the position where the water injection channel 137 is connected and the position where the jet outlet 162 and the soft water inlet 119 are connected.

[0274] Understandably, the auxiliary valve plate 131 is rotated by the auxiliary drive unit 135, causing the auxiliary valve core 134 to switch between the second auxiliary valve position corresponding to the water injection mode and the third auxiliary valve position corresponding to the brine suction mode. When the soft water valve is in the water injection mode, that is, when the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the second auxiliary valve position, the water injection channel 137 of the auxiliary valve core 134 is connected, so that the soft water inlet 119 can be connected to the jet inlet 161 through the water injection channel 137. The soft water at the soft water inlet 119 can flow into the jet channel through the water injection channel 137 and the jet inlet 161, and then flow to the brine tank connection port 1110 to realize the water injection operation of the brine tank 200. When the soft water valve is in the brine suction mode, that is, when the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the third auxiliary valve position, the auxiliary valve core 134 connects the jet outlet 162 and the soft water inlet 119, so that the mixed solution of raw water and brine in the jet channel can flow from the jet outlet 162 to the soft water inlet 119, and then flow into the softening device 190, thereby realizing the brine injection operation of the softening device 190.

[0275] It is important to note that when the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the second auxiliary valve position, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position; and when the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the third auxiliary valve position, the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position. In other words, when the soft water valve switches between water injection mode and brine suction mode, the main drive unit 125 drives the main valve core 124 to change between the first and third main valve positions to achieve the switching between water injection mode and brine suction mode.

[0276] After the water injection mode and the brine absorption mode, the softening material in the softening device 190 is regenerated. The softening device 190 also needs to be cleaned. The softening valve can control the execution of the cleaning mode, which includes at least one of the backwash mode and the forward wash mode. The goal is to ensure that the softening device 190 and the softening valve are cleaned.

[0277] The backwashing mode is explained below.

[0278] refer to Figures 9 to 14 as well as Figures 25 to 27 As shown, in the backwash mode, the backwash channel of the auxiliary valve core 134 is connected, and the backwash channel is connected to the soft water inlet 119 and the raw water inlet 113. The main drive unit 125 is used to drive the main valve core 124 to move to the first sewage discharge channel 127, which is connected to the raw water outlet 118 and the sewage outlet 115 of the valve body 110.

[0279] Understandably, the backwash channel connects the soft water inlet 119 and the raw water inlet 113, allowing raw water to flow along these two points. The raw water then flows into the softening device 190 from the soft water inlet 119 and exits from the raw water outlet 118, thus achieving backwashing of the softening device 190. Since the first sewage discharge channel 127 connects the raw water outlet 118 and the drain port 115 of the valve body 110, wastewater flowing from the raw water outlet 118 can be discharged from the valve body 110 along the first sewage discharge channel 127 and the drain port 115, thus achieving sewage discharge from the soft water valve.

[0280] The auxiliary valve core 134 includes an auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and an auxiliary moving valve plate 131. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit 135. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is configured with a softening connection hole 1322. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is configured with a auxiliary valve inlet 1314. The softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the soft water inlet 119. The auxiliary valve inlet 1314 is connected to the raw water inlet 113. The auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the softening connection hole 1322 are connected to form a backwash channel.

[0281] Understandably, the auxiliary valve core 134 is driven to the first auxiliary valve position by the auxiliary drive unit 135, so that the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the softening connection hole 1322 are connected to form a backwash channel. The backwash channel can connect the raw water inlet 113 and the soft water inlet 119, so that the raw water inlet 113, the backwash channel and the soft water inlet 119 are connected, and the raw water can flow along the raw water inlet 113, the backwash channel and the soft water inlet 119 into the softening device 190.

[0282] It should be noted that the secondary valve inlet 1314 can be connected to the secondary chamber 112, which in turn is connected to the raw water inlet 113 through the main valve core 124. This allows the raw water inlet 113, secondary chamber 112, secondary valve inlet 1314, softening connection hole 1322, and soft water inlet 119 to be connected, and the raw water can flow along the path of the raw water inlet 113, secondary chamber 112, secondary valve inlet 1314, softening connection hole 1322, and soft water inlet 119.

[0283] In the backwash mode, the backwash channel connects the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112. The secondary chamber 112 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, thus connecting the raw water inlet 113, the secondary chamber 112, the backwash channel, and the soft water inlet 119. Raw water can flow along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the secondary chamber 112, the backwash channel, and the soft water inlet 119. When the raw water flows to the secondary chamber 112, part of the raw water flows along the path of the backwash channel and the soft water inlet 119, while the other part flows to the soft water outlet 114. This allows the user to obtain raw water at the soft water outlet 114, ensuring that the user still has water available when the soft water valve is in the backwash state.

[0284] It should be noted that both the backwash mode and the brine suction mode drain water outward through the first sewage discharge channel 127. That is, the main valve core 124 is in the same state in both the backwash mode and the brine suction mode, which can simplify the structure of the main valve assembly 120 and the flow path arrangement in the soft water valve.

[0285] It should be noted that in both the brine suction mode and the backwash mode, the path of the raw water to the secondary chamber 112 is the same. The main valve assembly 120 is used to connect the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112. The main valve assembly 120 is also used to disconnect the raw water inlet 113 and the main chamber 111, which can simplify the structure of the main valve assembly 120 and the flow path arrangement in the soft water valve.

[0286] This can also be understood as follows: in both backwashing and brine suction modes, the main valve assembly 120 is in the same state, draining water to the outside of the soft water valve through the main valve assembly 120. However, the drainage path is not limited to the aforementioned first drain channel 127, but can also be a structure not shown in the figure, such as the aforementioned technical solution of "two drain holes opened on the main stationary valve plate 122". For details, please refer to the above content, which will not be repeated here. That is, during the switching from brine suction mode to backwashing mode, the state of the auxiliary valve assembly 130 can be adjusted, while the state of the main valve assembly 120 can remain unchanged.

[0287] It should be noted that the secondary valve assembly 130 can be in the same state in both backwashing and water production modes. The secondary valve core 134 is used to connect the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112. Switching the position of the main valve core 124 allows the soft water valve to switch between water production and backwashing modes. In backwashing mode, the secondary valve assembly 130 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112 to allow the raw water in the secondary chamber 112 to flow through the soft water inlet 119 into the softening device 190. In water production mode, the secondary valve assembly 130 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112 to allow the soft water at the soft water inlet 119 to flow through the secondary chamber 112 to the soft water outlet 114. By using the same secondary valve core 134 in both backwashing and water production modes, the structure of the secondary valve assembly 130 can be simplified.

[0288] The above content explains the reverse washing mode; the following section explains the forward washing mode.

[0289] refer to Figures 9 to 14 as well as Figures 28 to 30 As shown, the valve housing 110 is provided with a drain port 115. In the forward washing mode, the auxiliary drive unit 135 is used to drive the auxiliary valve core 134 to move to the forward washing channel 138 for connection. The forward washing channel 138 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the drain port 115. By driving the auxiliary valve core 134 to the fourth auxiliary valve position through the auxiliary drive unit 135, the forward washing channel 138 is connected. At this time, the main water control channel 126 of the main valve core 124 connects the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113, so that the raw water can flow along the path of the raw water inlet 113, the main chamber 111, the raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119. The forward washing channel 138 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the drain port 115, so that the water can flow along the path of the soft water inlet 119 and the drain port 115, thereby realizing the discharge of sewage from the valve housing 110 in the forward washing mode.

[0290] Understandably, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, and the switching of the soft water valve between water production mode, water injection mode, and forward rinse mode is achieved through the position switching of the auxiliary valve core 134. In water production mode, water injection mode, and forward rinse mode, the main valve core 124 is always in the first main valve position, meaning its state is the same, and the path of water flowing from the raw water inlet 113 to the soft water inlet 119 is the same. At this time, the auxiliary drive unit 135 drives the auxiliary valve core 134 to switch positions accordingly, thus achieving the switching of the soft water valve between the three modes. This simplifies the control of the soft water valve and its structure.

[0291] The auxiliary valve core 134 includes an auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and an auxiliary moving valve plate 131. The auxiliary moving valve plate 131 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit 135. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed to the valve housing 110. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is constructed with a softening connection hole 1322 and an auxiliary valve drain hole 1321. The softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the soft water inlet 119, and the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 is connected to the drain port 115. The auxiliary valve core 134 connects the softening connection hole 1322 and the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 to form a positive wash flow channel 138.

[0292] Understandably, the forward wash channel 138 formed by the connection between the softening connection hole 1322 and the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 can connect the soft water inlet 119 and the drain outlet 115, thus connecting the soft water inlet 119, the forward wash channel 138, and the drain outlet 115. In forward wash mode, raw water flows into the softening device 190 through the raw water inlet 113, the main chamber 111, and the raw water outlet 118 to perform a forward wash operation on the softening device 190. The wastewater after cleaning the softening device 190 is discharged from the soft water outlet 114, and then flows along the path of the soft water inlet 119, the forward wash channel 138, and the drain outlet 115 and is discharged from the valve body 110, thus realizing the discharge in forward wash mode.

[0293] The auxiliary valve plate 131 is equipped with an auxiliary valve inlet 1314, which is connected to the auxiliary cavity 112. The softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 to form a positive washing channel 138.

[0294] It is understandable that the softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321, and the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 is connected to the auxiliary cavity 112. Thus, part of the water at the soft water inlet 119 can flow along the forward wash channel 138 to the drain hole 115, and the other part can flow along the softening connection hole 1322 and the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 to the auxiliary cavity 112. Since the soft water valve has been backwashed before the forward wash mode, the wastewater generated in the forward wash mode has a low salt content and can be used. When the user needs to use water in the forward wash mode, the water in the auxiliary cavity 112 is discharged through the soft water outlet 114 for the user's use.

[0295] It should be noted that the water at the soft water inlet 119 can also flow along the softening connection hole 1322 and the secondary valve inlet 1314 into the secondary chamber 112. Then, part of the water in the secondary chamber 112 flows along the path of the secondary valve inlet 1314 and the secondary valve drain hole 1321 to the drain port 115, and the other part flows to the soft water outlet 114, so that the user still has water available during the forward wash mode.

[0296] It should be noted that in the forward wash mode, the softening connection hole 1322 is connected to the secondary valve inlet 1314. At this time, the softening connection hole 1322 and the secondary valve inlet 1314 are used not only to form the forward wash flow channel 138, but also to form the secondary water production flow channel 136. That is, in both the forward wash mode and the water production mode, the secondary valve core 134 serves to connect the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112. The secondary valve core 134 has a flow channel formed by the connection between the softening connection hole 1322 and the secondary valve inlet 1314. However, in the forward wash mode, the secondary valve drain hole 1321 of the secondary valve core 134 is also connected to the secondary valve inlet 1314.

[0297] In the forward wash mode, the forward wash channel 138 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the drain channel 1114 of the valve body 110. The drain outlet 115 is formed at the end of the drain channel 1114. The raw water outlet 118 is connected to the raw water inlet 113. The raw water in the soft water valve enters the softening device 190 through the raw water outlet 118. The water in the softening device 190 is fed into the soft water valve through the soft water inlet 119 and discharged through the forward wash channel 138 of the auxiliary valve core 134 and the drain channel 1114 of the valve body 110, thereby realizing the discharge of wastewater from the cleaning softening device 190.

[0298] It is understandable that, with the main valve core 124 equipped with the main water control channel 126, in the forward wash mode, the raw water outlet 118 and the raw water inlet 113 are connected through the main water control channel 126. It can also be understood that the state of the main valve core 124 in the forward wash mode is the same as that in the water control mode, that is, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position. When the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, the water control mode and the forward wash mode can be switched by adjusting the state of the auxiliary valve core 134.

[0299] The auxiliary drive unit 135 is used to drive the auxiliary valve core 134 to rotate to connect or disconnect the main wash flow channel 138. That is, the auxiliary drive unit 135 can realize the state switching of the auxiliary valve core 134 by driving the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 to rotate relative to the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132, thereby realizing the function mode switching of the soft water valve.

[0300] After the water softener valve enters the brine suction mode, the softening device 190 needs to be cleaned. The cleaning method for the softening device 190 can be at least one of the backwashing mode and the forward washing mode mentioned above. When the cleaning mode includes either a backwashing mode or a forward washing mode, the softening device 190 can be cleaned using either the backwashing mode or the forward washing mode after the brine suction mode ends. When the cleaning mode includes both a backwashing mode and a forward washing mode, the backwashing mode or the forward washing mode can be executed first after the brine suction mode ends, as needed. In some cases, after the brine suction mode, the backwashing mode is executed first, followed by the forward washing mode.

[0301] It should be noted that the holes of the main stationary valve plate 122 and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 mentioned above are provided with corresponding and communicating openings on the valve body 110 to ensure that water can flow out through the holes of the stationary valve plates.

[0302] The above content explains the flow path corresponding to each mode of the soft water valve. The following section explains the control method of the soft water valve.

[0303] Based on the above, the main valve assembly 120 includes two main valve positions, and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 includes multiple auxiliary valve positions. The positional relationship between the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is explained below.

[0304] It is understood that the main drive unit 125 is used to drive the main valve core 124 to switch between the first main valve position and the third main valve position, and the auxiliary drive unit 135 is used to drive the auxiliary valve core 134 to switch between multiple auxiliary valve positions, so that the soft water valve can switch between water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode.

[0305] refer to Figure 17 , Figure 20 , Figure 23 , Figure 26 and Figure 29As shown, the main valve core 124 switches between the first main valve position and the third main valve position. That is, in at least two modes, the position of the main valve core 124 is the same, which simplifies the control method of the main valve core 124.

[0306] In some cases, refer to Figure 17 , Figure 20 and Figure 29 As shown, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position. The main water flow channel 126 of the main valve core 124 connects the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113. At the same time, the main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water outlet 118. That is, the raw water in the raw water inlet 113 can be transported to the raw water outlet 118 through the main valve core 124 to realize the process of supplying raw water to the softening device 190. At this time, the position switching of the auxiliary valve core 134 realizes the switching of the softening valve between the water production mode and the water injection mode.

[0307] When the cleaning mode includes a forward wash mode, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, and the position of the auxiliary valve core 134 can be switched to allow the soft water valve to switch to the forward wash mode. The structure of the "main water supply channel 126" can be referenced from the above descriptions of water supply mode, water injection mode, and forward wash mode. For example, the main valve inlet 1211 of the active valve plate 121 and the main valve inlet 1221 of the main stationary valve plate 122 can be connected to form the main water supply channel 126.

[0308] In other cases, refer to Figure 23 and Figure 26 As shown, when the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position, the first sewage discharge channel 127 of the main valve core 124 is connected, while the main water supply channel 126 is disconnected. The first sewage discharge channel 127 connects the raw water outlet 118 and the sewage discharge channel 1114 of the valve body 110, so that sewage is discharged along the raw water outlet 118, the first sewage discharge channel 127, and the sewage discharge channel 1114. In the third main valve position, the main valve core 124 is used to discharge sewage from the softening device 190. In the mode where sewage needs to be discharged, the main valve core 124 can be switched to the third main valve position. At this time, raw water can be transported to the secondary chamber 112 through the main valve core 124, and then the flow of water can be controlled by the secondary valve core 134 to realize operations such as sending water to the brine tank 200 and sending water to the softening device 190.

[0309] When the cleaning mode includes a backwash mode, the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position. The switching between brine suction mode and backwash mode is achieved by changing the position of the auxiliary valve core 134. This can be understood as follows: in both brine suction mode and backwash mode, the main valve core 124 delivers raw water to the auxiliary chamber 112, and the auxiliary valve core 134 delivers the water from the auxiliary chamber 112 to the softening device 190. The main valve core 124 then discharges the wastewater from the softening device 190. The flow channels connected to the auxiliary valve core 134 differ between these two modes. Specifically, in brine suction mode, the first brine suction flow channel 1341 and the second brine suction flow channel 1342 of the auxiliary valve core 134 are connected; in backwash mode, the backwash flow channel of the auxiliary valve core 134 is connected.

[0310] The above content describes the two positions of the main valve assembly 120. Below, we will describe each mode in conjunction with the positions of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130.

[0311] refer to Figure 18 As shown, in the water production mode, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the first auxiliary valve position and the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position. The main valve core 124 is used to supply water to the softening device 190. The auxiliary valve core 134 is used to connect the soft water inlet 119 and the soft water outlet 114 to ensure the output of soft water. The auxiliary valve core 134 is also used to disconnect the soft water inlet 119 from other flow channels to prevent water in other flow channels from contaminating the soft water.

[0312] refer to Figure 21 As shown, in the water filling mode, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the second auxiliary valve position, and the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position. The main valve core 124 is used to supply water to the softening device 190, and the auxiliary valve core 134 is used to supply the softened water in the softening device 190 into the brine tank connection port 1110. In the second auxiliary valve position, the water filling channel 137 of the auxiliary valve core 134 is connected, which connects the soft water inlet 119 and the brine tank connection port 1110. Furthermore, in the second auxiliary valve position, the auxiliary valve core 134 also connects the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112, allowing water at the soft water inlet 119 to flow into the secondary chamber 112, and then from the secondary chamber 112 to the soft water outlet 114, ensuring that the user has water available in the water filling mode.

[0313] refer to Figure 24As shown, in the brine suction mode, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the third auxiliary valve position, and the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position. The main valve core 124 is used to isolate the raw water inlet 113 and the main chamber 111. The auxiliary valve core 134 is used to pass the raw water into the ejector 160, and under the driving force of the flow of the raw water, the brine solution in the brine tank connection port 1110 is sucked into the ejector 160, and the mixed solution in the ejector 160 is sent into the softening device 190. The water in the softening device 190 is discharged through the main valve core 124 along the valve body 110. In the third auxiliary valve position, the first brine suction channel 1341 and the second brine suction channel 1342 of the auxiliary valve core 134 are connected. The jet inlet 161 of the jet channel is connected to the auxiliary chamber 112 through the first brine suction channel 1341, the suction port 163 of the jet channel is connected to the brine tank connection port 1110, and the jet outlet 162 of the jet channel is connected to the soft water inlet 119 through the second brine suction channel 1342. In the brine suction mode, the main valve core 124 is also used to connect the raw water inlet 113 and the auxiliary chamber 112, so that raw water can flow into the auxiliary chamber 112. The raw water in the auxiliary chamber 112 can flow to the inside and outside of the ejector 160 and also to the soft water outlet 114, so that the user has raw water available in the brine suction mode. The auxiliary valve core 134 is also used to separate the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary chamber 112, which can prevent the brine at the soft water inlet 119 from contaminating the raw water in the auxiliary chamber 112.

[0314] refer to Figure 27 As shown, when the cleaning mode includes a backwash mode, in the backwash mode, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the first auxiliary valve position, and the main valve core 124 is in the third main valve position. The auxiliary valve core 134 is used to pass raw water into the softening device 190, and the water in the softening device 190 is discharged through the main valve core 124 along the valve housing 110. In the first auxiliary valve position, the backwash flow channel of the auxiliary valve core 134 is connected, connecting the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary chamber 112. In the third main valve position, the main valve core 124 isolates the raw water inlet 113 and the main chamber 111, and connects the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112, allowing raw water to enter the secondary chamber 112. Then, part of the raw water flows from the secondary chamber 112 into the softening device 190, and the other part flows to the soft water outlet 114, so that the user has water available during backwashing.

[0315] refer to Figure 30As shown, when the cleaning mode includes a forward wash mode, in the forward wash mode, the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the fourth auxiliary valve position, and the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position. The main valve core 124 is used to pass raw water into the softening device 190, and the water in the softening device 190 is discharged through the auxiliary valve core 134 along the valve housing 110. In the third auxiliary valve position, the forward wash flow channel 138 of the auxiliary valve core 134 is connected, and the forward wash flow channel 138 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the drain channel 1114 of the valve housing 110. It should be noted that the soft water valve can be controlled to be in the backwash mode before being in the forward wash mode, that is, the soft water valve is cleaned first to reduce the salinity of the water in the soft water valve. Then control the soft water valve to the forward wash mode. At this time, the salt content of the water in the soft water valve is already low, and the user can use it. The forward wash operation can be understood as a backup cleaning step. That is to say, after the backwash mode, the water in the soft water valve is in a normal usable state, which ensures that the user can use water in the forward wash mode.

[0316] When the soft water valve includes a water production mode, a water injection mode, and a brine suction mode, the auxiliary drive unit 135 is used to drive the auxiliary valve core 134 to rotate and switch between a first auxiliary valve position, a second auxiliary valve position, and a third auxiliary valve position. The first, second, and third auxiliary valve positions are sequentially set along the circumference of the auxiliary valve core 134 to facilitate position adjustment of the auxiliary valve core 134. The cleaning mode includes a forward cleaning mode, and the auxiliary drive unit 135 is used to drive the auxiliary valve core 134 to rotate and switch between a first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary valve position. The first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary valve positions are sequentially set along the circumference of the auxiliary valve core 134.

[0317] The description of the status and functional modes of the soft water valve, as well as the structure of each flow channel, are not detailed here. Please refer to the description of each mode above.

[0318] During the operation of the water softener valve, the water softener valve is mainly in the water production mode. When the softening material in the softening device 190 needs to be regenerated, water is first injected into the brine tank 200 to execute the water injection mode, and then the brine suction mode is executed to send a mixed solution of salt solution with regeneration function into the softening device 190. After that, the cleaning mode is executed. When the cleaning mode includes forward washing mode and backwash mode, the backwash mode can be executed first, and then the forward washing mode can be executed.

[0319] In water production mode, the main valve core 124 is in the first main valve position, and the auxiliary valve core 134 is in the first auxiliary valve position. When water injection mode is required, the position of the main valve core 124 does not need to be adjusted, and the auxiliary valve core 134 is adjusted to the second auxiliary valve position. After water injection mode, the brine tank 200 needs to perform a preset brine dissolution time to obtain a brine solution. At this time, it can be switched back to water production mode, the position of the main valve core 124 does not need to be adjusted, and the auxiliary valve core 134 can return to the first auxiliary valve position. After brine dissolution is completed, the brine suction mode is executed, and the main valve core 124 needs to be adjusted to the third main valve position, and the auxiliary valve core 134 needs to be adjusted to the third auxiliary valve position. Taking the backwash mode after brine suction mode as an example, at this time, the position of the main valve core 124 does not need to be adjusted, and the auxiliary valve core 134 is adjusted to the first auxiliary valve position. Then, the forward wash mode is executed, and the main valve core 124 needs to be adjusted to the first main valve position, and the auxiliary valve core 134 needs to be adjusted to the fourth auxiliary valve position to complete the regeneration process of the softening material. Finally, adjust the soft water valve to the water production mode and continue to perform the water production function.

[0320] In some cases, refer to Figure 44 As shown, the main valve core 124 also includes a second main valve position, which is adapted to switch between the first main valve position, the second main valve position, and the third main valve position. In the second main valve position, the main valve core 124 blocks the raw water inlet 113 from the main chamber 111 and blocks the raw water inlet 113 from the secondary chamber 112. The secondary drive unit 135 controls the secondary valve core 134 to switch positions. At this time, the water from the raw water inlet 113 will not enter the softening valve, and the water supply to the main chamber 111, the secondary chamber 112, and the softening device 190 will stop. The pressure of the water flow on the secondary valve core 134 in the secondary chamber 112 will decrease, which can reduce the resistance of the water pressure to the position switching of the secondary valve core 134, making the position switching of the secondary valve core 134 easier. This can reduce the driving force provided by the secondary drive unit 135 to the secondary valve plate 131, reduce power consumption, reduce the wear of the secondary valve assembly 130, and help extend the life of the secondary valve assembly 130 and the softening valve.

[0321] The main valve core 124 is in the second main valve position, which can control the auxiliary drive unit 135 to drive the auxiliary valve core 134 to switch between multiple auxiliary valve positions. Before the auxiliary valve core 134 needs to switch positions, switching the position of the main valve core 124 to the second main valve position can reduce the resistance of water pressure to the position switching of the auxiliary valve core 134, making the position switching of the auxiliary valve core 134 more effortless and easier to operate.

[0322] Understandably, when switching from water production mode to water injection mode, the position of the main valve core 124 needs to be adjusted to the second main valve position first, and then the position of the auxiliary valve core 134 needs to be adjusted to the second auxiliary valve position. After the auxiliary valve core 134 is adjusted, the main valve core 124 returns to the first main valve position, and the water injection process can be executed. After the water injection is completed, the main valve core 124 is adjusted to the second main valve position again, and then the auxiliary valve core 134 returns to the first auxiliary valve position. Then the main valve core 124 is adjusted back to the first main valve position. At this time, the brine tank connection port 1110 is in the brine dissolving state, the soft water valve is in the water production mode, and the user can take water. After the salt dissolution is complete, the salt absorption mode is activated. First, the main valve core 124 is adjusted to the second main valve position, then the auxiliary valve core 134 is adjusted to the third auxiliary valve position, and then the main valve core 124 is adjusted back to the third main valve position to execute the salt absorption mode. After the salt absorption mode is completed, the system is switched to the backwash mode. First, the main valve core 124 is adjusted to the second main valve position, then the auxiliary valve core 134 is adjusted to the first auxiliary valve position, and then the main valve core 124 is adjusted back to the third main valve position to execute the backwash mode. After the backwash mode, the system is switched to the forward wash mode. First, the main valve core 124 is adjusted to the second main valve position, then the auxiliary valve core 134 is adjusted to the fourth auxiliary valve position, and then the main valve core 124 is adjusted back to the first main valve position to execute the forward wash mode. After the forward washing mode is completed, it is necessary to switch to the water production mode. First, adjust the main valve core 124 to the second main valve position, then adjust the auxiliary valve core 134 to the first auxiliary valve position, and then adjust the main valve core 124 to the first main valve position to produce water.

[0323] The above content describes the water production mode of the soft water valve, other functional modes for regenerating the softening material in the softening device 190, and the switching between modes. Based on the above technical solution, when the soft water valve is applied to a water softener, the user can obtain soft water with a single hardness from the water softener. That is, the hardness of the soft water obtained by the water softener is not convenient to adjust. Therefore, the following content provides a technical solution for adjustable soft water hardness.

[0324] Understandably, reference Figures 31 to 34 as well as Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, the valve body 110 has a raw water channel and a soft water channel. The raw water channel is located between the raw water inlet 113 and the main chamber 111, and the soft water channel is located between the soft water outlet 114 and the secondary chamber 112. A bypass valve 140 connects the raw water channel and the soft water channel, allowing them to be connected or disconnected. When the bypass valve 140 connects the raw water channel and the soft water channel, the raw water in the raw water inlet 113 can flow into the soft water channel under the inlet pressure, thereby adjusting the hardness of the water outlet 114 by introducing raw water into the soft water channel.

[0325] A bypass valve 140 connects the raw water channel and the soft water channel. The installation position of the bypass valve 140 is flexible, which helps to reduce the size of the soft water valve. In some cases, even when the soft water device is not producing water, the bypass valve 140 can connect the raw water channel and the soft water channel, allowing users to obtain raw water from the soft water outlet 114.

[0326] The bypass valve 140 has various structures and can be selected according to needs. (Reference) Figure 34 As shown, the bypass valve 140 can be a disc valve, which has a simple structure and is easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0327] refer to Figure 41 As shown, a raw water channel is formed in the first shell portion 1140 of the valve housing 110, and a soft water channel is formed in the second shell portion 1141 of the valve housing 110. The first shell portion 1140 has a first connecting port 1134 that communicates with the raw water channel, and the second shell portion 1141 has a second connecting port 1135 that communicates with the soft water channel. The valve housing 110 also has a bypass cavity. The bypass valve 140 core of the bypass valve 140 is located in the bypass cavity. The bypass valve 140 core is used to adjust the opening and closing of the first connecting port 1134 and the second connecting port 1135.

[0328] refer to Figure 34 As shown, the bypass valve 140 core may include a bypass stationary valve plate 142 and a bypass moving valve plate 141. The bypass stationary valve plate 142 has a first bypass opening 1421 and a second bypass opening 1422. The first bypass opening 1421 corresponds to and is connected to the first connecting port 1134, and the second bypass opening 1422 corresponds to and is connected to the second connecting port 1135. The bypass moving valve plate 141 can move to close the first bypass opening 1421 and the second bypass opening 1422. At this time, the bypass valve 140 is closed, and the raw water channel is disconnected from the soft water channel. The bypass moving valve plate 141 can move to open the first bypass opening 1421 and the second bypass opening 1422. At this time, the bypass valve 140 is opened, and the raw water channel is connected to the soft water channel. The bypass valve plate 141 includes a first adjusting part and a second adjusting part. The shape of the first adjusting part and the second adjusting part can be, but is not limited to, a fan shape. Taking the first adjusting part in the fan shape as the first fan-shaped part and the second adjusting part in the fan shape as the second fan-shaped part as an example, the first fan-shaped part 1411 and the second fan-shaped part 1412 are used to open and close the first bypass opening 1421 and the second fan-shaped part 1412 is used to open and close the second bypass opening 1422. The structure is simple and easy to process.

[0329] The bypass valve plate 141 is connected to the bypass motor 143. The bypass motor 143 is used to drive the bypass valve plate 141 to rotate. By rotating the bypass valve plate 141, the state of the bypass valve 140 is switched.

[0330] refer to Figure 32 and Figure 33As shown, the valve housing 110 is provided with a bypass cavity. One form is that the valve housing 110 has a bypass groove 1132, which connects to the first connecting port 1134 and the second connecting port 1135. The bypass valve 140 core can be installed inside the bypass groove 1132 through the opening. The opening of the bypass groove 1132 is closed by a cover 1133 to form the bypass cavity. The bypass cavity has a simple structure, which facilitates the forming of the valve housing 110 and the disassembly and assembly of the bypass valve 140. The bypass stationary valve plate 142 is sealed to the inner wall of the valve housing 110 by a bypass sealing ring 144.

[0331] refer to Figure 35 As shown, users can also draw raw water through the soft water valve. At this time, the main valve core 124 can be in the second main valve position.

[0332] The structure of valve housing 110 will be described below.

[0333] refer to Figures 1 to 6 , Figures 40 to 42 As shown, the valve housing 110 includes a first housing portion 1140, a second housing portion 1141, and a third housing portion 1142. The first housing portion 1140 forms a raw water channel, the second housing portion 1141 forms a soft water channel, and the third housing portion 1142 forms a main chamber 111 and a secondary chamber 112. The third housing portion 1142 also forms a raw water outlet 118 and a soft water inlet 119. The raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119 are located on the same side of the third housing portion 1142 to facilitate the installation of the softening device 190.

[0334] The first housing 1140, the second housing 1141, and the third housing 1142 are fixed as an integral valve housing 110, simplifying the structure of the valve housing 110.

[0335] The first housing 1140 and the second housing 1141 are arranged side by side, and the third housing 1142 is located at one end of the first housing 1140 and the second housing 1141. The main cavity 111 and the auxiliary cavity 112 are arranged side by side. The main cavity 111 and the first housing 1140 are located on the same side (right side), and the auxiliary cavity 112 and the second housing 1141 are located on the same side (left side). The structural distribution of the valve housing 110 is more reasonable.

[0336] The valve housing 110 (such as the third housing 1142) is provided with a connecting channel 1113 for connecting the raw water inlet 113 and the secondary chamber 112. The connecting channel 1113 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 via the main valve core 124, which can control whether the raw water inlet 113 is connected to the secondary chamber 112. The outlet of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the secondary chamber 112, and the inlet of the connecting channel 1113 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 via the main valve core 124.

[0337] The valve body 110 has a softening connection port 1121, which corresponds to and communicates with the softening connection hole 1322 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132. The softening connection port 1121 connects the softening connection hole 1322 with the soft water inlet 119. By switching the position of the auxiliary valve plate 131, the on / off control of the softening device 190 with other flow paths can be achieved. The softening connection port 1121 is located between the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary valve core 134, and is adjacent to the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 so that the softening connection hole 1322 and the softening connection port 1121 can be directly corresponding and communicated. The auxiliary valve core 134 is located between the softening connection port 1121 and the auxiliary cavity 112, so that the auxiliary valve core 134 can control the communication between the softening connection port 1121 and the auxiliary cavity 112, that is, it can control the communication between the auxiliary cavity 112 and the soft water inlet 119. The softening connection hole 1322 faces the side of the soft water inlet 119, so that the softening connection hole 1322 can maintain normal communication with the softening connection port 1121. That is, the softening connection hole 1322 can maintain normal communication with the soft water inlet 119, which can simplify the structure of the auxiliary valve core 134. By controlling the rotation of the auxiliary valve plate 131, the softening connection hole 1322 can switch between a state of communication with the auxiliary cavity 112 and a state of not communicating with the auxiliary cavity 112. When it is not necessary for the softening connection hole 1322 to communicate with the auxiliary cavity 112, the auxiliary valve plate 131 can block the softening connection hole 1322 and the auxiliary cavity 112.

[0338] The third housing 1142 is also provided with a raw water outlet 118 and a soft water inlet 119. The third housing 1142 is also provided with a softening connection 1143, which is used to connect a softening device 190. The softening device 190 can be connected to the valve housing 110 by at least one of the following methods: threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, plug-in connection, or fastener connection. (Reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the valve body 110 is provided with external threads, and the softening device 190 is provided with internal threads. The softening device 190 is screwed to the valve body 110 through the threaded structure, which facilitates disassembly and assembly.

[0339] The third housing 1142 is also provided with a brine inlet 1119, which corresponds to and is connected to the brine inlet 1324 of the auxiliary static valve plate 132. The brine inlet 1119 is connected to the jet inlet 161 of the jet channel. The third housing 1142 is also provided with a brine outlet 1120, which corresponds to and is connected to the brine hole 1323 of the auxiliary static valve plate 132. The brine outlet 1120 is connected to the jet outlet 162 of the jet channel. By switching the position of the auxiliary valve plate 131, the on / off adjustment of the jet channel and other flow paths can be realized.

[0340] The secondary valve core 134 is located between the brine intake port 1119 and the secondary chamber 112, so that the secondary valve core 134 can control the opening and closing of the brine intake port 1119 and the secondary chamber 112, that is, control the opening and closing of the secondary chamber 112 and the jet flow channel. The brine intake port 1119 and the secondary stationary valve plate 132 are arranged adjacent to each other so that the brine intake port 1119 and the brine intake hole 1324 can be directly connected, which simplifies the connection structure between the brine intake port 1119 and the brine intake hole 1324. The brine suction port 1324 faces the brine suction inlet 1119, allowing the brine suction port 1324 and the brine suction inlet 1119 to remain normally connected. This simplifies the structure of the secondary valve core 134. By controlling the rotation of the control valve plate, the brine suction port 1324 can switch between being connected to the secondary cavity 112 and not being connected to the secondary cavity 112. When it is not necessary for the brine suction port 1324 to be connected to the secondary cavity 112, the secondary control valve plate 131 can be used to block the brine suction port 1324 and the secondary cavity 112.

[0341] The brine port 1120 and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 are arranged adjacent to each other to facilitate direct communication between the brine port 1120 and the brine hole 1323, simplifying the communication structure between them. The brine hole 1323 faces the brine port 1120, allowing the brine port 1120 and the brine hole 1323 to maintain normal communication, simplifying the structure of the auxiliary valve core 134. By controlling the rotation of the control valve plate, the brine hole 1323 can switch between being connected to the jet channel and not being connected to it. When it is not necessary for the brine hole 1323 to be connected to the jet channel, the auxiliary valve plate 131 can block the connection between the brine hole 1323 and the jet channel.

[0342] The valve housing 110 (such as the third housing 1142) has at least one of a first drain opening 1125 and a second drain opening 1124. The first drain opening 1125 corresponds to and communicates with the main valve drain hole 1222. By controlling the position switching of the active valve plate 121, the first drain opening 1125 is switched with the corresponding flow channel, allowing sewage to be discharged through the first drain opening 1125. The second drain opening 1124 corresponds to and communicates with the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321. By controlling the position switching of the auxiliary valve plate 131, the second drain opening 1124 is switched with the corresponding flow channel, allowing sewage to be discharged through the second drain opening 1124. The valve housing 110 may also be provided with a drain channel 1114, which communicates with at least one of the first drain opening 1125 and the second drain opening 1124. The end of the drain channel 1114 forms a drain port 115, allowing sewage to be discharged along the drain port 115, simplifying the drain pipeline. The sewage discharge channel 1114 is equipped with a flow limiting device to adjust the sewage discharge speed; the sewage discharge channel 1114 is located above the valve body 110.

[0343] It should be noted that during the regeneration of the softening material, the main valve drain hole 1222 and the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 work independently and will not work simultaneously. When the two drain holes are connected to the drain port 115 through the drain channel 1114, when the main valve drain hole 1222 is working, the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 is not working, and there will be no sewage backflow. Similarly, when the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 is working, the main valve drain hole 1222 is not working.

[0344] refer to Figure 41 and Figure 42 As shown, when the valve housing 110 is provided with a drain channel 1114, the valve housing 110 includes a housing and a cover 1116 connected to the housing. The housing forms a drain groove 1117, and the drain groove 1117 has a first opening along its length. The cover 1116 covers the housing to close the first opening, thus forming a drain channel 1114 inside the valve housing 110. The end of the drain channel 1114 forms a drain outlet 115. The function of the drain channel 1114 is the same as described above and will not be repeated. The structure of the drain channel 1114 is not limited to the aforementioned structure and can be selected as needed. In the manufacturing of the soft water valve, the drain groove 1117 can be formed by directly opening the corresponding groove in the valve body 110. By covering the drain groove 1117 with the cover 1116 to close the first opening, the drain channel 1114 can be formed without forming an internal flow channel inside the valve body 110, making the mold manufacturing of the soft water valve head simpler and more convenient.

[0345] The valve housing 110 is provided with a main chamber communication hole 116, which connects the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118. This allows water in the main chamber 111 to flow through the main chamber communication hole 116 to the raw water outlet 118, thus injecting water into the softening device 190. Water at the raw water outlet 118 can flow through the main chamber communication hole 116 into the main chamber 111. For example, wastewater from the softening device 190 can be discharged into the main chamber 111 and then discharged from the valve housing 110 through the drain channel 1114, thus performing a drain operation.

[0346] The main cavity connecting hole 116 is formed on the wall of the main cavity 111. The main valve core 124 is located between the main cavity connecting hole 116 and the raw water inlet 113, so that the main valve core 124 can control the opening and closing of the raw water inlet 113 and the main cavity connecting hole 116, and thus control whether the raw water can flow into the softening device 190 through the main cavity connecting hole 116 and the raw water outlet 118, thereby realizing the control of water injection into the softening device 190. In the brine suction mode and backwash mode, the main valve core 124 can block the main cavity 111 from the raw water inlet 113, that is, block the main cavity connecting hole 116 from the raw water inlet 113, so that the sewage flowing through the raw water outlet 118 and the main cavity connecting hole 116 into the main cavity 111 cannot flow to the raw water inlet 113, thus avoiding pollution of the raw water at the raw water inlet 113. This allows the sewage to flow only through the main valve core 124 to the sewage discharge channel 1114, and finally out of the valve body 110.

[0347] The valve housing 110 has a water outlet channel 1112. The wall of the secondary chamber 112 has a secondary chamber connecting hole 1111. The water outlet channel 1112 connects the secondary chamber connecting hole 1111 and the soft water outlet 114. The secondary chamber connecting hole 1111 and the soft water inlet 119 are regulated by the secondary valve core 134. The secondary chamber 112 is normally connected to the water outlet channel 1112 through the secondary chamber connecting hole 1111, so that the water in the secondary chamber 112 flows to the soft water outlet 114. By switching the flow path through the secondary valve core 134, the secondary chamber 112 can also connect to other flow paths to achieve different functions. That is to say, the water in the secondary chamber 112 can flow along at least two flow paths, one of which is fixed so that the water flows from the secondary chamber 112 to the soft water outlet 114. The other flow paths are changed according to the control of the secondary valve core 134. As long as there is usable water in the secondary chamber 112, there will be usable water at the soft water outlet 114. The secondary valve core 134 is located between the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 and the soft water inlet 119, so that the secondary valve core 134 can control the opening and closing between the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 and the soft water inlet 119. In the brine suction mode, the secondary valve core 134 can block the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 and the soft water inlet 119, preventing the brine at the soft water inlet 119 from flowing to the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111, and ensuring that the water flowing through the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 to the soft water outlet 114 is not contaminated by brine.

[0348] The secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 and the soft water inlet 119 are located on both sides of the secondary valve core 134, so that the secondary valve core 134 can control the opening and closing of the secondary cavity connecting hole 1111 and the soft water inlet 119.

[0349] It should be noted that the "both sides" in "both sides of the secondary valve core 134" mentioned here has the same meaning as the "both sides" in "both sides of the secondary valve core 134" mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0350] refer to Figure 61As shown, the cover plate indicates the positions of the four auxiliary valves corresponding to the auxiliary valve core on the left. The positions of the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary valves correspond one-to-one with the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the figure. The right side of the cover plate indicates the positions of the three main valves corresponding to the main valve core. The positions of the first, second, and third main valves correspond one-to-one with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 in the figure.

[0351] Among them, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water outlet channel is formed, for example, at the front end of the secondary cavity 112.

[0352] Based on the above, the water softener is connected to the user's main pipeline via a water softener valve. The design concept of the water softener valve in this embodiment of the invention is to form two chambers, a main chamber 111 and a secondary chamber 112, within the valve housing 110. Each chamber is equipped with a valve assembly, namely, the main chamber 111 is equipped with a main valve assembly 120, and the secondary chamber 112 is equipped with a secondary valve assembly 130. The main valve assembly 120 and the secondary valve assembly 130 cooperate to realize the function of the water softener valve, which can reduce the size of the water softener valve, help increase the soft water output flow rate of the water softener valve, and simplify the structure of the valve plate.

[0353] The main chamber 111 and the auxiliary chamber 112 have basically the same internal space and structure. The difference between the two chambers lies in the structure, number, and position of the openings, meaning that the main chamber 111 and the auxiliary chamber 112 have different functions. The two chambers have a circular structure, with the left and right chambers arranged horizontally. The axial direction of the chambers (corresponding to the direction of the rotation axis of the valve assembly) is horizontal and perpendicular to the resin tank connected to the bottom. Correspondingly, the resin tank is placed vertically in the water softener.

[0354] The valve housing 110 has an opening on one side of the main chamber 111 and the auxiliary chamber 112. The valve housing 110 is connected to a cover plate 1137, which closes the main chamber 111 and the auxiliary chamber 112.

[0355] The above content describes the structure of valve housing 110. The following refers to... Figures 7 to 30 as well as Figure 40 The structure of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is described.

[0356] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the main valve assembly 120 includes a main valve core 124 and a main drive unit 125. The main valve core 124 includes a main stationary valve plate 122 and an active valve plate 121. The main stationary valve plate 122 is fixed in the main cavity 111 of the valve housing 110, and the active valve plate 121 is rotatably disposed in the main cavity 111.

[0357] In different modes of the soft water valve, the hole structure of the main stationary valve plate 122 is located in the groove of the active valve plate 121 (the groove here can be the aforementioned first groove of the main valve or the process groove) when projected onto the active valve plate 121. By sealing the hole structure of the main stationary valve plate 122 through the groove, the sealing effect of the hole structure of the main stationary valve plate 122 can be improved, and the contact area between the main stationary valve plate 122 and the active valve plate 121 can be reduced, thereby reducing the friction between the active valve plate 121 and the main stationary valve plate 122. This facilitates the driving of the active valve plate 121 to rotate relative to the main stationary valve plate 122. Furthermore, the groove is connected to the space on one side of the main stationary valve plate 122 through the hole structure of the main stationary valve plate 122, allowing water to enter the groove, which can play a role in balancing water pressure and balancing the pressure of the active valve plate 121 and the main stationary valve plate 122.

[0358] The active valve plate 121 is provided with a main valve inlet 1211 and a main valve first groove 1212; the main stationary valve plate 122 is provided with a main valve inlet hole 1221.

[0359] In some cases, the main stationary valve plate 122 is provided with a main valve drain hole 1222, and in other cases, the main stationary valve plate 122 is provided with a main and auxiliary connection hole 1223.

[0360] In some cases, the active valve plate 121 is also provided with a second groove 1213 for the main valve. It can be understood that the second groove 1213 for the main valve can be the process groove for the main valve.

[0361] For example, the main valve inlet 1211, the main valve first groove 1212 and the main valve second groove 1213 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the active valve plate 121 to facilitate the control of the rotation of the active valve plate 121; the main valve inlet hole 1221, the main valve drain hole 1222 and the main-auxiliary connection hole 1223 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the main stationary valve plate 122 to facilitate the control of the hole of the main stationary valve plate 122 and the active valve plate 121.

[0362] The opening area of ​​the main valve process groove is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the hole structure of the main stationary valve plate 122, which ensures that the groove structure can surround the hole structure, making the hole structure more sealed and preventing water leakage.

[0363] For example, refer to Figure 17 , Figure 20 and Figure 29As shown, in the water production mode, water injection mode and forward washing mode, the main valve inlet 1211 and the main valve inlet hole 1221 are connected to form the main water production channel 126. The main water production channel 126 connects the raw water inlet and the main chamber 111, so that the raw water can flow into the main chamber 111. At this time, the main and auxiliary connection holes 1223 of the main stationary valve plate 122 are projected onto the active valve plate 121 within the second groove 1213 of the main valve. That is, the main valve inlet 1211 and the first groove 1212 of the main valve are both disconnected from the main and auxiliary connection holes 1223. The main valve drain hole 1222 is projected onto the active valve plate 121 within the first groove 1212 of the main valve. That is, the main valve inlet 1211 and the second groove 1213 of the main valve are both disconnected from the main and auxiliary connection holes 1223. By sealing the main and auxiliary connection holes 1223 through the second groove 1213 of the main valve and sealing the main valve drain hole 1222 through the first groove 1212 of the main valve, the sealing effect of the main and auxiliary connection holes 1223 and the main valve drain hole 1222 can be improved.

[0364] For example, the opening area of ​​the second groove 1213 of the main valve is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the main-auxiliary connection hole 1223. This ensures that the second groove 1213 of the main valve can surround the main-auxiliary connection hole 1223, resulting in better sealing of the main-auxiliary connection hole 1223 and preventing water leakage.

[0365] refer to Figure 23 and Figure 26 As shown, in both brine suction and backwashing modes, the main valve inlet 1221 is connected to the main-supplement connection hole 1223 via the main valve first groove 1212. Raw water from the raw water inlet enters the secondary chamber through the main valve inlet 1221, the main valve first groove 1212, and the main-supplement connection hole 1223. Part of the space in the main valve inlet 1221 is connected to the main valve first groove 1212, and part of the space in the main valve inlet 1221 corresponds to and is closed by the main valve second groove 1213. The main valve drain hole 1222 is connected to the main valve inlet 1211.

[0366] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the secondary valve assembly 130 includes a secondary valve core 134 and a secondary drive unit 135. The secondary valve core 134 includes a secondary stationary valve plate 132 and a secondary driving valve plate 131. The secondary stationary valve plate 132 is fixed in the secondary cavity 112 of the valve housing 110, and the secondary driving valve plate 131 is rotatably disposed in the secondary cavity 112.

[0367] In different modes of the soft water valve, at least part of the hole structure of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is located in the groove of the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 (the groove here can be the auxiliary valve process groove, or the aforementioned auxiliary valve first groove) when projected onto the auxiliary moving valve plate 131. Taking the auxiliary valve process groove as an example, by sealing the hole structure of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 through the auxiliary valve process groove, the sealing effect of the hole structure of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 can be improved, the contact area between the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 can be reduced, and the friction between the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 can be reduced, making it easier to drive the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 to rotate relative to the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132. Moreover, the auxiliary valve process groove is connected to the space on one side of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 through the hole structure of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132, so that water can enter the auxiliary valve process groove, which can play a role in balancing water pressure and balancing the pressure of the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132.

[0368] Among them, reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the auxiliary valve plate 131 is provided with an auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and an auxiliary valve first groove 1311; the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is provided with a softening connection hole 1322, a brine hole 1323 and a brine suction and water injection hole 1324.

[0369] In some cases, the auxiliary static valve plate 132 is provided with an auxiliary valve drain hole 1321.

[0370] In some cases, the auxiliary valve plate 131 is provided with one or more of the following: auxiliary valve second groove 1312, auxiliary valve third groove 1313, auxiliary valve fourth groove 1315, and auxiliary valve fifth groove 1316. It is understood that the auxiliary valve process groove can be any one or more of the following: auxiliary valve second groove 1312, auxiliary valve third groove 1313, auxiliary valve fourth groove 1315, and auxiliary valve fifth groove 1316. The auxiliary valve process groove can also be other groove structures besides the following: auxiliary valve second groove 1312, auxiliary valve third groove 1313, auxiliary valve fourth groove 1315, and auxiliary valve fifth groove 1316.

[0371] For example, the first groove 1311, the second groove 1312, the third groove 1313, the inlet 1314, the fourth groove 1315, and the fifth groove 1316 of the auxiliary valve are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the auxiliary valve plate 131 to facilitate the control of the rotation of the auxiliary valve plate 131; the drain hole 1321, the softening connection hole 1322, and the brine injection hole 1324 of the auxiliary valve are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 to facilitate the control of the hole of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 and the auxiliary valve plate 131.

[0372] The opening area of ​​the auxiliary valve process groove is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the hole structure of the auxiliary static valve plate 132, which ensures that the groove structure can surround the hole structure, making the hole structure more sealed and preventing water leakage.

[0373] In some cases, the first groove 1311 of the secondary valve extends radially along the secondary valve plate 131. Rotation of the secondary valve plate 131 allows the first groove 1311 to switch between connecting and disconnecting the brine port 1323 and softening the connection port 1322. During the movement of the first groove 1311, it can be normally connected to the brine port 1323, or its connection can be adjusted. When the first groove 1311 is normally connected to the brine port 1323, the brine port 1323 is located at the center of the secondary valve plate 131.

[0374] In the water production mode, the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the softening connection hole 1322 are connected to form an auxiliary water production channel 136. The auxiliary water production channel 136 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary cavity 112, allowing water at the soft water inlet 119 to flow into the auxiliary cavity 112. At this time, the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 132 is located in the fourth groove 1315 of the auxiliary valve on the orthogonal projection of the auxiliary moving valve plate 131, meaning that the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 is disconnected from the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321. The brine hole 1323 is located in the first groove 1311 of the auxiliary valve on the orthogonal projection of the active valve plate 121, meaning that the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and other groove structures of the auxiliary moving valve plate 131 are disconnected from the brine hole 1323. The brine injection hole 1324 is located in the orthogonal projection of the auxiliary moving valve plate 131. Located within the third groove 1313 of the secondary valve, the other groove structures of the secondary valve inlet 1314 and the secondary valve plate 131 are disconnected from the brine injection hole 1324. The secondary valve drain hole 1321 is sealed by the fourth groove 1315 of the secondary valve, the brine hole 1323 is sealed by the first groove 1311 of the secondary valve, and the brine injection hole 1324 is sealed by the third groove 1313 of the secondary valve. This can improve the sealing effect of the secondary valve drain hole 1321, the brine hole 1323, and the brine injection hole 1324.

[0375] For example, the opening area of ​​the fourth groove 1315 of the secondary valve is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the drain hole 1321 of the secondary valve. This ensures that the fourth groove 1315 of the secondary valve can surround the drain hole 1321 of the secondary valve, resulting in better sealing of the drain hole 1321 of the secondary valve and preventing water leakage.

[0376] For example, the opening area of ​​the first groove 1311 of the secondary valve is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the brine hole 1323, and the opening area of ​​the third groove 1313 of the secondary valve is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the brine injection hole 1324.

[0377] In the water injection mode, the softening connection hole 1322 and the brine injection hole 1324 are connected to form an injection channel 137, allowing soft water at the soft water inlet 119 to be injected into the brine tank 200 through the injection channel 137. At this time, the projection of the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 onto the auxiliary valve plate 131 is located within the fifth groove 1316 of the auxiliary valve, meaning that the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and other groove structures of the auxiliary valve plate 131 are disconnected from the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321. The projection of the brine hole 1323 onto the auxiliary valve plate 131 is located within the first groove 1311 of the auxiliary valve, meaning that the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and other groove structures of the auxiliary valve plate 131 are disconnected from the brine hole 1323.

[0378] For example, the opening area of ​​the fifth groove 1316 of the secondary valve is larger than the opening area of ​​the drain hole 1321 of the secondary valve.

[0379] In the brine suction mode, the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and the brine suction injection hole 1324 are connected to form the first brine suction channel 1341, and the brine hole 1323 is connected through the auxiliary valve first groove 1311 and the softening connection hole 1322 to form the second brine suction channel 1342. At this time, the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 is projected onto the auxiliary valve plate 131 within the auxiliary valve second groove 1312, meaning that the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and other groove structures of the auxiliary valve plate 131 are disconnected from the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321.

[0380] For example, the opening area of ​​the second groove 1312 of the secondary valve is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the drain hole 1321 of the secondary valve.

[0381] In the backwash mode, the state of the auxiliary valve core 134 is the same as that in the water production mode, and will not be described again.

[0382] In the forward wash mode, the brine injection hole 1324 is projected onto the auxiliary valve plate 131 and located within the second groove 1312 of the auxiliary valve. This means that the auxiliary valve drain hole 1321 and other groove structures of the auxiliary valve plate 131 are disconnected from the brine injection hole 1324. The brine hole 1323 is projected onto the auxiliary valve plate 131 and located within the first groove 1311 of the auxiliary valve. This means that the auxiliary valve inlet 1314 and other groove structures of the auxiliary valve plate 131 are disconnected from the brine hole 1323.

[0383] For example, the opening area of ​​the second groove 1312 of the secondary valve is greater than or equal to the opening area of ​​the brine injection hole 1324.

[0384] The above describes the structure of the water softener valve. This valve can be used in water softeners, working in conjunction with the softening device 190 and brine tank 200 to soften the raw water, making it convenient for users to access soft water. See below for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 42 As shown, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0385] Soft water valves include:

[0386] The valve body 110 includes a raw water inlet 113, a soft water outlet 114, a main chamber 111, a secondary chamber 112, a raw water outlet 118, and a soft water inlet 119; the raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119 can be connected through a softening device 190, the secondary chamber 112 is connected to the soft water outlet 114, and the main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water outlet 118;

[0387] The main valve assembly 120 includes a main valve core 124 and a main drive unit 125 for driving the main valve core 124 to move. The main valve core 124 is located in the main chamber 111. The main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113, as well as the auxiliary chamber 112 and the raw water inlet 113, can be adjusted by the main valve core 124.

[0388] The secondary valve assembly 130 includes a secondary valve core 134 and a secondary drive unit 135 for driving the movement of the secondary valve core 134. The secondary valve core 134 is located in the secondary cavity 112. The flow channels between the soft water inlet 119 and the secondary valve core 134 are adjustable. The flow channels between the secondary cavity 112 and the secondary valve core 134 are also adjustable.

[0389] The main drive unit 125 drives the main valve core 124 to rotate, and the auxiliary drive unit 135 drives the auxiliary valve core 134 to rotate, so that the soft water valve can switch between water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode.

[0390] It is understandable that the main valve core 124 is driven to rotate by the main drive unit 125, so that the main valve core 124 switches between the first main valve position and the third main valve position. The auxiliary valve core 134 is driven to rotate by the auxiliary drive unit 135, so that the auxiliary valve core 134 switches between multiple auxiliary valve positions, so that the soft water valve switches between water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode.

[0391] When the soft water valve needs to be in water production mode, the main valve core 124 is driven to the first main valve position. At this time, the main chamber 111 and the raw water inlet 113 are connected through the main valve core 124, while the secondary chamber 112 and the raw water inlet 113 are disconnected, allowing raw water to enter the valve body 110 from the raw water inlet 113. Then, the raw water flows to the main chamber 111 through the main valve core 124. Since the main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water outlet 118, the raw water in the main chamber 111 will flow to the softening device 190 through the raw water outlet 118. After being processed by the softening device 190, the raw water becomes soft water, and then the soft water flows into the valve body 110 from the soft water inlet 119. At this time, the secondary valve core 134 is in the first secondary valve position under the drive of the secondary drive unit 135. The soft water inlet 119 is connected to the secondary cavity 112 through the secondary valve core 134, so that soft water can flow from the soft water inlet 119 into the secondary cavity 112 through the secondary valve core 134. Then the soft water flows from the secondary cavity 112 to the soft water outlet 114, so that the user can obtain soft water at the soft water outlet 114, and the soft water valve realizes the water production function.

[0392] When the water softener valve needs to be in the water filling mode, the main valve core 124 is driven to the first main valve position. At this time, the flow path of the raw water is the same as that of the water production mode. The raw water flows into the softening device 190 along the path of raw water inlet 113, main valve core 124, main chamber 111 and raw water outlet 118. At this time, the auxiliary drive unit 135 drives the auxiliary valve core 134 to the second auxiliary valve position. The auxiliary valve core 134 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary chamber 112. At the same time, the soft water inlet 119 and / or the auxiliary chamber 112 are also connected to the water filling channel 137 in the auxiliary valve core 134, so that soft water can flow into the auxiliary chamber 112. At the same time, the soft water can also flow into the brine tank 200 connected to the water softener valve through the water filling channel 137, realizing the water filling function of the water softener valve.

[0393] When the soft water valve needs to be in brine suction mode, the main valve core 124 is driven to the third main valve position. At this time, the secondary chamber 112 and the raw water inlet 113 are connected through the main valve core 124. The main valve core 124 disconnects the raw water inlet 113 from the main chamber 111. At this time, the raw water can enter the valve body 110 from the raw water inlet 113, and then the raw water flows to the secondary chamber 112 through the main valve core 124. At this time, the drive valve core 134 is in the third auxiliary valve position, preventing the auxiliary chamber 112 from directly connecting to the soft water inlet 119. Instead, it needs to connect to the soft water inlet 119 through the flow channel within the auxiliary valve core 134. This allows some of the raw water in the auxiliary chamber 112 to flow along the flow channel within the auxiliary valve core 134 to the soft water inlet 119. During this flow, the raw water mixes with brine, and the resulting mixture is then delivered to the soft water inlet 119 and enters the softening device 190, allowing the brine to regenerate the softening device 190. The remaining raw water in the auxiliary chamber 112 can flow to the soft water outlet 114, ensuring that the user still has raw water available during the brine extraction mode.

[0394] When the cleaning mode includes a backwash mode, requiring the soft water valve to be in backwash mode, the main valve core 124 is driven to the third main valve position. At this time, the path of the raw water flowing into the secondary chamber 112 is the same as in the brine suction mode; the raw water flows along the raw water inlet 113 and the main valve core 124 into the secondary chamber 112. Meanwhile, the secondary drive unit 135 drives the secondary valve core 134 to the first secondary valve position, connecting the secondary chamber 112 and the soft water inlet 119. A portion of the raw water in the secondary chamber 112 then flows through the secondary valve core 134 to the soft water inlet 119, and then through the soft water inlet 119 to the softening device 190 to clean it. The cleaned wastewater flows out of the softening device 190 from the raw water outlet 118 and is discharged from the valve housing 110. Another portion of the raw water in the secondary chamber 112 can flow to the soft water outlet 114, allowing the user to still have raw water available in the brine suction mode.

[0395] When the cleaning mode includes a forward wash mode, requiring the softener valve to be in forward wash mode, the main valve core 124 is driven to the first main valve position. At this time, the raw water flow path is the same as in the water production mode. The raw water flows along the path of raw water inlet 113, main valve core 124, main chamber 111, and raw water outlet 118 into the softening device 190 to clean it. Simultaneously, the auxiliary valve core 134 is driven to the fourth auxiliary valve position. The softener inlet 119 is connected to the auxiliary chamber 112 through the auxiliary valve core 134. The water cleaned from the softener 190 flows out of the softener 190 from the softener inlet 119, and then flows from the softener inlet into the auxiliary chamber 112. Before controlling the softener valve to be in forward wash mode, it can be controlled to be in backwash mode, i.e., a backwash operation is performed on the softener valve to reduce the salt content of the water inside. After the backwash mode, during the forward wash mode, the salt content of the water in the soft water valve is low, and the water can be used by the user. Therefore, the water in the secondary chamber 112 can be divided into two parts. One part is discharged from the valve shell 110 through the secondary valve core 134, and the other part flows to the soft water outlet 114, so that the user has water available in the forward wash mode.

[0396] The water softener valve of the present invention, through the cooperation of the valve housing 110, the main chamber 111, the secondary chamber 112, the main valve assembly 120 and the secondary valve assembly 130, enables the water softener valve to switch between water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode. The user can use water in water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode at the water softener valve, thus meeting the user's 24-hour water demand.

[0397] Unlike the embodiments described above, reference is made to... Figures 45 to 60 As shown, another type of soft water valve is provided, which differs from the above embodiment in that "the raw water inlet is always connected to the main chamber, the raw water outlet is connected to the main chamber through the on / off adjustment of the main valve core, the soft water inlet is always connected to the soft water outlet, and the soft water outlet is connected to the secondary chamber through the on / off adjustment of the secondary valve core". Correspondingly, the valve body, main valve core and secondary valve core have different structures, but their functions are basically the same. They can all realize the switching and operation of water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode, backwash mode and forward wash mode.

[0398] The structure of the valve body, main valve core, and auxiliary valve core will be described below.

[0399] The valve body is provided with a main cavity 111 and a secondary cavity 112. The positions of the holes corresponding to the main cavity 111 are different from those in the above embodiment, and the positions of the holes corresponding to the secondary cavity 112 are also different from those in the above embodiment.

[0400] refer to Figure 47 and Figure 48As shown, the main valve core includes an active valve disc 321 and a main stationary valve disc 322, and the auxiliary valve disc includes an auxiliary active valve disc 331 and an auxiliary stationary valve disc 332. The active valve disc 321 is connected to the main drive unit, the main stationary valve disc 322 is fixed to the valve housing 110, the auxiliary active valve disc 331 is connected to the auxiliary drive unit, and the auxiliary stationary valve disc 332 is fixed to the valve housing 110.

[0401] In each functional mode, the main valve core includes a first main valve position and a third main valve position, the same as the main valve core in the above embodiment. The main valve core may also include the second main valve position described above. The auxiliary valve core includes a first auxiliary valve position, a second auxiliary valve position, a third auxiliary valve position, a fourth auxiliary valve position, and a fifth auxiliary valve position. The positions of the auxiliary valve core differ in the water production mode and the backwash mode, and are different from those in the above embodiment. (Reference) Figure 62 As shown, the cover plate indicates the positions of the five auxiliary valves corresponding to the auxiliary valve core on the left side. The positions of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth auxiliary valves correspond one-to-one with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the figure. The right side of the cover plate indicates the positions of the three main valves corresponding to the main valve core. The positions of the first, second, and third main valves correspond one-to-one with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 in the figure.

[0402] refer to Figure 49 , Figure 50 and Figure 53 As shown, the main valve core is in the first main valve position. The main water flow channel 126 of the main valve core connects the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118. At the same time, the main chamber 111 connects to the raw water inlet 113. That is, the raw water from the raw water inlet 113 can be transported to the raw water outlet 118 through the main valve core, realizing the process of supplying raw water to the softening device 190. At this time, the position of the auxiliary valve core is switched to switch the water softening valve between the water production mode and the water injection mode. In the water production mode, water injection mode and forward washing mode, the main valve core is in the first main valve position. For example, the main static valve plate 322 is constructed with a main valve inlet 3221, and the active valve plate 321 is constructed with a main valve inlet 3211. In the first main valve position, the main valve inlet 3211 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, and the main valve inlet 3221 and the main valve inlet 3211 are connected to form the main water flow channel 126.

[0403] refer to Figure 50As shown, the active valve plate 321 includes a valve plate body and a blocking part 3214. In the water production mode, the blocking part 3214 is located between the main shaft assembly 1251 and the main valve inlet 3221. The blocking part 3214 and the main stationary valve plate 322 form the main valve inlet 3211. The orthographic projection area of ​​the blocking part 3214 on the main stationary valve plate 322 is smaller than the flow area of ​​the main valve inlet 3221. The blocking part 3214 does not affect the water flow effect of the main valve inlet 3221. The projection area of ​​the valve plate body and the blocking part 3214 on the end face of the main shaft assembly 1251 covers the end face area of ​​the main shaft assembly 1251. The setting of the blocking part 3214 can reduce the impact of water on the main shaft assembly 1251.

[0404] In other cases, refer to Figure 49 , Figure 50 and Figure 56 As shown, when the main valve core is in the third main valve position, the first sewage discharge channel 127 of the main valve core is connected, while the main water supply channel 126 is disconnected. The first sewage discharge channel 127 connects the raw water outlet 118 and the sewage discharge channel 1114 of the valve body 110, so that sewage is discharged along the raw water outlet 118, the first sewage discharge channel 127, and the sewage discharge channel 1114, forming the "first sewage discharge channel 127". The main valve core is used to discharge sewage from the softening device 190. In the mode where sewage needs to be discharged, the main valve core can be switched to the third main valve position. At this time, water can be supplied to the softening device 190 through the auxiliary valve core and the soft water inlet 119. When the main valve core is in the third main valve position, the soft water valve can be switched between brine suction mode and backwashing mode by switching the position of the auxiliary valve core. The structure of the "first sewage discharge channel 127" includes, for example, a main static valve plate 322 with a main valve inlet 3221 and a main valve drain 3222, and an active valve plate 321 including a main valve inlet 3211 and a main valve first groove 3212. In the third main valve position, the main valve first groove 3212 connects the main valve inlet 3221 and the main valve drain 3222 to form the first sewage discharge channel 127. The main valve inlet 3221 connects to the raw water outlet 118, the main valve inlet 3211 connects to the main cavity 111, and the main static valve plate 322 isolates the main valve inlet 3211 from the raw water outlet 118.

[0405] The above content explains the two positions of the main valve core. Below, we will explain each mode in conjunction with the positions of the main valve core and the auxiliary valve core.

[0406] When the soft water valve includes water production mode, water injection mode and brine suction mode, the auxiliary drive unit is used to drive the auxiliary valve core to rotate and switch between the first auxiliary valve position, the second auxiliary valve position and the fourth auxiliary valve position. The first auxiliary valve position, the second auxiliary valve position and the fourth auxiliary valve position are set sequentially along the circumference of the auxiliary valve core to facilitate the position adjustment of the auxiliary valve core.

[0407] refer to Figure 53 and Figure 54As shown, in water production mode, the auxiliary valve core is in the first auxiliary valve position, the main valve core is used to supply water to the softening device 190, and the auxiliary valve core is used to disconnect the soft water inlet 119 from other flow channels, based on the connection between the soft water inlet 119 and the soft water outlet 114. The orifices of the auxiliary moving valve plate are all closed by the grooves of the auxiliary stationary valve plate.

[0408] refer to Figure 53 and Figure 55 As shown, in the water injection mode, the auxiliary valve core is in the fourth auxiliary valve position. The main valve core is used to supply water to the softening device 190, and the auxiliary valve core is used to introduce the softened water in the softening device 190 into the brine tank connection port 1110. In the fourth auxiliary valve position, the water injection channel 137 of the auxiliary valve core is connected, and the water injection channel 137 connects the soft water inlet 119 and the brine tank connection port 1110. Among them, the auxiliary moving valve plate 331 is constructed with a first auxiliary valve groove 3311, and the auxiliary stationary valve plate 332 is constructed with a brine suction water injection hole 3324 and a softening connection hole 3322. The brine suction water injection hole 3324 connects to the brine tank connection port 1110, and the softening connection hole 3322 connects to the soft water inlet 119. The first auxiliary valve groove 3311 connects the brine suction water injection hole 3324 and the softening connection hole 3322 to form the water injection channel 137.

[0409] refer to Figure 56 and Figure 57 As shown, in the brine suction mode, the auxiliary valve core is in the second auxiliary valve position. The auxiliary valve core is used to introduce raw water into the ejector 160, and under the driving force of the raw water flow, it draws the brine solution in the brine tank connection port 1110 into the ejector 160, and sends the mixed solution in the ejector 160 into the softening device 190. The water in the softening device 190 is discharged through the main valve core along the valve housing 110. In the second auxiliary valve position, the first brine suction channel 1341 and the second brine suction channel 1342 of the auxiliary valve core are connected. The jet inlet 161 of the jet channel is connected to the auxiliary chamber 112 through the first brine suction channel 1341, the suction port 163 of the jet channel is connected to the brine tank connection port 1110, and the jet outlet 162 of the jet channel is connected to the soft water inlet 119 through the second brine suction channel 1342. The first drain channel 127 of the main valve core is connected to the raw water outlet 118. The raw water in the secondary chamber 112 enters the jet inlet 161 along the first salt absorption channel 1341 through the sewage channel 1114 (the end of the sewage channel 1114 forms a sewage outlet 115). The raw water and salt solution are mixed in the jet channel to obtain a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid flows out along the jet outlet 162, the soft water inlet 119, the raw water outlet 118, the first sewage discharge channel 127 and the sewage outlet 115, realizing the salt absorption and slow washing of the softening device 190.

[0410] The auxiliary static valve plate 332 is constructed with a softening connection hole 3322, a brine outlet 3323, and a brine suction and water injection hole 3324. The auxiliary dynamic valve plate 331 is constructed with a third auxiliary valve groove 3313 and a secondary valve inlet 3314. The secondary valve inlet 3314 is connected to the brine suction and water injection hole 3324 to form a first brine suction channel 1341. The secondary valve inlet 3314 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 through the secondary cavity 112. The brine suction and water injection hole 3324 is connected to the jet inlet 161. The brine outlet 3323 and the softening connection hole 3322 are connected through the third auxiliary valve groove 3313 to form a second brine suction channel 1342. The brine outlet 3323 is connected to the jet outlet 162. The softening connection hole 3322 is connected to the soft water inlet 119.

[0411] refer to Figure 56 and Figure 58 As shown, when the cleaning mode includes a backwash mode, the auxiliary valve core also includes a fifth auxiliary valve position. In the backwash mode, the auxiliary valve core is in the fifth auxiliary valve position, and the main valve core is in the third main valve position. The auxiliary valve core is used to introduce raw water into the softening device 190, and the water in the softening device 190 is discharged through the main valve core along the valve housing 110. In the fifth auxiliary valve position, the backwash flow channel of the auxiliary valve core is connected, and the backwash flow channel connects the softened water inlet 119 and the auxiliary chamber 112. The auxiliary stationary valve plate 332 is provided with a softening connection hole 3322, and the auxiliary moving valve plate 331 is provided with a auxiliary valve inlet 3314. The auxiliary valve inlet 3314 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, and the auxiliary valve inlet 3314 and the softening connection hole 3322 are connected to form a backwash flow channel.

[0412] refer to Figure 53 and Figure 59 As shown, when the cleaning mode includes the forward washing mode, the auxiliary valve core is in the third auxiliary valve position, and the main valve core is in the first main valve position. The main valve core is used to pass raw water into the softening device 190, and the water in the softening device 190 is discharged through the auxiliary valve core along the valve housing 110. In the third auxiliary valve position, the second drain channel of the auxiliary valve core is connected, and the second drain channel connects the softened water inlet 119 and the drain channel 1114 of the valve housing 110. The first groove 3311 of the auxiliary valve is connected to the softening connection hole 3322 and the auxiliary valve drain hole 3321 to form the second drain channel.

[0413] The description of the status and functional modes of the soft water valve, as well as the structure of each flow channel, are not detailed here. Please refer to the description of each mode above.

[0414] refer to Figure 62 As shown, when the auxiliary valve core includes a first auxiliary valve position, a second auxiliary valve position, a third auxiliary valve position, a fourth auxiliary valve position, and a fifth auxiliary valve position, the first auxiliary valve position, the second auxiliary valve position, the third auxiliary valve position, the fourth auxiliary valve position, and the fifth auxiliary valve position are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the auxiliary valve core. The auxiliary drive unit drives the auxiliary valve plate 131 to rotate, which can make the auxiliary valve core move to the corresponding auxiliary valve position.

[0415] In some cases, refer to Figure 60 As shown, the main valve core also includes a second main valve position. The main valve core is adapted to switch between the first main valve position, the second main valve position, and the third main valve position. In the second main valve position, the main valve core isolates the raw water inlet 113 from the raw water outlet 118. At this time, the water in the raw water inlet 113 will not enter the softening valve, and the water supply to the main chamber 111, the secondary chamber 112, and the softening device 190 will stop. The pressure of the water flow on the secondary valve core in the secondary chamber 112 will decrease, which can reduce the resistance of the water pressure to the position switching of the secondary valve core, making the position switching of the secondary valve core easier. This can reduce the driving force provided by the secondary drive unit to the secondary valve plate 331, reduce power consumption, reduce the wear of the secondary valve assembly 130, and help extend the life of the secondary valve assembly 130 and the life of the softening valve.

[0416] When the active valve plate 321 is provided with the main valve second groove 3213, in the second main valve position, the main valve inlet hole 3221 is at least partially located in the main valve second groove 3213 in the orthogonal projection of the active valve plate 321.

[0417] The main valve core is in the second main valve position, which can control the auxiliary drive unit to drive the auxiliary valve core to switch between multiple auxiliary valve positions.

[0418] When the main valve core is in either the first or second main valve position, during the process of switching the main valve core from the first to the second main valve position, the main valve drain hole 3222 is connected to the main valve inlet hole 3221. Based on the main valve drain hole 3222 being connected to the drain port of the valve body, and the raw water outlet being connected to the main valve inlet hole 3221, the pressure inside the softening device can be discharged through the path of the raw water outlet, the main valve inlet hole 3221, the main valve drain hole 3222, and the drain port. The pressure between the softening device and the softened water valve will be relieved. The pressure inside the softening device will not increase after being released. After the main valve core releases pressure to the softening device, the pressure between the auxiliary stationary valve plate 332 and the softening device can be reduced. If the pressure is not released, the pressure inside the softening device will be transmitted to the auxiliary chamber and between the auxiliary stationary valve plate 332 and the auxiliary moving valve plate 331 through the softening connection hole 3322 of the auxiliary stationary valve plate 332, which will increase the motor torque. The second main valve position also has the function of reducing the torque of the auxiliary valve core.

[0419] The auxiliary valve plate 331 is also provided with a secondary valve second groove 3312. The secondary valve second groove 3312 is a process groove. Under the premise of satisfying the structural strength of the auxiliary valve plate 331, the secondary valve second groove 3312 can be opened to avoid the positions of the secondary valve first groove 3311, the secondary valve third groove 3313 and the secondary valve inlet 3314, which can reduce the contact area between the auxiliary valve plate 331 and the secondary stationary valve plate 332.

[0420] The valve housing structure is provided to match the structures of the main valve core and the auxiliary valve core described above.

[0421] refer to Figure 46 As shown, the valve housing 110 has a main chamber inlet 316. The raw water channel and the main chamber 111 are normally connected through the main chamber inlet 316, and the raw water in the raw water channel enters the main chamber 111 through the main chamber inlet 316. The valve housing is provided with a connecting channel 3111, which connects the main chamber 111 and the auxiliary chamber 112. The main chamber 111 and the auxiliary chamber 112 are normally connected. The valve housing 110 has a water inlet hole 3126 for connecting the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118. The water inlet hole 3126 is correspondingly connected to the main valve water inlet hole 3221.

[0422] The valve body 110 has a softening connection port 3121 and a brine intake port 3119. The softening connection port 3121 corresponds to and communicates with the softening connection hole 3322, and the brine intake port 3119 corresponds to and communicates with the brine intake hole 3324. The valve body 110 also has a brine port 3120, which corresponds to and communicates with the brine outlet 3323 of the auxiliary static valve plate 332. The brine port 3120 can communicate with the jet outlet 162 of the jet channel.

[0423] The valve housing 110 (such as the third housing portion 1142) has at least one of a first drain opening 3125 and a second drain opening 3124. The first drain opening 3125 corresponds to and communicates with the main valve drain hole 3222, through which sewage can be discharged. The second drain opening 3124 corresponds to and communicates with the auxiliary valve drain hole 3321, through which sewage can be discharged. The valve housing 110 may also be provided with a drain channel. One end of the drain channel forms a drain process port 3117, which is sealed to the end of the mounting channel 1136 by the same end cap. The other end of the drain channel forms a drain outlet, facilitating molding.

[0424] The above description explains the various modes, passages, and valve core switching adjustments of the soft water valve. The following description describes other components of the soft water valve. The following content is applicable to the soft water valve in any of the above embodiments.

[0425] Among the soft water valves mentioned above, refer to Figure 36 As shown, the main valve assembly further includes a main encoder connected to the main drive unit, and / or, the auxiliary valve assembly further includes a secondary encoder connected to the secondary drive unit. The main encoder detects the angle of rotation of the main drive unit relative to the main initial position, and / or, the secondary encoder detects the angle of rotation of the secondary drive unit relative to the secondary initial position.

[0426] The main encoder measures the number of main pulses for the rotation of the main drive unit. Based on the target main angular position of the main drive unit, it controls the rotation of the main drive unit by setting the number of main pulses to ensure that the main drive unit accurately reaches the target main angular position. The auxiliary encoder measures the number of auxiliary pulses for the rotation of the auxiliary drive unit. Based on the target secondary angular position of the auxiliary drive unit, it controls the rotation of the auxiliary drive unit by setting the number of auxiliary pulses to ensure that the auxiliary drive unit accurately reaches the target secondary angular position.

[0427] The main drive unit can be a motor with an encoder, and the auxiliary drive unit can be a motor with an encoder. At least one of the main encoder and auxiliary encoder can be set as an AB phase encoder. The AB phase encoder outputs two sets of pulse sequences with a 90° phase difference. The lead and lag relationship of the two pulses is exactly opposite during forward and reverse rotation. At the rising edge of the B phase pulse, the level of the A phase pulse is exactly opposite during forward and reverse rotation. Therefore, using an AB phase encoder, the direction of shaft rotation can be identified. The motor (main drive unit or auxiliary drive unit) generates N pulses per revolution. The rotation of the motor drives the gearbox gears to rotate, which in turn drives the output shaft to rotate, thereby changing the state of the water circuit. The number of pulses for the output shaft to rotate 360° = N pulses per revolution x gearbox reduction ratio K.

[0428] In some cases, refer to Figure 36 As shown, the soft water valve also includes a main trigger 129, which is used to detect whether the main drive unit has moved to the main initial position. The main trigger 129 is connected to the rotating shaft of the main drive unit. The main trigger 129 rotates synchronously with the main drive unit. Alternatively, the main trigger 129 is fixed relative to the valve body (the main trigger is fixed to the cover plate), and the main drive unit rotates relative to the main trigger 129.

[0429] The main trigger 129 can be a micro switch, position sensor, etc.

[0430] In some cases, the soft water valve also includes a secondary trigger 139, which is used to detect whether the secondary drive unit has moved to the secondary initial position. The secondary trigger 139 is connected to the rotating shaft of the secondary drive unit and rotates synchronously with the secondary drive unit. Alternatively, the secondary trigger 139 is fixed relative to the valve body (the secondary trigger is fixed to the cover plate), and the secondary drive unit rotates relative to the secondary trigger 139.

[0431] The secondary trigger 139 can be a micro switch, position sensor, etc.

[0432] When the trigger (main trigger or auxiliary trigger) is a micro switch, upon initial power-on, the output shaft of the control valve head rotates in the reverse direction until the output shaft touches the micro switch and presses it down. Upon receiving the trigger signal, the output shaft of the control valve head stops moving and sets the current position as the initial position (main initial position or auxiliary initial position). The number of pulses at the initial position can be recorded as 0, that is, the initial value is 0. Repeat the above steps to complete the motor reset of the main chamber and auxiliary chamber in sequence, thereby confirming the initial position.

[0433] Based on the angle of the target position of the waterway to be controlled, assume that the angle between the main valve core and its initial position is angle D1, and the angle between the auxiliary valve core and its initial position is angle D2.

[0434] The number of pulses for the main valve core rotation is M1 = D1 / 360*N*K, where N pulses are generated for one revolution of the motor, and K is the reduction ratio of the gearbox.

[0435] The control output shaft rotates in a set direction (forward or reverse), while simultaneously acquiring the number of AB phase pulse outputs in real time. A 125-microsecond periodic interrupt is used, checking the accumulated pulse count N1 every 125 microseconds. This count is then added to the previous accumulated count N0' (N0 + N1), and compared with the latest count N0'. If N0' equals M1, the motor is immediately stopped, ensuring the output shaft stops at the target angle D1. Rotation from the current position away from the initial position can be considered forward rotation, while rotation from the current position towards the initial position can be considered reverse rotation.

[0436] Similarly, repeat the above control process to stop the output shaft of the secondary drive unit at the target angle D2 in a timely manner. By switching the relative positions of the two output shafts, the purpose of accurately opening and closing the required water circuit can be achieved.

[0437] The following describes another embodiment of the present invention. The control method for the soft water valve can be applied to any of the soft water valves described above. Of course, the control method for the soft water valve described below can also be applied to other types of soft water valves.

[0438] refer to Figure 63 As shown, the control methods for the soft water valve include:

[0439] Step 110: Obtain the target number of main pulses required for the main drive unit to drive the main valve core to rotate to the target main valve position, control the main drive unit to rotate and record the current number of main pulses passed by the main drive unit through the main encoder of the main drive unit, determine that the current number of main pulses is equal to the target number of main pulses, then control the main drive unit to stop and connect the main preset flow path of the soft water valve.

[0440] The target main pulse count can be understood as the number of main pulses corresponding to the angle of rotation required by the main drive unit for the main valve core to rotate from the current main valve position to the target main valve position.

[0441] The main encoder is used to record the number of main pulses that the shaft of the main drive unit rotates.

[0442] Once the current main pulse count is determined to be equal to the target main pulse count, the main valve core rotates to the target main valve position.

[0443] The main preset flow path of the soft water valve is connected, which can be understood as the flow path between at least two components among the raw water inlet, main valve core, main chamber, raw water outlet, secondary chamber and drain outlet in the above embodiment being connected.

[0444] Step 120: Obtain the target number of auxiliary pulses required for the auxiliary drive unit to drive the auxiliary valve core to rotate to the target auxiliary valve position, control the auxiliary drive unit to rotate and record the current number of auxiliary pulses passed by the auxiliary drive unit through the auxiliary encoder of the auxiliary drive unit, determine that the current number of auxiliary pulses is equal to the target number of auxiliary pulses, then control the auxiliary drive unit to stop, connect the auxiliary preset flow path of the soft water valve, and the soft water valve operates in one of the following modes: water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode, and cleaning mode.

[0445] The target number of auxiliary pulses can be understood as the number of auxiliary pulses corresponding to the angle of rotation required by the main drive unit for the auxiliary valve core to rotate from the current auxiliary valve position to the target auxiliary valve position.

[0446] The secondary encoder is used to record the number of secondary pulses passed by the shaft of the secondary drive unit.

[0447] Once the current number of secondary pulses is determined to be equal to the target number of secondary pulses, the secondary valve core rotates to the target secondary valve position.

[0448] The secondary preset flow path of the soft water valve is connected, which can be understood as the flow path between at least two components among the soft water inlet, soft water outlet, secondary chamber, brine tank connection port and drain port in the above embodiment being connected.

[0449] The main preset flow path and the secondary preset flow path of the soft water valve are connected, and the soft water valve is in one of the following modes: water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode, and cleaning mode.

[0450] The structure and model of the main encoder and the auxiliary encoder can be selected as needed.

[0451] It should be noted that the order of steps 110 and 120 is not limited. If both steps 110 and 120 are completed, the soft water valve will operate in one of the following modes: water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode, and cleaning mode.

[0452] The water softener valve control method of this invention can accurately control the angle position of the main drive unit through the main encoder and accurately control the angle position of the secondary encoder through the secondary encoder, thus ensuring more accurate mode adjustment of the water softener valve.

[0453] Based on the target main valve position, which includes the first main valve position and the third main valve position, the target main pulse count corresponds to the first main pulse count and the third main pulse count;

[0454] In step 110, it is determined that the current main pulse count is equal to the first main pulse count, and the raw water inlet, main chamber, main valve core, and raw water outlet form the main preset flow path.

[0455] In the first main valve position, the water softener valve can be in water production mode, water injection mode, or forward flushing mode. In this state, it can be understood that the main preset flow path is connected, allowing raw water from the inlet to be directed to the outlet to supply water to the softening device. In some other cases, refer to... Figure 27 As shown, the backwash mode is also in the first main valve position. At this time, the water flow direction is opposite to the aforementioned modes (water production mode, water injection mode and forward wash mode), but the connected flow path is the same.

[0456] or,

[0457] In step 110, it is determined that the current main pulse number is equal to the third main pulse number, and a main preset flow path is formed between the raw water inlet and the secondary cavity. The main valve core connects the raw water inlet and the secondary cavity, or the raw water inlet connects the secondary cavity through the main cavity.

[0458] In the third main valve position, the softened water valve can be in brine suction mode or backwash mode. The raw water inlet can supply water to the secondary chamber, which in turn supplies water to the brine tank connection (or softened water inlet). This can be used for brine suction by drawing brine from the brine tank, or for backwashing by sending raw water to the softening device through the secondary chamber. In some cases, in the third main valve position, the softened water valve can be in water injection mode. The raw water inlet can supply water to the secondary chamber, which in turn supplies water to the brine tank through the connection between the secondary chamber and the brine tank. In other cases, refer to... Figure 26 As shown, in the third main valve position, the soft water valve can be in backwash mode, where the raw water inlet can send water to the secondary chamber, and the secondary chamber sends water to the softening inlet to achieve backwashing.

[0459] It is understandable that, before step 120, before the step of controlling the rotation of the secondary drive unit, the following steps are also included:

[0460] Step 130: Control the main drive unit to rotate and record the current number of main pulses passed by the main encoder of the main drive unit. If the current number of main pulses is equal to the second number of main pulses, control the main drive unit to stop, and the main valve core is located in the second main valve position. The main valve core disconnects the raw water inlet and the raw water outlet.

[0461] Step 120: Control the auxiliary drive unit to drive the auxiliary valve core to rotate until the current auxiliary pulse number equals the target auxiliary pulse number, then control the auxiliary drive unit to stop.

[0462] Step 110: Control the main drive unit to drive the main valve core to rotate until the current main pulse count reaches the first or third main pulse count, then control the main drive unit to stop.

[0463] Perform the steps 130, 120, and 110 in sequence. First, switch the main valve core to the second main valve position to reduce the rotational resistance of the water flow to the auxiliary valve core. Then, switch the auxiliary valve core to the corresponding target auxiliary valve position. Finally, switch the main valve core to the corresponding target main valve position. The target main valve position is the main valve position corresponding to each functional mode that excludes the second main valve position.

[0464] The current main pulse count is equal to the first main pulse count, the second main pulse count, or the third main pulse count, corresponding to the main drive unit rotating relative to the initial position to the first main angle, the second main angle, or the third main angle. The first main angle, the second main angle, and the third main angle are set sequentially along the circumference of the main drive unit. That is, the main drive unit rotates clockwise and sequentially passes through the first main angle, the second main angle, and the third main angle.

[0465] In some cases, the first principal angle coincides with the principal initial position, which can be understood as the first principal angle being 0° or other initial values.

[0466] The difference between the second principal angle and the first principal angle is less than or equal to 180° and greater than or equal to 60°, to increase the opening area of ​​the main valve inlet of the main valve core and increase the water flow area. And / or, the difference between the third principal angle and the second principal angle is less than or equal to 120° and greater than or equal to 30°, to meet the functional requirements of the main valve core.

[0467] Combination Figures 1 to 42 The softened water valve shown has a raw water outlet that is always connected to the main chamber and a softened water outlet that is always connected to the secondary chamber. The target secondary pulse count includes the first secondary pulse count, the second secondary pulse count, the third secondary pulse count, and the fourth secondary pulse count.

[0468] The control process for each functional mode of the soft water valve is described below.

[0469] refer to Figures 1 to 62 As shown, the control method for the soft water valve also includes:

[0470] When the current main pulse count is equal to the first main pulse count, the main valve core connects the main chamber to the raw water inlet, forming the main preset flow path.

[0471] Once the current number of secondary pulses is determined to be equal to the number of the first secondary pulses, the secondary valve core connects the soft water inlet and the secondary chamber to form a secondary preset flow path, and the soft water valve is in water production mode.

[0472] or,

[0473] Once the current main pulse count is determined to be equal to the third main pulse count, the main valve core connects the auxiliary chamber to the raw water inlet, and the main chamber connects the raw water outlet to the drain port of the valve body, forming the main preset flow path.

[0474] Once the current number of secondary pulses is determined to be equal to the number of the first secondary pulses, the secondary valve core connects the soft water inlet and the secondary chamber to form a secondary preset flow path, and the soft water valve is in backwash mode.

[0475] The backwash mode and the water production mode can share the same position of the first auxiliary valve, and both are rotated to the pulse count of the first auxiliary valve.

[0476] or,

[0477] When the current main pulse count is equal to the first main pulse count, the main valve core connects the main chamber to the raw water inlet, forming the main preset flow path.

[0478] Once the current number of secondary pulses is determined to be equal to the number of secondary pulses, the secondary valve core connects the soft water inlet to the secondary chamber, and the secondary valve core connects the soft water inlet to the salt tank connection port of the valve body, forming a secondary preset flow path, and the soft water valve is in water injection mode;

[0479] or,

[0480] Once the current main pulse count is determined to be equal to the third main pulse count, the main valve core connects the auxiliary chamber to the raw water inlet, and the main chamber connects the raw water outlet to the drain port of the valve body, forming the main preset flow path.

[0481] Once the current number of secondary pulses is determined to be equal to the number of the third secondary pulses, the secondary valve core connects the secondary chamber to the salt tank connection port of the valve body, and the secondary valve core connects the salt tank connection port to the soft water inlet, forming a secondary preset flow path, and the soft water valve is in the brine suction mode;

[0482] or,

[0483] When the current main pulse count is equal to the first main pulse count, the main valve core connects the main chamber to the raw water inlet, forming the main preset flow path.

[0484] Once the current number of secondary pulses is determined to be equal to the number of the fourth secondary pulse, the secondary valve core connects the soft water inlet and the drain port of the valve body to form a secondary preset flow path, and the soft water valve is in the forward washing mode.

[0485] For details on the various modes mentioned above, please refer to the information on soft water valves.

[0486] The current number of secondary pulses is equal to the number of the first, second, third, or fourth secondary pulses, corresponding to the rotation of the secondary drive unit relative to the initial position to the first, second, third, or fourth secondary angle. The angular position of the secondary drive unit is accurately determined by the number of pulses.

[0487] refer to Figure 61As shown, the first, second, third, or fourth auxiliary angles are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the auxiliary drive unit. Each of the first, second, third, or fourth auxiliary angles corresponds one-to-one with the positions of the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary valves, respectively. Figure 61 The numbers 1 to 4 on the left correspond one-to-one.

[0488] The soft water valve normally operates in water production mode, with the secondary drive unit corresponding to the first secondary angle (or, in some cases, the initial secondary position). When regeneration of the softening device is required, it switches from water production mode to water injection mode, with the secondary drive unit corresponding to the second secondary angle. After water injection mode, the soft water valve switches back to water production mode (which can be understood as brine dissolving mode) to maintain water production, with the secondary drive unit corresponding to the first secondary angle to ensure sufficient dissolution of salt in the brine tank. After brine dissolution is complete, it switches to brine suction mode, corresponding to the third main valve position. After brine suction is complete, it switches to backwash mode, with the secondary drive unit corresponding to the first secondary angle. After backwashing is complete, it switches to forward wash mode, with the secondary drive unit corresponding to the fourth secondary angle. In summary, the position of the secondary drive unit switches from the first secondary angle to other angles to ensure the accuracy of the secondary valve core's position.

[0489] The difference between the fourth and third angles is less than or equal to 180° and greater than or equal to 100°;

[0490] And / or, the difference between the third angle and the second angle is less than or equal to 90° and greater than or equal to 40°;

[0491] And / or, the difference between the second angle and the first angle is less than or equal to 90 degrees and greater than or equal to 30 degrees.

[0492] It should be noted that the first main pulse count, second main pulse count, third main pulse count, first secondary pulse count, second secondary pulse count, third secondary pulse count, and fourth secondary pulse count mentioned above represent the number of pulses required for the main drive unit (or secondary drive unit) to rotate from its current position to the target position. These are not fixed values; the number of main and secondary pulses varies depending on the current positions of the main and secondary drive units. Of course, if both the main drive unit (or secondary drive unit) returns to their initial positions (main initial position or secondary initial position) and then rotates from the initial positions to the corresponding target positions, then the aforementioned pulse counts can be understood as fixed values.

[0493] Similarly, refer to Figure 62 As shown, the secondary drive unit can rotate to five secondary angles, corresponding to numbers 1 to 5 on the left side of the diagram. This cover plate and... Figures 45 to 60 The soft water valve shown.

[0494] It is understandable that step 110, the step of obtaining the target number of main pulses required for the main drive unit to drive the main valve core to rotate to the target main valve position, includes,

[0495] Step 111: Control the main drive unit to rotate to the main initial position, and then obtain the target main pulse number required for the main drive unit to drive the main valve core to rotate from the main initial position to the target main valve position;

[0496] If the current position of the main drive unit is the initial position, the main drive unit rotates from the initial position until the main valve core rotates to the target main valve position; if the current position of the main drive unit is not the initial position, the main drive unit rotates from the current position to the initial position, and then from the initial position to the target position, so that the main valve core is located at the target main valve position.

[0497] And / or,

[0498] It is also understandable that step 120, the step of obtaining the target number of auxiliary pulses required for the auxiliary drive unit to drive the auxiliary valve core to rotate to the target auxiliary valve position, includes,

[0499] Step 121: Control the secondary drive unit to rotate to the secondary initial position, and then obtain the target number of secondary pulses required for the secondary drive unit to drive the secondary valve core to rotate from the secondary initial position to the target secondary valve position.

[0500] Similarly, if the current position of the secondary drive unit is the initial position, it will directly rotate to the target secondary valve position of the secondary valve core. If the current position of the secondary drive unit is not the initial position, the secondary drive unit will be controlled to rotate to the initial position and then to the target position so that the secondary valve core is located at the target secondary valve position.

[0501] It is also understandable that step 111, the step of controlling the main drive unit to rotate to the main initial position, includes,

[0502] If the main trigger signal of the main triggering element is obtained, it is determined that the main drive unit has rotated to the main initial position. When the main drive unit rotates to the main initial position, the main triggering element sends out the main trigger signal.

[0503] And / or,

[0504] Step 121, the step of controlling the secondary drive unit to rotate to the secondary initial position, includes,

[0505] If the secondary triggering signal of the secondary triggering element is obtained, it is determined that the secondary driving unit has rotated to the secondary initial position. When the secondary driving unit rotates to the secondary initial position, the secondary triggering element emits the secondary triggering signal.

[0506] The main and auxiliary triggers can be found in the description of the soft water valve above. The main and auxiliary trigger signals can be high or low level, and can be corresponding digital signals, etc.

[0507] By acquiring the main trigger signal and the secondary trigger signal, and then adjusting the position, the main initial position and the secondary initial position can be accurately determined.

[0508] Understandably, the control methods for soft water valves also include:

[0509] If the main drive unit is found to be in the main initial position and the auxiliary drive unit is found to be in the auxiliary initial position, then the soft water valve is determined to be in water production mode.

[0510] The water production mode coincides with the two initial positions, which can reduce the number of position switching between the main drive unit and the auxiliary drive unit and simplify the structure of the soft water valve.

[0511] Understandably, the control methods for soft water valves also include:

[0512] Step 140: Initial startup signal received;

[0513] Step 150: Obtain the actual number of main pulses for one revolution of the main drive unit and the designed number of main pulses for one revolution of the main drive unit. Based on the deviation between the actual number of main pulses and the designed number of main pulses, correct the current number of main pulses of the main drive unit.

[0514] The actual number of main pulses of the main drive unit is detected, and the current number of main pulses is corrected based on the deviation between the actual number of main pulses and the main design number of main pulses. By compensating for the current number of main pulses, the current number of main pulses during the movement of the main drive unit is made to match the current actual number of main pulses.

[0515] For example, if the main design pulse count is 1000 and the actual main pulse count is 900, the number of pulses required to reach the corresponding angle can be calculated based on the actual pulse count of one revolution of the main drive unit; or, based on the ratio of the main design pulse count to the actual main pulse count, the deviation ratio can be calculated, and the product of the measured current actual main pulse count and the deviation ratio can be recorded as the current main pulse count, thus achieving compensation for the current main pulse count and ensuring the accuracy of the main valve plate position control.

[0516] And / or,

[0517] The control methods for soft water valves also include:

[0518] Step 140: Initial startup signal received;

[0519] Step 160: Obtain the actual number of pulses and the designed number of pulses for one revolution of the auxiliary drive unit. Based on the deviation between the actual number of pulses and the designed number of pulses, correct the current number of pulses for the auxiliary drive unit.

[0520] Similarly, the current number of secondary pulses can be corrected by referring to the correction method for the current number of primary pulses to ensure the accuracy of the position control of the secondary valve plate.

[0521] In the control method of the soft water valve, the micro switch is fixed in the initial position. When initially powered on, the control output shaft (output shaft of the main valve assembly or the auxiliary valve assembly) moves counterclockwise in sequence until the output shaft touches the micro switch and presses it to turn on. At this time, a trigger signal is issued. After the control system collects the trigger signal, the control output shaft stops moving, then the collected pulse count is cleared to zero, and the current position is set as the initial position. The above steps are repeated to complete the motor movement of the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber in sequence, thereby completing the confirmation of the initial pulse calculation position.

[0522] After completing the initial position movement, the water circuit of the soft water valve is in water production mode, and the initial position is defined as position 1 of the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber respectively.

[0523] The main function of the water injection point in the regeneration process is to introduce a fixed amount of water (soft water or raw water) into the brine tank.

[0524] refer to Figure 62 As shown, based on the initial position, the output shaft of the secondary valve assembly moves clockwise towards position 2. The angle A between position 4 and position 1 is assumed to be M1, and the number of pulses obtained by rotating the output shaft 360° is M1. At this time, while controlling the output shaft to rotate, the number of pulses output by the motor is collected N1. If it is more than the current position by N1 = M1 * (A / 360), then the output shaft of the secondary valve assembly stops rotating, completing the positioning of the water injection position, and water can enter the brine tank.

[0525] The salt melting mode during the regeneration process is the same as the water production mode. With the water injection mode already positioned, the output shaft of the control auxiliary valve assembly rotates counterclockwise towards position 1. Based on the angle A between position 1 and position 4, assuming the number of pulses obtained by rotating the output shaft 360° in one revolution is M1, the number of pulses N1 of the motor output is collected while the output shaft is rotating. If it is less than the current position by N1 = M1 * (A / 360), the output shaft of the control auxiliary valve assembly stops rotating to perform salt melting.

[0526] With the molten salt mode already in place, when switching to the brine suction mode, first control the output shaft of the main valve assembly to rotate clockwise towards position 3, with the angle B between position 1 and position 3. Control the output shaft to rotate to a position where the number of pulses N1 = M1 * (B / 360) more than the current position and stop, thus establishing a passage from the resin tank to the drain outlet. Then control the output shaft of the secondary valve assembly to rotate clockwise towards position 3, with the angle C between position 1 and position 2. Control the output shaft to rotate to a position where the number of pulses N1 = M1 * (C / 360) more than the current position and stop, thus establishing a water passage from the brine tank to the main chamber, enabling the suction of saturated brine from the brine tank and its injection into the resin tank.

[0527] With the brine suction position already positioned, when switching to backwash mode, the output shaft of the secondary valve assembly rotates counterclockwise towards position 1. The angle D between position 1 and position 5 is such that the output shaft rotates to a position that is N1 = M1 * (D / 360) fewer pulses than the current position and then stops. The main valve assembly is in position 3, consistent with the brine suction mode, closing the channel for suctioning brine from the brine tank while keeping the drain port open, thus achieving the backwash function.

[0528] With the backwash position already located, when switching to forward wash mode, first control the output shaft of the main valve assembly to move counterclockwise towards position 1. It is known that position 3 is B away from position 1. Control the output shaft to rotate to a position with N1 = M1 * (B / 360) fewer pulses than the current position and stop. Then, control the output shaft of the auxiliary valve assembly to rotate clockwise towards position 5. The angle E between position 1 and position 5 is used to control the output shaft to rotate to a position with N1 = M1 * (E / 360) more pulses than the current position and stop. This achieves the forward wash function.

[0529] Finally, after reaching the maximum flushing time in the forward wash mode, the initial position positioning method is executed again to return the valve head to the initial normal soft water supply state, thereby completing the entire regeneration process control.

[0530] It is also understandable that the control methods for soft water valves include:

[0531] Step 170: Determine that the soft water output of the soft water valve is lower than the first preset value;

[0532] If the output of soft water is lower than the first preset value, it can be determined that the softening material in the softening device needs to be regenerated, and the soft water valve needs to perform a regeneration action. The regeneration action includes water injection mode, salt dissolution mode, salt absorption mode and backwash mode (and may also perform forward wash mode).

[0533] Step 180: Obtain the power of the backup power supply of the water softener valve. The water softener valve is equipped with a main power supply and a backup power supply.

[0534] Step 190: Based on the power level of the backup power supply, control the start and stop of the regeneration operation of the soft water valve.

[0535] If it is determined that the backup power supply has sufficient power to meet the requirements of the regeneration operation, the regeneration operation can be started. If it is determined that the backup power supply does not have sufficient power to meet the requirements of the regeneration operation, the regeneration operation of the soft water valve will not be started temporarily to avoid the machine being forced to shut down after the regeneration operation has been running for a period of time.

[0536] It is also understandable that the control methods for soft water valves include:

[0537] Step 210: Receive the target outlet water hardness, the soft water inlet water hardness, and the raw water inlet water hardness.

[0538] The target water hardness can be set by the user or set to a water hardness suitable for the current environment. The target water hardness can be adjusted as needed or set to a fixed value.

[0539] The hardness of the soft water at the soft water inlet is consistent with the hardness of the water output from the softening device. The hardness of the soft water at the soft water inlet can be determined based on the performance of the softening device and is also related to the hardness of the raw water.

[0540] The raw water hardness at the inlet can be measured in advance by the local tap water hardness and recorded in the water softener's memory, or, but not limited to, a hardness sensor can be installed at the raw water inlet to detect the raw water hardness in a timely manner as needed.

[0541] Step 220: Based on the hardness of the soft water and the hardness of the raw water, determine the water output ratio between the soft water inlet and the bypass valve, adjust the opening of the bypass valve, and control the soft water outlet to output water with the target hardness.

[0542] With a fixed water flow rate, the hardness of the soft water outlet can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of soft water to raw water to ensure that the hardness meets the target. The soft water valve has a simple structure.

[0543] The flow rate of the soft water inlet can be detected by a flow meter upstream of the bypass valve. The upstream of the bypass valve can be understood as the soft water flowing through the flow meter and then through the bypass outlet of the bypass valve. (Reference) Figure 40 As shown, a flow meter 150 is installed in the soft water channel, and the flow meter 150 is located between the bypass outlet of the bypass valve and the soft water outlet.

[0544] It should be noted that the soft water valve includes a valve body, a main valve assembly, and a secondary valve assembly. The valve body is provided with a main chamber and a secondary chamber. In this case, the hardness of the soft water outlet can be adjusted by the bypass valve. At this time, the location of the bypass valve is not limited to being set between the raw water channel and the soft water channel.

[0545] It is understandable that step 220, which involves determining the ratio of the soft water inlet to the bypass valve based on the hardness of the soft water and the raw water, adjusting the opening of the bypass valve, and controlling the soft water outlet to output water at the target hardness, also includes...

[0546] Step 221: Obtain the current mode of the soft water valve;

[0547] The current mode is one of the following: water production mode, water injection mode, brine absorption mode, backwash mode, and forward wash mode.

[0548] In step 222, if the current mode is determined to be water production mode, water injection mode or forward washing mode, and the current output water hardness is determined to exceed the target output water hardness, then the opening degree of the bypass valve is adjusted in combination with the soft water hardness and the raw water hardness.

[0549] In both water production and water injection modes, the softening device delivers soft water to the soft water valve through the soft water inlet. The soft water can then flow into the soft water channel. When the bypass valve is opened, raw water can be introduced into the soft water channel. Adjusting the opening of the bypass valve allows for the adjustment of the ratio of soft water to raw water.

[0550] The current water hardness can be calculated by measuring the current soft water flow rate and the raw water flow rate corresponding to the current opening degree of the bypass valve.

[0551] In some cases, during the forward wash mode, the water output from the softening device to the soft water valve can also be considered as soft water. Soft water can be introduced into the soft water channel, and the ratio of soft water to raw water output can be adjusted by regulating the opening or closing of the bypass valve.

[0552] It is understandable that step 220, which combines the hardness of the soft water and the hardness of the raw water to determine the water output ratio between the soft water inlet and the bypass valve, adjusts the opening of the bypass valve, and controls the soft water outlet to output water at the target hardness, also includes...

[0553] Step 221: Obtain the current mode of the soft water valve;

[0554] Step 223: Determine whether the current mode is brine suction mode or backwash mode, and stop comparing the current effluent hardness with the target effluent hardness.

[0555] In the brine suction mode and backwash mode, the softening device does not supply soft water to the soft water valve, so the hardness of the outlet water cannot be adjusted. When the secondary chamber is always connected to the soft water outlet, and the secondary chamber can be supplied with water through the raw water inlet or the softening device, it is not necessary to adjust the hardness of the outlet water through the bypass valve. In this case, it is not necessary to compare the relationship between the current outlet water hardness and the target outlet water hardness, thus simplifying the control method of the bypass valve.

[0556] Understandably, after step 223, the step of determining whether the soft water valve is in brine suction mode or backwash mode includes:

[0557] Step 224: Obtain the current and set flow rates of the soft water outlet;

[0558] Step 225: Determine that the current outflow rate is less than the set outflow rate, and adjust the opening of the bypass valve to make the current outflow rate meet the set outflow rate.

[0559] In brine or backwash mode, the hardness of the outlet water cannot be adjusted by the bypass valve, but the flow rate can be adjusted by the bypass valve to increase the flow rate of the soft water outlet.

[0560] Understandably, the control methods for soft water valves also include,

[0561] Step 230: Obtain the current opening degree of the bypass valve and the target opening degree that matches the target effluent hardness.

[0562] The target opening degree that matches the target effluent hardness can be understood as the opening degree of the bypass valve obtained through calculation; the current opening degree can be understood as the opening degree that was calculated and adjusted last time.

[0563] Step 240: Determine the number of bypass pulses required for the bypass valve to rotate from the current opening to the target opening, and control the bypass drive unit to rotate the bypass pulse number.

[0564] The opening degree of the bypass valve is adjusted by the number of bypass pulses rotated by the bypass drive unit of the bypass valve, resulting in high control precision.

[0565] Understandably, the control methods for soft water valves also include:

[0566] Step 250: Obtain the current hardness of the soft water outlet;

[0567] The current output water hardness can be understood as the target output water hardness set last time.

[0568] Step 260: Determine the difference between the current effluent hardness and the target effluent hardness. If the difference is positive, decrease the opening of the bypass valve. If the difference is negative, increase the opening of the bypass valve.

[0569] If the difference is positive, it means the current outlet water hardness is greater than the target outlet water hardness. In this case, the proportion of raw water in the outlet water can be reduced, and the opening of the bypass valve can be decreased. If the difference is negative, it means the current outlet water hardness is less than the target outlet water hardness. In this case, the proportion of raw water in the outlet water can be increased, and the opening of the bypass valve can be increased.

[0570] Among them, the opening degree of the bypass valve can be reduced or increased. The relationship between the difference and the opening degree can be a fixed proportional relationship, or the difference can be set in a stepped segment, with the opening degree and the difference corresponding one-to-one.

[0571] In another embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a soft water valve is provided, which is applied to the aforementioned soft water valve.

[0572] For example, before introducing the control method of the soft water valve, the relationship between the valve core and the mode of the soft water valve will be introduced first. It should be noted that the position of the main valve core, the angle of the main drive unit, the position of the auxiliary valve core, and the angle of the auxiliary drive unit corresponding to different modes of the soft water valve include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

[0573] When the soft water valve is in water production mode, the main valve core is in the first main valve position, the main drive unit is in the first main angle, the auxiliary valve core is in the first auxiliary valve position, and the auxiliary drive unit is in the first auxiliary angle.

[0574] When the soft water valve is in water injection mode, the main valve core is in the first main valve position, the main drive unit is in the first main angle, the auxiliary valve core is in the second auxiliary valve position, and the auxiliary drive unit is in the second auxiliary angle.

[0575] When the soft water valve is in molten salt mode, the main valve core is in the first main valve position, the main drive unit is in the first main angle, the auxiliary valve core is in the first auxiliary valve position, and the auxiliary drive unit is in the first auxiliary angle.

[0576] When the soft water valve is in brine suction mode, the main valve core is in the third main valve position, the main drive unit is in the third main angle, the auxiliary valve core is in the third auxiliary valve position, and the auxiliary drive unit is in the third auxiliary angle.

[0577] When the soft water valve is in backwash mode, the main valve core is in the third main valve position, the main drive unit is in the third main angle, the auxiliary valve core is in the first auxiliary valve position, and the auxiliary drive unit is in the first auxiliary angle.

[0578] When the soft water valve is in the forward wash mode, the main valve core is in the first main valve position, the main drive unit is in the first main angle, the auxiliary valve core is in the fourth auxiliary valve position, and the auxiliary drive unit is in the fourth auxiliary angle.

[0579] The salt dissolving mode refers to the process where, after the soft water valve completes the filling of the salt tank in the water filling mode, it needs to wait for the salt in the salt tank to dissolve. During this period, in order to make full use of the soft water valve, the soft water valve can be switched to the water production mode. In other words, the salt dissolving mode can be understood as the water production mode.

[0580] Wherein, the difference between the second principal angle and the first principal angle is less than or equal to 180° and greater than or equal to 60°, and / or, the difference between the third principal angle and the second principal angle is less than or equal to 120° and greater than or equal to 30°.

[0581] Wherein, the difference between the fourth sub-angle and the third sub-angle is less than or equal to 180° and greater than or equal to 100°, the difference between the third sub-angle and the second sub-angle is less than or equal to 90° and greater than or equal to 40°, and the difference between the ...

Claims

1. A soft water valve, characterized in that, include: The valve body includes a raw water inlet, a soft water outlet, a main chamber, a secondary chamber, a raw water outlet, and a soft water inlet; the raw water outlet and the soft water inlet can be connected through a softening device, a raw water channel is formed between the raw water inlet and the main chamber, and a soft water channel is formed between the soft water outlet and the secondary chamber; The main valve assembly includes a main valve core and a main drive unit for driving the main valve core to move. One of the raw water inlet and the raw water outlet is normally connected to the main cavity, and the other of the raw water inlet and the raw water outlet is regulated to be connected to the main cavity through the main valve core. A secondary valve assembly includes a secondary valve core and a secondary drive unit for driving the movement of the secondary valve core. One of the soft water inlet and the soft water outlet is normally connected to the secondary cavity, and the other of the soft water inlet and the soft water outlet is regulated to be connected to the secondary cavity by the secondary valve core. A bypass valve is connected to the valve housing and located between the raw water channel and the soft water channel. The bypass valve includes a bypass valve core and a bypass drive unit. The bypass valve core includes a bypass stationary valve plate and a bypass moving valve plate. The bypass stationary valve plate is fixed to the valve housing. The bypass drive unit is used to drive the bypass moving valve plate to move relative to the bypass stationary valve plate to adjust the opening degree of the bypass valve. The bypass stationary valve plate has a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet. The bypass inlet is connected to the raw water channel, and the bypass outlet is connected to the soft water channel. The bypass moving valve plate includes a first adjusting part for opening and closing the bypass inlet and a second adjusting part for opening and closing the bypass outlet. The first adjusting part and the second adjusting part are connected to move synchronously. The main drive unit is used to drive the main valve core to switch between multiple main valve positions, and the auxiliary drive unit is used to drive the auxiliary valve core to switch between multiple auxiliary valve positions, so that the soft water valve can switch between water production mode, water injection mode, brine suction mode and cleaning mode. In at least one of the water production mode, the water injection mode, the brine suction mode and the cleaning mode, the bypass valve can open and close the raw water channel and the soft water channel.

2. The soft water valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw water outlet is normally connected to the main chamber, the raw water inlet is connected to the main chamber by means of the main valve core, the soft water outlet is normally connected to the secondary chamber, and the soft water inlet is connected to the secondary chamber by means of the secondary valve core.

3. The soft water valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw water inlet is normally connected to the main chamber, and the raw water outlet is connected to the main chamber through the main valve core. The soft water inlet is normally connected to the soft water outlet, and the soft water outlet is connected to the secondary chamber through the secondary valve core.

4. The soft water valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with a brine tank connection port and a drain port. One of the main valve core and the auxiliary valve core can switch the raw water inlet and the brine tank connection port on and off. The auxiliary valve core can switch the brine tank connection port and the soft water inlet on and off. The main valve core can switch the raw water outlet and the drain port on and off. The auxiliary valve core can switch the soft water inlet and the drain port on and off.

5. A method for controlling a soft water valve, characterized in that, The soft water valve described in any one of claims 1 to 4 comprises: The system receives the target outlet water hardness, the soft water inlet water hardness, and the raw water inlet water hardness. By combining the hardness of the soft water and the hardness of the raw water, the ratio of the soft water inlet to the water output of the bypass valve is determined, the opening degree of the bypass valve is adjusted, and the soft water outlet is controlled to output water with the target water hardness.

6. The control method for the soft water valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of determining the ratio of the soft water inlet to the bypass valve based on the soft water hardness and the raw water hardness, adjusting the opening of the bypass valve, and controlling the soft water outlet to output water with the target hardness further includes, Obtain the current mode of the soft water valve; If the current mode is determined to be the water production mode, the water injection mode, or the forward washing mode, and the current outlet water hardness is determined to exceed the target outlet water hardness, then the opening degree of the bypass valve is adjusted in combination with the soft water hardness and the raw water hardness.

7. The control method for the soft water valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of determining the ratio of the soft water inlet to the bypass valve based on the soft water hardness and the raw water hardness, adjusting the opening of the bypass valve, and controlling the soft water outlet to output water with the target hardness further includes, Obtain the current mode of the soft water valve; Once the current mode is determined to be either the brine absorption mode or the backwash mode, the adjustment of the target effluent hardness is stopped.

8. The control method for the soft water valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, After determining whether the soft water valve is in the brine suction mode or the backwash mode, the following steps are included: Obtain the current and set flow rates of the soft water outlet; If the current outflow rate is determined to be less than the set outflow rate, the opening of the bypass valve is adjusted so that the current outflow rate meets the set outflow rate.

9. The control method for the soft water valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes, Obtain the current opening degree of the bypass valve and the target opening degree that matches the target effluent hardness. Determine the number of bypass pulses required for the bypass valve to rotate from the current opening to the target opening, and control the bypass valve to rotate by the number of bypass pulses.

10. The control method for the soft water valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the current hardness of the soft water outlet; The difference between the current effluent hardness and the target effluent hardness is determined. If the difference is positive, the opening of the bypass valve is reduced. If the difference is negative, the opening of the bypass valve is increased.

11. A water softener, characterized in that, It includes a softening device and a soft water valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the softening device connects the raw water outlet and the soft water inlet.

12. A water softener, characterized in that, Includes a controller for performing the control method of the soft water valve according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

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