An integrated salt box and water softener

Abstract

The present invention discloses an integrated salt tank and water softener, wherein the integrated salt tank includes a housing, the housing being provided with a first extension portion that enables the salt tank to be disassembled and assembled as a whole to replace the salt tank and replenish new regenerated salt. The first extension portion is provided with a first water inlet and outlet channel that can communicate with the salt chamber, and a first seal is provided within the first water inlet and outlet channel that can seal the first water inlet and outlet channel. When the first extension portion is used to connect to a salt valve assembly, the first seal is opened, and the first water inlet and outlet channel is connected to the salt chamber; when the first extension portion is in a natural state, the first seal seals the first water inlet and outlet channel. A vent is provided at the top of the housing, and an overflow prevention structure is provided within the housing that can prevent liquid in the salt chamber from overflowing through the vent. The present invention employs a monolithic, anti-counterfeiting integrated salt tank and a salt valve assembly used in conjunction with it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water softeners, and in particular to an integrated salt box and a water softener. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, they are paying more and more attention to water quality and hygiene. Washing your face, brushing your teeth, skin care and other scenes have higher and higher requirements for water quality. Washing your face with soft water is widely recognized for its beauty and skin care benefits, and soft water products are increasingly being used by users. However, existing soft water products have the following disadvantages:

[0003] 1. The regeneration salt of the water softener is not replaced as a whole. The user needs to pour the disassembled regeneration salt into the salt tank. The operation is complicated and the regeneration salt is easy to spill and splash, which can easily cause the metal parts near the salt tank to rust faster.

[0004] 2. The quality of regeneration salt on the market may vary. Poor quality salt may affect the service life of the water softener. If the user buys non-standard regeneration salt, the water softener may not be able to recognize it.

[0005] 3. Conventional salt tanks do not have an anti-overflow function. If the salt valve fails when the salt tank is replenished with water, the salt tank will be overfilled and overflow. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an integrated salt box and water softener to solve the problems in the prior art such as uncontrollable quality of regenerated salt added to the water softener and overflow of the salt box.

[0007] The present invention provides an integrated salt box, comprising a shell, wherein a salt chamber capable of accommodating regenerated salt is provided in the shell, and a first extension portion is provided on the shell, which enables the salt box to be disassembled and assembled as a whole to replace the salt box and replenish new regenerated salt, the first extension portion is provided with a first inlet and outlet water channel capable of communicating with the salt chamber, and a first sealing member capable of sealing the first inlet and outlet water channel is provided in the first inlet and outlet water channel, when the first extension portion is used to connect with the salt valve assembly, the first sealing member is opened, and the first inlet and outlet water channel is connected to the salt chamber; when the first extension portion is in a natural state, the first sealing member seals the first inlet and outlet water channel;

[0008] A vent is provided on the top of the shell, and an anti-overflow structure is provided inside the shell to prevent the liquid in the salt chamber from overflowing from the vent.

[0009] As described above, the integrated salt box, the anti-overflow structure includes a cavity arranged around the vent, the vent is located at the top of the cavity, the cavity is connected to the salt chamber, and a floating block capable of floating up to block the vent is provided in the cavity.

[0010] In the integrated salt box as described above, a sealing gasket is provided on the contact surface between the floating block and the top of the cavity.

[0011] In the integrated salt box as described above, the cavity is surrounded by a plurality of partitions for constraining the floating blocks.

[0012] As described above for the integrated salt box, the first sealing member includes a sealing portion and a limiting portion connected to the sealing portion, the limiting portion is fixed on the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel, and the sealing portion is elastically deformable.

[0013] As described above, the integrated salt box, the shell is further provided with an anti-counterfeiting identification component.

[0014] As described above, in the integrated salt box, a mesh screen capable of preventing regenerated salt blocks from entering the first water inlet and outlet channels is provided in the salt chamber.

[0015] As described above for the integrated salt box, the end of the first extension portion is provided with an abutment portion capable of pressing against the salt valve assembly, and the abutment portion is provided with a notch for connecting the first inlet and outlet water channels with the salt valve assembly.

[0016] A water softener includes an integrated salt box and a salt valve assembly, wherein the integrated salt box is provided with a first extension portion, and the salt valve assembly includes an outer shell, wherein an inner cavity is provided in the outer shell, and a second extension portion is provided on the outer shell that can be connected to the first extension portion, wherein the second extension portion is provided with a second inlet and outlet water channel that can communicate with the inner cavity, and wherein a second sealing member that can seal the second inlet and outlet water channel is provided in the second inlet and outlet water channel; when the second extension portion is connected to the first extension portion, the second sealing member is opened, and the second inlet and outlet water channel is communicated with the inner cavity; when the second sealing member is in a natural state, the second sealing member seals the second inlet and outlet water channel.

[0017] In the water softener as described above, the second sealing member is elastically deformable.

[0018] In the water softener as described above, the first extension portion and the second extension portion are detachably connected.

[0019] In the water softener as described above, the integrated salt box is provided with a salt chamber, the first extension part is provided with a first water inlet and outlet channel that can be connected to the salt chamber, the end of the first extension part is provided with a notch, the second water inlet and outlet channel is provided with a conducting structure that can be inserted into the first water inlet and outlet channel, and the first water inlet and outlet channel is provided with a first sealing member that can seal the first water inlet and outlet channel. When the first extension part is connected to the second extension part, a gap is formed between the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel and the outer wall of the conducting structure. The conducting structure presses the first sealing member, and the first extension part presses the second sealing member. The inner chamber, the second water inlet and outlet channel, the first water inlet and outlet channel and the salt chamber are connected, and the solution in the inner chamber enters the first water inlet and outlet channel through the notch and flows into the salt chamber from the gap. When the first extension part is separated from the second extension part, the first sealing member returns to a sealed state under the action of its own elastic force, and the second sealing member returns to a sealed state under the action of its own elastic force.

[0020] As described above, the water softener, the salt valve assembly also includes inlet and outlet water pipes, the shell is provided with a salt valve for controlling the maximum height of the liquid level in the salt tank, the salt valve includes a connecting seat connected to the ends of the inlet and outlet water pipes and a valve core arranged on the connecting seat, the valve core is connected to a connecting rod and is connected to a float through the connecting rod, the connecting seat is provided with a channel that can connect the inlet and outlet water pipes with the inner cavity, and the valve core is arranged in the channel.

[0021] As described above, the inner diameter of the second extension part is larger than the outer diameter of the first extension part, and a sealing ring is provided on the outer side wall of the first extension part. When the first extension part and the second extension part are connected, the sealing ring squeezes the inner wall of the second water inlet and outlet channel.

[0022] The implementation of the present invention will have the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The present invention provides an integrated salt tank and water softener. The salt tank adopts an integrated structure. When the regenerated salt in the salt tank is insufficient, the salt tank is replaced as a whole. The salt tank is provided with an anti-counterfeiting identification component, which enables the water softener to identify whether the salt tank is genuine. This prevents users from directly adding salt to the salt tank, which may corrode the metal parts inside the water softener. It also prevents the quality of the added regenerated salt from being uncontrollable due to direct addition of salt to the salt tank. The addition of inferior regenerated salt may affect the water quality safety of the water softener and shorten the service life of the water softener. A connecting structure is provided between the salt tank and the salt valve assembly, which not only facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the salt tank, but also prevents solution leakage during the disassembly and assembly process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] in:

[0026] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an integrated salt box according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a salt valve assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram showing the connection between an integrated salt box and a salt valve assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses an integrated salt box, including a shell 1, in which a salt chamber 11 capable of accommodating regenerated salt is provided. The shell 1 is provided with a first extension portion 121 capable of disassembling the salt box as a whole to replace the salt box and then replenish new regenerated salt. The first extension portion 121 is provided with a first inlet and outlet water channel 122 capable of communicating with the salt chamber 11, and the first inlet and outlet water channel 122 is provided with a first sealing member 123 capable of sealing the first inlet and outlet water channel 122. When the first extension portion 121 is used to be connected to the salt valve assembly, the first sealing member 123 is opened, and the first inlet and outlet water channel 122 is connected to the salt chamber 11; when the first extension portion 121 is in a natural state, the first sealing member 123 seals the first inlet and outlet water channel 122. When the amount of regenerated salt in the salt tank is lower than a certain value, the first extension part 121 is removed from the water softener, so that the entire salt tank is removed from the water softener. The first extension part 121 adopts a plug-in method to achieve convenient salt replacement. The salt tank adopts an integrated structure to avoid users directly adding salt into the salt tank, which may cause corrosion of the metal parts inside the water softener. It can also avoid directly adding salt into the salt tank, which may cause the quality of the added regenerated salt to be uncontrollable. Adding inferior regenerated salt will affect the water quality safety of the water softener and will affect the service life of the water softener.

[0036] Specifically, a vent 13 is provided on the top of the shell 1, which can balance the air pressure in the salt chamber 11. An anti-overflow structure 14 is provided inside the shell 1, which can prevent the liquid in the salt chamber 11 from overflowing from the vent 13. When the liquid level in the salt chamber 11 rises, the anti-overflow structure 14 can prevent the liquid from overflowing from the vent 13.

[0037] Specifically, the overflow prevention structure 14 includes a partition 141 arranged around the vent 13, the partition 141 encloses a cavity 142, the vent 13 is located at the top of the cavity 142, the cavity 142 is provided with a through hole 143 that can communicate with the salt chamber 11, and a floating block 144 that can float up and block the vent 13 is provided in the cavity 142. A sealing gasket is provided on the contact surface between the floating block 144 and the top of the cavity 142, and the partition 141 can restrain the floating block 144. The bottom wall of partition 141 is equipped with a vertical pad that can raise float 144 as it sinks, forming a ventilation gap. This pad is preferably hollow. The volume of float 144 is smaller than that of cavity 142. When the liquid level rises to the bottom of cavity 142, float 144 rises with the liquid level until it presses against vent 13, closing vent 13 and preventing solution from flowing out of vent 13, thus achieving the desired overflow prevention effect. A sealing gasket is provided on float 144. When float 144 presses against vent 13, the sealing gasket ensures closer contact between the two, further enhancing the overflow prevention effect.

[0038] Specifically, a mesh screen 111 is provided in the salt chamber 11 to prevent the regenerated salt blocks from entering the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 , thereby preventing the regenerated salt blocks in the salt box from flowing out of the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 .

[0039] Specifically, the first sealing member 123 includes a sealing portion and a stopper connected to the sealing portion and positioned on the housing 1. The stopper is fixed to the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 and is elastically deformable. External pressure compresses the sealing portion, causing it to converge toward the center. The end of the sealing portion disengages from the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel 122, allowing communication between the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 and the salt chamber. The sealing portion is elastic. When the external force disappears, the sealing portion returns to a sealed state under its own elastic force, with the end of the sealing portion abutting against the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel 122, forming a sealed state. A fixed block is provided in the middle of the first water inlet and outlet channel 122. The fixed block is hollow in the middle. The stopper extends through the fixed block, and the end of the stopper is provided with a clamping portion that abuts the end face of the fixed block. The clamping portion abuts the end face of the fixed block to secure the position of the stopper. When the first extension 121 is inserted into the water softener, at least one component of the water softener presses against the sealing portion, causing it to elastically deform.

[0040] Specifically, the housing 1 is further provided with an anti-counterfeiting identification component, such as an RFID. After the user installs the salt tank, the water softener's control system identifies the salt tank's anti-counterfeiting identification component and determines whether the salt tank is genuine. If the salt tank is identified as genuine, the water softener enters operation. If the salt tank is identified as counterfeit, the water softener cannot enter operation and issues an alarm, thereby ensuring the quality of the regenerated salt in the salt tank. The anti-counterfeiting means of the anti-counterfeiting identification component can also be digital anti-counterfeiting, barcode anti-counterfeiting, QR code anti-counterfeiting, laser holographic anti-counterfeiting, or other common anti-counterfeiting technologies. These are all common anti-counterfeiting technologies and will not be described in detail in this solution.

[0041] Specifically, the components in the salt box are all made of non-metallic materials to avoid corrosion problems in high-concentration salt solutions.

[0042] In one embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a water softener includes an integrated salt tank and a salt valve assembly 2. The integrated salt tank is provided with a first extension portion 121. The salt valve assembly 2 includes a housing 21 having an inner cavity 211 therein. The housing 21 is provided with a second extension portion 221 capable of connecting to the first extension portion 121. The second extension portion 221 is provided with a second water inlet and outlet channel 222 capable of communicating with the inner cavity 211. The second water inlet and outlet channel 222 is provided with a second sealing member 223 capable of sealing the second water inlet and outlet channel 222. When the second extension portion 221 is connected to the first extension portion 121, the second sealing member 223 is opened, allowing the second water inlet and outlet channel 222 to communicate with the inner cavity 211. When the second sealing member 223 is in a natural state, the second sealing member 223 seals the second water inlet and outlet channel 222. The second extension portion 221 is provided with a second extension portion 221. The first extension portion 121 and the second extension portion 221 are detachably connected, preferably pluggable. The salt valve assembly 2 is fixed in the water softener. By plugging the first extension part 121 and the second extension part 221 together, the salt box can be quickly installed on the water softener, saving the user time in replacing the salt box, improving replacement efficiency, and thus enhancing the market competitiveness of the water softener.

[0043] The salt valve assembly 2 is a component used in conjunction with the salt box. The connection structure between the integrated salt box and the salt valve assembly 2 can ensure that there is no water leakage when the integrated salt box is disassembled and assembled.

[0044] Specifically, the second sealing member 223 is elastically deformable. Preferably, the structure of the second sealing member 223 is the same as that of the first sealing member 123 .

[0045] Specifically, the end of the first extension portion 121 is provided with an abutment portion capable of pressing against the salt valve assembly 2. The abutment portion is provided with a notch 1211 that connects the first water inlet and outlet passages 122 to the salt valve assembly 2. The first extension portion 121 can press against the salt valve assembly 2 without blocking the first water inlet and outlet passages 122 due to the pressure on the salt valve assembly 2.

[0046] Specifically, the integrated salt box is provided with a salt chamber 11, a first water inlet and outlet channel 122 capable of communicating with the salt chamber 11 is provided on the first extension portion 121, a notch 1211 is provided at the end of the first extension portion 121, a conducting structure 2221 capable of being inserted into the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 is provided in the second water inlet and outlet channel 222, a first sealing member 123 capable of sealing the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 is provided in the first water inlet and outlet channel 122, and when the first extension portion 121 is connected to the second extension portion 221, the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 is in contact with the outer wall of the conducting structure 2221. The gap formed between the walls of the inner chamber 211 is formed by the conductive structure 2221 pressing against the first sealing member 123, while the first extension 121 presses against the second sealing member. This creates a connection between the inner chamber 211, the second water inlet and outlet channel 222, the first water inlet and outlet channel 122, and the salt chamber 11. The solution in the inner chamber 211 enters the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 through the gap 1211 and flows into the salt chamber 11 from the gap. When the first extension 121 and the second extension 221 separate, the first sealing member 123 returns to a sealed state under its own elastic force, and the second sealing member 223 also returns to a sealed state under its own elastic force. The conductive structure 2221 is longer than the second extension 221, and the right end of the conductive structure 2221 is exposed outside the second extension 221. The notch 1211 is provided at the end of the first extension 121, allowing the first extension 121 to press against the second sealing member 223 without blocking the first water inlet and outlet channel 122 due to the pressure on the second sealing member 223.

[0047] Specifically, the salt valve assembly 2 also includes inlet and outlet pipes 23. A salt valve 24 is housed within the housing 21, controlling the maximum liquid level in the salt tank. The salt valve 24 includes a connection seat 241 connected to the ends of the inlet and outlet pipes 23 and a valve core 242 mounted on the connection seat 241. The valve core 242 is connected to a connecting rod 243, which in turn is connected to a float 244. The connection seat 241 defines a passage 25 connecting the inlet and outlet pipes 23 with the inner cavity 211, and the valve core 242 is mounted within the passage 25. The float 244 includes an upper float and a lower float. When the water softener draws saturated salt solution from the salt tank, the valve core 242 within the salt valve 24 is normally open. When the salt tank is replenished with water, if the water level in the salt tank has not reached the maximum liquid level, the float 244 has no buoyancy or the buoyancy of the float 244 is less than the gravity of the float 244, the connecting rod 243 and the valve core 242, and the valve core 242 is in the open state; when the water level in the salt tank reaches the maximum liquid level, the buoyancy of the float 244 is greater than the gravity of the float 244, the connecting rod 243 and the valve core 242, and the float 244 drives the valve core 242 to move upward through the connecting rod 243, and the valve core 242 blocks the water inlet and outlet of the salt valve 24, thereby closing the water inlet and outlet pipes 23 of the salt valve assembly 2, and the salt tank replenishment stops.

[0048] Specifically, the inner diameter of the second extension portion 221 is larger than the outer diameter of the first extension portion 121. A sealing ring is provided on the outer wall of the first extension portion 121. When the first and second extension portions 121 are connected, the sealing ring squeezes the inner wall of the second water inlet and outlet channel 222. The sealing ring is provided between the first and second extension portions 121, 221 to prevent liquid from flowing into the gap between the first and second extension portions 121, 221, which could cause leakage of the solution.

[0049] Specifically, the components of the salt valve assembly 2 are all made of non-metallic materials to avoid corrosion problems in high-concentration salt solutions.

[0050] In one embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the water softener also includes a softening control valve 3 and a softening resin tank 4. The inlet and outlet water pipes 23 of the salt valve assembly 2 are connected to the regeneration interface of the softening control valve 3 to form a regeneration pipe 34. The softening control valve 3 is sealed with the softening resin tank 4. The softening resin tank 4 is filled with softening resin as a softening filter element.

[0051] Specifically, the softening control valve 3 is respectively connected to a tap water pipe 31, a soft water outlet pipe 32, and a flushing water pipe 33. One end of the tap water pipe 31 is connected to the municipal water supply pipeline, and the other end is connected to the water inlet of the softening control valve 3. The soft water outlet pipe 32 flows out softened water treated with softening resin, and the flushing water pipe 33 flows out wastewater in the softening filter element.

[0052] When the water softener is regenerated, the softening control valve 3 absorbs the saturated salt solution in the integrated salt tank through the salt valve 24. The saturated salt solution enters the softening resin tank 4 through the inlet and outlet water pipes 23 to replace the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by the softening resin, thereby restoring the softening capacity of the softening resin. When the water softener salt tank is replenished with water, the softening control valve 3 injects a certain amount of tap water into the integrated salt tank through the salt valve 24. The tap water dissolves the regeneration salt to form a saturated salt solution stored in the salt tank for the next regeneration of the water softener.

[0053] Specifically, the function of the softening resin is to exchange the calcium and magnesium ions in tap water, thereby softening hard water. Softening filter elements include but are not limited to softening resins. After a period of use, the softening filter element becomes saturated with calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by the resin, and it is necessary to activate the softening filter element regeneration mode. The monovalent ions in the regenerated salt solution are used to replace the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by the resin into the water, allowing the softening filter element to restore its ability to adsorb calcium and magnesium ions, that is, its ability to soften water. Regeneration after the softening filter element reaches adsorption saturation and restores its softening capacity can greatly extend the service life of the softening filter element and avoid the need for users to frequently replace expensive resin filter elements.

[0054] Working logic:

[0055] Softened water outlet mode: The softening control valve 3 is adjusted to the soft water outlet mode, and the softened water generated after the tap water is treated by the softening resin flows out from the soft water outlet pipe 32.

[0056] Softening filter element regeneration mode:

[0057] The first step of regeneration: the softening control valve 3 is adjusted to the regeneration mode, tap water flows into the softening control valve 3, the softening control valve 3 sucks in the saturated salt solution in the salt tank, the tap water and the saturated salt solution are mixed in the softening control valve 3 to generate a regenerated salt solution, the regenerated salt solution flows into the softening filter element, and the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by the softening resin are replaced into the water with the high-concentration regenerated salt solution, and the waste water is discharged through the flushing pipe 33.

[0058] The second step is flushing: the softening control valve 3 is adjusted to the flushing mode, and tap water is directly fed into the softening resin tank 4 to flush out the remaining salt solution in the softening filter element and drain it away through the flushing water pipe 33.

[0059] Salt tank water replenishment mode: The softening control valve 3 is adjusted to the salt tank water replenishment mode. Tap water passes through the softening control valve 3 and enters the salt valve assembly 2, and then flows from the salt valve assembly 2 to the salt tank to fill the salt tank with water.

[0060] The normal operating mode of a water softener is to produce soft water normally before the softening filter reaches the end of its life. When the softening filter reaches the end of its life, the softening filter regeneration mode is activated to restore the softening filter's ability to absorb calcium and magnesium ions. After the filter is regenerated, the water tank enters the salt tank refill mode to fill the salt tank with water and replenish the saturated salt solution required for the next regeneration.

[0061] In one embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the water softener mainly includes an integrated salt tank, a salt valve assembly 2, an ejector 9, a check valve 10, and a softening resin tank 4. The softening resin tank 4 is filled with softening resin as a softening filter element.

[0062] The softening resin tank 4 is respectively connected to a water outlet pipe 43 for supplying softened water and a drainage pipe 44 for supplying flushing water. The softening resin tank 4 is also provided with a water inlet, which is connected to a water inlet pipe 41. The water inlet pipe 41 is branched and provided with a regeneration pipe 42. The regeneration pipe 42 is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes 23 of the salt valve assembly 2.

[0063] A first solenoid valve 5 is provided on the water inlet pipe 41 of the softening resin tank 4 ; a third solenoid valve 7 is provided on the water outlet pipe 43 ; and a fourth solenoid valve 8 is provided on the water discharge pipe 44 .

[0064] It also includes a second solenoid valve 6. One end of the first solenoid valve 5 and the second solenoid valve 6 is connected to the municipal water pipeline; the other end of the first solenoid valve 5 is connected to the water inlet of the softening filter element;

[0065] The other end of the second solenoid valve 6 is connected to the water inlet of the softening resin tank 4 through the ejector 9 and the check valve 10 in sequence. The water inlet of the ejector 9 is connected to the water outlet of the second solenoid valve 6, the water outlet of the ejector 9 is connected to the water inlet of the check valve 10, the water outlet of the check valve 10 is connected to the water inlet of the softening filter element, and the water suction port of the ejector 9 is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes 23 of the salt valve assembly 2.

[0066] The inlet of the drainage pipe 44 is connected to the water outlet of the softened resin, and the outlet of the regeneration pipe 42 is connected to the water inlet of the softened resin tank 4 .

[0067] The ejector 9 is a Venturi tube using the Venturi principle, and its function is to mix the saturated salt solution in the salt tank into the tap water during the regeneration of the softening filter element to form a regeneration salt solution of a certain concentration.

[0068] Figure 5 The water softener adopts downstream regeneration, that is, the regenerated salt solution enters the softening resin from the flow channel of tap water when the softening filter element is working normally, and then flows out from the flow channel of soft water.

[0069] Working logic:

[0070] Softened water outlet mode: the first solenoid valve 5 and the third solenoid valve 7 are opened, and the tap water flows into the water inlet of the softening filter element through the first solenoid valve 5. After the softening filter element softens the tap water, it flows out from the water outlet of the softening filter element, and then flows out as softened water after passing through the third solenoid valve 7.

[0071] Softening filter element regeneration mode:

[0072] The first step of regeneration: the second solenoid valve 6 and the fourth solenoid valve 8 are opened, tap water flows into the ejector 9, the ejector 9 absorbs the saturated salt solution in the salt tank, the tap water and the saturated salt solution are mixed in the ejector 9 to generate a regenerated salt solution, the regenerated salt solution flows into the softening filter element through the check valve 10, and the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by the softening resin are replaced into the water with the high-concentration regenerated salt solution, and the waste water is discharged through the fourth solenoid valve 8.

[0073] The second step of flushing: the second solenoid valve 6 and the fourth solenoid valve 8 are opened, tap water flows into the softening filter element through the first solenoid valve 5, the remaining salt solution in the softening filter element is flushed away with tap water, and the waste water is discharged through the fourth solenoid valve 8.

[0074] Salt tank water replenishment mode: the second solenoid valve 6 is opened, tap water flows into the ejector 9 through the second solenoid valve 6, then enters the salt valve assembly 2, and then flows from the salt valve assembly 2 into the salt tank to fill the salt tank with water.

[0075] In one embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the water softener adopts the countercurrent regeneration method, that is, the regenerated salt solution enters the softening resin from the flow channel where the softened water is discharged when the softening resin is working normally, and then discharges the softening resin from the flow channel where the softening resin enters tap water.

[0076] The inlet of the drainage pipe 44 is connected to the water inlet of the softening resin tank 4 , and the outlet of the check valve 10 is connected to the water outlet of the softening resin tank 4 .

[0077] During the softening process, the resin at the front end of the softening resin is constantly exposed to hard water containing higher levels of calcium and magnesium ions, resulting in a higher degree of resin failure at the front end and a lower degree of resin failure at the rear end. Compared to downstream regeneration, countercurrent regeneration allows the high-concentration salt solution to first contact the lower end resin with each regeneration, fully regenerating the lower end resin and ensuring it returns to optimal condition. This helps reduce the hardness of the softener's output water and extend the resin's service life.

[0078] Working logic:

[0079] Softened water outlet mode: the first solenoid valve 5 and the third solenoid valve 7 are opened, and the tap water flows into the water inlet of the softening filter element through the first solenoid valve 5. After the softening filter element softens the tap water, it flows out from the water outlet of the softening filter element, and then flows out as softened water after passing through the third solenoid valve 7.

[0080] Softening filter element regeneration mode:

[0081] The first step of regeneration: the second solenoid valve 6 and the fourth solenoid valve 8 are opened, tap water flows into the ejector 9, the ejector 9 absorbs the saturated salt solution in the salt tank, the tap water and the saturated salt solution are mixed in the ejector 9 to generate a regenerated salt solution, the regenerated salt solution flows into the softening filter element through the check valve 10, and the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed by the softening resin are replaced into the water with the high-concentration regenerated salt solution, and the waste water is discharged through the fourth solenoid valve 8.

[0082] The second step of flushing: the second solenoid valve 6 and the fourth solenoid valve 8 are opened, tap water flows into the softening filter element through the first solenoid valve 5, the remaining salt solution in the softening filter element is flushed away with tap water, and the waste water is discharged through the fourth solenoid valve 8.

[0083] Salt tank water replenishment mode: the second solenoid valve 6 is opened, tap water flows into the ejector 9 through the second solenoid valve 6, then enters the salt valve assembly 2, and then flows from the salt valve assembly 2 into the salt tank to fill the salt tank with water.

[0084] In another embodiment, one end of the first solenoid valve 5 and the second solenoid valve 6 are connected to the municipal water line via a flow meter. The flow meter measures the amount of water flowing through the softening filter element, which is used to determine whether the softening filter element is saturated with calcium and magnesium ions. The flow meter also accurately measures the amount of regeneration salt solution used during the regeneration process, reducing regeneration salt waste.

[0085] The above disclosure is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and certainly cannot be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent changes made according to the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water softener, characterized in that: It includes an integrated salt box and a salt valve assembly (2); The integrated salt box comprises a shell (1), wherein a salt chamber (11) capable of accommodating regenerated salt is provided in the shell (1), and a first extension portion (121) is provided on the shell (1) for disassembling the salt box as a whole to replace the salt box and replenish new regenerated salt, and a first inlet and outlet water channel (122) capable of communicating with the salt chamber (11) is provided on the first extension portion (121), and a first sealing member (123) capable of sealing the first inlet and outlet water channel (122) is provided in the first inlet and outlet water channel (122); when the first extension portion (121) is used to connect with the salt valve assembly (2), the first sealing member (123) is opened, and the first inlet and outlet water channel (122) is communicated with the salt chamber (11); when the first extension portion (121) is in a natural state, the first sealing member (123) seals the first inlet and outlet water channel (122); The salt valve assembly (2) comprises a shell (21), an inner cavity (211) is provided in the shell (21), a second extension portion (221) capable of being connected to the first extension portion (121) is provided on the shell (21), a second water inlet and outlet channel (222) capable of being communicated with the inner cavity (211) is provided in the second extension portion (221), a second sealing member (223) capable of sealing the second water inlet and outlet channel (222) is provided in the second water inlet and outlet channel (222), when the second extension portion (221) is connected to the first extension portion (121), the second sealing member (223) is opened, and the second water inlet and outlet channel (222) is communicated with the inner cavity (211); when the second sealing member (223) is in a natural state, the second sealing member (223) seals the second water inlet and outlet channel (222); A vent (13) is provided on the top of the shell (1), and an anti-overflow structure (14) is provided inside the shell (1) to prevent the liquid in the salt chamber (11) from overflowing from the vent (13).

2. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The overflow prevention structure (14) comprises a cavity (142) arranged around the vent (13), the vent (13) being located at the top of the cavity (142), the cavity (142) being in communication with the salt cavity (11), and a floating block (144) capable of floating up and sealing the vent (13) being provided in the cavity (142).

3. The water softener according to claim 2, characterized in that A sealing gasket is provided on the contact surface between the floating block (144) and the top of the cavity (142).

4. The water softener according to claim 2, characterized in that The cavity (142) is surrounded by a plurality of partitions (141) for constraining the floating block (144).

5. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The first sealing member (123) comprises a sealing portion and a limiting portion connected to the sealing portion, the limiting portion is fixed on the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel (122), and the sealing portion is elastically deformable.

6. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (1) is also provided with an anti-counterfeiting identification component.

7. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that A mesh screen (111) is provided in the salt chamber (11) and is capable of preventing regenerated salt blocks from entering the first water inlet and outlet channel (122).

8. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The end of the first extension portion (121) is provided with an abutment portion capable of pressing against the salt valve assembly (2), and the abutment portion is provided with a notch (1211) for connecting the first water inlet and outlet channel (122) to the salt valve assembly (2).

9. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The second sealing member (223) is elastically deformable.

10. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The first extension portion (121) and the second extension portion (221) are detachably connected.

11. The water softener according to claim 9, characterized in that A notch (1211) is provided at the end of the first extension portion (121), and a conducting structure (2221) capable of being inserted into the first water inlet and outlet channel (122) is provided in the second water inlet and outlet channel (222). When the first extension portion (121) and the second extension portion (221) are connected, a gap is formed between the inner wall of the first water inlet and outlet channel (122) and the outer wall of the conducting structure (2221). The conducting structure (2221) presses against the first sealing member (123), and the first extension portion (121) presses against the second sealing member (223). The inner cavity (211), the second water inlet and outlet channel (222), the first water inlet and outlet channel (122) and the salt cavity (11) are connected, and the solution in the inner cavity (211) enters the first water inlet and outlet channel (122) through the gap (1211) and flows into the salt cavity (11) from the gap; when the first extension portion (121) is separated from the second extension portion (221), the first sealing member (123) returns to a sealed state under the action of its own elastic force, and the second sealing member (223) returns to a sealed state under the action of its own elastic force.

12. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The salt valve assembly (2) further comprises an inlet and outlet water pipe (23); a salt valve (24) for controlling the maximum height of the liquid level in the salt tank is provided in the housing (21); the salt valve (24) comprises a connecting seat (241) connected to the end of the inlet and outlet water pipe (23) and a valve core (242) arranged on the connecting seat (241); the valve core (242) is connected to a connecting rod (243) and is connected to a float (244) via the connecting rod (243); a channel (25) capable of connecting the inlet and outlet water pipe (23) and the inner cavity (211) is provided in the connecting seat (241); the valve core (242) is arranged in the channel (25).

13. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner diameter of the second extension portion (221) is greater than the outer diameter of the first extension portion (121). A sealing ring is provided on the outer side wall of the first extension portion (121). When the first extension portion (121) and the second extension portion (221) are connected, the sealing ring squeezes the inner wall of the second water inlet and outlet channel (222).

Images