Water softener

Abstract

The invention discloses a water softener, and relates to the technical field of water softeners, the water softener comprises a resin tank, a waterway plate and a salt box, the resin tank is provided with a resin cavity and a water inlet communicated with the resin cavity; the waterway plate is arranged above the resin tank and is provided with a water passing cavity, and the water passing cavity is communicated with an external water source and the water inlet; the salt box is arranged above the waterway plate and is provided with a salt cavity and a salt liquid outlet communicated with the salt cavity, and the water passing cavity is communicated with the salt liquid outlet and the water inlet. According to the technical scheme provided by the invention, the occupied area of the water softener can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A water softener usually includes a salt box and a resin tank. The resin tank is arranged inside the salt box, and the remaining space in the inner cavity of the salt box is used to store salt blocks. This structural solution causes the water softener to occupy a large area, and the water softener is difficult to use in scenarios with limited installation space, such as a small bathroom scenario. Summary of the invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a water softener, aiming to reduce the floor space occupied by the water softener.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the water softener proposed by the present invention comprises:

[0005] A resin tank, provided with a resin cavity and a water inlet connected to the resin cavity;

[0006] a waterway plate, disposed above the resin tank and provided with a water passage cavity, wherein the water passage cavity is connected to an external water source and the water inlet; and

[0007] The salt box is arranged above the waterway plate and is provided with a salt cavity and a salt solution outlet connected to the salt cavity, and the water passage cavity is connected to the salt solution outlet and the water inlet.

[0008] In one embodiment, the salt box is further provided with a water injection hole connected to the salt cavity, and the water passage cavity is connected to the water injection hole and serves as a part of the water replenishment waterway of the salt box.

[0009] In one embodiment, the waterway plate is provided with a water replenishment outlet corresponding to the water injection hole, the water flow chamber includes a water flow channel and a connecting chamber, the water flow channel is provided with a water flow inlet, a water flow outlet and a saline solution inlet, the water flow inlet is connected to an external water source, the water flow outlet is connected to the water inlet, the saline solution inlet is connected to the saline solution outlet, and the water replenishment outlet is connected to the water flow outlet through the connecting chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, the waterway plate includes a cover body and a tube body arranged on the cover body, the cover opening of the cover body faces downward and is connected to the water inlet, the water passage is arranged on the tube body, the connecting cavity is formed between the tube body and the cover wall of the cover body, and the water replenishment outlet is arranged on the top wall of the cover body.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cover opening edge of the cover body is welded and fixed to the edge of the water inlet.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water softener further comprises a salt valve disposed at the water injection hole, the salt chamber is connected to the water replenishment outlet via the salt valve, and the salt valve is configured such that in water production mode, water in the resin chamber flows to the salt chamber via the salt valve.

[0013] In one embodiment, the salt valve comprises:

[0014] A base, provided with a water injection channel, a water injection inlet and a water injection outlet connected to the water injection channel, the water injection inlet is connected to the water replenishment outlet, and the water injection outlet is connected to the salt box; and

[0015] The floating member comprises a connected float and a first valve plug. When the float rises to a first sealing position, the first valve plug seals and cooperates with the edge of the water injection outlet to block the communication between the water injection channel and the water injection outlet.

[0016] In one embodiment, the water passage chamber includes a regeneration chamber, a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel respectively connected to the regeneration chamber, the water inlet channel is connected to an external water source, the water outlet channel is connected to the water inlet, the cavity wall of the regeneration chamber is provided with a saline inlet connected to the saline outlet, and the water softener also includes a regeneration piston movably arranged in the regeneration chamber, and the regeneration piston is used to switch between a regeneration mode and a water production mode.

[0017] In one embodiment, the regeneration piston can be switched from the regeneration mode to the water production mode after being acted upon by the water inlet pressure of an external water source.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cavity wall of the regeneration chamber is also provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet is connected to the water inlet channel, and the water outlet is connected to the water outlet channel; the regeneration piston is provided with a liquid conducting channel, a liquid conducting inlet and a liquid conducting outlet connected to the liquid conducting channel, the liquid conducting inlet is connected to the saline solution inlet, and the liquid conducting outlet is connected to the water outlet, in the water production mode, the liquid conducting inlet and / or the liquid conducting outlet are blocked; in the regeneration mode, the liquid conducting inlet and the liquid conducting outlet are connected.

[0019] In one embodiment, the regeneration chamber extends along a first direction, the regeneration piston includes a piston moving along the first direction, the water inlet and the water outlet are staggered in the first direction, the regeneration chamber has a first side and a second side respectively disposed on opposite sides of the piston, and the water inlet is located on the first side;

[0020] In the water production mode, the water outlet is at least partially exposed on the first side, the water outlet is connected to the water inlet, and is separated from the saline solution inlet;

[0021] In the regeneration mode, the water outlet is at least partially exposed on the second side, the water outlet is connected to the saline inlet, and is separated from the water inlet.

[0022] In one embodiment, the water softener further includes an exhaust structure, which is connected between the resin cavity and the external atmosphere and is used to exhaust the air in the resin cavity.

[0023] In one embodiment, the water softener further comprises a salt valve, the salt chamber is connected to the resin chamber via the salt valve, and the exhaust structure and the salt valve are configured as the same structure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the resin tank is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet is used to communicate with an external water source, the water outlet is communicated with the resin cavity, the resin tank is also provided with a bypass water channel connecting the water outlet and the water inlet, the water softener also includes a bypass valve movably installed in the bypass water channel, and the bypass valve is used to switch between soft water mode and raw water mode.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cavity wall of the resin cavity is provided with a flow port corresponding to the water outlet, the bypass valve is rotatably provided on the bypass waterway, the bypass valve is provided with a sealing portion and a communication portion distributed in its circumference, and the communication portion is provided with a communication channel;

[0026] In the soft water mode, the sealing portion blocks the water inlet, and the communication channel communicates with the flow port and the water outlet;

[0027] In the raw water mode, the sealing portion blocks the flow port, and the communication channel communicates with the water inlet and the water outlet.

[0028] In one embodiment, the bypass waterway is provided with a rotating chamber, and the bypass valve is rotatably arranged in the rotating chamber; the chamber wall of the rotating chamber is provided with a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole, the first through hole is connected to the flow port, the second through hole is connected to the water outlet, and the third through hole is connected to the water inlet, the first through hole and the third through hole are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotation axis of the bypass valve, and the second through hole is located between the first through hole and the third through hole.

[0029] In one embodiment, the resin tank is provided with a water outlet connected to the resin cavity, and the water softener further comprises a flow regulating mechanism, which is provided at the water outlet to regulate the water flow rate, and the flow rate of the flow regulating mechanism in the regeneration mode is smaller than the flow rate in the water production mode.

[0030] In one embodiment, the brine pressure flowing into the outlet in the regeneration mode is P 1 , the raw water pressure flowing into the water outlet in the water production mode is P2 , P 1 <P 2 .

[0031] In one embodiment, the flow regulating mechanism comprises:

[0032] The mounting seat is provided with a main flow channel and a branch flow channel, wherein the water flow rate of the main flow channel is greater than the water flow rate of the branch flow channel; and

[0033] A check valve is arranged in the main flow channel, and the hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve;

[0034] The check valve blocks the main flow channel in the regeneration mode, opens the main flow channel in the water production mode, and the branch flow channel opens in both the regeneration mode and the water production mode.

[0035] In one embodiment, the resin cavity is configured in the shape of a prism.

[0036] In one embodiment, the salt solution in the salt box flows into the waterway plate and the resin tank by gravity.

[0037] In the technical solution of the present invention, by sequentially arranging the salt box, the waterway plate and the resin tank from top to bottom, that is, distributing the salt chamber and the resin chamber up and down, the overall footprint of the water softener can be reduced. Under the condition that the volume of the salt chamber and the resin chamber are equal, compared with the prior art in which the salt chamber and the resin chamber are distributed laterally, the water softener of the present invention has a smaller footprint, so it can be better applied to scenes with limited installation space, such as small bathroom scenes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. 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 the structures shown in these drawings without paying creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a water softener provided by the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the structure shown;

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure shown at the regeneration piston from a side view angle, when the water softener is in the water production mode;

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Another partial cross-sectional view of the structure shown in the side view, when the water softener is in the regeneration mode;

[0043] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Another partial cross-sectional view of the structure shown in the top view when the regeneration piston is in the position, at which time the water softener is in the water production mode;

[0044] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Another partial cross-sectional view of the structure shown in the side view, when the water softener is in the regeneration mode;

[0045] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the assembly of the waterway plate and the regeneration piston is shown;

[0046] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The structural schematic diagram of the waterway plate shown;

[0047] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A side view of the waterway plate shown;

[0048] Fig.10 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the waterway plate shown in the main view angle;

[0049] Fig.11 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the waterway plate shown at a left angle;

[0050] Fig.12 for Figure 8 The waterway plate shown is a cross-sectional view from a right angle;.

[0051] Fig.13 for Figure 7 An exploded view of the regeneration piston shown;

[0052] Fig.14 for Fig.13 The structural schematic diagram of the piston shown;

[0053] Fig.15 for Fig.14 a cross-sectional view of the piston shown;

[0054] Fig.16 for Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of the buttons shown;

[0055] Fig.17 for Fig.13 The structural schematic diagram of the plugging cover shown;

[0056] Fig.18 for Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the salt box and waterway plate shown;

[0057] Fig.19 for Fig.18 a top view of the structure shown;

[0058] Fig. 20 for Fig.19 Sectional view at AA in the middle;

[0059] Fig.21 for Fig.19 A schematic diagram of the structure of the salt grid shown;

[0060] Fig. 22 for Figure 2 The assembly diagram of the salt box and salt valve shown;

[0061] Fig.23 for Fig. 22 a cross-sectional view of the salt box shown;

[0062] Fig.24 for Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view of the salt valve shown, when the salt valve is in a first sealing position;

[0063] Fig.25 for Fig.24 Another cross-sectional view of the salt valve shown, when the salt valve is in a second sealing position;

[0064] Fig.26 for Fig. 22 An exploded view of the salt valve shown;

[0065] Fig. 27 for Fig.26 a cross-sectional view of the float shown;

[0066] Fig.28 for Fig.26 a cross-sectional view of the base shown;

[0067] Fig.29 for Fig.26 A schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing seat shown;

[0068] Fig.30 for Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the resin tank shown;

[0069] Fig.31 for Fig.30 A top view of the resin tank shown;

[0070] Fig.32 for Fig.30 a cross-sectional view of the resin tank shown;

[0071] Fig.33 for Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the resin tank, lower water distributor and bypass valve is shown;

[0072] Fig.34 for Fig.33 An exploded view of the structure shown;

[0073] Fig.35 for Fig.34 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0074] Fig.36 for Fig.34 An exploded view of the bypass valve shown;

[0075] Fig.37 for Fig.36 A front view of the bypass valve shown;

[0076] Fig.38 for Fig.37 Sectional view at CC;

[0077] Fig.39 for Fig.36 A front view of the bypass shaft shown;

[0078] Fig.40 for Fig.39 Sectional view at DD in the middle;

[0079] Fig.41 for Fig.36 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing gasket shown;

[0080] Fig.42 for Fig.41 Sectional view at EE;

[0081] Fig.43 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flow regulating mechanism shown;

[0082] Fig.44 for Fig.43 An exploded view of the flow regulating mechanism shown;

[0083] Fig.45 for Fig.43 A top view of the flow regulating mechanism shown.

[0084] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0085] 100, resin tank; 101, resin cavity; 102, water inlet; 103, water outlet; 104, water inlet; 105, water inlet channel; 106, water outlet; 108, second mounting hole; 109, guide slot; 110, bypass waterway; 111, first through hole; 112, second through hole; 113, third through hole; 114, rotation cavity; 115, flow port; 120, upper water distributor; 140, lower water distributor; 141, water distribution middle inlet; 142, water distribution side inlet; 143, matching plane; 144, injection channel; 150, second plugging cover; 151, limit stop hole; 152, stop plane; 160, arch arm;

[0086] 200, salt box; 201, salt chamber; 202, salt liquid outlet; 204, placement chamber; 205, side channel; 206, bottom channel; 210, box; 211, liquid outlet well; 212, first well section; 213, second well section; 220, salt grid; 221, well cover; 222, liquid outlet; 223, liquid space; 224, salt grid hole; 225, first baffle; 226, second baffle; 240, installation column; 241, water injection hole; 250, positioning column;

[0087] 300, waterway plate; 301, water passage chamber; 302, water inlet; 303, water outlet; 304, saline inlet; 306, water outlet channel; 307, water passage inlet; 308, water passage outlet; 309, water inlet channel; 310, regeneration chamber; 311, piston chamber; 312, catheter chamber; 313, catheter chamber; 314, piston mounting hole; 315, first side; 316, second side side; 320, cover body; 330, pipe body; 331, first pipe section; 332, second pipe section; 333, third pipe section; 334, fourth pipe section; 335, water guide rib; 340, first plugging cover; 341, first plug; 351, water replenishment outlet; 352, connecting cavity; 353, positioning hole; 360, third plugging cover; 361, guide hole; 362, disc hole section; 363, column hole section;

[0088] 400, regeneration piston; 403, liquid guide channel; 404, liquid guide inlet; 405, liquid guide outlet; 410, piston; 411, piston sealing ring; 420, first conduit; 421, first sealing ring; 422, second sealing ring; 430, second conduit; 431, first clamping hole; 440, button; 441, pressing plate; 442, connecting column; 443, first clamping protrusion; 444, avoidance opening;

[0089] 500, salt valve; 501, water flow space; 502, buoyancy chamber; 510, base; 511, water injection channel; 512, water injection inlet; 513, water injection outlet; 514, outlet sealing ring; 515, first hole section; 516, second hole section; 517, step portion; 518, first seat portion; 519, second seat portion; 520, floating member; 521, float; 522, cylinder body; 523, water flow gap; 524, first valve plug; 525, blocking portion; 526, sealing cone; 540, flow limiting structure; 541, flow limiting sheet; 542, flow limiting hole; 543, fixed seat; 544, receiving groove; 545, water flow through hole;

[0090] 600, bypass valve; 601, sealing portion; 602, communicating portion; 603, communicating channel; 604, first channel; 605, second channel; 610, bypass shaft; 611, mounting groove; 620, sealing pad; 621, pad body; 622, deformation cavity; 623, sealing surface; 624, sealing lip; 630, bypass knob;

[0091] 710, first adapter; 720, second adapter;

[0092] 800, flow regulating mechanism; 801, mounting seat; 802, check valve; 803, main channel; 804, branch channel; 810, valve seat; 811, first ring body; 812, second ring body; 813, connecting rib; 814, flow chamber; 820, second valve plug; 821, second plug head; 822, guide rod; 823, fourth sealing ring; 830, elastic member; 840, third sealing ring; 851, second mounting part; 852, joint part; 853, threaded structure.

[0093] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0095] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0096] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or solutions that satisfy both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0097] The present invention provides a water softener, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the water softener includes a main box and a salt box 200. The main box is provided with a soft water chamber and an inlet and outlet connected to the soft water chamber. The salt box 200 is arranged above the main box and is provided with a salt chamber 201, which is connected to the soft water chamber.

[0098] Optionally, the main box includes a resin tank 100 and a waterway plate 300, the resin tank 100 is provided with a resin cavity 101 and a water inlet 102 connected to the resin cavity 101, the waterway plate 300 is arranged above the resin tank 100, and is provided with a water passage cavity 301, the water passage cavity 301 is connected to an external water source and the water inlet 102, the salt box 200 is arranged above the waterway plate 300, and is provided with a salt cavity 201 and a salt solution outlet 202 connected to the salt cavity 201, the water passage cavity 301 is connected to the salt solution outlet 202 and the water inlet 102.

[0099] The water softener is provided with a water inlet 104 and a water outlet 103, wherein the water inlet 104 is used to connect to an external water source, and the water outlet 103 is used to supply water to the outside. The water inlet 102 is connected to the water outlet 103 through the resin chamber 101, and the water passage chamber 301 is connected to the external water source through the water inlet 104. The soft water chamber includes the resin chamber 101 and at least part of the water passage chamber 301. In the embodiment where the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103 are arranged on the resin tank 100, the inlet and outlet include the water inlet 104, the water outlet 103 and the water inlet 102.

[0100] In the technical solution of the present invention, the salt box 200, the waterway plate 300 and the resin tank 100 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, that is, the salt chamber 201 and the resin chamber 101 are distributed up and down, so that the whole footprint of the water softener can be reduced. Under the condition that the volume of the salt chamber 201 and the resin chamber 101 are equal, compared with the prior art in which the salt chamber 201 and the resin chamber 101 are distributed horizontally, the water softener of the present invention has a smaller footprint, so that it can be better applied to scenes with limited installation space, such as small bathroom scenes.

[0101] Secondly, in the regeneration mode of the water softener, the salt solution in the salt chamber 201 can flow into the resin chamber 101 through the waterway plate 300, and the waterway plate 300 is a part of the structure of the regeneration waterway; in the water production mode of the water softener, the raw water from the external water source can flow into the resin chamber 101 through the waterway plate 300, and the waterway plate 300 is a part of the structure of the water production waterway. That is, the embodiment of the present invention can save the pipe structure of the water softener by integrating the partial structure of the regeneration waterway and the water production waterway on the waterway plate 300, thereby reducing the product cost of the water softener.

[0102] In the regeneration mode, the salt solution in the salt tank 200 flows into the resin tank 100 to react with the resin particles so that the resin particles can be restored to a state with softening ability; in the water production mode, raw water from an external water source flows into the resin tank 100, flows out after being softened by the resin particles and is supplied to the outside. Specifically, raw water refers to water that has not been softened, and can be tap water.

[0103] It should be noted that the water softener protected by the present invention includes but is not limited to a central water softener and a terminal water softener. Among them, the terminal water softener mainly provides soft water for local or individual water-using equipment or water outlet terminals, which is used to improve the water quality delivered to these water-using equipment or water outlet terminals, reduce the impact of hard water on the equipment structure, human body or clothing, and improve the comfort of local water use. Specifically, water-using equipment includes but is not limited to water heaters, washing machines or humidifiers, etc., and water outlet terminals include but are not limited to showers, faucets, etc. For example, the terminal water softener is used in the bathroom scene, which can make the water output of the shower soft water to improve the user's water use comfort. For the convenience of writing, the present invention will be explained by taking the terminal water softener used in the bathroom as an example.

[0104] In the related art, a water pump is usually provided in the salt box 200, and the salt solution is pumped to the resin tank 100 by the water pump. This solution leads to a complicated structure of the water softener and a high product cost. In order to solve this technical problem, in an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the salt solution in the salt box 200 flows into the waterway plate 300 and the resin tank 100 by gravity. Since the salt box 200 is arranged above the resin tank 100, the hydrostatic pressure difference corresponding to the height difference between the liquid surface of the salt solution therein and the water inlet 102 of the resin tank 100 can promote the salt solution to flow into the resin tank 100 from the salt box 200. That is, the salt solution in the salt box 200 of the present invention does not need to rely on a water pump to enter the resin tank 100, which can save a water pump and its related waterway structure, thereby simplifying the structure of the water softener and reducing its product cost. Of course, in other embodiments, the water softener can also include a water pump, and the water pump is used to transport the salt solution in the salt box 200 to the resin tank 100.

[0105] See also Fig.23 In one embodiment, the salt box 200 is further provided with a water injection hole 241 connected to the salt chamber 201, and the water passage chamber 301 is connected to the water injection hole 241 and serves as a part of the water supply waterway of the salt box 200. In the water supply mode of the water softener, raw water from an external water source can flow into the salt box 200 through the waterway plate 300, and at this time, the waterway plate 300 serves as a part of the water supply waterway structure. In this way, the waterway plate 300 also integrates a part of the water supply waterway structure, which can further save the pipe structure of the water softener. Of course, in other embodiments, the water passage chamber 301 may not be used as a part of the water supply waterway.

[0106] See also Figures 3 to 8 In this embodiment, optionally, the waterway plate 300 is provided with a water replenishment outlet 351 corresponding to the water injection hole 241, the water passage chamber 301 includes a water passage channel and a connecting chamber 352, the water passage channel is provided with a water passage inlet 307, a water passage outlet 308 and a saline solution inlet 304, the water passage inlet 307 is connected to an external water source, the water passage outlet 308 is connected to the water inlet 102, the saline solution inlet 304 is connected to the saline solution outlet 202, and the water replenishment outlet 351 is connected to the water outlet 308 through the connecting chamber 352. In this way, the water passage is not directly connected to the water replenishment outlet 351, but is indirectly connected to the water replenishment outlet 351 through the connecting cavity 352 and the water passage outlet 308, which can avoid the situation that the raw water flowing into the waterway plate 300 is directly diverted to the water replenishment outlet 351 when the resin tank 100 is in the empty tank state, ensuring that the raw water will only flow into the resin tank 100 first in the empty tank state, which can reduce the problem of low soft water output of the resin tank 100 caused by diversion. Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting cavity 352 may not be provided, and the water replenishment outlet 351 may be directly connected to the water passage.

[0107] See also Figure 22 to Figure 25Optionally, the water softener further comprises a salt valve 500 disposed at the water injection hole 241, and the salt chamber 201 is connected to the water replenishment outlet 351 through the salt valve 500, and the salt valve 500 is configured so that the water in the resin chamber 101 flows to the salt chamber 201 through the salt valve 500 in the water production mode. In this embodiment, the resin tank 100 and the waterway plate 300 together constitute the main box, and the resin chamber 101 and the connecting chamber 352 together constitute the soft water chamber. It can be understood that when the resin tank 100 and the waterway plate 300 are filled with water, the soft water fills the resin chamber 101 and the connecting chamber 352. The salt valve 500 serves as a control valve at the connection between the soft water chamber and the salt chamber 201. In the process of replenishing water flowing to the soft water chamber, part of the water flow can flow into the salt chamber 201 through the salt valve 500, that is, the water replenishment process of the salt tank 200 is carried out in the water production mode.

[0108] In this way, the water in the soft water chamber flows to the salt chamber 201 through the salt valve 500, so as to synchronously replenish water to the salt box 200 in the water production mode. The salt valve 500 serves as a control valve on the water replenishment water path, and reuses part or all of the structure of the soft water chamber as a part of the water replenishment water path of the salt box 200. At this time, the water replenishment process of the salt box 200 does not need to rely on an additionally arranged water replenishment branch and the control valve thereon, which can simplify the overall structure of the water softener and effectively reduce costs.

[0109] The water added to the salt tank 200 can be raw water or a mixture of soft water and raw water. When the water flow is raw water, the soft water loss can be reduced to ensure the normal supply of soft water. When the water flow is a mixture of soft water and raw water, because the soft water does not contain calcium and magnesium ions under the action of resin particles, it will not compete with the salt when dissolving the salt blocks. That is, salt water close to the saturation concentration can be evenly and quickly formed in the salt tank 200, thereby improving the resin regeneration efficiency and ensuring the stable operation of the regeneration mode of the water softener.

[0110] The salt valve 500 and the waterway plate 300 are both arranged above the resin tank 100. When the main tank is full of water, that is, the resin tank 100 of the soft water chamber and the water passage chamber 301 are both full of water, the raw water enters the water passage chamber 301 through the water inlet 104 of the water softener, and most of the raw water will flow directly to the salt valve 500, effectively preventing too much soft water from entering the salt tank 200 with the raw water, thereby ensuring the stable and reliable soft water supply of the water softener.

[0111] Specifically, there are two water replenishment processes of the water softener. One is after the regeneration mode ends, that is, when the resin tank 100 is empty, the raw water entering the water passage chamber 301 of the waterway plate 300 will only flow toward the resin chamber 101 of the resin tank 100 first. The water level in the resin tank 100 rises while the air in the tank is discharged. The resin particles soften the raw water entering the resin chamber 101 to form soft water. Only after the resin chamber 101 and the water passage chamber 301 are filled with water, will the water flow pass through the salt valve 500 to the salt chamber 201 of the salt box 200. That is, there is a time difference between the water production process and the water replenishment process. The second is during daily use, that is, when the resin tank 100 is filled with water, specifically when it is full of water, the raw water entering the water passage chamber 301 will flow downward to the resin chamber 101 and upward to the salt chamber 201 at the same time. When the resin is close to saturation or has been saturated, in the regeneration mode of the water softener, the brine in the brine box 200 can flow into the resin tank 100, so that the resin can restore its ability to soften water and flow out of the resin tank 100. At this time, there is no water in the resin tank 100, and it is in an empty tank state.

[0112] It can be understood that the waterway plate 300 has various structural forms. The specific structure of an embodiment of the waterway plate 300 will be introduced below.

[0113] See also Figures 7 to 10 In one embodiment, the waterway plate 300 includes a cover body 320 and a tube body 330 disposed on the cover body 320, the cover opening of the cover body 320 faces downward and is connected to the water inlet 102, the water passage is disposed in the tube body 330, the communication cavity 352 is formed between the tube body 330 and the cover wall of the cover body 320, and the water replenishment outlet 351 is disposed on the top wall of the cover body 320. In this way, by setting the waterway plate 300 as a structural form in which the cover body 320 is combined with the tube body 330, it is helpful to simplify the structure of the waterway plate 300.

[0114] Optionally, in this embodiment, the pipe body 330 includes a first pipe segment 331, a second pipe segment 332 and a third pipe segment 333 connected to each other, the water outlet channel 306 is formed in the first pipe segment 331, the regeneration chamber 310 is formed in the second pipe segment 332, and the water inlet channel 309 is at least partially formed in the third pipe segment 333. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0115] See also Figure 2In one embodiment, the waterway plate 300 is disposed at the water inlet 102, the first pipe section 331 extends along the length direction of the water inlet 102, and the water outlet 308 is disposed in the middle of the first pipe section 331. In this way, on the one hand, the raw water can be more evenly distributed to different areas in the resin tank 100 to improve the softening rate and effect of the resin tank 100. On the other hand, the water outlet 308 is far away from the water inlet and is close to the water replenishment outlet 351 by being centrally disposed, which can effectively shorten the path length from the water outlet 308 to the water replenishment outlet 351, so that the raw water can flow more directly to the water replenishment outlet 351, reducing the amount of soft water accompanying its flow.

[0116] See also Figure 2 , Figure 8 In one embodiment, the top wall of the waterway plate 300 is integrally formed with a first pipe section 331, and the side wall of the waterway plate 300 is provided with a forming hole corresponding to the first pipe section 331. The water softener further comprises a first plugging cover 340, and the first plugging cover 340 is installed on the forming hole. In this way, the integrally formed structural design can reduce the assembly process of the water softener, and the structure is stable and reliable. Of course, in other embodiments, the first pipe section 331 and the waterway plate 300 can also be separately formed and installed as a whole by screw connection or welding.

[0117] See also Figure 2 , Figure 8 In this embodiment, the end face of the first pipe section 331 is optionally arranged at a distance from the inner side face of the waterway plate 300, and the first plug 341 is provided on the end of the first plugging cover 340 extending into the waterway plate 300, and the first plug 341 is sealed and inserted on the end face pipe opening of the first pipe section 331. In this way, the first plug 341 is used to block the end of the first pipe section 331 away from the second pipe section 332 to form a closed structure, so that the liquid flowing into the first pipe section 331 can only flow out through the water outlet 308 located in the middle thereof, so as to promote the liquid to be more evenly distributed to different areas in the resin tank 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the end of the first pipe section 331 may also be connected to the inner side face of the waterway plate 300, or the first plug 341 may not be provided on the first plugging cover 340.

[0118] Optionally in this embodiment, the tube body 330 also includes a fourth tube segment 334 intersecting with the third tube segment 333, the water inlet channel 309 is formed in the third tube segment 333 and the fourth tube segment 334, the third tube segment 333 intersects with the second tube segment 332, and a water inlet 302 is formed at the intersection, and a water inlet 307 is provided at one end of the fourth tube segment 334 away from the third tube segment 333.

[0119] Among them, the axis of the fourth pipe section 334 extends in the up-down direction, the axis of the third pipe section 333 extends in the left-right direction, and the axis of the second pipe section 332 extends in the front-back direction; a plurality of water-guiding ribs 335 are provided on the inner wall surface of the third pipe section 333, and the plurality of water-guiding ribs 335 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the third pipe section 333, and the water-guiding ribs 335 extend along the axis direction of the third pipe section 333. It can be understood that since the third pipe section 333 and the fourth pipe section 334 are arranged to intersect, the water flow from the fourth pipe section 334 to the third pipe section 333 needs to be turned before it can flow from the third pipe section 333 to the second pipe section 332. By providing the water-guiding ribs 335, the turned water flow can be rectified to improve the smoothness of the raw water flow and reduce the vibration and noise problems caused by the impact of the water flow. Of course, in other embodiments, the water-guiding ribs 335 may not be provided.

[0120] In one embodiment, the housing 320, the first pipe section 331, the second pipe section 332, the third pipe section 333 and the fourth pipe section 334 are integrally formed, so as to simplify the assembly process of the waterway plate 300, improve the production efficiency of the water softener, and make the structure of the waterway plate 300 more stable and reliable.

[0121] In one embodiment, the cover opening edge of the cover body 320 is welded and fixed to the edge of the water inlet 102, so that the structure is simple and the connection is reliable, and it is helpful to shorten the assembly time of the waterway plate 300 and the resin tank 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the cover body 320 can also be installed on the water inlet 102 through a snap-fit ​​structure, or the cover opening edge of the cover body 320 can be bonded and fixed to the edge of the water inlet 102.

[0122] See also Figure 2 , Fig.30 Optionally, the water softener further comprises an upper water distributor 120 disposed at the water inlet 102, and the connecting chamber 352, the water outlet 308 and the water replenishment outlet 351 are all disposed above the upper water distributor 120. On the one hand, the water flowing out through the water outlet 308 can be more evenly distributed to different areas in the resin tank 100 under the action of the upper water distributor 120, so as to improve the softening rate and effect of the resin tank 100. On the other hand, the upper water distributor 120 plays a separating role. By separating the water outlet 301 and the resin chamber 101 through the upper water distributor 120, the possibility of resin particles entering the connecting chamber 352 from the water inlet 102 can be effectively reduced, and the amount of soft water formed can be reduced. It flows back into the connecting chamber 352 and follows the raw water through the water replenishment outlet 351 to the salt box 200, thereby increasing the output of soft water flowing out of the soft water chamber through the water outlet 103 to meet the soft water needs of users. Of course, in other embodiments, the upper water distributor 120 may not be provided.

[0123] The upper water distributor 120 may be installed on the water inlet 102 by bonding, welding or screw connection.

[0124] See also Figures 3 to 6 Optionally, the water passage chamber 301 includes a regeneration chamber 310, and the water softener also includes a regeneration piston 400, which is movably arranged in the regeneration chamber 310 to switch between the regeneration mode and the water production mode. In this embodiment, the water softener is switched between the water production mode and the regeneration mode by setting the regeneration chamber 310 and the regeneration piston 400, and the structure is simple and easy to implement. The source of the driving force of the regeneration piston 400 can be manual drive by the user, electronic control drive of a drive member such as a motor, or the difference in pressure on both sides of the regeneration piston 400.

[0125] In this embodiment, the regeneration piston 400 can optionally switch from the regeneration mode to the water production mode after being acted upon by the water inlet pressure of the external water source. Specifically, when the user needs to use the water softener to produce soft water, and opens the water inlet valve connected to the water inlet 104 of the water softener (such as the mixing valve used in the water heater in the bathroom), the water inlet pressure of the water inlet 104 is transmitted to the regeneration chamber 310 and acts on the regeneration piston 400. The regeneration piston 400 is acted upon by the water inlet pressure of the external water source and switches from the position corresponding to the regeneration mode to the position corresponding to the water production mode, thereby prompting the water softener to automatically return to the water production mode, so as to achieve the effect of generating soft water by using the resin particles in the resin tank 100.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the regeneration piston 400 is subjected to the water inlet pressure of the external water source and is switched from the position corresponding to the regeneration mode to the position corresponding to the water production mode. That is, the regeneration piston 400 has the characteristic of automatically resetting when water is used, and the user does not need to manually reset the regeneration piston 400, thereby solving the problem of complicated opening and closing operations of the regeneration mode and improving the operational convenience of the regeneration mode of the water softener.

[0127] Please also read Figures 8 to 10 Optionally, the water passage includes a regeneration chamber 310, a water inlet channel 309 and a water outlet channel 306 respectively connected to the regeneration chamber 310, a water inlet 307 is arranged at the water inlet channel 309, a water outlet 308 is arranged at the water outlet channel 306, and a salt solution inlet 304 is arranged at the regeneration chamber 310. The water softener also includes a regeneration piston 400 movably arranged at the regeneration chamber 310, and the regeneration piston 400 is used to switch between the regeneration mode and the water production mode. In the water production mode, the water inlet channel 309 is connected to the water outlet channel 306, and the salt solution inlet 304 is separated from the water outlet channel 306; in the regeneration mode, the salt solution inlet 304 is connected to the water outlet channel 306, and the water inlet channel 309 is separated from the water outlet channel 306.

[0128] Specifically, in the water production mode, the water inlet channel 309 is connected to the water outlet channel 306, and the external water source flows to the water inlet 102 through the regeneration chamber 310, and flows into the resin chamber 101, and is converted into soft water after being softened by the resin particles in the resin chamber 101. The softened soft water flows out through the water outlet 103 and is supplied to the outside. At this time, the salt solution inlet 304 is separated from the water outlet channel 306, so the salt box 200 and the resin tank 100 cannot be connected through the regeneration chamber 310, and the salt solution cannot enter the resin chamber 101.

[0129] In the regeneration mode, the salt solution inlet 304 is connected to the water outlet channel 306, and the salt solution in the salt box 200 flows to the water inlet 102 through the regeneration chamber 310, and flows into the resin chamber 101, and replaces the calcium and magnesium ions on the resin particles in the resin chamber 101 to achieve the regeneration function. The wastewater generated by the regeneration function is discharged through the water outlet 103. At this time, the water inlet channel 309 is separated from the water outlet channel 306, so that the external water source cannot enter the resin tank 100 through the regeneration chamber 310.

[0130] After the regeneration piston 400 is driven to switch from the position corresponding to the water-making mode to the position corresponding to the regeneration mode, the water softener enters the regeneration mode and uses the salt solution in the salt tank 200 to achieve a regeneration effect on the resin particles in the resin tank 100. After the regeneration piston 400 is driven to switch from the position corresponding to the regeneration mode to the position corresponding to the water-making mode, the water softener resumes the water-making mode and uses the salt solution in the salt tank 200 to achieve a regeneration effect on the resin particles in the resin tank 100.

[0131] In one embodiment, the water inlet channel 309 and the water outlet channel 306 extend in the same direction and are arranged on opposite sides of the regeneration chamber 310. In this way, in the water production mode, the raw water flows from the water inlet channel 309 into the regeneration chamber 310 and then into the water outlet channel 306 in the same direction, which can reduce the loss of the raw water pressure along the way, thereby facilitating the increase of the pressure when it enters the resin tank 100, so as to improve the softening rate and effect, and at the same time increase the water supply pressure of the soft water. Of course, in other embodiments, the water inlet channel 309 and the water outlet channel 306 may extend in different directions, or the water inlet channel 309 and the water outlet channel 306 may be arranged on the same side of the regeneration chamber 310.

[0132] See also Figures 3 to 6In one embodiment, the regeneration chamber 310 extends along a first direction, the regeneration piston 400 includes a piston 410 that moves along the first direction, the water inlet 302 and the water outlet 303 are staggered in the first direction, the regeneration chamber 310 has a first side 315 and a second side 316 that are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the piston 410, and the water inlet 302 is located on the first side 315; in the water production mode, the water outlet 303 is at least partially exposed on the first side 315, the water outlet 303 is connected to the water inlet 302, and is separated from the saline inlet 304; in the regeneration mode, the water outlet 303 is at least partially exposed on the second side 316, the water outlet 303 is connected to the saline inlet 304, and is separated from the water inlet 302. Wherein, the first direction is parallel or nearly parallel to the axial direction of the piston 410. In this way, by utilizing the movement of the piston 410 along the first direction, the water outlet 303 can be connected to the water inlet 302 on the first side 315 of the regeneration chamber 310, or the water outlet 303 can be connected to the saline solution inlet 304 on the second side 316 of the regeneration chamber 310, that is, the first side 315 and the second side 316 of the regeneration chamber 310 are respectively utilized to correspondingly connect the water inlet 302 and the saline solution inlet 304, thereby realizing mode switching, with a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0133] Specifically, the piston 410 can move along the extension direction of the regeneration chamber 310. When the piston 410 moves to the point where the water inlet 302 and the water outlet 303 are at least partially located on the first side 315, the water inlet 302 and the water outlet 303 are connected to each other through the space on the first side 315 of the regeneration chamber 310. At this time, the water outlet 303 and the salt solution inlet 304 are blocked. Figure 3 and Figure 5 .

[0134] When the piston 410 moves to the point where the water inlet 302 is located at the first side 315 and the water outlet 303 is completely not exposed at the first side 315, the water inlet 302 and the water outlet 303 are blocked by the piston 410. At this point, the water outlet 303 and the salt solution inlet 304 are connected. The water softener enters the regeneration mode. Figure 4 and Figure 6 .

[0135] In the regeneration mode, after the salt solution flows into the resin tank 100 from the salt tank 200, the water outlet 303 and the second side 316 space of the regeneration chamber 310 are connected to the atmosphere through the salt solution inlet 304, and the end face of the piston 410 facing the second side 316 is subjected to atmospheric pressure. If the water inlet valve connected to the water inlet 104 is opened at this time, the water inlet 104 is connected to the external water source, and the water source flows into the first side 315 space of the regeneration chamber 310 from the water inlet 302, and the water inlet pressure borne by the end face of the piston 410 facing the first side 315 is greater than the atmospheric pressure borne by the end face facing the second side 316, causing the piston 410 to move from the first side 315 to the second side 316 to the position corresponding to the water production mode. After the piston 410 moves to the position, the water inlet 302 can be connected to the water outlet 303 through the first side 315 space of the regeneration chamber 310, so that the raw water can flow to the water outlet 303 and flow into the resin tank 100.

[0136] It can be understood that the first side 315 and the second side 316 of the regeneration chamber 310 are relative concepts, and the piston 410 is used as the dividing reference. Therefore, when the piston 410 moves, the volume of the first side 315 and the second side 316 will change, but the relative position relationship between the two remains unchanged.

[0137] Of course, in other embodiments, the piston 410 may also move along the first direction so that the water outlet 303 can be connected to the water inlet 302 or the saline inlet 304 on the first side 315 , that is, both the saline inlet 304 and the water inlet 302 utilize the space on the first side 315 of the regeneration chamber 310 .

[0138] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the wall of the regeneration chamber 310 is further provided with a water inlet 302 and a water outlet 303, the water inlet 302 is connected to the water inlet channel 309, and the water outlet 303 is connected to the water outlet channel 306; the regeneration piston 400 is provided with a liquid guiding channel 403, a liquid guiding inlet 404 and a liquid guiding outlet 405 connected to the liquid guiding channel 403, the liquid guiding inlet 404 is connected to the saline inlet 304, and the liquid guiding outlet 405 is connected to the water outlet 303, in the water making mode, the liquid guiding inlet 404 and / or the liquid guiding outlet 405 are blocked; in the regeneration mode, the liquid guiding inlet 404 and the liquid guiding outlet 405 are connected. Specifically, when the piston 410 is displaced to the position corresponding to the water making mode, at least one of the liquid guiding inlet 404 and the liquid guiding outlet 405 on the liquid guiding channel 403 is blocked, thereby blocking the connection between the water outlet 303 and the saline inlet 304. In this way, the saline inlet 304 is indirectly connected to the water outlet 303 through the liquid guiding channel 403, and the water inlet 302 is indirectly connected to the water outlet 303 through the space of the regeneration chamber 310 located outside the liquid guiding channel 403, which can make the flow of saline and raw water in the regeneration chamber 310 relatively independent, thereby facilitating the switching of water production mode and regeneration mode.

[0139] In this embodiment, the saline inlet 304 and the water inlet 302 are both located on the first side 315. The saline inlet 304 is indirectly connected to the water outlet 303 through a dedicated liquid guide channel 403, which allows the saline inlet 304 and the water inlet 302 to be arranged on the first side 315 of the regeneration chamber 310, thereby improving the compactness of the structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the saline inlet 304 may also be located on the second side 316, in which case the liquid guide channel 403, the liquid guide inlet 404, and the liquid guide outlet 405 may not be provided.

[0140] See also Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the regeneration piston 400 moves along the first direction and includes a piston 410 and a first conduit 420, the first conduit 420 is connected to the side of the piston 410 near the saline inlet 304, the liquid guide channel 403 is at least partially formed on the piston 410 and the first conduit 420, the regeneration chamber 310 includes a piston chamber 311 and a conduit chamber 312 connected to each other, the cavity wall of the piston chamber 311 is provided with a water inlet 302 and a water outlet 303, the cavity wall of the conduit chamber 312 is provided with a saline inlet 304, the piston 410 is provided in the piston chamber 311, and the first conduit 420 is provided with a liquid guide inlet 404 on the end extending into the conduit chamber 312. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to realize the function, and the water inlet 302 and the saline inlet 304 are separated by the cavity wall of the conduit chamber 312, which can reduce the risk of mutual interference of liquid flows in different working modes. Of course, in other embodiments, the first conduit 420 may not be provided.

[0141] It can be understood that the first conduit 420 and the conduit chamber 312 cooperate with each other to realize the conduction or isolation function of the liquid inlet 404 and the saline inlet 304 in various structural forms. For example, in one embodiment, the end face of the first conduit 420 is closed, the liquid inlet 404 is arranged on the side wall of the first conduit 420, and the saline inlet 304 is arranged on the side wall of the conduit chamber 312. In the water production mode, the liquid inlet 404 and the saline inlet 304 are staggered in the first direction, and in the regeneration mode, the liquid inlet 404 and the saline inlet 304 are overlapped in at least part of the first direction. In this way, the structure is simple and the function is easy to realize.

[0142] Specifically, in the water production mode, the first conduit 420 moves in the conduit chamber 312 to a position corresponding to the water production mode, so that the liquid inlet 404 and the salt solution inlet 304 are offset in the first direction, resulting in the salt solution in the salt box 200 being unable to enter the liquid channel 403 through the liquid inlet 404, and thus unable to flow to the second side 316 of the regeneration chamber 310 and the water outlet 303.

[0143] In the regeneration mode, the first conduit 420 moves in the conduit chamber 312 to a position corresponding to the regeneration mode, so that the liquid inlet 404 and the saline solution inlet 304 overlap at least partially in the first direction, that is, the liquid inlet 404 and the saline solution inlet 304 are connected, so that the saline in the salt box 200 can enter the liquid channel 403 through the liquid inlet 404, and enter the second side 316 of the regeneration chamber 310 through the liquid channel 403 to flow to the water outlet 303.

[0144] Of course, in other embodiments, the liquid inlet 404 can also be arranged on the end face of the first conduit 420, the inner wall surface of the conduit chamber 312 is provided with a saline conduit with an end face closed, the saline inlet 304 is arranged on the side wall of the saline conduit, the liquid inlet 404 includes a large hole section and a small hole section that are connected, the large hole section is arranged near the liquid outlet 405, and the saline conduit is inserted into the liquid inlet 404. In the water production mode, the saline inlet 304 is located in the small hole section, and the side wall of the saline conduit is sealed with the hole wall of the small hole section, so that the saline inlet 304 cannot be connected with the large hole section and the liquid conduit channel 403. In the regeneration mode, the saline inlet 304 is located in the large hole section, and the outer surface of the saline conduit is spaced from the hole wall surface of the large hole section, and a gap for the circulation of saline is formed at the interval, and the saline inlet 304 can be connected with the large hole section and the liquid conduit channel 403 through the gap.

[0145] See also Figure 5 In one embodiment, the outer periphery of the first conduit 420 is provided with a first sealing ring 421, and the liquid inlet 404 is located on the side of the first sealing ring 421 close to the piston chamber 311. In the water production mode, the outer periphery of the first sealing ring 421 is sealed to connect the side wall of the conduit chamber 312. In this way, by providing the first sealing ring 421, in the water production mode, the sealing and matching effect of the first conduit 420 and the conduit chamber 312 can be improved to prevent the salt solution from leaking to the first side 315 of the regeneration chamber 310 and mixing into the raw water flow to affect the softening process of the resin tank 100, thereby facilitating the softening effect in the water production mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the first sealing ring 421 may not be provided.

[0146] See also Figure 5In one embodiment, the outer periphery of the first conduit 420 is sleeved with a second sealing ring 422, and the liquid inlet 404 is located on the side of the second sealing ring 422 away from the piston chamber 311. The outer periphery of the second sealing ring 422 is sealed to connect the side wall of the conduit chamber 312 to separate the liquid inlet 404 from the water inlet 302. In this way, by providing the second sealing ring 422, in the regeneration mode, the sealing and matching effect of the first conduit 420 and the conduit chamber 312 can be improved, thereby preventing the saline solution from entering the first side 315 of the regeneration chamber 310 through the gap between the first conduit 420 and the inner wall surface of the conduit chamber 312, and reversely flowing into the water inlet 104 and the external water inlet valve connected to the water inlet 104, causing the internal structure of the water valve to be corroded. Of course, in other embodiments, the first sealing ring 421 may not be provided.

[0147] It can be understood that in the embodiment where the first conduit 420 is provided with the first sealing ring 421 and the second sealing ring 422 at the same time, the first sealing ring 421 and the second sealing ring 422 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the liquid inlet 404, wherein the first sealing ring 421 is located on the side of the liquid inlet 404 away from the piston chamber 311. When the first conduit 420 is in the position corresponding to the water production mode, the first sealing ring 421 and the second sealing ring 422 are both located on the side of the saline inlet 304 close to the piston chamber 311. In the process of the first conduit 420 moving to the position corresponding to the regeneration mode, the first sealing ring 421 will pass over the saline inlet 304 until the first sealing ring 421 is located on the side of the saline inlet 304 away from the piston chamber 311, and the second sealing ring 422 is still located on the side of the saline inlet 304 close to the piston chamber 311.

[0148] See also Figure 3 In one embodiment, the regeneration piston 400 further includes a piston seal ring 411 sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the piston 410, and the outer peripheral side of the piston seal ring 411 abuts against the inner wall surface of the piston chamber 311. In this way, in the regeneration mode, the piston seal ring 411 can cooperate with the seal of the inner wall surface of the piston chamber 311 to prevent the raw water in the space of the first side 315 from entering the second side 316 through the gap between the regeneration piston 400 and the inner wall surface of the piston chamber 311, thereby preventing the salt solution from being diluted by the raw water accidentally mixed in, resulting in the problem of weakening the effect of the salt solution when it enters the resin tank 100 for regeneration. Of course, in other embodiments, the piston seal ring 411 may not be provided.

[0149] See also Fig. 9In one embodiment, the water outlet 303 includes a plurality of water outlet grid holes, and the plurality of water outlet grid holes are spaced apart along the circumference of the piston 410. Thus, by setting the water outlet 303 as a water outlet grid hole structure, the water outlet 303 is divided into a plurality of grid holes, and when the piston 410 passes over the water outlet 308, not too many piston seal rings 411 will be sunk into the water outlet 303, thereby avoiding the problem that the piston seal ring 411 is scratched and damaged by the edge of the water outlet 303 when passing over the water outlet 308. Of course, in other embodiments, the water outlet 303 may also be configured as a simple through-hole structure.

[0150] See also Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the regeneration piston 400 further includes a second conduit 430, which is connected to a side of the piston 410 away from the saline inlet 304 and is provided with a liquid guide outlet 405, and the liquid guide channel 403 is partially formed on the second conduit 430, and the liquid guide outlet 405 is connected to the water outlet 303 in both the water production mode and the regeneration mode. That is, in this embodiment, the liquid guide outlet 405 maintains a conductive state with the water outlet 303, regardless of whether the water softener is in the water production mode or the regeneration mode. On this basis, whether the liquid guide inlet 404 is conductive with the saline inlet 304 determines whether the saline inlet 304 can be conductive with the second side 316 space via the liquid guide channel 403. In this way, by providing the second conduit 430 to form the liquid guide outlet 405 and extend the liquid guide channel 403, it is beneficial to simplify the structure of the piston 410 and reduce its manufacturing cost. Of course, in other embodiments, the second conduit 430 may not be provided, the liquid guiding channel 403 is partially formed on the piston 410 , and the liquid guiding outlet 405 is provided on the piston 410 .

[0151] See also Fig.11 , Fig.12In one embodiment, a conduit cavity 313 is convexly provided on the end surface of the piston chamber 311, the conduit cavity 312 is provided in the conduit cavity 313, and the axis of the water inlet 302 is located outside the conduit cavity 313. That is, the arrangement position of the water inlet 302 is adjusted so that it deviates as much as possible from the convex structure of the conduit cavity 313. Specifically, the axis of the water inlet 302 is arranged to intersect with the first direction, and the water at the water inlet 302 will flow into the first side 315 space along the direction intersecting with the first direction. If the water inlet 302 is completely facing the conduit cavity 313, most of the water flow will directly impact the conduit cavity 313, which will not only cause poor water inflow, but also may cause water flow noise. In this way, by adjusting the arrangement position of the water inlet 302 so that it deviates as much as possible from the convex structure of the conduit cavity 313, the interference and obstruction of the conduit cavity 313 on the water flow flowing from the water inlet 302 can be reduced, thereby improving the smoothness of water inflow and reducing water flow noise. Of course, in other embodiments, the axis of the water inlet 302 may pass through the conduit cavity 313 .

[0152] Specifically, optionally, the axis of the conduit cavity 313 extends along the first direction, and the axis of the water inlet 302 is located below the middle of the conduit cavity 313. In this way, the compactness of the structure of the waterway plate 300 can be improved, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the water softener. Of course, in other embodiments, the axis of the water inlet 302 can also be located above the conduit cavity 313, or in front of the conduit cavity 313.

[0153] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the front-to-back direction refers to the first direction, the up-down direction refers to the height direction of the water softener, and the left-right direction refers to the axial direction of the water inlet 302. The first side 315 and the second side 316 of the regeneration chamber 310 are sequentially arranged from the back to the front.

[0154] See also Figure 5 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the water softener further includes a button 440 connected to the regeneration piston 400, and the button 440 is at least partially exposed outside the waterway plate 300. That is, in this embodiment, the regeneration piston 400 is manually driven by the user so as to be able to switch from a position corresponding to the homemade water mode to a position corresponding to the regeneration mode. In this way, the structure is simple and the product cost is low. Optionally, in this embodiment, the button 440 is exposed on the front face of the water softener. Such a design is more in line with the user's usage habits, so that the user can operate the button 440 and check whether the button 440 is pressed in place.

[0155] See also Figure 4 and Figure 7In one embodiment, the waterway plate 300 is provided with a piston mounting hole 314 connected to the regeneration chamber 310, and the water softener further comprises a third plugging cover 360 provided at the piston mounting hole 314, and the third plugging cover 360 is provided with a guide hole 361 connected to the regeneration chamber 310, and the button 440 comprises a pressing plate 441 and a connecting column 442 connected to each other, and an end of the connecting column 442 away from the pressing plate 441 passes through the guide hole 361 and is connected to the regeneration piston 400. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to install.

[0156] Specifically, when assembling the water softener, first install the regeneration piston 400 from the piston mounting hole 314 into the regeneration chamber 310, then install the third plugging cover 360 onto the piston mounting hole 314, and then make the connecting column 442 of the button 440 pass through the guide hole 361 on the third plugging cover 360 to extend into the regeneration chamber 310, until the connecting column 442 and the regeneration piston 400 are connected and fixed. Of course, in other embodiments, the third plugging cover 360 may not be provided. Alternatively, first, the connecting column 442 of the button 440 passes through the guide hole 361 on the third plugging cover 360 and is connected and fixed to the regeneration piston 400, and then the regeneration piston 400, together with the third plugging cover 360 and the button 440, is installed onto the waterway plate 300, so that the regeneration piston 400 can be inserted into the regeneration chamber 310, and the third plugging cover 360 is installed onto the piston mounting hole 314.

[0157] See also Figure 6 and Fig.17 In one embodiment, the guide hole 361 includes a disk hole section 362 and a column hole section 363 that are connected to each other. The pressing disk 441 can be accommodated in the disk hole section 362. The connecting column 442 is movably arranged in the column hole section 363 and is sealed with the hole wall of the column hole section 363. On the one hand, by using the sealing cooperation between the connecting column 442 and the hole wall of the column hole section 363, the sealing effect between the key 440 and the guide hole 361 can be improved under the premise of allowing the key 440 to move along the first direction, thereby avoiding the problem of liquid in the regeneration chamber 310 leaking through the guide hole 361. On the other hand, by using the disk hole section 362 to accommodate the pressing disk 441, the pressing disk 441 can move in the disk hole section 362, which can reduce the risk of the pressing disk 441 protruding out of the guide hole 361 and being accidentally pushed.

[0158] See also Figure 3 , Figure 4Optionally, in one embodiment, the regeneration piston 400 further includes a second conduit 430 connected to the piston 410 and located at the second side 316, one of the second conduit 430 and the connecting column 442 is provided with a first clamping protrusion 443, and the other is provided with a first clamping hole 431, and the first clamping protrusion 443 is clamped in the first clamping hole 431. In this way, by adding the second conduit 430, it is beneficial to shorten the length of the connecting column 442, and by utilizing the clamping and fixing effect of the first clamping protrusion 443 and the first clamping hole 431, the installation and fixing of the connecting column 442 and the regeneration piston 400 is realized, and the structure is simple and easy to install. Of course, in other embodiments, the first clamping protrusion 443 and the first clamping hole 431 may not be provided, but the installation and fixing of the second conduit 430 and the connecting column 442 may be realized by fasteners such as screws or rivets, or the two may be directly welded and fixed. In other embodiments, the second conduit 430 may not be provided, and the connecting column 442 is directly connected to the piston 410.

[0159] See also Figures 13 to 16 In this embodiment, optionally, the first locking protrusion 443 is arranged on the connecting column 442, and the first locking hole 431 is arranged on the second conduit 430. Of course, in other embodiments, the first locking protrusion 443 may be arranged on the second conduit 430, and the first locking hole 431 may be arranged on the connecting column 442.

[0160] It should be noted that in the embodiment where the regeneration piston 400 is provided with the second conduit 430, and the second conduit 430 is provided with the liquid guide channel 403 and the liquid guide outlet 405, the second conduit 430 is reused as a mounting structure for connecting the button 440. This is conducive to simplifying the structure of the water softener and reducing its product cost.

[0161] In one embodiment, the first clamping hole 431 is provided through the side wall of the liquid-conducting channel 403, the first clamping protrusion 443 is provided on the outer side of the connecting column 442, and the end of the connecting column 442 can be inserted into the liquid-conducting channel 403, so that the first clamping protrusion 443 can be clamped on the first clamping hole 431; the connecting column 442 is provided with an avoidance opening 444 corresponding to the liquid-conducting outlet 405. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to implement. Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting column 442 can also be provided around the outer circumference of the second conduit 430, and the first clamping protrusion 443 can be provided on the inner side of the connecting column 442.

[0162] Optionally in this embodiment, the liquid outlet 405 penetrates the end face and the surrounding side surface of the second conduit 430 at the same time, and the avoidance opening 444 penetrates the end face and the surrounding side surface of the connecting column 442 at the same time. In this way, it is convenient to manufacture the liquid outlet 405 and the avoidance opening 444 of the second conduit 430 and the connecting column 442.

[0163] Optionally, the liquid guide outlet 405 and the first clamp hole 431 are each provided with two, and the liquid guide outlet 405 and the first clamp hole 431 are alternately distributed along the circumferential interval of the second conduit 430. It can be understood that the avoidance opening 444 and the first clamping protrusion 443 on the connecting column 442 are also correspondingly provided with two, and the avoidance opening 444 and the first clamping protrusion 443 are alternately distributed along the circumferential interval of the second conduit 430. In this way, on the one hand, the total flow area of ​​the liquid guide outlet 405 can be increased, which is conducive to the saline solution flowing out of the liquid guide channel 403 in the regeneration mode; on the other hand, the two sets of matching structures composed of the first clamping protrusion 443 and the first clamp hole 431 can improve the connection stability and reliability of the connecting column 442 and the second conduit 430. Of course, in other embodiments, only one liquid guide outlet 405 or the first clamp hole 431 can be provided, or three or more can be provided.

[0164] In one embodiment, the salt box 200 is detachably mounted on the waterway plate 300. In this way, the salt box 200 can be removed from the waterway plate 300 to clean, repair or replace the salt box 200 separately, thereby improving the convenience of using the water softener. Of course, in other embodiments, the salt box 200 can also be welded or bonded to the waterway plate 300.

[0165] See also Figure 7 Optionally, one of the waterway plate 300 and the salt box 200 is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 353 at intervals, and the other is provided with positioning posts 250 corresponding to the positioning holes 353 , and the positioning posts 250 are inserted into the positioning holes 353 .

[0166] See also Figure 7 In this embodiment, optionally, the axis of the positioning hole 353 extends in the up-down direction and is arranged on the top wall of the waterway plate 300, and the positioning column 250 is arranged on the bottom wall of the salt box 200. There are multiple positioning holes 353, at least two positioning holes 353 are spaced along the length direction of the waterway plate 300, and at least two positioning holes 353 are spaced along the width direction of the waterway plate 300. Specifically, the positioning column 250 is inserted into the positioning hole 353 from top to bottom, so that the positioning and installation of the salt box 200 and the waterway plate 300 can be completed at the same time; when disassembling the salt box 200, it is only necessary to lift the salt box 200. In this way, the structure is simple and the installation and disassembly of the salt box 200 are easy. Of course, in other embodiments, the salt box 200 can also be detachably installed with the waterway plate 300 by screw connection or clamping.

[0167] It can be understood that the salt valve 500 has various structural forms. The specific structure of an embodiment of the salt valve 500 will be introduced below.

[0168] See also Figure 24 to Figure 29Optionally, the salt valve 500 includes a base 510 and a floating member 520, the base 510 is provided with a water injection channel 511, a water injection inlet 512 and a water injection outlet 513 connected to the water injection channel 511, the water injection inlet 512 is connected to the water replenishment outlet 351, and the water injection outlet 513 is connected to the salt box 200; the floating member 520 includes a connected float 521 and a first valve plug 524, when the float 521 rises to the first sealing position, the first valve plug 524 is sealed with the edge of the water injection outlet 513 to block the connection between the water injection channel 511 and the water injection outlet 513.

[0169] Specifically, the salt valve 500 includes a base 510 and a floating member 520. The floating member 520 can float up and down relative to the base 510. The water flowing through the water replenishment outlet 351 can enter the water injection channel 511 from the water injection inlet 512, and flow out from the water injection outlet 513 and be injected into the salt box 200, so that the salt block in the salt box 200 can be fully dissolved to form saturated salt water, thereby ensuring the regeneration efficiency of the resin in the water softener. Specifically, when the buoyancy in the salt valve 500 is less than the floating member 520, the water in the water replenishment outlet 351 can flow into the water injection channel 511 from the water injection inlet 512, and flow out from the water injection outlet 513 and be injected into the salt box 200, so as to fully dissolve the salt block in the salt box 200 and form saturated salt water, thereby ensuring the regeneration efficiency of the resin in the water softener. 0, water flows continuously through the water injection outlet 513 of the salt valve 500 and is replenished into the salt box 200; when the buoyancy in the salt valve 500 is greater than the total weight of the floating member 520, the float 521 floats up to the first sealing position, and makes the first valve plug 524 moving together seal and abut against the edge of the water injection outlet 513, thereby blocking the connection between the water injection outlet 513 and the water injection channel 511, that is, preventing water from flowing through the water injection outlet 513, and stopping the replenishment of water to the salt box 200.

[0170] In this way, compared with using electric drive to control the water injection amount, the salt valve 500 can accurately control the water injection amount entering the salt box 200, realize automatic replenishment and control of water flow, and ensure that the water injection amount entering the salt box 200 is constant, which can not only ensure the stable operation of the water replenishment process of the water softener, but also fully dissolve the salt blocks through a quantitative water injection amount to form a saturated salt water with a stable concentration, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the regeneration mode of the water softener. In addition, because no additional sensors or complex control systems are required, the maintenance difficulty and maintenance cost are reduced. However, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the salt valve 500 is configured as a solenoid valve.

[0171] Specifically, the float 521 and the first valve plug 524 can be separately provided, and the connection method between the two includes but is not limited to threaded connection, interference fit, and snap connection; the float 521 and the first valve plug 524 can be integrally provided. In this case, the first valve plug 524 includes a connecting rod and a sealing portion. The connecting rod of the first valve plug 524 is integrally provided with the float 521, and the sealing portion of the first valve plug 524 is detachably connected to the connecting rod for sealing against the edge of the water injection outlet 513.

[0172] Optionally, the water injection outlet 513 is provided with an outlet sealing ring 514, and in the first sealing position, the first valve plug 524 is sealed and connected to the outlet sealing ring 514, so that, through the outlet sealing ring 514 provided at the water injection outlet 513, when the first valve plug 524 moves to the first sealing position with the float 521, the first valve plug 524 and the outlet sealing ring 514 are sealed and abutted, so as to achieve the blocking of the water injection outlet 513, thereby blocking the communication between the water injection channel 511 and the water injection outlet 513, and stopping the water replenishment operation to the salt box 200. However, in other embodiments, the first valve plug 524 has a sealing surface and directly seals and abuts against the edge of the water injection outlet 513.

[0173] Specifically, the first valve plug 524 is provided with a sealing cone 526 that is gradually expanded from top to bottom, and the sealing cone 526 abuts against the lower end surface of the outlet sealing ring 514 at the first sealing position, so as to enhance the sealing effect of the first valve plug 524 on the water injection outlet 513. The sealing cone 526 can be replaced by a sealing step surface in other embodiments.

[0174] In the embodiment of the present invention, the float 521 is provided with a cylinder body 522 with the cylinder mouth facing downward, the cylinder body 522 is arranged around the outer periphery of the base 510, and is spaced apart from the peripheral side of the base 510 to form a water-passing space 501, and a buoyancy chamber 502 is constructed above the inner cavity of the cylinder body 522. In this way, on the one hand, because the cylinder body 522 is covered on the outer periphery of the base 510, the base 510 can guide the cylinder body 522, so that the float 521 can move up and down smoothly and accurately, thereby driving the first valve plug 524 connected to the float 521 to move up and down smoothly and accurately, and completing the reliable blocking of the water injection outlet 513; on the other hand, the cylinder body 522 is arranged around the outer periphery of the base 510, and the cylinder body 522 is spaced apart from the peripheral side of the base 510, forming a water-passing space 501 connecting the water injection outlet 513 and the salt box 200.

[0175] As can be understood, water flows into the salt box 200 through the water flow space 501 of the salt valve 500, so that the water level in the salt box 200 gradually rises. When the water level in the salt box 200 overflows the outlet of the water flow space 501 connected to the salt box 200 and reaches the upper edge of the outlet, the water in the salt box 200 forms a water seal at the outlet, that is, the air in the cylinder body 522 is sealed between the cylinder body 522 and the base 510. Specifically, according to the characteristics of the air, the air constructs a buoyancy chamber 502 above the inner cavity of the cylinder body 522 that can provide buoyancy to the floating member 520. Specifically, before the buoyancy chamber 502 is formed in the cylinder body 522, the water always flows from the water injection outlet 513 to the water flow space 501 and is replenished into the salt box 200. When the water level in the salt box 200 exceeds the water flow space 501, the water in the salt box 200 forms a water seal at the outlet. When the space 501 is connected to the upper edge of the outlet of the salt box 200, such as the surface where the barrel mouth of the barrel body 522 is located, the water in the salt box 200 forms a water seal at the outlet, so that a stream of air is sealed between the floating member 520 and the base 510, and buoyancy is provided to the floating member 520. When the water flow continues to be replenished to the water flow space 501 through the water injection outlet 513, due to the existence of the buoyancy chamber 502, the floating member 520 will make an upward movement relative to the base 510 as the water injection amount increases. When the floating member 520 moves to the first sealing position, the first valve plug 524 can be sealed and connected with the outlet sealing ring 514 at the water injection outlet 513, so as to realize the sealing of the water injection outlet 513, stop the continuous water injection into the water flow space 501, and ensure the strict control of the water injection amount of the salt box 200.

[0176] Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, a water-passing notch 523 connected to the water-passing space 501 is provided at the bottom of the barrel body 522. At the first sealing position, the upper edge of the water-passing notch 523 is lower than the upper edge of the water injection outlet 513. In this way, regardless of the water level in the salt box 200, for example, when the water level exceeds the water injection outlet 513, the salt water will not flow back to the resin tank 100 through the water injection outlet 513. The reason is that the boundary of the buoyancy chamber 502 is from the upper edge of the water-passing notch 523 to the top wall of the barrel body 522. The air in the buoyancy chamber 502 can play a sealing role, effectively preventing the salt water from flowing into the water injection outlet 513 through the water-passing space 501. In addition, the thickness of the air layer in the buoyancy chamber 502 is related to the upper edge position of the water-passing notch 523. Therefore, by providing the water-passing notch 523, the adjustment of the mold structure of the barrel body 522 is convenient, that is, only the position of the upper edge of the water-passing notch 523 needs to be adjusted, so as to facilitate the adjustment of the thickness of the air layer in the later stage of the project to meet the design requirements.

[0177] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the float 521 is provided with a sealing portion 525. When the float 521 drops to the second sealing position, the sealing portion 525 is sealed and connected to the outlet sealing ring 514 to block the connection between the water injection outlet 513 and the salt box 200, thereby preventing the water flow in the salt box 200 from overflowing the salt box 200 through the salt valve 500, thereby ensuring the amount of salt water in the salt box 200.

[0178] The base 510 includes a first seat portion 518 and a second seat portion 519 which are separately arranged, a water injection channel 511 is formed between the first seat portion 518 and the second seat portion 519, a water injection inlet 512 is arranged at the first seat portion 518, and a water injection outlet 513 is arranged at the second seat portion 519. In this way, the base 510 is easy to manufacture and the float 521 is easy to install.

[0179] In an embodiment of the present invention, a mounting column 240 is provided on the bottom wall of the salt box 200, and a salt valve 500 is installed on the mounting column 240. The mounting column 240 is provided with a water injection hole 241 connected to the water replenishment outlet 351. It can be understood that a base 510 of the salt valve 500 is provided with a water injection channel 511 and a water injection inlet 512. The mounting column 240 is sealed and installed in the water injection inlet 512 to achieve communication between the water injection inlet 512 and the water injection hole 241, thereby ensuring that water flows into the salt box 200 through the salt valve 500.

[0180] Optionally, in this embodiment, the salt valve 500 also includes a flow limiting structure 540 provided at the water injection inlet 512, and the flow limiting structure 540 is used to adjust the water flow rate flowing into the water injection channel 511, thereby stabilizing the flow rate and flow rate of the water flow. In this way, on the one hand, it can prevent the first valve plug 524 from being directly lifted up by the high-pressure water flow and accidentally blocking the water injection outlet 513, thereby ensuring the stability of the water injection amount entering the salt box 200, thereby ensuring the movement stability of the water replenishment mode; on the other hand, the stable water injection amount is conducive to more complete dissolution of the salt blocks in the salt box 200, thereby promoting the stability of the concentration of the formed brine and improving the regeneration effect of the resin.

[0181] Furthermore, when the flow limiting structure 540 is provided in the water injection inlet 512, the upper end surface of the mounting column 240 extending into the water injection inlet 512 can abut against the lower end surface of the flow limiting structure 540, which helps to improve the installation stability of the flow limiting structure 540 in the water injection inlet 512. However, the present design is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, a mounting groove is provided in the placement cavity 204, the base 510 of the salt valve 500 is installed in the mounting groove, and the mounting groove is provided with a water injection hole 241 communicating with the water injection inlet 512.

[0182] In addition, due to the combination of the flow-limiting structure 540 and the floating member 520, by controlling the water inlet time at the water inlet 104 of the water softener, there is no need to set a corresponding water level sensor in the salt box 200. The volume of the water flow entering the salt box 200 can be calculated by the water inlet time of the water softener and the flow rate at the flow-limiting structure 540 or the water injection inlet 512. It can also be judged whether the water level in the salt box 200 meets the standard, and the control valve at the water inlet 104 is closed in time, which simplifies the structure and makes the control simple and convenient. However, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the flow-limiting structure 540 is provided at the water replenishment outlet 351.

[0183] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the flow limiting structure 540 includes a flow limiting sheet 541 capable of elastic deformation, the flow limiting sheet 541 is provided with a flow limiting hole 542, and the water injection inlet 512 is connected to the water injection channel 511 through the flow limiting hole 542. In this way, by using the setting of the flow limiting hole 542, a stable pressure difference can be formed on both sides of the flow limiting hole 542, and then the flow rate can be controlled by controlling the pressure difference. Combined with the elastic deformation ability of the flow limiting sheet 541, the water flow passing through the flow limiting hole 542 can be stabilized. The flow rate and flow rate can be stabilized, and the possibility of the water flow directly impacting the first valve plug 524 due to its high speed and large flow rate, and directly lifting to press the water injection outlet 513, thereby improving the control effect of the salt valve 500 on the water flow. In this embodiment, the flow limiting sheet 541 is specifically configured as a rubber sheet. Of course, other flow limiting sheets 541 capable of elastic deformation are also applicable, and are not limited here.

[0184] Specifically, the flow limiting structure 540 also includes a fixing seat 543, and the fixing seat 543 is provided with a receiving groove 544 on the end surface close to the water injection channel 511. The bottom of the receiving groove 544 is provided with a water through hole 545 with a larger aperture than the flow limiting hole 542. The flow limiting sheet 541 is provided in the receiving groove 544, and the flow limiting hole 542 is connected with the water through hole 545, so that the water entering the water injection inlet 512 passes through the water through hole 545 and the flow limiting hole 542 in sequence and flows to the water injection channel 511. Since the aperture of the water through hole 545 is larger than the aperture of the flow limiting hole 542, the water through hole 545 acts as a buffer transition hole, which can slow down the water flow toward the flow limiting hole 542. The impact force, and further, the flow limiting hole 542 on the flow limiting plate 541 and its elastic deformation performance can further buffer the water flow, so that the flow velocity and flow rate of the water flowing through the flow limiting hole 542 are stable, and then the water flows into the water injection channel 511, and flows out from the water injection outlet 513 to stably replenish the salt box 200, and the water level rises and fluctuates slightly; and when its pressure is sufficient to lift the floating member 520 to the first sealing position, the first valve plug 524 of the floating member 520 presses against the edge of the water injection outlet 513, preventing the water flow from continuing to pass through the water injection outlet 513, thereby stopping the water replenishment of the salt box 200, and achieving the purpose of accurately controlling the water injection amount. The fixing seat 543 can be installed on the water injection inlet 512 by bonding, interference connection, plug-in, etc.

[0185] In one embodiment, the hole wall surface of the water injection inlet 512 is provided with a step portion 517, and the flow limiting structure 540 also includes a fixing seat 543 connected to the step portion 517, and the fixing seat 543 is provided with a receiving groove 544 on the end face close to the step portion 517, and the groove bottom of the receiving groove 544 is provided with a water through hole 545 with an aperture larger than the flow limiting hole 542, and the flow limiting sheet 541 is provided in the receiving groove 544, and the flow limiting hole 542 is connected with the water through hole 545. It can be understood that the flow limiting hole 542 is connected through the water through hole 545 to ensure that water flows through the fixing seat 543 and flows to the water injection channel 511 through the flow limiting hole 542, wherein the aperture of the water through hole 545 is larger than the aperture of the flow limiting hole 542, and the water through hole 545 is larger than the aperture of the flow limiting hole 542. The through hole 545 serves as a buffer transition hole, which can reduce the impact force of the water flow toward the flow limiting hole 542. Furthermore, the flow limiting hole 542 on the flow limiting plate 541 and its elastic deformation performance can further buffer the water flow, so that the flow velocity and flow rate of the water flowing through the flow limiting hole 542 are stable, and then the water flows into the water injection channel 511 through the water injection inlet 512, and flows out from the water injection outlet 513 to stably replenish the salt box 200, and the water level rise fluctuates slightly; and when its pressure is sufficient to lift the floating member 520 to the first sealing position, the first valve plug 524 of the floating member 520 presses against the edge of the water injection outlet 513, preventing the water flow from continuing to pass through the water injection outlet 513, thereby stopping the water replenishment of the salt box 200, and achieving the purpose of accurately controlling the water injection amount.

[0186] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water injection inlet 512 includes a first hole section 515 and a second hole section 516, the second hole section 516 is connected between the first hole section 515 and the water injection channel 511, the aperture of the second hole section 516 is smaller than the first hole section 515, and larger than the aperture of the flow limiting hole 542; the second hole section 516 and the first hole section 515 form the step portion 517 at the connection point, and the second hole section 516 is connected to the flow limiting hole 542. It can be understood that one end of the second hole section 516 is connected to the water injection channel 511, and the other end is connected to the first hole section 515, and the flow limiting structure 54 0 is arranged in the first hole section 515, so as to limit the flow of water entering the first hole section 515 through the flow limiting structure 540, and the treated water flows into the water injection channel 511 through the second hole section 516. Since the aperture of the second hole section 516 is smaller than the aperture of the first hole section 515, and the aperture of the second hole section 516 is larger than the aperture of the flow limiting hole 542, at this time, the flow velocity of the water increased by the flow limiting hole 542 will be reduced, which can significantly reduce the turbulent fluctuation in the water injection channel 511, improve the stability of the water flow, and further stabilize the flow rate and the flow velocity, while reducing energy loss, thereby improving the water replenishment efficiency of the salt valve 500 to the salt box 200.

[0187] The first hole segment 515 and the second hole segment 516 are connected, and a step portion 517 is formed at the connection point between the two. At this time, the first hole segment 515 and the second hole segment 516 can be different hole segments on the same structure or different hole segments on different structures, which is not limited here.

[0188] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the water softener further includes a first adapter seat 710, which is sealed and connected between the salt box 200 and the waterway plate 300, and is provided with an adapter channel, which is connected between the water injection hole 241 and the water replenishment outlet 351, and can ensure that there is no water or air leakage at the docking position of the water replenishment outlet 351 and the water injection hole 241, and can also ensure reliable connection between the water replenishment outlet 351 and the water injection hole 241. However, the present design is not limited to this, and in other embodiments, a sealing ring is directly provided between the salt box 200 and the waterway plate 300 at the docking position of the water replenishment outlet 351 and the water injection hole 241.

[0189] The water softener also includes an exhaust structure, which connects the resin chamber 101 with the outside atmosphere and is used to discharge the air in the resin chamber 101. In this way, by arranging the exhaust structure on the main box, after the water softener runs in the regeneration mode and in the water making mode of the water softener, the soft water chamber can be connected to the atmosphere through the exhaust structure to exhaust the air in the soft water chamber, and then, the water output of the water softener is not accompanied by air, ensuring the stable water output of the water softener.

[0190] Since the soft water chamber of the main box is connected to the atmosphere through the exhaust structure, after the water softener runs in the regeneration mode, water flows into the soft water chamber from the water inlet 104 and flows to the upper end of the water outlet 103 through the resin particles. In this process, the air in the soft water chamber is discharged to the outside of the soft water chamber through the exhaust structure, thereby effectively improving the water outlet stability of the water softener, thereby improving the user experience. When the resin is close to saturation or has been saturated, in the regeneration mode of the water softener, salt water can flow into the main box, so that the resin can restore the ability to soften water and flow out of the soft water chamber. At this time, there is no water but air in the main box.

[0191] The water softener also includes a salt valve 500, and the salt chamber 201 is connected to the resin chamber 101 through the salt valve 500, and the exhaust structure and the salt valve 500 are configured as the same structure. Specifically, the salt box 200 is provided with a connecting structure connected to the atmosphere, and the exhaust structure is configured as the salt valve 500, that is, the air in the soft water chamber enters the salt box 200 through the salt valve 500, and the air is discharged from the salt box 200 by using the connecting structure on the salt box 200. In this way, the water replenishment outlet 351 serves as an exhaust hole and is located at the highest point of the top wall of the waterway plate 300. The inner cavity of the salt box 200 is reused as a part of the exhaust passage, and the salt valve 500 serves as a control valve on the exhaust passage. At this time, the exhaust process of the water softener does not need to rely on an additionally arranged exhaust branch and the control valve thereon, which can simplify the overall structure of the water softener and effectively reduce costs.

[0192] Specifically, the connecting structure may be a hole, a slit or a notch that penetrates the wall of the salt box 200. For example, a connecting hole may be provided on the top wall of the salt box 200 so that the inner cavity of the salt box 200 is connected to the outside atmosphere through the connecting hole.

[0193] It is worth mentioning that when the exhaust structure is configured as a salt valve 500, the water replenishment outlet 351 is not directly connected to the water passage, which can ensure that the salt valve 500 maintains a state of connecting the outside atmosphere and the air above the resin tank 100 to achieve the purpose of exhausting the air inside the resin tank 100.

[0194] Of course, in other embodiments, an independent exhaust valve may be provided as the exhaust structure, and the exhaust valve and the salt valve 500 may be configured as different structures.

[0195] As mentioned above, there are two water replenishment processes for the water softener. One is after the regeneration mode ends, that is, when the resin tank 100 is in an empty tank state and the waterway plate 300 is in a waterless state; the other is during daily use, that is, when the resin tank 100 is in a water state, specifically, a full water state. During daily use of the water softener, the raw water entering the water chamber 301 will flow downward to the resin chamber 101 and upward to the salt chamber 201 at the same time, and the air entering the water chamber 301 will enter the connecting chamber 352 and then be discharged from the water softener through the exhaust structure.

[0196] It can be understood that the salt box 200 has various structural forms. The specific structure of an embodiment of the salt box 200 will be introduced below.

[0197] In an embodiment of the present invention, the salt box 200 includes a box body 210 and a salt grid 220. The salt grid 220 is arranged in the box body 210 to divide the inner cavity of the box body 210 into a placement chamber 204 and a salt chamber 201. The placement chamber 204 is communicated with the salt chamber 201 through the salt grid hole 224 of the salt grid 220. The salt valve 500 is arranged in the placement chamber 204. In this way, the salt valve 500 is separated from the salt block in the salt chamber 201, and the placement chamber 204 is connected with the salt chamber 201 through the salt grid hole 224 of the salt grid 220. This can ensure that the movement of the floating member 520 in the salt valve 500 is not affected by the salt block and improve the smoothness of the movement of the floating member 520. It can also provide water flow to the salt chamber 201 to obtain saturated salt water, ensure the regeneration efficiency of the resin in the water softener, and discharge the air in the soft water chamber to the atmosphere through the salt valve 500 and the salt chamber 201 to ensure stable water output of the water softener.

[0198] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the salt grid 220 includes a first partition 225 and a second partition 226 connected to each other, the first partition 225 extends vertically, the second partition 226 extends horizontally and is provided with a salt grid hole 224, the placement chamber 204 includes a side channel 205 and a bottom channel 206 connected to each other, the side channel 205 is arranged on a side of the first partition 225 away from the second partition 226, the bottom channel 206 is arranged below the second partition 226, and the salt chamber 201 is arranged on a side of the first partition 225 close to the second partition 226. In this way, the inner cavity of the box body 210 is reasonably divided to ensure that the salt box 200 can be loaded with more salt blocks. At the same time, the connection between the placement chamber 204 and the salt chamber 201 is guaranteed, so as to obtain the exhaustion of air in the saturated brine and the soft water chamber.

[0199] It can be understood that, since the first partition 225 extends vertically along the box body 210, and the second partition 226 extends horizontally along the box body 210, a support plate abutting the bottom of the box body 210 can be provided under the second partition 226. When the salt grid 220 is set in the box body 210, the inner cavity of the box body 210 can be divided into a placement chamber 204 and a salt chamber 201, wherein the placement chamber 204 includes a side channel 205 and a bottom channel 206, the bottom channel 206 is laterally connected to the side channel 205, and is located below the second partition 226, the salt chamber 201 and the bottom channel 206 are connected through the salt grid hole 224, and the salt valve 500 is set in the side channel 205 to ensure that the salt valve 500 reliably controls the water injection amount entering the salt box 200, and then the salt flows out through the salt valve 500. The water flow needs to fill the bottom channel 206 before it can enter the salt chamber 201 from the salt grid hole 224 of the bottom channel 206. Compared with the water flow directly entering the salt chamber 201 horizontally from the side channel 205, the water flow evenly flows over the salt blocks in the salt chamber 201 from bottom to top, which can push the salt blocks to suspend and move continuously, which can reduce local accumulation, increase the contact area between the salt blocks and water, and improve the salt dissolution efficiency. It can also promote the dissolution of salt blocks from the bottom of the salt chamber 201, reduce the retention of undissolved salt in the upper layer, and avoid the compaction of salt blocks to hinder water penetration, thereby improving the utilization rate of salt in the salt chamber 201, thereby obtaining saturated brine with stable concentration and achieving a more stable regeneration effect, that is, the resin in the resin tank 100 can be fully regenerated, thereby improving the softening efficiency of the water softener for raw water.

[0200] More specifically, the salt valve 500 is reused as an exhaust structure, and the water replenishment outlet 351 is reused as an exhaust port. After the regeneration mode ends, when the water softener is running in the water making mode, raw water enters the soft water chamber through the water inlet 104. When the water level in the resin chamber 101 rises, the air in the resin tank 100 converges at the water replenishment outlet 351 through the resin chamber 101 and the connecting chamber 352. The air flowing out of the water replenishment outlet 351 enters the salt box 200 through the salt valve 500. The exhaust path in the salt box 200 is that the air flows through the side channel 205, the bottom channel 206, the salt grid hole 224, and the salt chamber 201 in sequence. Since the salt chamber 201 is connected to the atmosphere through the connecting structure, the air entering the salt chamber 201 is discharged from the salt box 200 through the connecting structure.

[0201] See also Figures 18 to 21 In one embodiment, the salt box 200 is provided with a liquid outlet well 211 and a well cover 221 covering the liquid outlet well 211, the salt solution outlet 202 is provided in the liquid outlet well 211, and the side wall of the well cover 221 is provided with a liquid outlet 222. The outer surface of the liquid outlet well 211 and the well cover 221 are separated to form a liquid outlet space 223, and the liquid outlet space 223 connects the liquid outlet 222 and the salt solution outlet 202. In this way, by using the liquid outlet well 211 and the well cover 221 to cooperate, it is possible to prevent large particles of salt blocks from flowing out of the salt solution outlet 202 along with the salt solution, thereby reducing the problem of the internal space of the waterway plate 300 being blocked by salt blocks, and at the same time, it is possible to maintain the stability of the salt solution concentration flowing into the resin tank 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the liquid outlet well 211 and the well cover 221 may not be provided.

[0202] In one embodiment, the salt box 200 includes a box body 210 and a salt grid 220. The salt grid 220 is arranged in the box body 210 to separate the inner cavity of the box body 210 into a bottom channel 206 and a salt cavity 201 located above the bottom channel 206. The bottom channel 206 is connected to the salt cavity 201 through the grid holes of the salt grid 220 and connected to the liquid port 222. The liquid outlet well 211 is arranged on the bottom wall of the box body 210, and the well cover 221 is formed on the salt grid 220. Specifically, the inner cavity of the box body 210 is separated into the bottom channel 206 and the salt cavity 201 by the salt grid 220, and the salt block is stored in the salt cavity 201. The salt grid 220 can prevent the salt block from entering the bottom channel 206, thereby playing a role of pre-filtration. In this way, it can avoid the problem that the salt block enters the bottom channel 206 and blocks the liquid port 222, which makes it difficult for the salt solution to flow out. The structure is simple and easy to implement. Of course, in other embodiments, the salt grid 220 may not be provided.

[0203] See also Figures 18 to 20In one embodiment, the liquid outlet well 211 includes a first well section 212 and a second well section 213, the first well section 212 is arranged inside the salt box 200 and cooperates with the well cover 221, and the second well section 213 is arranged outside the salt box 200; the water softener also includes a waterway plate 300 and a second adapter seat 720 arranged on the waterway plate 300, the waterway plate 300 is provided with a water passage cavity 301 and a salt solution inlet 304, the salt solution inlet 304 is connected to the water inlet 102 through the water passage cavity 301, and the second adapter seat 720 is sealed and inserted in the second well section 213, and connects the salt solution outlet 202 and the salt solution inlet 304. In this way, the second well section 213 and the waterway plate 300 are connected through the second adapter seat 720, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the salt box 200 and the waterway plate 300, and at the same time improving the sealing connection effect between the two. Of course, in other embodiments, the second adapter seat 720 may not be provided.

[0204] It can be understood that the resin tank 100 has various structural forms. The specific structure of an embodiment of the resin tank 100 will be introduced below.

[0205] See also Figure 30 to Figure 35 The shape of the resin chamber 101 is configured as a prism. Under the condition of equal housing installation space, the resin chamber 101 is configured as a prism, which can make full use of the housing installation space and maximize the space utilization, thereby increasing the volume of the resin tank 100, which can not only accommodate more resin particles to process more water flow and meet higher water demand, but also reduce the number of frequent replenishment of resin particles.

[0206] Specifically, the shell of the water softener is usually designed as a rectangular parallelepiped structure. Compared with the cylindrical setting of the resin tank 100, the resin tank 100 of the present invention is set as a prism, so that the side walls of the resin tank 100 can be as close to the inner wall surfaces of the shell as possible, making full use of the installation space of the shell and having a larger volume, which helps to improve the water softener's ability to process water flow, thereby meeting the user's water needs.

[0207] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the resin tank 100 is configured as a right prism, that is, the shape of the resin cavity 101 is configured as a right prism. At this time, the bottom wall shape of the resin cavity 101 is rectangular, the side wall shape is also rectangular, and the side wall is perpendicular to the bottom wall so as to be close to the prismatic shell, thereby effectively increasing the volume of the resin tank 100.

[0208] In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall surface of the resin tank 100 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs arranged in an intersecting manner. Such a configuration can enhance the overall structural strength and rigidity of the resin tank 100, reduce the risk of deformation and damage of the resin tank 100, and ensure the shape of the resin cavity 101 and its ability to accommodate resin particles.

[0209] In one embodiment, the resin tank 100 is integrally formed with a water inlet channel 105, which extends in the up-down direction and is spaced apart from the resin chamber 101. The lower end of the water inlet channel 105 is formed with a water inlet 104, and the upper end of the water inlet channel 105 is opposite to and communicates with the fourth pipe section 334. Specifically, raw water flows into the water inlet channel 105 from the water inlet 104, and flows into the fourth pipe section 334 from bottom to top, and then flows into the regeneration chamber 310 of the second pipe section 332 after turning in the third pipe section 333, and then flows into the first pipe section 331 through the water outlet 303, and finally flows to the water inlet 102 through the water outlet 308 in the middle of the first pipe section 331. In this way, the assembly process of the water softener can be simplified and its production efficiency can be improved. Of course, in other embodiments, the water softener can also include a water inlet pipe installed on the resin tank 100, and the water inlet pipe is formed with a water inlet channel 105.

[0210] In this embodiment, the water inlet channel 105 is optionally at least partially protruding from the outer side of the resin chamber 101. In this way, the space occupied by the water inlet channel 105 in the resin chamber 101 can be reduced, which is conducive to increasing the volume of the resin chamber 101, so that the resin chamber 101 can accommodate more resin particles and improve its softening rate and effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the water inlet channel 105 can also be completely accommodated on the inner side of the outer side of the resin tank 100.

[0211] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet and outlet include a water outlet 103 and a second mounting hole 108 provided at the bottom of the resin tank 100, and the water outlet 103 and the second mounting hole 108 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the resin tank 100; the water softener also includes a lower water distributor 140 extending along the length direction of the resin tank 100, and the lower water distributor 140 can be installed into the resin cavity 101 from the second mounting hole 108 and connected to the water outlet 103.

[0212] It can be understood that the second mounting hole 108 is the filling port for filling resin particles into the resin cavity 101. Compared with the lower water distributor 140 entering the resin tank 100 from the top of the resin tank 100, the smaller resin cavity 101 is not conducive to the entry of hands or clamping tools and the communication between the lower water distributor 140 and the water outlet 103. Since the second mounting hole 108 and the water outlet 103 are arranged at intervals at the bottom of the resin tank 100 along the length direction of the resin tank 100, the lower water distributor 140 passes through the second mounting hole 108 and is loaded into the resin tank 100, thereby realizing the rapid connection between the lower water distributor 140 and the water outlet 103 arranged at the bottom of the resin tank 100, effectively reducing the influence of the size of the resin tank 100 on the difficulty of the lower water distributor 140 entering and exiting the resin cavity 101, improving the assembly efficiency of the lower water distributor 140, and ensuring that the lower water distributor 140 prevents the loss of resin particles and distributes water evenly. In addition, the lower water distributor 140 extends along the length direction of the resin tank 100, and the size of the lower water distributor 140 can be increased so that the lower water distributor 140 covers as much of the bottom of the resin tank 100 as possible, ensuring the uniformity of the water flow entering the water outlet 103; and the second mounting hole 108 is reused as the mounting hole for the lower water distributor 140 to enter and exit the resin chamber 101, thereby reducing the number of hole structures on the resin tank 100 while facilitating the installation of the lower water distributor 140.

[0213] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, one end of the lower water distributor 140 away from the water outlet 103 is spaced apart from the edge of the second mounting hole 108, and a filling channel is formed at the spaced apart position. It can be understood that in the length direction of the resin tank 100, the size of the lower water distributor 140 is smaller than the size of the resin cavity 101, so that when the lower water distributor 140 is connected to the cavity wall corresponding to the water outlet 103, a filling channel is formed between the end of the lower water distributor 140 away from the water outlet 103 and the edge of the second mounting hole 108. At this time, the second mounting hole 108 is both an installation port of the lower water distributor 140 and a filling port for resin particles to be poured in. In this way, the number of hole structures can be reduced, and at the same time, the convenient installation of the lower water distributor 140 and the filling of resin particles are facilitated.

[0214] In the embodiment of the present invention, the water softener further comprises a second plugging cover 150, which is detachably plugged in the second mounting hole 108, and the end of the second plugging cover 150 extending into the resin chamber 101 is limitedly connected with the lower water distributor 140, so that the rotation of the lower water distributor 140 around its own axis can be limited, and at the same time, the second plugging cover 150 and the cavity wall of the resin chamber 101 jointly support the two ends of the lower water distributor 140, which can reduce the risk of deformation of the lower water distributor 140 due to factors such as suspension, and enhance the installation stability of the lower water distributor 140 in the resin tank 100. In addition, the second plugging cover 150 is provided to complete the plugging of the second mounting hole 108 after the resin particles are filled, for example, a sealing ring installation groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second plugging cover 150, and the sealing ring is arranged in the sealing ring installation groove, and when the second plugging cover 150 is fixed to the second mounting hole 108, it is sealed and abutted against the hole wall of the second mounting hole 108 to ensure the sealing of the resin chamber 101.

[0215] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the lower water distributor 140 is cylindrically arranged, and a plurality of water distribution inlets are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The lower water distributor 140 is also provided with a water distribution cavity connecting the water distribution inlet and the water outlet 103. The plurality of water distribution inlets include an upwardly opened water distribution inlet 141 and two water distribution side inlets 142 respectively arranged on both sides of the water distribution inlet 141. The width of the water distribution inlet 141 is smaller than the width of the water distribution side inlet 142. In this way, when the water flowing downward reaches the lower water distributor 140, because the width of the water distribution inlet 141 is smaller than the width of the water distribution side inlet 142, for example, under the condition of the same length, the water distribution inlet 1 The width of 41 is narrower than that of the water distribution side inlet 142. A small amount of water flows into the water distribution chamber from the water distribution side inlet 141, and most of the water flows into the water distribution chamber from the water distribution side inlet 142. This can not only prolong the retention time of the water flow in the resin chamber 101, so that it can fully contact with the resin particles and improve the softening effect or regeneration effect, but also reduce the water intake burden of the upwardly opened water distribution inlet 141. Combined with the larger size of the water distribution side inlet 142 to disperse the impact force of the water flow, the water flow can enter the water distribution chamber more evenly and smoothly, reducing the impact of the water flow on the internal structure of the lower water distributor 140, thereby extending the service life of the lower water distributor 140.

[0216] See also Fig.35In an embodiment of the present invention, the second plugging cover 150 is provided with a limit stop hole 151, and the hole wall surface of the limit stop hole 151 is provided with a stop plane 152. The part of the lower water distributor 140 inserted into the limit stop hole 151 is provided with a matching plane 143 corresponding to the stop plane 152, and the matching plane 143 abuts against the stop plane 152, so as to ensure that the water distribution inlet 141 is opened upward, and at the same time, the possibility of the lower water distributor 140 rotating around its own axis and the possibility of relative rotation between the lower water distributor 140 and the plug are avoided; further, the matching plane 143 is set corresponding to the water distribution inlet 141. At this time, the matching plane 143 can be set upward together with the water distribution inlet 141, or the matching plane 143 is facing the resin The bottom wall of the cavity 101 is set, and then, by utilizing the abutment limit of the matching plane 143 and the anti-rotation plane 152, the corresponding setting of the matching plane 143 and the water distribution inlet 141, the position of the matching plane 143 can be adjusted by the anti-rotation plane 152 of the second blocking cover 150, that is, the position of the water distribution inlet 141 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the matching plane 143. In this way, it is convenient for the installation workers to identify the position of the water distribution inlet 141, which is beneficial to improve the adjustment convenience of the water distribution inlet 141 of the lower water distributor 140; and after the adjustment is completed, the second blocking cover 150 can be fixed to the resin tank 100 as a whole by screw connection, pin fixation, etc., so as to improve the sealing effect and limiting effect of the second blocking cover 150.

[0217] Specifically, see Figure 31 to Figure 33 In an embodiment of the present invention, the resin cavity 101 is further provided with a guide groove 109, which extends along the length direction of the resin tank 100 and is connected to the water outlet 103 to guide the water outlet end of the lower water distributor 140 to move toward the water outlet 103. In this way, the lower water distributor 140 enters the resin cavity 101 through the second mounting hole 108. Under the guiding action of the guide groove 109, the water outlet end of the lower water distributor 140 moves along the guide groove 109 and stops moving when it abuts against the cavity wall corresponding to the water outlet 103, completing the connection between the water outlet end of the lower water distributor 140 and the water outlet 103, which helps to improve the convenience of the connection between the lower water distributor 140 and the water outlet 103. In addition, due to the support of the guide groove 109 to the lower water distributor 140, the possibility of deformation of the lower water distributor 140 can be reduced to a certain extent, thereby improving the structural stability of the lower water distributor 140.

[0218] In order to ensure that the water flow can enter the water distribution chamber through the water distribution side inlet 142, the wall surface where the water distribution side inlet 142 is located is spaced apart from the inner wall of the guide groove 109, and / or at least part of the water distribution side inlet 142 is higher than the slot of the guide groove 109, for example, a certain distance is left between the upper wall or lower wall of the water distribution side inlet 142 and the surface where the slot of the guide groove 109 is located, thereby ensuring that part of the water flow flowing to the lower water distributor 140 smoothly enters the water distribution chamber through the water distribution side inlet 142.

[0219] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the resin chamber 101 is provided with an installation structure for constraining the movement of the lower water distributor 140, so as to improve the installation convenience and stability of the lower water distributor 140 in the resin tank 100, and reduce the possibility of separation of the lower water distributor 140 from the resin chamber 101.

[0220] See also Figure 31 to Figure 33 In the embodiment of the present invention, the installation structure includes two arch arms 160 respectively arranged at the two ends of the guide slot 109, the two ends of the arch arm 160 are connected across the two groove side walls of the guide slot 109, and are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lower water distributor 140, wherein the arch arm 160 close to the water outlet 103 can be connected to the cavity wall of the resin cavity 101, thereby improving the structural stability of the arch arm 160; and by providing two arch arms 160 arranged at intervals along the length direction (i.e., the left and right direction) of the resin tank 100, on the basis of ensuring the water inlet of the lower water distributor 140, the outer peripheral surface of the lower water distributor 140 is reasonably contacted, reducing the possibility of the lower water distributor 140 upwardly escaping from the guide slot 109, and can also assist the guide slot 109 to guide the lower water distributor 140 to a certain extent, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the lower water distributor 140. However, the present design is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the installation structure includes only one arch arm 160, or other structural forms.

[0221] In the related art, the water flow rate of the resin tank 100 in the regeneration mode is relatively large, resulting in the salt solution staying in the resin tank 100 for a relatively short time, and the salt solution fails to react fully with the resin particles in a short time and flows away. It can be seen that the salt solution in the regeneration mode does not react fully with the resin particles in the resin tank 100, resulting in poor regeneration effect.

[0222] For the problem of poor regeneration effect, please refer to Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the water softener further includes a flow regulating mechanism 800, which is disposed at the water outlet 103 of the water softener to regulate the water flow rate, and the flow rate of the flow regulating mechanism 800 in the regeneration mode is less than the flow rate in the water production mode.

[0223] Optionally, the water outlet 103 is disposed on the resin pot. Of course, in other embodiments, the water outlet 103 may also be disposed on other parts, for example, on the waterway plate 300 .

[0224] By setting a flow regulating mechanism 800 at the water outlet 103 of the resin tank 100, the flow regulating mechanism 800 can reduce the flow when the water softener enters the regeneration mode. It can be understood that under the condition that the total amount of saline flowing into the resin tank 100 is equal, the saline water flow rate becomes smaller, which can prolong the residence time of the saline in the resin tank 100, so that the saline has more sufficient time to react with the resin particles, thereby improving the regeneration effect. Secondly, the soft water of the resin tank 100 in the water production mode can still be maintained at a large flow output supply, thereby achieving the goal of high flux in the water production mode and high salt efficiency in the regeneration mode, thereby better meeting the use needs, and can save the consumption rate of salt blocks and reduce the frequency of users replenishing salt blocks.

[0225] It can be understood that the flow regulating mechanism 800 of the embodiment of the present invention can either actively regulate its water flow rate or passively regulate its water flow rate.

[0226] For example, in one embodiment, the brine pressure flowing into the water outlet 103 in the regeneration mode is P 1 , the raw water pressure flowing into the water outlet 103 in the water production mode is P 2 , P 1 <P 2 . In this embodiment, the flow regulating mechanism 800 is configured as a passive regulating structure, which will change its opening degree due to the difference between the brine pressure and the raw water pressure, thereby changing the water flow rate. Specifically, the raw water pressure in the water production mode is relatively large, so the flow regulating mechanism 800 has a large opening degree and a large water flow rate. The brine pressure in the regeneration mode is relatively small, so the flow regulating mechanism 800 has a small opening degree and a small water flow rate. In this way, the electric control structure and electric control circuit of the flow regulating mechanism 800 can be saved, thereby reducing the product cost of the water softener and helping to reduce the electrical failure rate of the water softener.

[0227] It should be noted that the brine pressure does not specifically refer to the liquid flowing into the water outlet 103 being only brine, but refers to the fact that the source of the pressure is the brine flowing into the resin tank 100 from the brine tank 200. Similarly, the raw water pressure does not specifically refer to the fact that the liquid flowing into the water outlet 103 is raw water. It can be understood that the liquid flowing into the water outlet 103 should be softened water, and the raw water pressure here also refers to the fact that the source of the pressure is the raw water flowing into the resin tank 100 from the water inlet 104.

[0228] Of course, in other embodiments, the flow regulating mechanism 800 may also be configured as an active regulating mechanism. For example, in another embodiment, the flow regulating mechanism 800 is configured as a flow regulating valve with adjustable opening, which may be a solenoid valve, etc. The flow regulating valve is electrically connected to the control circuit board of the water softener, so that it can be controlled by the electrical signal of the control circuit board. When the water softener switches between the water making mode and the regeneration mode, the control circuit board can timely control the flow regulating valve to adjust the flow.

[0229] In another embodiment, the water outlet 103 includes a main water outlet and an auxiliary water outlet that are independent of each other, and the flow regulating mechanism 800 includes a plugging member movably disposed on the resin tank 100, and the plugging member selectively plugs the main water outlet and the auxiliary water outlet, and the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the main water outlet is larger than the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the auxiliary water outlet, and the main water outlet is plugged by the plugging member in the regeneration mode. That is, the main water outlet with a large flow rate is opened in the water production mode, and the auxiliary water outlet with a small flow rate is opened in the regeneration mode. In this way, the main water outlet and the auxiliary water outlet are plugged respectively by switching the position of the plugging member, and the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0230] Among them, the blocking member can achieve position switching through electric drive or manual drive. For example, the flow regulating mechanism 800 also includes a driving member that drives the connected blocking member, and the driving member includes but is not limited to a motor, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. Under the action of the driving member, the blocking member can move and selectively block the main water outlet and the auxiliary water outlet. Among them, the displacement trajectory of the blocking member can be set according to the arrangement of the main water outlet and the auxiliary water outlet. For example, the main water outlet and the auxiliary water outlet are distributed in a straight line direction, and the blocking member can be moved between the main water outlet and the auxiliary water outlet in a translational manner along the straight line direction, and selectively cover the main water outlet and the auxiliary water outlet.

[0231] The salt box 200 is stacked on the resin tank 100, and the hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the height difference between the liquid surface of the salt solution in the salt box 200 and the water outlet 103 of the resin tank 100 is substantially equal to the hydrostatic pressure P of the salt solution flowing into the water outlet 103 in the regeneration mode. 1 . It can be understood that the size and volume of the terminal water softener are usually small to save the space occupied by the equipment in the home, that is, the total height of the water softener will not be very high. The water inlet 104 of the resin tank 100 is usually connected to an external water source, such as tap water. Therefore, the pressure of the raw water flowing into the water outlet 103 in the water production mode is roughly equal to the water pressure of the tap water, so it has a larger pressure. Therefore, the hydrostatic pressure from the liquid surface of the salt solution in the salt box 200 to the water outlet 103, that is, the salt solution pressure P 1 Will be related to the raw water pressure P 2 There is a large difference, which is beneficial to improving the response accuracy of the flow regulating mechanism 800.

[0232] Please also read Figure 43 to Figure 45 ,in, Fig.43 The arrow indicates the water outlet direction. In one embodiment, optionally, the flow regulating mechanism 800 includes:

[0233] The mounting seat 801 is provided with a main flow channel 803 and a branch flow channel 804, and the water flow rate of the main flow channel 803 is greater than the water flow rate of the branch flow channel 804; and

[0234] The check valve 802 is provided in the main flow channel 803, and the hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box 200 is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 802;

[0235] The check valve 802 blocks the main flow channel 803 in the regeneration mode, and opens the main flow channel 803 in the water production mode. The branch flow channel 804 is open in both the regeneration mode and the water production mode.

[0236] In this embodiment, the hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box 200 refers to the hydrostatic pressure from the liquid surface of the salt solution to the water outlet 103 of the resin tank 100 when the liquid level of the salt solution in the salt box 200 reaches the highest water level. That is, in the regeneration mode, even if the salt solution in the salt box 200 reaches the highest water level, the check valve 802 cannot be opened, so that the main flow channel 803 where the check valve 802 is located cannot be conducted, and the liquid in the resin tank 100 can only flow out through the branch channel 804 with a small flow rate. In the water production mode, since the raw water pressure flowing into the resin tank 100 from the water inlet 104 is large and greater than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 802, the raw water pressure P 2 This is sufficient to open the check valve 802 , so that the soft water prepared in the resin tank 100 can flow out through the main flow channel 803 with a large flow rate and the branch flow channel 804 with a small flow rate at the same time, thereby meeting the demand for a large flow rate of soft water supply.

[0237] For example, in one embodiment, the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 802 can be set to 4kpa, which corresponds roughly to the hydrostatic pressure of a water column at a height of 40cm, and the height difference from the highest water level of the salt box 200 to the water outlet 103 is set to be less than 40cm, or the height of the whole water softener is directly set to be less than 40cm. In this way, in the water production mode, the water inlet pressure is large, and the liquid in the resin tank 100 can easily push and open the check valve 802, so that water can be discharged through the main channel 803 and the branch channel 804 at the same time, so as to achieve the purpose of unlimited flow of soft water output. In the regeneration mode, the salt solution in the salt box 200 flows into the resin tank 100 by gravity to regenerate the resin particles. The liquid in the resin tank 100 is not enough to open the check valve 802. At this time, the check valve 802 is in a closed state, and the wastewater after the regeneration reaction can only flow out through the branch channel 804, so as to achieve the purpose of limiting the output of the regenerated wastewater.

[0238] Thus, the present embodiment has a simple structure and is easy to implement. By cleverly utilizing the relationship between the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 802 and the maximum water level of the salt box 200, it is possible to achieve the characteristics of unlimited outflow of soft water under high-pressure water inlet when operating in the water production mode, and limited outflow of wastewater under gravity water delivery when operating in the regeneration mode, thereby better meeting the requirements of large flux and high salt efficiency of the equipment.

[0239] Of course, in other embodiments, the salt solution in the salt box 200 may not flow into the resin tank 100 by gravity. For example, a water pump is provided on the salt solution outlet 202 of the salt box 200, and the salt solution is pumped into the resin tank 100 by the water pump. At this time, the pumping pressure of the water pump can be set to be less than the raw water pressure, so as to meet the salt solution pressure P 1 Less than the original water pressure P 2 requirements so that the flow regulating mechanism 800 can passively adjust its water flow according to the water pressure.

[0240] It can be understood that the main channel 803 and the branch channel 804 have various structural forms, for example, see Figure 43 to Figure 45 In one embodiment, optionally, the inner wall surface of the main channel 803 is recessed to form a branch channel 804. That is, the branch channel 804 is connected to the peripheral side wall of the main channel 803. In this way, the structure of the mounting seat 801 can be made more compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the flow regulating mechanism 800, and further conducive to reducing the size and volume of the water softener.

[0241] Of course, in other embodiments, the branch channel 804 and the main channel 803 may be spaced apart. For example, the mounting seat 801 may be spaced apart to form a branch channel 804 and a main channel 803, wherein the branch channel 804 and the main channel 803 may extend in the same direction or in different directions.

[0242] See also Figure 43 to Figure 45 In the embodiment where the inner wall surface of the main channel 803 is recessed to form the branch channel 804, optionally, the branch channel 804 extends in the same direction as the main channel 803. For example, when the main channel 803 is configured as a through-hole structure with an axis extending vertically, the axis of the branch channel 804 also extends vertically. In this way, on the one hand, the flow smoothness of the liquid in the main channel 803 and the branch channel 804 can be improved, and the mutual interference between the two liquids flowing through the two can be avoided, thereby improving the water flow smoothness and stability of the water softener. On the other hand, it is helpful to simplify the structure of the mounting seat 801 and reduce the cost of its manufacturing. Of course, in other embodiments, the branch channel 804 can also extend along a three-dimensional spiral line on the inner wall surface of the main channel 803.

[0243] In one embodiment, further, at least two branch channels 804 are provided, and at least two branch channels 804 are spaced apart on the periphery of the main channel 803. Specifically, optionally, two branch channels 804 are provided. It can be understood that when the branch channel 804 is formed by the depression of the inner wall surface of the main channel 803, it is equivalent to forming a branch channel 804 by depressions at multiple positions along the circumferential direction on the inner wall surface of the main channel 803. In this way, in the regeneration mode, when the liquid in the resin tank 100 flows out through multiple branch channels 804, the problem of the check valve 802 shaking due to the impact of the water flow in the main channel 803 can be avoided, thereby improving the installation stability and reliability of the check valve 802, and reducing the risk of abnormal noise caused by structural shaking. Of course, in other embodiments, only one branch channel 804 can be provided.

[0244] It is understood that the check valve 802 has various structural forms, for example, see Figure 43 to Figure 45 In one embodiment, optionally, the check valve 802 includes a valve seat 810, a second valve plug 820 and an elastic member 830, the valve seat 810 is sealed and connected to the inner wall surface of the main channel 803, and is provided with a flow cavity 814 connecting the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main channel 803, the second valve plug 820 is movably arranged in the flow cavity 814, and the elastic member 830 connects the second valve plug 820 and the valve seat 810. Specifically, in the water production mode, the raw water pressure is sufficient to overcome the elastic force applied by the elastic member 830 on the second valve plug 820, so that the second valve plug 820 can move from the position of blocking the flow cavity 814 to the position of conducting the flow cavity 814, so that the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main channel 803 are connected to each other through the flow cavity 814. In the regeneration mode, the brine pressure is not strong enough to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 830 on the second valve plug 820, and the second valve plug 820 remains in the position of blocking the flow cavity 814. Therefore, the water inlet and the water outlet of the main channel 803 cannot be connected to each other through the flow cavity 814. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0245] Of course, in other embodiments, the check valve 802 may also be configured as other structural forms, as long as the goals of unlimited flow at high pressure and limited flow at low pressure can be met.

[0246] It can be understood that the elastic force of the elastic member 830 acting on the second valve plug 820 can keep the second valve plug 820 in the state of blocking the flow chamber 814, that is, the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 802 is related to the structural performance of the elastic member 830. The minimum opening pressure of the check valve 802 can be changed by selecting the check valve 802 products available on the market, or directly replacing and adjusting the elastic member 830 of the existing products, so that the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 802 can be adapted to different water softener products. For example, for water softener products with a larger overall height and a higher maximum water level in the salt box 200, it is necessary to purchase a check valve 802 with a larger minimum opening pressure; for water softener products with a smaller overall height and a lower maximum water level in the salt box 200, it is possible to purchase a check valve 802 with a smaller minimum opening pressure.

[0247] See also Figure 43 to Figure 45 In one embodiment, optionally, the check valve 802 further includes a third sealing ring 840 sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the valve seat 810, the outer peripheral surface of the third sealing ring 840 abuts against the inner wall surface of the main channel 803, the inner wall surface of the main channel 803 is recessed to form a branch channel 804, and the wall surface of the branch channel 804 is at least partially spaced from the third sealing ring 840. In this way, the sealing effect between the valve seat 810 and the inner wall surface of the main channel 803 can be improved by the third sealing ring 840. It can be understood that in the case of providing the third sealing ring 840, since the branch channel 804 is directly formed on the inner wall surface of the main channel 803, it is necessary to avoid the third sealing ring 840 from being completely embedded in the branch channel 804, and the structure of the third sealing ring 840 completely blocks the branch channel 804, thereby ensuring that the flow regulating mechanism 800 still has a certain effective flow cross-sectional area in the regeneration mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the third sealing ring 840 may not be provided.

[0248] In this embodiment, the problem of the third sealing ring 840 being completely embedded in the branch channel 804 can be avoided by selecting the third sealing ring 840 and designing the structures of the main channel 803 and the branch channel 804. For example, a relief ring groove is formed on the wall surface of the branch channel 804 corresponding to the third sealing ring 840, the groove width of the relief ring groove is greater than the thickness of the third sealing ring 840, and the outer diameter of the relief ring groove is 1.1 to 1.5 times the outer diameter of the third sealing ring 840.

[0249] See also Figure 43 to Figure 45In one embodiment, optionally, the valve seat 810 includes a first ring body 811, a second ring body 812, and a plurality of connecting ribs 813 connecting the first ring body 811 and the second ring body 812, the plurality of connecting ribs 813 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the first ring body 811, a cavity outlet of the flow cavity 814 is formed between two adjacent connecting ribs 813, the inner cavity of the first ring body 811 is configured as the cavity inlet of the flow cavity 814, and the second valve plug 820 is movably disposed on the first ring body 811.

[0250] Specifically, the first ring body 811 and the second ring body 812 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting rib 813, and the first ring body 811, the second ring body 812 and the connecting rib 813 jointly define the cavity outlet of the flow cavity 814. When the second valve plug 820 is sealed and inserted into the inner cavity of the first ring body 811, the flow cavity 814 is blocked and not connected; when the second valve plug 820 is removed from the first ring body 811, the cavity inlet and cavity outlet of the flow cavity 814 are connected, and the flow cavity 814 can connect the water inlet and water outlet of the main channel 803. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to implement, and the ends of the multiple connecting ribs 813 away from the first ring body 811 can be connected as a whole through the second ring body 812 to improve the structural stability of the connecting rib 813.

[0251] Of course, in other embodiments, the valve seat 810 may also be configured as other structural forms, for example, only the first ring body 811 and the plurality of connecting ribs 813 are provided.

[0252] In order to improve the displacement smoothness and stability of the second valve plug 820, please refer to Figure 43 to Figure 45 In one embodiment, optionally, the second valve plug 820 includes a second plug head 821 and a guide rod 822 connected to each other, the guide rod 822 is slidably disposed on the second ring body 812, and the second plug head 821 is slidably disposed on the first ring body 811. In this way, in this embodiment, the second ring body 812 also plays a guiding role, the guide rod 822 cooperates with the second ring body 812, and the second plug head 821 cooperates with the first ring body 811, and together improves the displacement smoothness and stability of the second valve plug 820. Of course, in other embodiments, the guide rod 822 may not be provided.

[0253] See also Figure 43 to Figure 45 In one embodiment, optionally, the second valve plug 820 further includes a fourth sealing ring 823 sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the second plug head 821, and the outer circumferential surface of the fourth sealing ring 823 abuts against the inner cavity surface of the first ring body 811. In this way, the sealing matching effect between the second plug head 821 and the first ring body 811 can be improved by the fourth sealing ring 823, and the structure is simple and easy to implement. Of course, in other embodiments, the fourth sealing ring 823 may not be provided.

[0254] See also Figure 43 to Figure 45In one embodiment, optionally, the elastic member 830 is disposed around the outer circumference of the guide rod 822 and connected between the second plug 821 and the second ring body 812. Specifically, in the process of the second plug 821 being disengaged from the first ring body 811, the elastic member 830 is compressed and the deformation amount increases. When the pressure on the water inlet side of the second plug 821 decreases, the force of the elastic member 830 can push the second plug 821 to be reinserted into the first ring body 811 to achieve the blocking of the flow cavity 814. In this way, the elastic member 830 surrounds the outer circumference of the guide rod 822, which can improve the smoothness of the displacement of the second valve plug 820, and only one elastic member 830 is needed to achieve it, and the structure is simple and easy to achieve. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple elastic members 830 can also be provided, and the multiple elastic members 830 are distributed on the outer circumference of the guide rod 822.

[0255] In this embodiment, the elastic member 830 is optionally configured as a compression spring. In this way, the structure is mature, reliable and low in cost. Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic member 830 can also be a tension spring, or a rubber body or a silicone body.

[0256] The resin tank 100 is provided with a water inlet 104 and a water outlet 103, wherein the water inlet 104 is used to communicate with an external water source, and the water outlet 103 is communicated with the resin chamber 101. The resin tank 100 is also provided with a bypass waterway 110 communicating with the water outlet 103 and the water inlet 104. The water softener further includes a bypass valve 600 movably mounted on the bypass waterway 110, and the bypass valve 600 is used to switch between the soft water mode and the raw water mode. In the embodiment where the resin tank 100 is provided with a water inlet channel 105 and the waterway plate 300 is provided with a water passage chamber 301, the water inlet waterway includes the water inlet channel 105 and the water passage chamber 301.

[0257] In the technical solution of the present invention, the bypass valve 600 is movably installed in the bypass water channel 110 to realize the switching of the soft water mode and the raw water mode of the water softener, so as to meet the user's demand for soft water and raw water; specifically, compared with the solution in which the bypass valve 600 is arranged on the pipeline outside the resin tank 100, the present invention directly arranges the water inlet 104, the water outlet 103 and the bypass water channel 110 on the resin tank 100, and the bypass valve 600 is directly installed on the bypass water channel 110 of the resin tank 100, which can make the overall structure more compact and improve the compactness level of the water softener; it is also beneficial to improve the installation convenience of the bypass valve 600, save assembly steps, and shorten working hours.

[0258] The switch between the soft water mode and the raw water mode by the bypass valve 600 mainly depends on the movable installation of the bypass valve 600 in the bypass waterway 110. The movable installation of the bypass valve 600 specifically includes but is not limited to the rotation of the bypass valve 600 around its own axis, the translation along the extension direction of its axis, and the swing of the bypass valve 600. Therefore, in the soft water mode, the bypass valve 600 can block the water inlet 104 from being directly connected to the water outlet 103 through the bypass waterway 110, so that the water inlet 104 is connected to the water outlet 103. The resin chamber 101 is connected to the water outlet 103; the raw water enters the water inlet waterway through the water inlet 104, and enters the resin chamber 101 through the connection between the water outlet 106 and the water inlet 102. When the raw water entering the resin chamber 101 passes through the resin particles in the resin chamber 101, the hardness ions in the water are adsorbed by the resin particles, and the sodium ions are released at the same time, thereby reducing the hardness of the water to form treated soft water. The soft water flows out of the resin tank 100 from the water outlet 103 to meet the soft water needs of users.

[0259] In the raw water mode, the bypass valve 600 blocks the connection between the resin chamber 101 and the water outlet 103, and connects the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103; the raw water enters the water inlet waterway and the bypass waterway 110 through the water inlet 104, and flows to the water outlet 103 by the connection of the bypass valve 600, thereby meeting the raw water demand of the user. Specifically, the raw water is an untreated external water source, which can be tap water.

[0260] See also Figure 32 to Figure 36In the embodiment of the present invention, the cavity wall of the resin cavity 101 is provided with a flow port 115 corresponding to the water outlet 103, the bypass valve 600 is rotatably arranged in the bypass waterway 110, the bypass valve 600 is provided with a sealing portion 601 and a connecting portion 602 distributed in its circumferential direction, and the connecting portion 602 is provided with a connecting channel 603; in the soft water mode, the sealing portion 601 blocks the water inlet 104, and the connecting channel 603 connects the flow port 115 and the water outlet 103; in the raw water mode, the sealing portion 601 blocks the flow port 115, and the connecting channel 603 The water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103 are connected. It can be understood that the water outlet 103 can be connected to the resin chamber 101 through the flow port 115, and the flow port 115 can be connected to the bypass waterway 110. Then, through the rotation of the bypass valve 600 around its own axis in the bypass waterway 110, the sealing portion 601 on the bypass valve 600 can selectively block the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115, and the connecting portion 602 can selectively connect the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103, or connect the flow port 115 and the outlet. The water inlet 103, that is, in the soft water mode, the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103 need to be connected through the resin chamber 101. At this time, the sealing part 601 blocks the water inlet 104, and blocks the communication between the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103 through the bypass waterway 110. The connecting part 602 connects the flow port 115 and the water outlet 103 through the connecting channel 603, ensuring that after the water flows into the resin tank 100 through the water inlet 104, it also needs to flow through the resin particles in the resin chamber 101 for softening treatment, and then flows through the flow port 110. 5 flows to the water outlet 103; in the raw water mode, the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103 need to be connected through the bypass waterway 110. At this time, the sealing portion 601 blocks the flow port 115, thereby blocking the connection between the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103 through the resin chamber 101, and the connecting portion 602 connects the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103 through the connecting channel 603, ensuring that the water flows into the resin tank 100 through the water inlet 104 and then directly flows to the water outlet 103 through the bypass waterway 110, that is, the water flow is not softened.

[0261] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, one sealing portion 601 is provided, and the soft water mode and the raw water mode share the same sealing portion 601, which helps to simplify the structure of the bypass valve 600, thereby reducing the difficulty of switching, and can also save manufacturing and assembly costs. Among them, the sealing portion 601 and the connecting portion 602 are arranged at intervals, and selectively block the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115 in different modes. However, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, two sealing portions 601 are provided, and the two sealing portions 601 are arranged on both sides of the connecting portion 602, and correspond to the water inlet 104 and the flow port 115 respectively.

[0262] See also Figure 36 to Figure 42In the embodiment of the present invention, the communication channel 603 includes a first channel 604 and a second channel 605 connected to the middle of the first channel 604. The first channel 604 runs through the opposite sides of the communication portion 602. The sealing portion 601 and the second channel 605 are respectively arranged on both sides of the first channel 604. It can be understood that the communication channel 603 is composed of the first channel 604 and the second channel 605. Since the second channel 605 is connected to the middle of the first channel 604, the first channel 604 The connecting channel 603 is perpendicular to the second channel 605 and is T-shaped. In this way, the structural stability of the bypass valve 600 can be ensured and it is easy to process and manufacture. In addition, because the first channel 604 and the second channel 605 are linear channels, the generation of eddy currents and turbulences caused by the complex shape of the connecting channel 603 can be avoided, so that the water flow has less resistance when passing through the bypass valve 600, reducing energy loss. The bypass valve 600 can more efficiently connect the water outlet 103 with the flow port 115 or the water inlet 104. Among them, the connection between the first channel 604 and the second channel 605 can be set on the rotation axis of the bypass valve 600, and the second channel 605 is connected to the middle part of the first channel 604. The distance from the connection between the first channel 604 and the second channel 605 to the two ends of the first channel 604 is equal, and the distance from the connection between the first channel 604 and the second channel 605 to the end of the second channel 605 away from the first channel 604 is also equal. This can not only reasonably guide the direction of the water flow, but also ensure the uniformity of the structure and the water flow, improve the structural stability of the bypass valve 600, and extend the service life of the bypass valve 600.

[0263] Thanks to the T-shaped connecting channel 603, only one sealing part 601 can be provided, and the sealing part 601 and the second channel 605 are respectively provided on both sides of the first channel 604. Then, in different modes, when the bypass valve 600 is rotated, the air outlet selectively connects to the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115, and the flow port 115 or the water inlet 104 is blocked by the sealing part 601, thereby effectively blocking the connection between the flow port 115 or the water inlet 104 and the air outlet. However, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the connecting channel 603 includes the first channel 604 and the second channel 605 connected in a V-shape.

[0264] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the bypass waterway 110 is provided with a rotating chamber 114, and the bypass valve 600 is rotatably arranged in the rotating chamber 114; the cavity wall of the rotating chamber 114 is provided with a first through hole 111, a second through hole 112 and a third through hole 113, the first through hole 111 is connected to the flow port 115, the second through hole 112 is connected to the water outlet 103, and the third through hole 113 is connected to the water inlet 104, the first through hole 111 and the third through hole 113 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotation axis of the bypass valve 600, and the second through hole 112 is located between the first through hole 111 and the third through hole 113. It can be understood that due to the gap between the second through hole 112 The first through hole 111 and the third through hole 113 are arranged at intervals, and the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 112 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotation axis of the bypass valve 600. At this time, the first through hole 111, the second through hole 112 and the third through hole 113 are distributed in a triangle, and are respectively connected to the flow port 115, the water outlet 103 and the water inlet 104. When the sealing part 601 does not block any of the first through hole 111, the second through hole 112 and the third through hole 113, the connecting channel 603 is T-shaped, and the flow port 115, the water outlet 103 and the water inlet 104 are connected to each other through the connecting channel 603.

[0265] Therefore, in the soft water mode, the bypass valve 600 is rotated by a certain angle so that the second channel 605 is connected to the first through hole 111, and the first channel 604 is connected to the second through hole 112. At this time, the sealing part 601 blocks the third through hole 113, and the water in the resin cavity 101 flows through the flow port 115, the first through hole 111, the second channel 605, the first channel 604, and the second through hole 112 in sequence, and flows out from the water outlet 103; in the raw water mode, the bypass valve 600 is rotated by a certain angle so that the second channel 605 is connected to the third through hole 113, and the first channel 604 is connected to the second through hole 112. At this time, the sealing part 601 blocks the first through hole 111, and the water flows into the resin tank 100 from the water inlet 104, and flows through the third through hole 113, the second channel 605, the first channel 604, and the second through hole 112 in sequence, and flows out from the water outlet 103. Since the first through hole 111 and the third through hole 113 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotation axis of the bypass valve 600, during the switching between the soft water mode and the raw water mode, the bypass valve 600 can ensure the docking of the second channel 605 with the first through hole 111 or the third through hole 113 by rotating forward and reverse degrees. In addition, either the resin tank 100 or the bypass valve 600 can be provided with a mark, which can be used to remind the user of the conduction status of the bypass valve 600, for example, an indicator arrow is provided on the bypass valve 600, and the arrow can point to the flow port 115 or the water inlet 104 accordingly.

[0266] See also Figure 36 to Figure 42In an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass valve 600 includes a bypass shaft 610 and a sealing gasket 620 arranged on the bypass shaft 610, the communicating channel 603 is arranged on the bypass shaft 610, and the sealing portion 601 is arranged on the sealing gasket 620. The sealing gasket 620 can be configured as a sealing structure with deformable properties such as a rubber pad, a silicone pad, etc., and then, by utilizing the deformability of the sealing gasket 620, the third through hole 113 connected to the water inlet 104 can be reliably sealed in the soft water mode, and the first through hole 111 connected to the flow port 115 can be reliably sealed in the raw water mode. At the same time, the smoothness of the rotation of the bypass shaft 610 in the bypass waterway 110, specifically in the rotating chamber 114, can be guaranteed. Among them, the sealing part 601 and the connecting part 602 are distributed in the circumferential direction of the bypass shaft 610, and the first channel 604 of the connecting channel 603 passes through the opposite sides of the bypass shaft 610, one end of the second channel 605 is connected to the second channel 605, and the other end passes through the bypass shaft 610, so as to be arranged on both sides of the first channel 604 with the sealing gasket 620; the installation method of the sealing gasket 620 on the upper end of the bypass shaft 610 includes but is not limited to bonding, clamping, and embedded connection.

[0267] See also Figure 36 to Figure 42In the embodiment of the present invention, the sealing gasket 620 includes a gasket body 621 and a sealing lip 624. The gasket body 621 is provided with a sealing surface 623 at the end surface away from the bypass shaft 610. The sealing surface 623 can cover the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115. The sealing lip 624 is arranged around the outer periphery of the sealing surface 623. The sealing portion 601 includes a sealing surface 623 and a sealing lip 624. It can be understood that the sealing surface 623 can fit the edge of the through hole connected to the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115 to play a covering role, and when no pressure is applied to the sealing surface 623, it can play a sealing role to a certain extent; the sealing lip 624 is connected to the gasket body 621 and can be fixed into a whole by integral molding, bonding, etc., wherein the sealing lip 624 surrounds the outer periphery of the sealing surface 623 and protrudes from the sealing surface 623. When the sealing surface 623 covers the water inlet 1 04 or the flow port 115, the sealing lip 624 and the wall surface of the through hole corresponding to the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115 are in interference fit, so as to achieve the sealing of the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115. On the one hand, compared with the protruding setting of the entire sealing surface 623, the contact between the sealing lip 624 and the wall surface where the through hole is located can be transformed into line-surface contact, and the contact area is smaller. On the basis of ensuring the sealing effect, the bypass valve 600 encounters less resistance when rotating, which can effectively improve the rotation smoothness of the bypass valve 600, thereby improving the switching efficiency between the soft water mode and the raw water mode; on the other hand, the sealing lip 624 is annular, and the shape of its contour line can be circular, rectangular, or polygonal. As shown in the figure, the shape of the sealing lip 624 is hexagonal. Without affecting the smooth rotation of the bypass valve 600, the sealing effect can be enhanced by increasing the contact area between the sealing lip 624 and the wall surface where the through hole is located.

[0268] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, a deformation cavity 622 is formed by a depression on the end face of the pad body 621 close to the bypass shaft 610, and a sealing surface 623 and a sealing lip 624 are arranged on the bottom wall of the deformation cavity 622. In this way, when the bypass shaft 610 is rotated, the pad body 621 can be reversely pressed by the sealing lip 624, so that the deformation cavity 622 is deformed, and the effective contact area between the sealing lip 624 and the wall surface where the through hole is located is further reduced, thereby further reducing the friction force on the bypass valve 600 when it rotates, improving the smoothness of the rotation of the bypass valve 600, and improving the switching efficiency of different modes.

[0269] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass shaft 610 is provided with a mounting groove 611, and the sealing gasket 620 is at least partially accommodated in the mounting groove 611. It can be understood that the sealing gasket 620 is provided with an opening end face of the deformation cavity 622 connected to the groove bottom of the mounting groove 611, so that the groove bottom of the mounting groove 611 can be used as a part of the cavity wall of the deformation cavity 622. By at least partially accommodating the sealing gasket 620 in the mounting groove 611, a deformation space can be provided for the deformation of the gasket body 621, and the portion protruding from the mounting groove 611 can play a role in sealing the water inlet 104 or the flow port 115. Furthermore, when the bypass shaft 610 is rotated, the portion of the sealing gasket 620 protruding from the mounting groove 611 is compressed toward the mounting groove 611, which can reduce the effective contact area between the sealing gasket 620 and the resin tank 100, thereby improving the rotation smoothness of the bypass valve 600.

[0270] See also Figure 36 to Figure 42 In an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass valve 600 further includes a bypass knob 630 exposed on the outside of the resin box, and one end of the bypass shaft 610 extending outward is connected to the bypass knob 630. Such a configuration facilitates the user to directly act on the bypass knob 630 to drive the bypass shaft 610 to rotate, thereby realizing the switching between the soft water mode and the raw water mode. The bypass shaft 610 can be integrally built into the resin box, or partially extend out of the resin box, and the connection method between the bypass knob 630 and the bypass shaft 610 includes but is not limited to a detachable connection such as a snap-on connection and a plug-in fit that facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the bypass valve 600, and a non-detachable connection such as welding and bonding that reduces the number of parts and saves assembly steps. The bypass valve 600 is manually driven to realize the switching between the soft water mode and the raw water mode, or, in other embodiments, the bypass valve 600 can be electrically driven to realize the switching between the soft water mode and the raw water mode.

[0271] See also Figure 36 to Figure 42 In the embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet 104, the water outlet 103 and the bypass water channel 110 are arranged at the bottom of the resin tank 100. In this way, the water inlet channel extends from the bottom of the resin tank 100 to the top thereof, forming a water outlet 106 (i.e., the upper end of the water inlet channel 105). The water inlet 102 and the water outlet 106 are arranged at the top of the resin tank 100, so that water can flow in from the water inlet 102 and flow over the resin particles from top to bottom by gravity. The softened soft water flows out from the water outlet 103 at the bottom, reducing additional power equipment, simplifying the complexity of the entire system, and thus reducing the risk of shutdown due to power equipment failure, thereby improving the reliability of the water softener.

[0272] The arrangement of the water inlet waterway extending from bottom to top can make the impact force of the water flow when entering the water inlet waterway gradually weaken as it flows upward, which helps to reduce the impact force on the resin tank 100, reduce the risk of deformation or damage caused by water flow impact, and enhance the stability and service life of the resin tank 100; and the water flow relies on gravity to flow over the resin particles, the water flow is relatively stable, the resistance is small, and no excessive turbulence and pressure fluctuations are generated. Compared with the direct impact of the water flow on the resin particles, the impact force of the water flow on the resin particles is effectively reduced, the risk of resin particle breakage is reduced, and the service life of the resin particles is extended. That is, the resin tank 100 requires less maintenance and replacement during use, which can reduce operating costs, while reducing downtime caused by resin particle replacement, which helps to improve the overall operating efficiency of the water softener.

[0273] In addition, the water inlet 104, the water outlet 103 and the bypass water channel 110 are arranged together at the bottom of the resin tank 100, so that the relevant pipes, valves and other components can be arranged in a centralized manner, reducing the crossing and detours of the pipes, thereby reducing the space demand around the resin tank 100, making it easier for the water softener to better adapt to site conditions with limited space and improve space utilization. At the same time, it is convenient for workers to quickly locate and maintain the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 103, thereby improving disassembly and assembly efficiency; it can also shorten the bypass water channel 110, thereby shortening the water outlet time of the raw water, and facilitating the user to rotate and drive the bypass valve 600 when manually switching between the raw water mode and the soft water mode.

[0274] The above description is only an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural changes made by using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water softener, characterized in that: include: A resin tank, provided with a resin cavity and a water inlet connected to the resin cavity; A waterway plate is disposed above the resin tank and is provided with a water passage cavity, wherein the water passage cavity is connected to an external water source and the water inlet; as well as The salt box is arranged above the waterway plate and is provided with a salt cavity and a salt solution outlet connected to the salt cavity, and the water passage cavity is connected to the salt solution outlet and the water inlet.

2. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that: The salt box is also provided with a water injection hole connected to the salt cavity, and the water passage cavity is connected to the water injection hole and serves as a part of the water replenishment waterway of the salt box.

3. The water softener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The waterway plate is provided with a water replenishment outlet corresponding to the water injection hole, the water flow cavity includes a water flow channel and a connecting cavity, the water flow channel is provided with a water flow inlet, a water flow outlet and a saline solution inlet, the water flow inlet is connected to an external water source, the water flow outlet is connected to the water inlet, the saline solution inlet is connected to the saline solution outlet, and the water replenishment outlet is connected to the water flow outlet through the connecting cavity.

4. The water softener according to claim 3, characterized in that: The waterway plate includes a cover body and a tube body arranged on the cover body, the cover opening of the cover body faces downward and is connected to the water inlet, the water passage is arranged on the tube body, the connecting cavity is formed between the tube body and the cover wall of the cover body, and the water replenishment outlet is arranged on the top wall of the cover body.

5. The water softener according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cover opening edge of the cover body is welded and fixed to the edge of the water inlet.

6. The water softener according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water softener further comprises a salt valve disposed at the water injection hole, the salt chamber is connected to the water replenishment outlet via the salt valve, and the salt valve is configured such that the water in the resin chamber flows to the salt chamber via the salt valve in a water production mode.

7. The water softener according to claim 6, characterized in that: The salt valve comprises: A base, provided with a water injection channel, a water injection inlet and a water injection outlet connected to the water injection channel, the water injection inlet is connected to the water replenishment outlet, and the water injection outlet is connected to the salt box; and The floating member comprises a connected float and a first valve plug. When the float rises to a first sealing position, the first valve plug seals and cooperates with the edge of the water injection outlet to block the communication between the water injection channel and the water injection outlet.

8. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water passage chamber includes a regeneration chamber, a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel respectively connected to the regeneration chamber, the water inlet channel is connected to an external water source, the water outlet channel is connected to the water inlet, the cavity wall of the regeneration chamber is provided with a saline inlet connected to the saline outlet, and the water softener also includes a regeneration piston movably arranged in the regeneration chamber, and the regeneration piston is used to switch between a regeneration mode and a water production mode.

9. The water softener according to claim 8, characterized in that: The regeneration piston can be switched from the regeneration mode to the water production mode after being acted upon by the water inlet pressure of an external water source.

10. The water softener according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cavity wall of the regeneration chamber is also provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet is connected to the water inlet channel, and the water outlet is connected to the water outlet channel; the regeneration piston is provided with a liquid conducting channel, a liquid conducting inlet and a liquid conducting outlet connected to the liquid conducting channel, the liquid conducting inlet is connected to the saline solution inlet, and the liquid conducting outlet is connected to the water outlet, in the water production mode, the liquid conducting inlet and / or the liquid conducting outlet are blocked; in the regeneration mode, the liquid conducting inlet and the liquid conducting outlet are connected.

11. The water softener according to claim 10, characterized in that: The regeneration chamber extends along a first direction, the regeneration piston includes a piston moving along the first direction, the water inlet and the water outlet are staggered in the first direction, the regeneration chamber has a first side and a second side respectively arranged on opposite sides of the piston, and the water inlet is located on the first side; In the water production mode, the water outlet is at least partially exposed on the first side, the water outlet is connected to the water inlet, and is separated from the saline solution inlet; In the regeneration mode, the water outlet is at least partially exposed on the second side, the water outlet is connected to the saline inlet, and is separated from the water inlet.

12. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water softener further comprises an exhaust structure, which is connected with the resin cavity and the external atmosphere and is used for exhausting the air in the resin cavity.

13. The water softener according to claim 12, characterized in that: The water softener further comprises a salt valve, the salt chamber is connected to the resin chamber via the salt valve, and the exhaust structure and the salt valve are configured as the same structure.

14. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resin tank is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet is used to communicate with an external water source, the water outlet is communicated with the resin cavity, the resin tank is also provided with a bypass water channel connecting the water outlet and the water inlet, the water softener also includes a bypass valve movably installed in the bypass water channel, the bypass valve is used to switch between soft water mode and raw water mode.

15. The water softener according to claim 14, characterized in that: The cavity wall of the resin cavity is provided with a flow port corresponding to the water outlet, the bypass valve is rotatably arranged on the bypass waterway, the bypass valve is provided with a sealing portion and a communication portion distributed in its circumference, and the communication portion is provided with a communication channel; In the soft water mode, the sealing portion blocks the water inlet, and the communication channel communicates with the flow port and the water outlet; In the raw water mode, the sealing portion blocks the flow port, and the communication channel communicates with the water inlet and the water outlet.

16. The water softener according to claim 15, characterized in that The bypass waterway is provided with a rotating chamber, and the bypass valve is rotatably arranged in the rotating chamber; the chamber wall of the rotating chamber is provided with a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole, the first through hole is connected to the flow port, the second through hole is connected to the water outlet, and the third through hole is connected to the water inlet, the first through hole and the third through hole are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotating axis of the bypass valve, and the second through hole is located between the first through hole and the third through hole.

17. The water softener according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resin tank is provided with a water outlet connected to the resin cavity, and the water softener also includes a flow regulating mechanism, which is provided at the water outlet to regulate the water flow rate, and the flow rate of the flow regulating mechanism in the regeneration mode is smaller than the flow rate in the water production mode.

18. The water softener according to claim 17, characterized in that In the regeneration mode, the pressure of the brine flowing into the water outlet is P1, and in the water production mode, the pressure of the raw water flowing into the water outlet is P2, and P1<P2.

19. The water softener according to claim 17, characterized in that: The flow regulating mechanism comprises: The mounting seat is provided with a main flow channel and a branch flow channel, wherein the water flow rate of the main flow channel is greater than the water flow rate of the branch flow channel; and A check valve is arranged in the main flow channel, and the hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve; The check valve blocks the main flow channel in the regeneration mode, opens the main flow channel in the water production mode, and the branch flow channel opens in both the regeneration mode and the water production mode.

20. The water softener according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: The resin cavity is configured in a prism shape.

21. The water softener according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: The salt solution in the salt box flows into the waterway plate and the resin tank by gravity.

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