water softener

Abstract

The application discloses a water softener and relates to the technical field of water softeners, wherein the water softener comprises a resin tank and a flow adjusting mechanism, the resin tank is provided with a resin cavity, a water inlet and a water outlet which are communicated with the resin cavity; the flow adjusting mechanism is arranged at the water outlet to adjust the water outlet flow, and the flow of the flow adjusting mechanism in a regeneration mode is smaller than that in a water making mode. The technical scheme provided by the application can make the salt solution have more sufficient time to react with resin particles, thereby improving the regeneration effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water softener technology, and particularly to a water softener. Background Technology

[0002] Water softeners have a regeneration mode. In this mode, brine from the brine tank flows into the resin tank to react with the resin particles, restoring them to a state capable of softening. However, in related technologies, the reaction between the brine and resin particles in the resin tank during regeneration is insufficient, resulting in poor regeneration performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a water softener that allows the brine to react with the resin particles more fully, thereby improving the regeneration effect.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the water softener proposed in this invention includes:

[0005] A resin tank, comprising a resin chamber, and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the resin chamber; and

[0006] A flow regulating mechanism is provided at the water outlet to regulate the water flow rate. The flow rate of the flow regulating mechanism in regeneration mode is less than the flow rate in water production mode.

[0007] In one embodiment, the pressure of the brine flowing into the outlet in the regeneration mode is P1, and the pressure of the raw water flowing into the outlet in the water production mode is P2, where P1 < P2.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water softener further includes a salt tank connected to the resin tank, the salt tank being disposed above the resin tank, and the salt solution in the salt tank flowing into the resin tank by gravity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the flow regulating mechanism includes:

[0010] The mounting base includes a main flow channel and branch flow channels, wherein the flow rate of the main flow channel is greater than the flow rate of the branch flow channels; and

[0011] A check valve is installed in the main flow channel, where the static water pressure corresponding to the highest water level in the salt tank is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve.

[0012] The check valve blocks the main flow channel in the regeneration mode, and opens the main flow channel in the water production mode. The tributary channel is open in both the regeneration mode and the water production mode.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least two branch channels are provided, and the at least two branch channels are distributed at intervals on the outer periphery of the main channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the main channel is recessed to form the branch channel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the branch channel extends in the same direction as the main channel, or the branch channel extends along a three-dimensional spiral line on the inner wall surface of the main channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the check valve includes a valve seat, a valve plug, and an elastic element. The valve seat is sealed to the inner wall of the main channel and has a flow cavity connecting the inlet and outlet of the main channel. The valve plug is movably disposed in the flow cavity, and the elastic element connects the valve plug and the valve seat.

[0017] In one embodiment, the check valve further includes a first sealing ring sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the valve seat, the outer peripheral surface of the first sealing ring abutting against the inner wall surface of the main flow channel, the inner wall surface of the main flow channel being recessed to form the branch flow channel, and the wall surface of the branch flow channel being at least partially spaced from the first sealing ring.

[0018] In one embodiment, the valve seat includes a first ring body, a second ring body, and a plurality of connecting ribs connecting the first ring body and the second ring body. The plurality of connecting ribs are distributed circumferentially along the first ring body, and a cavity outlet of the flow cavity is formed between two adjacent connecting ribs. The inner cavity of the first ring body is configured as the cavity inlet of the flow cavity, and the valve plug is movably disposed on the first ring body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mounting base includes a mounting portion and a connector portion connected together, the check valve is disposed on the mounting portion, and the connector portion is provided with a threaded structure.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flow regulating mechanism is configured as a flow regulating valve with adjustable opening.

[0021] In one embodiment, the outlet includes a main outlet and a secondary outlet that are independent of each other. The flow regulating mechanism includes a sealing member movably disposed in the resin tank. The sealing member selectively seals the main outlet and the secondary outlet. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the main outlet is larger than that of the secondary outlet. The main outlet is sealed by the sealing member in the regeneration mode.

[0022] The technical solution of this invention involves installing a flow regulating mechanism at the outlet of the resin tank. This mechanism reduces the flow rate when the water softener enters regeneration mode. Under the condition that the total amount of brine flowing into the resin tank is equal, a smaller outflow rate allows the brine to remain in the tank for a longer period, thus providing more time for the brine to react with the resin particles and improving the regeneration effect. Secondly, in water production mode, the resin tank can still maintain a high-flow-rate supply of softened water, achieving the goal of high throughput in water production mode and high salt efficiency in regeneration mode. This better meets user needs and reduces the rate of brine consumption, decreasing the frequency of brine replenishment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of the water softener provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the resin tank and flow regulating mechanism in the middle;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flow regulation mechanism in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the flow regulation mechanism shown;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A top view of the valve seat.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 10. Resin tank; 101. Resin chamber; 102. Inlet; 103. Outlet;

[0031] 20. Flow regulating mechanism; 201. Mounting base; 202. Check valve; 203. Main flow channel; 204. Branch flow channel; 210. Valve seat; 211. First ring body; 212. Second ring body; 213. Connecting rib; 214. Flow chamber; 220. Valve plug; 221. Plug head; 222. Guide rod; 223. Second sealing ring; 230. Elastic element; 240. First sealing ring; 251. Mounting part; 252. Connecting part; 253. Threaded structure;

[0032] 30. Salt box.

[0033] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] 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 positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0036] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0037] Water softeners have a water production mode and a regeneration mode. In water production mode, raw water from an external water source (such as tap water) flows into the resin tank and is softened by the resin particles, becoming soft water. The soft water flows out of the resin tank's outlet and is supplied externally. In regeneration mode, brine from the brine tank flows into the resin tank to react with the resin particles, restoring the resin particles to a state capable of softening. In related technologies, the water flow rate from the resin tank in regeneration mode is relatively high, resulting in a shorter time the brine remains in the resin tank. The brine may not react sufficiently with the resin particles within this short period before flowing away.

[0038] It can be seen that the reaction between the salt solution and the resin particles in the resin tank under the regeneration mode is not sufficient, resulting in poor regeneration effect.

[0039] In view of this, the present invention proposes a water softener that can solve the problem of insufficient reaction between brine and resin particles in the resin tank during the regeneration mode, thereby improving the regeneration effect of the water softener in the regeneration mode.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the water softener includes a resin tank 10 and a flow regulating mechanism 20. The resin tank 10 is provided with a resin chamber 101, and an inlet 102 and an outlet 103 communicating with the resin chamber 101. The flow regulating mechanism 20 is provided at the outlet 103 to regulate the water flow rate. The flow rate of the flow regulating mechanism 20 in the regeneration mode is less than the flow rate in the water production mode.

[0041] The technical solution of this invention involves setting a flow regulating mechanism 20 at the outlet 103 of the resin tank 10. This mechanism 20 can reduce the flow rate when the water softener enters regeneration mode. Under the condition that the total amount of brine flowing into the resin tank 10 is equal, a smaller brine outlet flow rate allows the brine to remain in the resin tank 10 for a longer period, thus providing more time for the brine to react with the resin particles and improving the regeneration effect. Secondly, in water production mode, the resin tank 10 can still maintain a high flow rate of softened water, achieving the goal of high throughput in water production mode and high salt efficiency in regeneration mode. This better meets user needs and reduces the rate of brine consumption, decreasing the frequency of brine replenishment.

[0042] It should be noted that the water softeners protected by this invention include, but are not limited to, central water softeners and point-of-use water softeners. Point-of-use water softeners primarily provide soft water to localized or individual water-using devices or water outlets to improve the water quality delivered to these devices or outlets, reduce the impact of hard water on equipment structures, people, or clothing, and enhance the comfort of localized water use. Specifically, water-using devices include, but are not limited to, water heaters, washing machines, or humidifiers, and water outlets include, but are not limited to, showerheads, faucets, etc. For example, a point-of-use water softener used in a bathroom can ensure that the water from the showerhead is soft water, thereby improving the user's water comfort. For ease of explanation, this invention will use a point-of-use water softener applied in a bathroom as an example for illustration.

[0043] It is understood that the flow regulating mechanism 20 in this embodiment of the invention can either actively regulate its flow rate or passively regulate its flow rate.

[0044] For example, in one embodiment, the pressure of the brine flowing into the outlet 103 in regeneration mode is P1, and the pressure of the raw water flowing into the outlet 103 in water purification mode is P2, where P1 < P2. In this embodiment, the flow regulation mechanism 20 is configured as a passive regulation structure, which changes 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 is higher in water purification mode, so the opening degree of the flow regulation mechanism 20 is larger and the water flow rate is larger; in regeneration mode, the brine pressure is lower, so the opening degree of the flow regulation mechanism 20 is smaller and the water flow rate is smaller. In this way, the electrical control structure and electrical control circuit of the flow regulation mechanism 20 can be saved, thereby reducing the product cost of the water softener and helping to reduce the electrical failure rate of the water softener.

[0045] It should be noted that the pressure of the brine does not specifically refer to the liquid flowing into the outlet 103 being only brine, but rather indicates that the source of this pressure is the brine flowing from the brine tank 30 into the resin tank 10. Similarly, the pressure of the raw water does not specifically refer to the liquid flowing into the outlet 103 being raw water. It can be understood that the liquid flowing into the outlet 103 at this time should be softened water after softening. Here, the pressure of the raw water also refers to the source of this pressure being the raw water flowing into the resin tank 10 from the inlet 102.

[0046] Of course, in other embodiments, the flow regulating mechanism 20 can also be configured as an active regulating mechanism. For example, in another embodiment, the flow regulating mechanism 20 is configured as a flow regulating valve with adjustable opening, specifically a solenoid valve, etc. The flow regulating valve is electrically connected to the control circuit board of the water softener, and thus can be controlled by the electrical signals of the control circuit board. When the water softener switches between water production mode and regeneration mode, the flow regulating valve can be controlled in a timely manner by the control circuit board to regulate the flow rate.

[0047] In another embodiment, the outlet 103 includes a main outlet 103 and a secondary outlet 103 that are independent of each other. The flow regulating mechanism 20 includes a sealing element movably disposed in the resin tank 10. The sealing element selectively seals the main outlet 103 and the secondary outlet 103. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the main outlet 103 is larger than that of the secondary outlet 103. The main outlet 103 is sealed by the sealing element in the regeneration mode. That is, the main outlet 103 with a large flow rate corresponds to the water production mode being activated, and the secondary outlet 103 with a small flow rate corresponds to the regeneration mode being activated. In this way, the sealing of the main outlet 103 and the secondary outlet 103 is completed by switching the position of the sealing element, which is simple in structure and easy to implement.

[0048] The blocking component can be switched in position either electrically or manually. For example, the flow regulating mechanism 20 also includes a driving component that drives the blocking component. The driving component includes, but is not limited to, a motor, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder. Under the action of the driving component, the blocking component can move and selectively block the main outlet 103 and the auxiliary outlet 103. The displacement trajectory of the blocking component can be set according to the arrangement of the main outlet 103 and the auxiliary outlet 103. For example, if the main outlet 103 and the auxiliary outlet 103 are distributed in a straight line, the blocking component can move linearly between the main outlet 103 and the auxiliary outlet 103 in a straight line and selectively cover the main outlet 103 and the auxiliary outlet 103.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, optionally, the water softener also includes a brine tank 30 connected to the resin tank 10. The brine tank 30 is located above the resin tank 10, and the brine in the brine tank 30 flows into the resin tank 10 by gravity. Thus, compared to related technologies that use a water pump to pump the brine from the brine tank 30 into the resin tank 10, this embodiment saves on the structure of the water pump and pumping water circuit, thereby simplifying the structure of the water softener and reducing its product cost.

[0050] On the other hand, the brine tank 30 is stacked on top of the resin tank 10. The hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the height difference between the brine level in the brine tank 30 and the outlet 103 of the resin tank 10 is basically equal to the hydrostatic pressure P1 of the brine flowing into the outlet 103 in regeneration mode. It can be understood that point-of-use water softeners are typically small in size to save space in the home; that is, the total height of the water softener is not very high. The inlet 102 of the resin tank 10 is usually connected to an external water source, such as tap water. Therefore, the pressure of the raw water flowing into the outlet 103 in water purification mode is approximately equal to the pressure of tap water, resulting in a relatively high pressure. Therefore, the hydrostatic pressure from the brine level in the brine tank 30 to the outlet 103, i.e., the hydrostatic pressure P1 of the brine, will have a significant difference from the raw water pressure P2, which helps to improve the response accuracy of the flow regulation mechanism 20.

[0051] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,in, Figure 3 The arrows indicate the direction of water flow. In one embodiment, optionally, the flow regulating mechanism 20 includes a mounting base 201 and a check valve 202. The mounting base 201 is provided with a main flow channel 203 and a branch flow channel 204. The water flow rate of the main flow channel 203 is greater than the water flow rate of the branch flow channel 204. The check valve 202 is located in the main flow channel 203, wherein the static water pressure corresponding to the highest water level in the brine tank 30 is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202. The check valve 202 blocks the main flow channel 203 in regeneration mode and opens the main flow channel 203 in water production mode. The branch flow channel 204 is open in both regeneration mode and water production mode.

[0052] In this embodiment, the static water pressure corresponding to the highest water level in the salt tank 30 refers to the static water pressure from the salt solution surface to the outlet 103 of the resin tank 10 when the salt solution in the salt tank 30 reaches the highest water level. That is, in regeneration mode, even if the salt solution in the salt tank 30 reaches the highest water level, it cannot cause the check valve 202 to open, thus preventing the main flow channel 203 where the check valve 202 is located from being open, and the liquid in the resin tank 10 can only flow out through the branch channel 204 with a small flow rate. However, in water production mode, because the raw water pressure flowing into the resin tank 10 through the inlet 102 is large and greater than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202, the raw water pressure P2 is sufficient to cause the check valve 202 to open, so that the soft water produced in the resin tank 10 can flow out simultaneously through the main flow channel 203 with a large flow rate and the branch channel 204 with a small flow rate, thereby meeting the demand for a large flow of soft water.

[0053] For example, in one embodiment, the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 can be set to 4 kPa, which roughly corresponds to the hydrostatic pressure of a water column 40 cm high. The height difference between the highest water level in the brine tank 30 and the outlet 103 is set to be less than 40 cm, or the overall height of the water softener can be set to be less than 40 cm. Thus, in water production mode, the high inlet pressure allows the liquid in the resin tank 10 to easily push and open the check valve 202, enabling water to exit simultaneously through the main channel 203 and the branch channel 204, achieving unrestricted soft water output. In regeneration mode, the brine in the brine tank 30 flows into the resin tank 10 by gravity to regenerate with the resin particles. The liquid in the resin tank 10 is insufficient to open the check valve 202, so it remains closed. The wastewater after regeneration can only flow out through the branch channel 204, achieving flow restriction for the regenerated wastewater output.

[0054] Thus, this embodiment has a simple structure and is easy to implement. By cleverly utilizing the relationship between the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 and the maximum water level of the brine tank 30, it is possible to achieve the characteristics of unlimited soft water outflow under high pressure inlet during water production mode operation and limited wastewater outflow under gravity conveying during regeneration mode operation, thereby better meeting the equipment's requirements for high throughput and high salt efficiency.

[0055] Of course, in other embodiments, the brine in the salt tank may not flow into the resin tank by gravity. For example, a water pump can be installed at the brine outlet of the salt tank to pump the brine into the resin tank. In this case, the pumping pressure of the water pump can be set to be less than the original water pressure, so as to meet the requirement that the brine pressure P1 is less than the original water pressure P2, so that the flow regulating mechanism can passively adjust its flow rate according to the water pressure.

[0056] It is understood that the main channel 203 and the tributary channel 204 have various structural forms; for example, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment, optionally, the inner wall of the main channel 203 is recessed to form a branch channel 204. That is, the branch channel 204 is connected to the peripheral sidewall of the main channel 203. In this way, the structure of the mounting base 201 can be made more compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the flow regulating mechanism 20, and thus helps to reduce the size and volume of the water softener.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments, the branch channel 204 and the main channel 203 may be spaced apart. For example, the mounting base 201 may have a branch channel 204 and a main channel 203 spaced apart, wherein the branch channel 204 and the main channel 203 may extend in the same direction or may have different extension directions.

[0058] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In embodiments where a branch channel 204 is formed by a recess in the inner wall of the main channel 203, the branch channel 204 may optionally extend in the same direction as the main channel 203. For example, when the main channel 203 is configured as a through-hole structure with its axis extending vertically, the axis of the branch channel 204 also extends vertically. This improves the smoothness of liquid flow in the main channel 203 and the branch channel 204, preventing interference between the two streams of liquid flowing through them, thereby improving the smoothness and stability of the water softener's output. Furthermore, it simplifies the structure of the mounting base 201 and reduces its manufacturing cost. Of course, in other embodiments, the branch channel 204 may extend along a three-dimensional spiral line on the inner wall of the main channel 203.

[0059] Please refer to the following: Figure 5In one embodiment, at least two branch channels 204 are provided, and the at least two branch channels 204 are spaced apart on the outer periphery of the main channel 203. Specifically, optionally, two branch channels 204 are provided. It can be understood that when the branch channel 204 is formed by recesses in the inner wall surface of the main channel 203, it is equivalent to forming a branch channel 204 at multiple circumferential locations on the inner wall surface of the main channel 203. In this way, when the liquid in the resin tank 10 flows out through multiple branch channels 204 in regeneration mode, the problem of the check valve 202 shaking due to water flow impact in the main channel 203 can be avoided, thereby improving the installation stability and reliability of the check valve 202 and reducing the risk of abnormal noise caused by structural shaking. Of course, in other embodiments, only one branch channel 204 may be provided.

[0060] It is understood that the check valve 202 has various structural forms; for example, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, optionally, the check valve 202 includes a valve seat 210, a valve plug 220, and an elastic element 230. The valve seat 210 is sealed to the inner wall of the main channel 203 and has a flow cavity 214 connecting the inlet and outlet of the main channel 203. The valve plug 220 is movably disposed in the flow cavity 214, and the elastic element 230 connects the valve plug 220 and the valve seat 210. Specifically, in the water production mode, the raw water pressure is sufficient to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic element 230 on the valve plug 220, so that the valve plug 220 can move from the position of blocking the flow cavity 214 to the position of opening the flow cavity 214, thereby allowing the inlet and outlet of the main channel 203 to be interconnected through the flow cavity 214. In regeneration mode, the hydraulic pressure of the brine is insufficient to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic element 230 on the valve plug 220. The valve plug 220 remains in the position of blocking the flow chamber 214. Therefore, the inlet and outlet ends of the main flow channel 203 cannot be connected to each other through the flow chamber 214. Thus, the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0061] Of course, in other embodiments, the check valve 202 can also be configured in other structural forms, as long as it can meet the goal of high pressure without flow restriction and low pressure with flow restriction.

[0062] It is understood that the elastic force exerted by the elastic element 230 on the valve plug 220 can keep the valve plug 220 in a state of blocking the flow chamber 214. That is, the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 is related to the structural performance of the elastic element 230. The minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 can be changed by selecting existing check valve 202 products on the market, or by directly replacing or adjusting the elastic element 230 of existing products, so that the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 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 brine tank 30, a check valve 202 with a larger minimum opening pressure needs to be selected; for water softener products with a smaller overall height and a lower maximum water level in the brine tank 30, a check valve 202 with a smaller minimum opening pressure can be selected.

[0063] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the check valve 202 may optionally include a first sealing ring 240 sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the valve seat 210. The outer peripheral surface of the first sealing ring 240 abuts against the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203. The inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203 is recessed to form a branch flow channel 204, and the wall surface of the branch flow channel 204 is at least partially spaced from the first sealing ring 240. Thus, the first sealing ring 240 can improve the sealing effect between the valve seat 210 and the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203. It is understood that with the first sealing ring 240 provided, since the branch flow channel 204 is directly formed on the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203, it is necessary to avoid the first sealing ring 240 being completely embedded in the branch flow channel 204. The structure of the first sealing ring 240 completely blocks the branch flow channel 204, thereby ensuring that the flow regulating mechanism 20 still has a certain effective flow cross-sectional area in the regeneration mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the first sealing ring 240 may not be provided.

[0064] In this embodiment, the problem of the first sealing ring 240 being completely embedded in the branch channel 204 can be avoided by selecting the first sealing ring 240 and designing the structure of the main channel 203 and the branch channel 204. For example, a relief ring groove is formed on the wall surface of the branch channel 204 corresponding to the first sealing ring 240. The width of the relief ring groove is greater than the thickness of the first sealing ring 240, and the outer diameter of the relief ring groove is 1.1 to 1.5 times the outer diameter of the first sealing ring 240.

[0065] Please see Figure 4In one embodiment, the valve seat 210 may optionally include a first ring body 211, a second ring body 212, and a plurality of connecting ribs 213 connecting the first ring body 211 and the second ring body 212. The plurality of connecting ribs 213 are distributed circumferentially along the first ring body 211, and a cavity outlet of a flow cavity 214 is formed between two adjacent connecting ribs 213. The inner cavity of the first ring body 211 is configured as the cavity inlet of the flow cavity 214, and the valve plug 220 is movably disposed on the first ring body 211.

[0066] Specifically, the first ring 211 and the second ring 212 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting rib 213, and the first ring 211, the second ring 212, and the connecting rib 213 together define the outlet of the flow cavity 214. When the valve plug 220 is sealed and inserted into the inner cavity of the first ring 211, the flow cavity 214 is blocked and not conductive; when the valve plug 220 is removed from the first ring 211, the inlet and outlet of the flow cavity 214 are connected, and the flow cavity 214 can connect the inlet and outlet of the main channel 203. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to implement, and the ends of the multiple connecting ribs 213 that are away from the first ring 211 can be connected into one unit through the second ring 212 to improve the structural stability of the connecting ribs 213.

[0067] Of course, in other embodiments, the valve seat 210 can also be configured in other structural forms, for example, only the first ring body 211 and multiple connecting ribs 213 are provided.

[0068] To improve the smoothness and stability of valve plug 220's displacement, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, optionally, the valve plug 220 includes a plug head 221 and a guide rod 222 connected together. The guide rod 222 is slidably disposed on the second ring body 212, and the plug head 221 is slidably disposed on the first ring body 211. Thus, in this embodiment, the second ring body 212 also serves as a guide, with the guide rod 222 cooperating with the second ring body 212 and the plug head 221 cooperating with the first ring body 211, jointly improving the smoothness and stability of the valve plug 220's displacement. Of course, in other embodiments, the guide rod 222 may not be provided.

[0069] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the valve plug 220 may optionally include a second sealing ring 223 fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the plug head 221, with the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing ring 223 abutting against the inner cavity surface of the first ring body 211. Thus, the second sealing ring 223 enhances the sealing fit between the plug head 221 and the first ring body 211, and the structure is simple and easy to implement. Of course, in other embodiments, the second sealing ring 223 may not be provided.

[0070] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4In one embodiment, optionally, the elastic element 230 is arranged around the outer periphery of the guide rod 222 and connected between the plug 221 and the second ring 212. Specifically, during the process of the plug 221 disengaging from the first ring 211, the elastic element 230 is compressed and its deformation increases. When the pressure on the inlet side of the plug 221 decreases, the force of the elastic element 230 can push the plug 221 back into the first ring 211 to achieve the sealing of the flow cavity 214. Thus, the elastic element 230 surrounding the outer periphery of the guide rod 222 can improve the smoothness of the valve plug 220 displacement, and only one elastic element 230 is needed to achieve this, making the structure simple and easy to implement. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple elastic elements 230 can also be provided, with multiple elastic elements 230 distributed around the outer periphery of the guide rod 222.

[0071] Optionally, in this embodiment, the elastic element 230 is configured as a compression spring. This results in a mature, reliable, and low-cost structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic element 230 can also be a tension spring, or a rubber or silicone body.

[0072] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, optionally, the mounting base 201 includes a mounting portion 251 and a connector portion 252 connected together. A check valve 202 is disposed on the mounting portion 251, and the connector portion 252 is provided with a threaded structure 253. That is, the flow regulating mechanism 20 also functions as a connector, with its connector portion 252 exposed on the outside of the water softener for connection to external structures such as three-way valves, faucets, or water pipes. The threaded structure 253 can be either an external thread or an internal thread. For example, in this embodiment, optionally, the threaded structure 253 is configured as an external thread on the outer circumferential surface of the connector portion 252. Of course, in other embodiments, the connector portion 252 may not be provided.

[0073] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water softener, characterized in that, include: A resin tank is provided with a resin chamber and an inlet and an outlet that connect to the resin chamber; and A flow regulating mechanism is provided at the water outlet to regulate the water flow rate. The flow rate of the flow regulating mechanism in regeneration mode is less than the flow rate in water production mode. The flow regulation mechanism is configured as a water outlet structure shared by the water softener in both water production and regeneration modes; The water softener also includes a salt tank connected to the resin tank. The salt tank is located above the resin tank, and the salt solution in the salt tank flows into the resin tank by gravity. The flow regulation mechanism includes: The mounting base includes a main flow channel and branch flow channels, wherein the flow rate of the main flow channel is greater than the flow rate of the branch flow channels; and A check valve is installed in the main flow channel. The minimum opening pressure of the check valve is greater than the static water pressure corresponding to the highest water level in the brine tank, and the minimum opening pressure of the check valve is less than the raw water pressure flowing into the outlet in the water production mode. This allows the check valve to block the main flow channel in the regeneration mode, and the check valve to open the main flow channel in the water production mode. The tributary channels are open in both the regeneration mode and the water production mode.

2. The water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tributary channel is provided with at least two channels, and the at least two tributary channels are distributed at intervals on the outer periphery of the main channel.

3. The water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the main channel is recessed to form the branch channel.

4. The water softener as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The tributary extends in the same direction as the main channel, or the tributary extends along a three-dimensional spiral line on the inner wall surface of the main channel.

5. The water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The check valve includes a valve seat, a valve plug, and an elastic element. The valve seat is sealed to the inner wall of the main channel and has a flow cavity that connects the inlet and outlet of the main channel. The valve plug is movably disposed in the flow cavity, and the elastic element connects the valve plug and the valve seat.

6. The water softener as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The check valve further includes a first sealing ring sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the valve seat. The outer circumferential surface of the first sealing ring abuts against the inner wall surface of the main flow channel. The inner wall surface of the main flow channel is recessed to form the branch channel. The wall surface of the branch channel is at least partially spaced from the first sealing ring.

7. The water softener as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The valve seat includes a first ring body, a second ring body, and a plurality of connecting ribs connecting the first ring body and the second ring body. The plurality of connecting ribs are distributed circumferentially along the first ring body. An outlet of the flow cavity is formed between two adjacent connecting ribs. The inner cavity of the first ring body is configured as the inlet of the flow cavity. The valve plug is movably disposed on the first ring body.

8. The water softener as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base includes a mounting part and a connector part connected to each other. The check valve is located in the mounting part, and the connector part is provided with a threaded structure.

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