Water outlet connector and water softener

Abstract

The invention discloses a water outlet connector and a water softener, and relates to the technical field of flow adjusting devices.The water outlet connector comprises a mounting base and a check valve, the mounting base is provided with a main flow channel and a branch flow channel, and the water outlet flow of the main flow channel is larger than that of the branch flow channel; the check valve is arranged on the main flow channel, the check valve blocks the main flow channel in a low-pressure mode and conducts the main flow channel in a high-pressure mode, and the branch flow channel is communicated in the low-pressure mode and the high-pressure mode. According to the technical scheme provided by the invention, the salt solution can have more sufficient time to react with the resin particles, so that the regeneration effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of flow regulating devices, and particularly to a water outlet joint and a water softener. Background Art

[0002] The water softener has a regeneration mode. In the regeneration mode, the brine in the salt tank flows into the resin tank to react with the resin particles, so that the resin particles can be restored to a state with softening ability. In the related art, the reaction between the brine and the resin particles in the resin tank during the regeneration mode is not sufficient, resulting in poor regeneration effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main object of the present invention is to provide a water outlet joint and a water softener, aiming to enable the brine to have more sufficient time to react with the resin particles, thereby improving the regeneration effect.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the water outlet joint proposed by the present invention includes:

[0005] A mounting seat provided with a main flow channel and a branch flow channel, the water outlet flow rate of the main flow channel being greater than that of the branch flow channel; and

[0006] A check valve disposed in the main flow channel;

[0007] The check valve blocks the main flow channel in the low-pressure mode, and the check valve conducts the main flow channel in the high-pressure mode. The branch flow channel is conducted in both the low-pressure mode and the high-pressure mode.

[0008] In one embodiment, there are at least two branch flow channels, and the at least two branch flow channels are spaced apart and distributed on the outer periphery of the main flow channel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner wall surface of the main flow channel is recessed to form the branch flow channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the branch flow channel extends in the same direction as the main flow channel, or the branch flow channel extends along a three-dimensional spiral line on the inner wall surface of the main flow channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the check valve includes a valve seat, a valve plug and an elastic member. The valve seat is sealingly connected to the inner wall surface of the main flow channel and is provided with a flow cavity communicating the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main flow channel. The valve plug is movably disposed in the flow cavity, and the elastic member connects the valve plug and the valve seat.

[0012] 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 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 flow channel, and at least a part of the wall surface of the branch flow channel is spaced apart from the first sealing ring.

[0013] 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 circumferentially spaced apart 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 a cavity inlet of the flow cavity, and the valve plug is movably disposed in the first ring body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the valve plug includes a plug head and a guide rod connected to each other. The guide rod is slidably disposed in the second ring body, and the plug head is slidably disposed in the first ring body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the valve plug further includes a second sealing ring sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the plug head, and the outer peripheral surface of the second sealing ring abuts against the inner cavity surface of the first ring body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elastic member is disposed around the outer periphery of the guide rod and is connected between the plug head and the second ring body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mounting seat includes a mounting portion and a connection portion connected to each other. The check valve is disposed in the mounting portion, and the connection portion is provided with a threaded structure.

[0018] In one embodiment, the branch channel is spaced apart from the main channel.

[0019] The present invention also provides a water softener, including the aforementioned water outlet joint.

[0020] In one embodiment, the water softener further includes a resin tank, the resin tank is provided with a resin cavity, an inlet and an outlet communicating with the resin cavity, and the water outlet joint communicates with the outlet.

[0021] In one embodiment, the water softener further includes a salt box communicating with the resin tank. The salt box is disposed above the resin tank, and the salt solution in the salt box flows into the resin tank by gravity. The hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention is to apply an outlet joint that can passively adjust the flow rate according to the change of the outlet water pressure to a water softener, which can reduce the flow rate when the water softener enters the regeneration mode. It can be understood that under the condition that the total amount of brine flowing into the resin tank is equal, when the brine outlet flow rate becomes smaller, the residence time of the brine in the resin tank can become longer, so that the brine has more sufficient time to react with the resin particles, thereby improving the regeneration effect. Secondly, the softened water in the resin tank can still be output and supplied at a large flow rate in the water production mode, so as to achieve the goal of large flux in the water production mode and high salt efficiency in the regeneration mode. Furthermore, it can better meet the usage requirements, save the consumption rate of salt blocks, and reduce the frequency of users replenishing salt blocks. Moreover, it can save the electric control structure and electric control circuit of the outlet joint, thereby reducing the product cost of the water softener and being beneficial to reducing the electrical failure rate of the water softener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

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

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the resin tank and the outlet joint in

[0026] Figure 3 is Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the outlet joint in

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 3 Exploded view of the outlet joint shown in

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 4 Top view of the valve seat in

[0029] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings:

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

[0031] 20. Water outlet joint; 201. Mounting seat; 202. Check valve; 203. Main runner; 204. Branch runner; 210. Valve seat; 211. First ring body; 212. Second ring body; 213. Connecting rib; 214. Flow-through cavity; 220. Valve plug; 221. Plug head; 222. Guide rod; 223. Second sealing ring; 230. Elastic member; 240. First sealing ring; 251. Mounting portion; 252. Connection portion; 253. Thread structure;

[0032] 30. Salt box.

[0033] The realization, functional features and advantages of the object of the present invention will be further described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Detailed implementation manners

[0034] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back,...) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0036] 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 for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears throughout the text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where A and B are satisfied simultaneously. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that those of ordinary skill in the art can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope required by the present invention.

[0037] The water softener has a water production mode and a regeneration mode. In the water production mode, raw water flows into the resin tank from an external water source (such as tap water), and becomes soft water under the softening action of resin particles. The soft water flows out from the water outlet of the resin tank and is supplied externally. In the regeneration mode, the brine in the salt tank flows into the resin tank to react with the resin particles, so that the resin particles can be restored to a state with softening ability. In the related art, the water flow rate of the resin tank in the regeneration mode is relatively large, resulting in a short residence time of the brine in the resin tank, and the brine flows away without sufficient reaction with the resin particles in a short time.

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

[0039] In view of this, the present invention provides a water outlet joint and a water softener applying the water outlet joint. The water softener can solve the problem that the reaction between the brine and the resin particles in the resin tank in the regeneration mode is not sufficient, so as to improve the regeneration effect of the water softener in the regeneration mode.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , wherein, Figure 3 The arrow in indicates the water outlet direction. In an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the water outlet joint 20 includes a mounting seat 201 and a check valve 202. The mounting seat 201 is provided with a main flow channel 203 and a branch flow channel 204, and the water flow rate of the main flow channel 203 is greater than that of the branch flow channel 204; the check valve 202 is arranged in the main flow channel 203. The check valve 202 blocks the main flow channel 203 in the low-pressure mode, and the check valve 202 conducts the main flow channel 203 in the high-pressure mode. The branch flow channel 204 is conducted in both the low-pressure mode and the high-pressure mode.

[0041] It should be noted that the high pressure and low pressure in this embodiment are relative concepts, not absolute concepts. The water outlet joint 20 of the embodiment of the present invention is configured as a passive adjustment structure, and its own opening degree changes due to the change of the water pressure flowing into the water outlet, so that the water flow rate changes. Specifically, the water pressure in the high-pressure mode is relatively large, so the opening degree of the water outlet joint 20 is large and the water flow rate is large. The water pressure in the low-pressure mode is relatively small, so the opening degree of the water outlet joint 20 is small and the water flow rate is small.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, when the water outlet joint 20 is applied to a water softener, the water softener further includes a resin tank 10. The resin tank 10 is provided with a resin chamber 101, an inlet 102 and an outlet 103 communicating with the resin chamber 101, and the water outlet joint 20 communicates with the outlet 103. Define the salt water pressure flowing into the outlet 103 in the regeneration mode as P1, and the raw water pressure flowing into the outlet 103 in the water production mode as P2. P1 < P2, and the flow rate of the water outlet joint 20 in the regeneration mode is less than that in the water production mode.

[0043] In this embodiment, the water production mode corresponds to the high-pressure mode, and the regeneration mode corresponds to the low-pressure mode. The water outlet joint 20 will generate a change in its own opening degree due to the difference between the salt water pressure and the raw water pressure, thereby causing a change in the water flow rate. Specifically, the raw water pressure in the water production mode is relatively large, so the water outlet joint 20 has a large opening degree and a large water flow rate. The salt water pressure in the regeneration mode is relatively small, so the water outlet joint 20 has a small opening degree and a small water flow rate.

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention, by applying the water outlet joint that can passively adjust the flow rate following the change of the water outlet pressure to the water softener, can reduce the flow rate when the water softener enters the regeneration mode. It can be understood that under the condition that the total amount of salt solution flowing into the resin tank 10 is equal, the smaller salt solution outlet flow rate can make the salt solution stay in the resin tank 10 for a longer time, so that the salt solution has more sufficient time to react with the resin particles, thereby improving the regeneration effect. Secondly, the softened water in the resin tank 10 in the water production mode can still be supplied at a large flow rate, so as to achieve the goal of large flux in the water production mode and high salt efficiency in the regeneration mode, and further can better meet the use requirements, and can save the consumption rate of salt blocks and reduce the frequency of users replenishing salt blocks. Moreover, it can save the electronic control structure and electronic control circuit of the water outlet joint 20, thereby reducing the product cost of the water softener and being beneficial to reducing the electrical failure rate of the water softener.

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

[0046] It should also be noted that the application scenario of the water outlet joint 20 of the present invention is not limited to water softeners, and can also be applied to other devices that require different water outlet flow characteristics in different working stages, including but not limited to dishwashers, water heaters, water purifiers, and intelligent toilets. Taking a dishwasher as an example, it requires a large flow rate for flushing in the pre-washing stage and a small flow rate for water conservation in the rinsing stage. The water outlet joint 20 can be applied at its water outlet, and the water inlet pressure in the pre-washing stage can be set to be greater than that in the rinsing stage. Another example is in the scenario of an intelligent toilet. It requires a large flow rate for instantaneous flushing in the flushing stage and a micro flow rate for antibacterial or pre-wetting in the standby stage. The water outlet joint 20 can be applied at its water outlet, and the water inlet pressure in the flushing stage can be set to be greater than that in the standby stage.

[0047] Among them, the water softeners protected by the present invention include but are not limited to central water softeners and terminal water softeners. Among them, the terminal water softener mainly provides softened water for local or individual water-using devices or water outlet terminals to improve the water quality delivered to these water-using devices or water outlet terminals, reduce the impact of hard water on the device structure, human body or clothing, and improve the comfort of local water use. Specifically, the water-using devices include but are not limited to water heaters, washing machines or humidifiers, etc., and the water outlet terminals include but are not limited to shower heads, faucets, etc. For example, when the terminal water softener is used in a bathroom scenario, it can make the water flowing out of the shower head be softened water, so as to improve the water use comfort of users. For the convenience of description, the present invention will take the terminal water softener applied to the bathroom as an example for explanation.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 1 , in an embodiment, optionally, the water softener further includes a salt box 30 communicating with the resin tank 10. The salt box 30 is arranged above the resin tank 10, and the salt solution in the salt box 30 flows into the resin tank 10 by gravity. In this way, on the one hand, compared with the scheme of using a water pump to pump the salt solution in the salt box 30 into the resin tank 10 in the related art, the technical solution of this embodiment can save the structures such as the water pump and the pumping water circuit, thereby simplifying the structure of the water softener and reducing its product cost.

[0049] On the other hand, the salt box 30 is stacked above the resin tank 10. The hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the height difference from the liquid level of the salt solution in the salt box 30 to the water outlet 103 of the resin tank 10 is basically equal to the salt solution pressure P1 flowing into the water outlet 103 in the regeneration mode. It can be understood that the size and volume of the end water softener are usually small to save the space occupied by the device in the home, that is, the total height of the water softener is not very high. The water inlet 102 of the resin tank 10 is usually connected to an external water source, for example, tap water. Therefore, the raw water pressure flowing into the water outlet 103 in the water production mode is approximately equal to the water pressure of tap water, thus having a relatively large pressure. Therefore, there is a large difference between the hydrostatic pressure from the liquid level of the salt solution in the salt box 30 to the water outlet 103, that is, the salt solution pressure P1 and the raw water pressure P2, which is conducive to improving the response accuracy of the water outlet joint 20.

[0050] Optionally, in this embodiment, the hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box 30 is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202. The hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box 30 refers to the hydrostatic pressure from the liquid level of the salt solution in the salt box 30 to the water outlet 103 of the resin tank 10 when the liquid level of the salt solution in the salt box 30 reaches the highest water level. That is, in the regeneration mode, even if the salt solution in the salt box 30 reaches the highest water level, it cannot cause the check valve 202 to open, so that the main flow channel 203 where the check valve 202 is located cannot be conducted, and the liquid in the resin tank 10 can only flow out through the small-flow branch channel 204. In the water production mode, due to the large raw water pressure flowing into the resin tank 10 from the water inlet 102 and being 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 softened water prepared in the resin tank 10 can flow out through both the large-flow main flow channel 203 and the small-flow branch channel 204, thereby meeting the demand for supplying softened water with a large flow rate.

[0051] For example, in one embodiment, the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 can be set to 4 kPa. This minimum opening pressure approximately corresponds to the hydrostatic pressure of a water column with a height of 40 cm. The height difference from the highest water level of the salt box 30 to the water outlet 103 is set to be less than 40 cm, or the overall height of the water softener is directly set to be less than 40 cm. In this way, in the water production mode, with a large inlet pressure, the liquid in the resin tank 10 can easily push and open the check valve 202, so that the water can flow out through both the main flow channel 203 and the branch channel 204 simultaneously to achieve the purpose of unrestricted flow of softened water output. In the regeneration mode, the salt solution in the salt box 30 flows into the resin tank 10 by gravity for a regeneration reaction with the resin particles. The liquid in the resin tank 10 is not sufficient to open the check valve 202. At this time, the check valve 202 is in a closed state, and the waste water after the regeneration reaction can only flow out through the branch channel 204 to achieve the purpose of restricting the flow of the regenerated waste water output.

[0052] Thus, the structure of this embodiment is simple and easy to implement. By skillfully utilizing the relationship between the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 and the highest water level of the salt tank 30, it can achieve the characteristics that the water outlet flow of soft water is not restricted under high-pressure water inlet during the water production mode operation, and the water outlet flow of wastewater is restricted under gravity water conveyance during the regeneration mode operation, thereby better meeting the requirements of high flux and high salt efficiency of the equipment.

[0053] Of course, in other embodiments, the brine in the salt tank 30 may not flow into the resin tank by gravity. For example, a water pump is provided at the brine outlet of the salt tank 30, and the brine is pumped into the resin tank 10 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 requirement that the brine pressure P1 is less than the raw water pressure P2, so that the water outlet joint 20 can passively adjust its water flow according to the water pressure.

[0054] It can be understood that there are various structural forms of the main flow channel 203 and the branch flow channel 204. For example, please refer to Figures 3 to 5 , in an embodiment, optionally, the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203 is recessed to form the branch flow channel 204. That is, the branch flow channel 204 communicates with the peripheral side wall of the main flow channel 203. In this way, the structure of the mounting seat 201 can be made more compact, which is beneficial to the miniaturized design of the water outlet joint 20, and further beneficial to reducing the size and volume of the water softener.

[0055] Of course, in other embodiments, the branch flow channel 204 and the main flow channel 203 may also be arranged at intervals. For example, the branch flow channel 204 and the main flow channel 203 are formed at intervals on the mounting seat 201, where the branch flow channel 204 and the main flow channel 203 may extend in the same direction or in different extending directions.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in the embodiment where the branch flow channel 204 is formed by the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203 being recessed, optionally, the branch flow channel 204 extends in the same direction as the main flow channel 203. For example, when the main flow channel 203 is configured as a through-hole structure with its axis extending vertically, the axis of the branch flow channel 204 also extends vertically. In this way, on the one hand, it can improve the flow smoothness of the liquid in the main flow channel 203 and the branch flow channel 204, avoid the two streams of liquid flowing through them from interfering with each other, thereby improving the water outlet smoothness and stability of the water softener. On the other hand, it is beneficial to simplify the structure of the mounting seat 201 and reduce its manufacturing and forming cost. Of course, in other embodiments, the branch flow channel 204 may also extend along a three-dimensional spiral line on the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 5, in one embodiment, further, there are at least two branch channels 204, and the at least two branch channels 204 are spaced apart and distributed on the outer periphery of the main channel 203. Specifically and optionally, there are two branch channels 204. It can be understood that when the branch channel 204 is formed by the depression of the inner wall surface of the main channel 203, it is equivalent to forming a branch channel 204 by respectively depressing at multiple circumferential positions on the inner wall surface of the main channel 203. Thus, in the regeneration mode, when the liquid in the resin tank 10 flows out through the multiple branch channels 204, the problem that the check valve 202 shakes due to the impact of the water flow in the main channel 203 can be avoided, thereby improving the installation stability and reliability of the check valve 202, and also reducing the risk of abnormal noise caused by structural shaking. Of course, in other embodiments, there may also be only one branch channel 204.

[0058] It can be understood that there are various structural forms of the check valve 202. For example, please refer to 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 member 230. The valve seat 210 is sealingly connected to the inner wall surface of the main channel 203 and is provided with a flow cavity 214 communicating the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main channel 203. The valve plug 220 is movably disposed in the flow cavity 214, and the elastic member 230 connects the valve plug 220 and the valve seat 210. Specifically, in the water production mode, the pressure of the raw water is sufficient to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 230 on the valve plug 220, so that the valve plug 220 can move from the position blocking the flow cavity 214 to the position opening the flow cavity 214, thereby enabling the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main channel 203 to communicate with each other through the flow cavity 214. In the regeneration mode, the pressure of the salt water is not sufficient to overcome the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 230 on the valve plug 220, and the valve plug 220 remains in the position blocking the flow cavity 214. Therefore, the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main channel 203 cannot communicate with each other through the flow cavity 214. In this way, the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0059] Of course, in other embodiments, the check valve 202 can also be configured in other structural forms, as long as the goal of unrestricted flow under high pressure and restricted flow under low pressure can be achieved.

[0060] It can be understood that the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 230 on the valve plug 220 can urge the valve plug 220 to remain in a state of blocking the flow cavity 214. That is, the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 is related to the structural performance of the elastic member 230. The minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 can be changed by selecting the existing check valve 202 products on the market, or directly replacing or adjusting the elastic member 230 of the existing products, so that the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202 can be adapted to different water softener products. For example, for a water softener product with a relatively large overall height dimension and a relatively high maximum water level in the salt tank 30, a check valve 202 with a relatively large minimum opening pressure needs to be selected; for a water softener product with a relatively small overall height dimension and a relatively low maximum water level in the salt tank 30, a check valve 202 with a relatively small minimum opening pressure can be selected.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in an embodiment, optionally, the check valve 202 further includes 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. A branch flow channel 204 is formed by recessing the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203. At least part of the wall surface of the branch flow channel 204 is spaced apart from the first sealing ring 240. In this way, the sealing cooperation effect between the valve seat 210 and the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 203 can be improved through the first sealing ring 240. It can be understood that in the case where the first sealing ring 240 is 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 prevent the first sealing ring 240 from being completely embedded in the branch flow channel 204 and the structure of the first sealing ring 240 completely blocking the branch flow channel 204, so as to ensure that the water outlet joint 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.

[0062] In this embodiment, the problem that the first sealing ring 240 is completely embedded in the branch flow channel 204 can be avoided by selecting the first sealing ring 240 and designing the structures of the main flow channel 203 and the branch flow channel 204. For example, an avoidance annular groove is formed by recessing the wall surface of the branch flow channel 204 corresponding to the first sealing ring 240. The groove width of the avoidance annular groove is greater than the thickness of the first sealing ring 240, and the outer diameter of the avoidance annular groove is 1.1 to 1.5 times the outer diameter of the first sealing ring 240.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 4, in one embodiment, optionally, the valve seat 210 includes a first annular body 211, a second annular body 212, and a plurality of connecting ribs 213 connecting the first annular body 211 and the second annular body 212. The plurality of connecting ribs 213 are circumferentially spaced apart along the first annular body 211. A cavity outlet of the flow cavity 214 is formed between two adjacent connecting ribs 213. The inner cavity of the first annular body 211 is configured as a cavity inlet of the flow cavity 214. The valve plug 220 is movably disposed in the first annular body 211.

[0064] Specifically, the first annular body 211 and the second annular body 212 are spaced apart along the extending direction of the connecting ribs 213. The first annular body 211, the second annular body 212, and the connecting ribs 213 jointly define a cavity outlet of the flow cavity 214. When the valve plug 220 is sealingly inserted into the inner cavity of the first annular body 211, the flow cavity 214 is blocked and not conducting; when the valve plug 220 is withdrawn from the first annular body 211, the cavity inlet and the cavity outlet of the flow cavity 214 are conducted, and the flow cavity 214 can conduct the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main flow channel 203. Thus, the structure is simple and easy to implement. The ends of the plurality of connecting ribs 213 away from the first annular body 211 can be connected into one body through the second annular body 212 to enhance the structural stability of the connecting ribs 213.

[0065] Of course, in other embodiments, the valve seat 210 can also be configured in other structural forms. For example, only the first annular body 211 and a plurality of connecting ribs 213 are provided.

[0066] To improve the displacement smoothness and stability of the valve plug 220, 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 to each other. The guide rod 222 is slidably disposed in the second annular body 212, and the plug head 221 is slidably disposed in the first annular body 211. Thus, in this embodiment, the second annular body 212 also plays a guiding role. The guide rod 222 cooperates with the second annular body 212, and the plug head 221 cooperates with the first annular body 211 to jointly improve the displacement smoothness and stability of the valve plug 220. Of course, in other embodiments, the guide rod 222 may not be provided.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in one embodiment, optionally, the valve plug 220 further includes a second sealing ring 223 sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the plug head 221. The outer peripheral surface of the second sealing ring 223 abuts against the inner cavity surface of the first annular body 211. Thus, the sealing cooperation effect between the plug head 221 and the first annular body 211 can be improved through the second sealing ring 223, and the structure is simple and easy to implement. Of course, in other embodiments, the second sealing ring 223 may not be provided.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, in one embodiment, optionally, the elastic member 230 is disposed around the outer periphery of the guide rod 222 and is connected between the plug head 221 and the second ring body 212. Specifically, during the process of the plug head 221 being withdrawn from the first ring body 211, the elastic member 230 is compressed and its deformation amount increases. After the water inlet side pressure of the plug head 221 becomes smaller, the acting force of the elastic member 230 can push the plug head 221 to re-insert into the first ring body 211 to achieve the sealing of the flow cavity 214. Thus, the elastic member 230 is disposed around the outer periphery of the guide rod 222, which can improve the smoothness of the displacement of the valve plug 220, and only one elastic member 230 is required to achieve this, with a simple structure and easy implementation. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple elastic members 230 can also be provided, and the multiple elastic members 230 are distributed around the outer periphery of the guide rod 222.

[0069] Optionally in this embodiment, the elastic member 230 is configured as a compression spring. Thus, the structure is mature, reliable and low in cost. Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic member 230 can also be a tension spring, or a rubber body or a silica gel body.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in one embodiment, optionally, the mounting base 201 includes a connected mounting portion 251 and a connection head portion 252. The check valve 202 is disposed in the mounting portion 251, and the connection head portion 252 is provided with a thread structure 253. Specifically, the connection head portion 252 can be exposed outside the water softener for external structures such as a three-way valve, a faucet or a water pipe to be installed and connected. Among them, the thread structure 253 can be either an external thread or an internal thread. For example, optionally in this embodiment, the thread structure 253 is configured as an external thread provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connection head portion 252. Of course, in other embodiments, the connection head portion 252 can also be not provided.

[0071] The present invention also proposes a water softener, which includes the aforementioned water outlet joint, and the specific structure of the water outlet joint refers to the above embodiments. Since this water softener adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0072] In one embodiment, the water softener further includes a resin tank 10. The resin tank 10 is provided with a resin cavity 101, and a water inlet 102 and a water outlet 103 communicating with the resin cavity 101. The water outlet joint 20 communicates with the water outlet 103. Specifically optionally, the water outlet joint 20 can be installed on the water outlet 103. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be that the water outlet joint 20 and the water outlet 103 are communicated through structures such as a connecting pipe.

[0073] In one embodiment, the water softener further includes a salt tank 30 communicating with the resin tank 10. The salt tank 30 is disposed above the resin tank 10, and the salt solution in the salt tank 30 flows into the resin tank 10 by gravity. The hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level in the salt tank 30 is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve 202.

[0074] The above are only exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformation made under the technical concept of the present invention by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, is included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water outlet joint, characterized in that, Comprising: A mounting base provided with a main flow channel and branch flow channels, wherein the water discharge flow rate of the main flow channel is greater than that of the branch flow channels; And A check valve disposed in the main flow channel; The check valve blocks the main flow channel in the low-pressure mode, the check valve conducts the main flow channel in the high-pressure mode, and the branch flow channels are conducted in both the low-pressure mode and the high-pressure mode.

2. The water outlet joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least two branch flow channels, and the at least two branch flow channels are spaced apart and distributed on the outer periphery of the main flow channel.

3. The water outlet joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall surface of the main flow channel is recessed to form the branch flow channels.

4. The water outlet joint according to claim 3, characterized in that, The branch flow channels extend in the same direction as the main flow channel, or the branch flow channels extend along a three-dimensional spiral line on the inner wall surface of the main flow channel.

5. The water outlet joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The check valve includes a valve seat, a valve plug and an elastic member. The valve seat is sealingly connected to the inner wall surface of the main flow channel and is provided with a flow cavity communicating the water inlet end and the water outlet end of the main flow channel. The valve plug is movably disposed in the flow cavity, and the elastic member connects the valve plug and the valve seat.

6. The water outlet joint according to claim 5, characterized in that, 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 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 flow channels, and at least a part of the wall surface of the branch flow channels is spaced apart from the first sealing ring.

7. The water outlet joint according to 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 spaced apart along the circumferential direction of 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 a cavity inlet of the flow cavity, and the valve plug is movably disposed in the first ring body.

8. The water outlet joint according to claim 7, characterized in that, The valve plug includes a plug head and a guide rod connected to each other. The guide rod is slidably disposed in the second ring body, and the plug head is slidably disposed in the first ring body.

9. The water outlet joint according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve plug further includes a second sealing ring sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the plug head. The outer peripheral surface of the second sealing ring abuts against the inner cavity surface of the first ring body.

10. The water outlet joint according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic member is disposed around the outer periphery of the guide rod and is connected between the plug head and the second ring body.

11. The water outlet joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base includes a connected mounting portion and a connection head. The check valve is disposed in the mounting portion, and the connection head is provided with a threaded structure.

12. The water outlet joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The branch flow channels are spaced apart from the main flow channel.

13. A water softener, characterized in that, Including the water outlet joint according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The water softener according to claim 13, characterized in that, The water softener further includes a resin tank provided with a resin cavity, and a water inlet and a water outlet communicating with the resin cavity. The water outlet joint communicates with the water outlet.

15. The water softener according to claim 14, wherein, The water softener further includes a salt box communicating with the resin tank. The salt box is disposed above the resin tank, and the salt solution in the salt box flows into the resin tank by gravity. The hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the highest water level of the salt box is less than the minimum opening pressure of the check valve.

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