A water softening system and control method

Abstract

A kind of soft water system, including soft water module, water distribution control module, water inlet end, water outlet end, it is characterized in that: the water inlet end: connection water supply end and waterway connection to water distribution control module;Soft water module: its outlet is connected to water outlet end, inlet is connected to water distribution control module;Water distribution control module: by water distribution control module respectively access to soft water module, by / without soft water module to water outlet end and access salt tank, by the waterway of jet flow ware converging to resin tank outlet waterway;The water outlet end: connection water using equipment.The soft water system of the present application improves water supply water pipeline, and can complete water making, water replenishment, backwashing, salt absorption slow washing and bypass fast hot water and other different functions by cooperating with water distribution valve and pulse valve control, different operating states can be quickly responded by simple structure, system is simple, reliable and stable, and product use experience is greatly improved.

Description

[Technical Field] This invention relates to the field of water softener technology, and more particularly to a water softener control system with optimized water output. [Background Technology] A water softener is a device that removes calcium and magnesium ions from natural water using ion exchange resin, thereby reducing water hardness. Generally, a water softener needs to be equipped with a resin tank and a brine tank. The resin tank softens the hard water, while the brine tank regenerates the resin tank.

[0001] The structure of water softeners currently on the market is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the hardware structure of the equipment generally includes a resin tank, a salt tank, a pulse valve, and a water circuit control valve. To achieve water softening and rinsing / regeneration processes, a control valve assembly is typically installed in the water system to control the opening and closing of the water circuit and the direction of water flow. Figure 1 As shown, after the raw water enters the machine, it enters the control valve through port 2, then enters the resin tank through port 1 for softening. The softened water flows out of the resin tank, enters the control valve through port 4, and then flows out through port 3. After passing through the flow meter, the purification filter (optional), and the pulse valve (optional), it flows out of the machine for the user's use.

[0002] If a water softener is installed between a water heater or a hot water supply device, the hot water will pass through the softener before being dispensed, causing the water temperature to drop. This is due to the heat-absorbing properties of the resin inside the water softener, and the presence of a large amount of cold water in the resin tank and pipes. Users will have to wait 1-2 minutes for hot water to come out, resulting in a poor user experience and the need to flush out a large amount of cold water, thus wasting water resources.

[0003] The published patent CN201910879835.1, "Hot Water Supply System, Soft Water Equipment, and Control Method Thereof," also relates to a device that uses a water softener to supply hot water. The outlet of the water softener is connected to the inlet of the hot water supply device, which is in a circulating preheating state. The technical solution shown in this patent employs a system that circulates, heats, and stores hot water. The water is sent to the circulating preheating system after passing through a water softener. This system requires continuous energy consumption to maintain the circulating heating state and necessitates a large-volume, large-space water storage container, making it inconvenient to use. [Summary of the Invention] This invention addresses the problems of existing hot water supply systems using water softeners, such as the inability to quickly produce hot water, resulting in water waste, and the complexity of the structural components. It redesigns the overall water circuit, and with the help of a water distribution valve and a pulse valve, it can quickly produce hot water and integrate six different functions: water softening, water replenishment, backwash I, brine absorption & slow wash, backwash II, and bypass. This allows for different operating states, and the system is simple, reliable, stable in operation, and provides a good user experience.

[0004] The present invention relates to a water softening system, comprising a water softening module, a water distribution control module, a water inlet, and a water outlet, characterized in that: The water inlet end: connects to the water supply end and the water path connects to the water distribution control module; Soft water module: includes a resin tank and a brine tank, wherein the resin tank includes an outlet and an inlet, the outlet is connected to the water outlet end, and the inlet is connected to the water distribution control module; Water distribution control module: The water distribution control module is connected to the soft water module, the outlet water via / without the soft water module, and the brine tank. The water distribution control module includes a photoelectric control water distribution valve, several pulse valves, and multiple branch water paths. The inlet water is connected to the resin tank outlet water path, the resin tank inlet water path, and the brine tank water path through the photoelectric control water distribution valve. A first pulse valve is provided in the resin tank outlet water path, a second pulse valve is provided in the extension section of the resin tank inlet water path, and an ejector and a third pulse valve are provided in the brine tank water path. The water flow is collected through the ejector and then flows to the resin tank outlet water channel; The water outlet is connected to the water-using equipment.

[0005] The photoelectric control water distribution valve includes a photoelectric switch, a motor, and a one-in-four-out water distribution valve. The inlet hole is connected to the water inlet end, and the water distribution valve holes are a first water distribution valve hole, a second water distribution valve hole, a third water distribution valve hole, and a fourth water distribution valve hole. The second and fourth water distribution valve holes are internally connected. The first water distribution valve hole is connected to the resin tank inlet water passage, the second and fourth water distribution valve holes are connected to the resin tank outlet water passage, and the third water distribution valve hole is connected to the brine tank water passage. The photoelectric switch receives signals to drive the motor, and the motor rotation controls the opening and closing of the different water distribution valve holes.

[0006] The soft water system also includes a mineralization filter module, which is located between the resin tank outlet and the system water outlet.

[0007] A temperature sensor is installed at the water outlet of the system.

[0008] The brine tank water circuit includes a loop branch that flows through an ejector to the resin tank outlet water circuit, and a water replenishment branch that flows through the ejector jet interface and the third pulse valve. The other end of the water replenishment branch is connected to the brine tank.

[0009] A flow meter is installed between the resin tank outlet water path and the first pulse valve.

[0010] A method for controlling a soft water system, characterized in that the water distribution valve of the soft water system has four water distribution valve holes, and the rotation of the motor inside the water distribution valve is controlled by a photoelectric signal switch to control the opening and closing of different valve holes at the bottom. One valve hole can be opened at a time or two adjacent valve holes in the structural layout can be opened at the same time. The motor is driven by a photoelectric switch to control the opening and closing of the valve orifice inside the water distribution valve. Different modes of the photoelectric switch signal result in six different combinations of opening and closing of the valve orifice, thus giving the water distribution valve six different operating modes. The specific control process is as follows: S1 - Water Production: The first water distribution valve of this soft water system is open, while the second, third, and fourth water distribution valves are closed. The first pulse valve is open, while the second and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the first water distribution valve. It then enters the resin tank through the resin tank inlet water passage. After being softened by the resin, the soft water flows out from the resin tank outlet. After passing through the flow meter and the first pulse valve, it enters the mineralization filter element. After being purified by the mineralization filter element, it flows out from the system outlet end. This is the water production process of the soft water system. S2-Water Replenishment: The water softening system controls the first water distribution valve to open, the second, third, and fourth water distribution valves to close, the third pulse valve to open, and the first and second pulse valves to close. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the first water distribution valve. It then enters the resin tank through the resin tank inlet water path. The softened water flows out from the resin tank outlet, passes through the loop branch of the brine tank water path, through the ejector and the third pulse valve, and then enters the brine tank through the water replenishment branch. This is the water replenishment process of the water softening system. S3-Backwash I: The soft water system controls the second water distribution valve to open, the first, third, and fourth water distribution valves to close, the second pulse valve to open, and the first and third pulse valves to close. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the second water distribution valve, passes through the resin tank outlet water passage into the resin tank to flush the resin, and then flows out from the resin tank inlet, passes through the resin tank inlet water passage and the second pulse valve of the inlet water passage extension section before being discharged. This is the system's backwash I process. S4 - Water Bypass: This water softening system controls the second water distribution valve to open, while the first, third, and fourth water distribution valves are closed. The first pulse valve is open, and the second and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the second water distribution valve. After passing through the resin tank outlet water path, it then passes through the flow meter and the first pulse valve before entering the mineralization filter element. After being purified by the filter element, it flows out from the system outlet end. This is the bypass process of the water softening system, which is equivalent to short-circuiting the resin tank and allowing raw water to directly enter the mineralization filter element. S5-Brine Absorption & Slow Rinse: This water softening system controls the third water distribution valve to open, while the first, second, and fourth water distribution valves are closed. The second pulse valve is open, while the first and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet and flows out from the third water distribution valve, entering the loop branch of the brine tank water circuit. When passing through the ejector, negative pressure is generated, drawing the brine from the brine tank into the ejector through the water replenishment branch. The brine mixes with the raw water and flows out from the ejector, merging into the loop branch. It then enters the resin tank from the resin tank outlet through the resin tank outlet, regenerating the resin and flowing out through the resin tank inlet. After passing through the second pulse valve, it is discharged. This is the brine absorption & slow rinse process of the water softening system. S6-Backwash II: The soft water system controls the fourth water distribution valve to open, while the first, second, and third water distribution valves are closed. The second pulse valve is open, and the first and third pulse valves are closed. Since the second and fourth water distribution valves are internally connected, the raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the fourth water distribution valve. In fact, it enters the resin tank through the resin tank outlet water path to rinse the resin. Then it flows out from the resin tank inlet, passes through the resin tank inlet water path and the second pulse valve of the inlet water path extension section, and is discharged. This is the system's backwash II process.

[0011] In the softened water system method, the system operates sequentially according to steps S1-S6. Only step S4 is not a necessary step. During operation, after backwashing I in step S3, step S5, salt absorption and slow washing, is performed directly. Step 5 uses brine to regenerate the resin tank, while backwashing II uses raw water to flush away excess brine in the resin tank.

[0012] The softened water system has a fast hot water output mode. When fast hot water is needed, the softened water system controls the motor inside the water distribution valve to rotate, so that the control state of the system gradually switches from the S4 bypass state to the S1 water production state, until the system finally operates stably in the S1 water production state to produce softened hot water.

[0013] The system's control state gradually switches from S4 bypass state to S1 water production state. This means that initially, the second water distribution valve orifice at the control water distribution valve location is open, while the first, third, and fourth water distribution valve orifices are closed. The first pulse valve is open, and the second and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the second water distribution valve orifice. After passing through the resin tank outlet water path, it passes through the flow meter and the first pulse valve before entering the mineralization filter element. After passing through the mineralization filter element, it flows out from the outlet end. During this process, the system controls the rotation of the water distribution valve motor, gradually switching from the second water distribution valve orifice being open to the first water distribution valve orifice being open. The opening and closing rates of the valve orifices are kept consistent throughout this process.

[0014] During the gradual switching from the S4 bypass state to the S1 water production state, the outlet temperature sensor detects the outlet water temperature in real time. When the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the motor is controlled to start, driving the water distribution valve to gradually switch from the S4 bypass state to the S1 water production state. The opening angle of the first water distribution valve orifice gradually increases, while the opening angle of the second water distribution valve orifice gradually decreases.

[0015] The soft water system also features feedback regulation. The system issues commands to start the motor or to stop the motor based on whether the temperature collected by the temperature sensor reaches the preset temperature. The motor can stop rotating at any time, and when the motor stops rotating, the water outlet state of the water distribution valve will immediately remain unchanged. The water outlet temperature sensor collects the temperature in real time. Once the temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the motor stops, and the current valve opening angle remains unchanged until the water outlet temperature is detected to have reached the preset temperature again. Then the motor continues to rotate, and this cycle continues until the water distribution valve is fully rotated to the S1 water production state.

[0016] When the water outlet is closed, if the flow meter does not detect a water flow signal for 5 consecutive minutes, the program controls the motor to rotate and drives the water distribution valve to switch directly from the S1 water production state to the S4 bypass state, ensuring that hot water can be quickly produced the next time it is used.

[0017] The soft water system involved in this invention improves the water supply pipeline. With the help of the water distribution valve and pulse valve control, it can complete different functions such as water production, water replenishment, backwashing, slow brine flushing, and bypassing to quickly produce hot water. With a simple structure, it can quickly respond to different operating states. The system is simple, reliable and stable in operation, and the user experience is greatly improved. [Attached Image Description] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a common water softening system structure on the market involved in this invention; Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the architecture of a soft water system and water-using equipment as described in this invention. Figure 3 This is a water circuit structure diagram of the water production state of the soft water system involved in this invention; Figure 4 This is a water circuit structure diagram of the water replenishment state of the soft water system involved in this invention; Figure 5 This is a water circuit structure diagram of the soft water system in the backwashing I state involved in this invention; Figure 6 This is a water circuit structure diagram of the soft water system involved in this invention in the state of rapid hot water output; Figure 7 This is a water circuit diagram of the soft water system involved in the present invention during the salt absorption and slow rinsing states; Figure 8 This is a water circuit structure diagram of the soft water system in backwashing state II as described in this invention; 100. Heater; 200. Bathing equipment; 10. Inlet; 20. Outlet; 30. Water distribution control module; 31. Photoelectric control water distribution valve; 311. First water distribution valve hole; 312. Second water distribution valve hole; 313. Third water distribution valve hole; 314. Fourth water distribution valve hole; 40. Soft water module; 41. Resin tank; 411. Outlet; 412. Inlet; 42. Salt tank; 421. Salt tank water circuit; 422. Loop branch; 423. Water replenishment branch; 43. Outlet water circuit; 44. Inlet water circuit; 51. First pulse valve; 52. Second pulse valve; 53. Third pulse valve; 60. Ejector; 70. Mineralization filter module; 80. Temperature sensor; 90. Flow meter.

[0018] 101. Resin tank; 102. Salt tank; 103. Water circuit control valve assembly; 104. Filter element

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0020] This invention relates to a water softening system. Based on the complex control valve assembly of existing water softener systems, it uses simplified components. It only requires a photoelectric switch and a water distribution valve as disclosed in Chinese Patent CNCN202320664495.2 - A Water Softening Device, along with a water circuit design, to complete the control of operations such as water softening, rinsing, and regeneration. Furthermore, it can quickly provide hot water when needed, avoiding the waste of water resources caused by discharging large amounts of cold water, while improving the overall user experience of the hot water softening system.

[0021] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the structure of currently available water softeners. The hardware typically includes a resin tank, a softening salt tank, a pulse valve, and water control valves. To achieve water softening and rinsing / regeneration processes, a control valve assembly is usually installed in the water system to control the opening and closing of the water circuit and the direction of water flow. Figure 1As shown, after the raw water enters the machine, it enters the control valve through port 2, then enters the resin tank through port 1 for softening. The softened water flows out of the resin tank, enters the control valve through port 4, and then flows out through port 3. After passing through the flow meter assembly, the purification filter (optional), and the pulse valve (optional), it flows out of the machine for the user.

[0022] The system's control valve assembly is a highly integrated component with multiple switching valve bodies. Its complex structure and high cost mean that a malfunction can render the entire system inoperable. Another issue is the slow hot water output when using a water softener. Since the softener is installed between the water heater and other water heating devices, the hot water passes through the softener before exiting, causing a drop in water temperature. This is due to the heat-absorbing properties of the resin inside the softener, and the presence of a large amount of cold water in the resin tank and piping. Users need to wait 1-2 minutes for hot water to come out, resulting in a poor user experience and the waste of water resources as a large amount of cold water needs to be discharged.

[0023] This invention provides a soft water system that eliminates the need for a control valve assembly, employing only a water distribution valve and an improved water circuit. The soft water system includes a soft water module, a water distribution control module, an inlet, and an outlet. Please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2 This is a system architecture diagram of the soft water system and its water-using equipment. The water inlet 10 is connected to the water supply end and the water path is connected to the water distribution control module 30. Soft water module 40: includes resin tank 41 and brine tank 42, wherein resin tank 41 includes outlet 411 and inlet 412, outlet 411 is connected to water outlet 20, and inlet 412 is connected to water distribution control module 30; outlet 411 extends into an outlet water path 43, and inlet 412 is connected to an inlet water path 44.

[0024] Water distribution control module 30: Water distribution control module 30 is connected to soft water module 40, and to outlet 20 via / without passing through soft water module 40, and to brine tank 42. This module includes photoelectric control water distribution valve 31, several pulse valves, and multiple branch water paths. Inlet 10 is connected to resin tank outlet water path 43, resin tank inlet water path 44, and brine tank water path 421 via photoelectric control water distribution valve 31. A first pulse valve 51 is provided in resin tank outlet water path 43, a second pulse valve 52 is provided in the extension section of resin tank inlet water path 44, and an ejector 60 and a third pulse valve 53 are provided on brine tank water path 421. Brine tank water path 421 refers to the water path leading to the brine tank.

[0025] The water flow through ejector 60 converges into resin tank outlet water channel 43. The water outlet 20 is connected to water-using equipment. In this solution, heated bathing equipment includes shower heads, spray nozzles, etc., and this equipment needs to be heated by a heater 100 before finally supplying water to the bathing equipment 200 that directly outlets water.

[0026] The photoelectric control water distribution valve 31 includes a photoelectric switch (not shown), a motor (not shown), and a one-in-four-out water distribution valve. The water inlet is connected to the water inlet end, and the water distribution valve holes are a first water distribution valve hole 311, a second water distribution valve hole 312, a third water distribution valve hole 313, and a fourth water distribution valve hole 314. The second water distribution valve hole 312 and the fourth water distribution valve hole 314 are internally connected. The first water distribution valve hole 311 is connected to the resin tank inlet water passage 44, the second and fourth water distribution valve holes 314 are connected to the resin tank outlet water passage 43, and the third water distribution valve hole 313 is connected to the brine tank water passage 421.

[0027] The soft water system also includes a mineralization filter module 70, which is provided between the resin tank outlet 411 and the system water outlet 20.

[0028] A temperature sensor 80 is installed at the water outlet 20 of the system to detect the temperature of the final effluent.

[0029] The brine tank water path 421 includes a loop branch 422 that flows through the ejector 60 to the resin tank outlet water path 43, and a water replenishment branch 423 that flows through the ejector 60 ejection interface and the third pulse valve 53. The other end of the water replenishment branch 423 is connected to the brine tank 42 to replenish the brine tank 42.

[0030] A flow meter 90 is installed between the resin tank outlet water passage 43 and the first pulse valve 51. It is used to detect the flow rate of water passing through it.

[0031] Based on the aforementioned water softening system, the system performs tasks such as water softening, water replenishment, regeneration, and rapid hot water output. Specifically, the water softening system's distribution valve has four valve holes. A photoelectric signal switch controls the rotation of a motor inside the distribution valve, controlling the opening and closing of different valve holes at the bottom. It can open one at a time or simultaneously open two adjacent valve holes in the structural layout; as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 2 As shown, the water distribution valve has four fractional valve holes, namely the first water distribution valve hole 311, the second water distribution valve hole 312, the third water distribution valve hole 313 and the fourth water distribution valve hole 314. The four valve holes are arranged on the valve body in four directions. The first water distribution valve hole 311 and the third water distribution valve hole are valve holes on opposite diagonals, and the second water distribution valve hole 312 and the fourth fractional valve hole are valve holes on opposite diagonals.

[0032] The motor is driven by a photoelectric switch to control the opening and closing of the valve orifice inside the water distribution valve. Different modes of the photoelectric switch signal result in six different combinations of opening and closing of the valve orifice, thus giving the water distribution valve six different operating modes. The specific control process is as follows: S1-Water Production: Please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 In the water softening system, the first water distribution valve hole 311 of the control valve is open, while the second water distribution valve hole 312, the third water distribution valve hole 313, and the fourth water distribution valve hole 314 are closed. The first pulse valve 51 is open, while the second pulse valve 52 and the third pulse valve 53 are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve 31 from the inlet end 10 and flows out from the first water distribution valve hole 311. It then enters the resin tank 41 through the resin tank inlet water passage. The softened water after being softened by the resin flows out from the outlet 411 of the resin tank 41. After passing through the flow meter 90 and the first pulse valve 51, it enters the mineralization filter element 70. After being purified by the mineralization filter element 70, it flows out from the system outlet end 20. This is the water production process of the water softening system. S2 - Hydration: Please refer to the attached document. Figure 4 The soft water system controls the water distribution valve 31 to open the first water distribution valve hole 311, and close the second water distribution valve hole 312, the third water distribution valve hole 313 and the fourth water distribution valve hole 314. The third pulse valve 53 is open, and the first pulse valve 51 and the second pulse valve 52 are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve 31 from the inlet end 10 and flows out from the first water distribution valve hole 311. It enters the resin tank 41 through the resin tank inlet water passage 44. The soft water softened by the resin flows out from the outlet of the resin tank 41. It passes through the loop branch 422 of the brine tank water passage 421, through the jet injector 60 and the third pulse valve 53, and then enters the brine tank 42 through the water replenishment branch 423. This is the water replenishment process of the soft water system. S3-Backwash I: Please refer to the appendix Figure 5 The system controls the second water distribution valve hole 312 to open, and the first water distribution valve hole 311, the third water distribution valve hole 313 and the fourth water distribution valve hole 314 to close. The second pulse valve 52 opens, and the first pulse valve 51 and the third pulse valve 53 close. Raw water enters the water distribution valve 31 from the inlet end 10 and flows out from the second water distribution valve hole 312. It enters the resin tank 41 through the resin tank outlet water passage 43 to rinse the resin. Then it flows out from the resin tank inlet 412, passes through the resin tank inlet water passage 44 and the second pulse valve 52 of the inlet water passage extension section and is discharged. This is the system backwashing process I. Backwash I is used to rinse away any impurities or dirt that may be present in the resin. By rinsing with raw water and then draining it, the resin in the resin tank is kept clean in preparation for subsequent water production or regeneration processes.

[0033] S4 - Waterway Bypass: Please refer to the appendix. Figure 6The water softening system controls the second water distribution valve 312 to open, and the first water distribution valve 311, the third water distribution valve 312, and the fourth water distribution valve 314 to close. The first pulse valve 51 is open, and the second pulse valve 52 and the third pulse valve 53 are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve 31 from the inlet end 10 and flows out from the second water distribution valve 312. After passing through the resin tank outlet water path 43, it passes through the flow meter 90 and the first pulse valve 51 and then enters the mineralization filter element 70. After being purified by the filter element, it flows out from the outlet end 20. This is the bypass process of the water softening system, which is equivalent to short-circuiting the resin tank and directly allowing raw water to enter the mineralization filter element.

[0034] When this water softening system is installed after the water heater 100, a fast hot water mode will be needed. When fast hot water is required, the water softening system is initially in bypass mode upon startup, i.e. Figure 6 As shown above, hot water enters the water distribution valve 31 from the inlet 10 and flows out from the second water distribution valve hole 312 of the water distribution valve 31. It bypasses the resin tank 41 and flows directly through the flow meter 90, the first pulse valve 51, and the mineralization filter element 70 before exiting the showerhead. Because this portion of hot water does not pass through the resin tank 41, it is unaffected by the resin's heat absorption and the cold water inside the resin tank 41, allowing it to flow out quickly from the showerhead, achieving the goal of rapid hot water output. During this process, the system control state needs to be gradually switched from the S4 bypass state to the S1 water production state. The final result is the use of softened hot water at the preset temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 80 at the outlet can detect the outlet water temperature in real time. When the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the program controls the motor to start and drive the water distribution valve 31 to rotate from the bypass state to the water production state. The opening angle of the first water distribution valve hole 311 of the water distribution valve 31 gradually increases, and the opening angle of the second water distribution valve hole 312 gradually decreases. During this process, once the temperature sensor 80 at the outlet 20 detects that the outlet water temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the motor stops rotating, that is, it immediately stops the process of the first water distribution valve hole 311 gradually increasing while the opening angle of the second water distribution valve hole 312 synchronously decreases. This indicates that the water production process rate is faster than the heating rate.

[0035] Once the water temperature reaches the preset temperature again, the motor continues to rotate, repeating this cycle until the water distribution valve 31 is fully rotated to the water production state. At this point, the first water distribution valve orifice 311 is fully open, and the second water distribution valve orifice 312 is fully closed. All hot water flows out from the first water distribution valve orifice 311 and needs to enter the resin tank 41 for softening. The softened water then flows out through the flow meter 90, the first pulse valve 51, and the mineralization filter element 70. The user's shower equipment 200 can then use the softened hot water normally. When the user turns off the shower, if the flow meter 90 does not detect a water flow signal for 5 consecutive minutes, the program controls the motor to rotate, driving the water distribution valve 31 to switch directly from the water production state to the bypass state, ensuring rapid hot water output the next time it is used.

[0036] S5 - Salt Absorption & Slow Wash: Please refer to the attached document. Figure 7 The soft water system controls the opening of the third dividing valve orifice 313 of the dividing valve 31, while closing the first dividing valve orifice 311, the second dividing valve orifice 312, and the fourth dividing valve orifice 314. The second pulse valve 52 opens, while the first pulse valve 51 and the third pulse valve 53 close. Raw water enters the dividing valve 31 from the inlet 10 and flows out from the third dividing valve orifice 313, entering the loop branch 422 of the brine tank water circuit 421. When passing through the ejector 60, negative pressure is generated, drawing the brine from the brine tank 42 into the ejector 60 through the water replenishment branch 423. The brine mixes with the raw water. After merging, the water flows out from the ejector 60 and into the loop branch 422. It then enters the resin tank 41 from the resin tank outlet 411 through the resin tank outlet water passage 43, where the resin is regenerated with brine. After regeneration, the resin flows out through the resin tank inlet 412 and is discharged after passing through the second pulse valve 52. This is the brine absorption and slow rinsing process of the soft water system. This process is actually the conventional process of regenerating resin with brine in a water softener. It is important to provide sufficient brine and backwash the resin in the resin tank 41. The brine used to rinse the resin is then discharged out of the system through the waste outlet.

[0037] S6-Backwash II: Please refer to the appendix. Figure 8 The soft water system controls the opening of the fourth water distribution valve hole 314, while the first water distribution valve hole 311, the second water distribution valve hole 312, and the third water distribution valve hole 313 are closed. The second pulse valve 52 is open, while the first pulse valve 51 and the third pulse valve 53 are closed. Since the second water distribution valve hole 312 and the fourth water distribution valve hole are internally connected, the raw water enters the water distribution valve 31 from the inlet end 10 and flows out from the fourth water distribution valve hole 314. In fact, it enters the resin tank 41 through the resin tank outlet water passage 43 to rinse the resin. Then, it flows out from the inlet 412 of the resin tank 41, passes through the resin tank inlet water passage 44 and the second pulse valve 52 of the inlet water passage extension section, and is discharged. This is the system's backwashing II process.

[0038] In the softened water system method, the system operates sequentially according to steps S1-S6. Only step S4 is not a necessary step. During operation, after backwashing I in step S3, step S5, salt absorption and slow washing, is performed directly. Step 5 uses brine to regenerate the resin tank, while backwashing II uses raw water to flush away excess brine in the resin tank.

[0039] The soft water system includes six water circuit states: water production, water replenishment, backwash I, brine intake & slow wash, backwash II, and bypass. The water replenishment state is achieved by changing the opening and closing of three pulse valves in the water production state, without turning the water distribution valve. The bypass state is achieved by changing the opening and closing of three pulse valves in the backwash I state, without turning the water distribution valve. The switching of the four water circuit states of the soft water system—water production, backwash 1, brine absorption & slow wash, and backwash 2—is achieved through a one-inlet, four-outlet water distribution valve core, motor, gears, and position detection plate. When the soft water system quickly produces hot water, the water distribution valve switches from bypass mode to water production mode via a temperature sensor; after the outlet is closed, the water distribution valve switches from water production mode to bypass mode via a flow meter.

[0040] The soft water system involved in this invention improves the water supply pipeline. With the help of the water distribution valve and pulse valve control, it can complete different functions such as water production, water replenishment, backwashing, slow brine flushing, and bypassing to quickly produce hot water. With a simple structure, it can quickly respond to different operating states. The system is simple, reliable and stable in operation, and the user experience is greatly improved.

[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water softening system, comprising a water softening module, a water distribution control module, an inlet end, and an outlet end, characterized in that: The water inlet end: connects to the water supply end and the water path connects to the water distribution control module; Soft water module: includes a resin tank and a brine tank, wherein the resin tank includes an outlet and an inlet, the outlet is connected to the water outlet end, and the inlet is connected to the water distribution control module; Water distribution control module: The water distribution control module is connected to the soft water module, the outlet water via / without the soft water module, and the brine tank. The water distribution control module includes a photoelectric control water distribution valve, several pulse valves, and multiple branch water paths. The inlet water is connected to the resin tank outlet water path, the resin tank inlet water path, and the brine tank water path through the photoelectric control water distribution valve. A first pulse valve is provided in the resin tank outlet water path, a second pulse valve is provided in the extension section of the resin tank inlet water path, and an ejector and a third pulse valve are provided in the brine tank water path. The water flow is collected through the ejector and then flows to the resin tank outlet water channel; The water outlet is connected to the water-using equipment. The photoelectric control water distribution valve includes a photoelectric switch, a motor, and a one-in-four-out water distribution valve. The inlet hole is connected to the water inlet end, and the water distribution valve holes are a first water distribution valve hole, a second water distribution valve hole, a third water distribution valve hole, and a fourth water distribution valve hole. The second water distribution valve hole and the fourth water distribution valve hole are internally connected. The first water distribution valve hole is connected to the resin tank inlet water passage, the second and fourth water distribution valve holes are connected to the resin tank outlet water passage, and the third water distribution valve hole is connected to the brine tank water passage. The photoelectric switch receives signals to drive the motor, and the rotation of the motor controls the opening and closing of the different water distribution valve holes. The soft water system's water distribution valve has four water distribution valve holes. The rotation of the motor inside the water distribution valve is controlled by a photoelectric signal switch, which controls the opening and closing of different valve holes at the bottom. One valve hole can be opened at a time, or two adjacent valve holes in the structural layout can be opened simultaneously.

2. The water softening system of claim 1, wherein The soft water system also includes a mineralization filter module, which is located between the resin tank outlet and the system water outlet.

3. The water softening system of claim 2, wherein A temperature sensor is installed at the water outlet of the system.

4. The soft water system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The brine tank water circuit includes a loop branch that flows through an ejector to the resin tank outlet water circuit, and a water replenishment branch that flows through the ejector jet interface and the third pulse valve. The other end of the water replenishment branch is connected to the brine tank.

5. The soft water system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A flow meter is installed between the resin tank outlet water path and the first pulse valve.

6. A method for controlling a soft water system, employing a soft water system as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The soft water system has four valve holes. The rotation of the motor inside the valve is controlled by a photoelectric signal switch, which controls the opening and closing of different valve holes at the bottom. One valve hole can be opened at a time, or two adjacent valve holes in the structural layout can be opened at the same time. The motor is driven by a photoelectric switch to control the opening and closing of the valve orifice inside the water distribution valve. Different modes of the photoelectric switch signal result in six different combinations of opening and closing of the valve orifice, thus giving the water distribution valve six different operating modes. The specific control process is as follows: S1 - Water Production: The first water distribution valve of this soft water system is open, while the second, third, and fourth water distribution valves are closed. The first pulse valve is open, while the second and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the first water distribution valve. It then enters the resin tank through the resin tank inlet water passage. After being softened by the resin, the soft water flows out from the resin tank outlet. After passing through the flow meter and the first pulse valve, it enters the mineralization filter element. After being purified by the mineralization filter element, it flows out from the system outlet end. This is the water production process of the soft water system. S2-Water Replenishment: The water softening system controls the first water distribution valve to open, the second, third, and fourth water distribution valves to close, the third pulse valve to open, and the first and second pulse valves to close. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the first water distribution valve. It then enters the resin tank through the resin tank inlet water path. The softened water flows out from the resin tank outlet, passes through the loop branch of the brine tank water path, through the ejector and the third pulse valve, and then enters the brine tank through the water replenishment branch. This is the water replenishment process of the water softening system. S3-Backwash I: The soft water system controls the second water distribution valve to open, the first, third, and fourth water distribution valves to close, the second pulse valve to open, and the first and third pulse valves to close. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the second water distribution valve, passes through the resin tank outlet water passage into the resin tank to flush the resin, and then flows out from the resin tank inlet, passes through the resin tank inlet water passage and the second pulse valve of the inlet water passage extension section before being discharged. This is the system's backwash I process. S4 - Water Bypass: This water softening system controls the second water distribution valve to open, while the first, third, and fourth water distribution valves are closed. The first pulse valve is open, and the second and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the second water distribution valve. After passing through the resin tank outlet water path, it then passes through the flow meter and the first pulse valve before entering the mineralization filter element. After being purified by the filter element, it flows out from the system outlet end. This is the bypass process of the water softening system, which is equivalent to short-circuiting the resin tank and allowing raw water to directly enter the mineralization filter element. S5-Brine Absorption & Slow Rinse: This water softening system controls the third water distribution valve to open, while the first, second, and fourth water distribution valves are closed. The second pulse valve is open, while the first and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet and flows out from the third water distribution valve, entering the loop branch of the brine tank water circuit. When passing through the ejector, negative pressure is generated, drawing the brine from the brine tank into the ejector through the water replenishment branch. The brine mixes with the raw water and flows out from the ejector, merging into the loop branch. It then enters the resin tank from the resin tank outlet through the resin tank outlet, regenerating the resin and flowing out through the resin tank inlet. After passing through the second pulse valve, it is discharged. This is the brine absorption & slow rinse process of the water softening system. S6-Backwash II: The soft water system controls the fourth water distribution valve to open, while the first, second, and third water distribution valves are closed. The second pulse valve is open, and the first and third pulse valves are closed. Since the second and fourth water distribution valves are internally connected, the raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the fourth water distribution valve. In fact, it enters the resin tank through the resin tank outlet water path to rinse the resin. Then it flows out from the resin tank inlet, passes through the resin tank inlet water path and the second pulse valve of the inlet water path extension section, and is discharged. This is the system's backwash II process.

7. The soft water system control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the soft water system control method, the system operates sequentially according to steps S1-S6. Only step S4 is not a necessary step. During operation, after backwashing I in step S3, step S5 salt absorption and slow washing is performed directly. Step 5 uses brine to regenerate the resin tank, while backwashing II uses raw water to flush away excess brine in the resin tank.

8. The water softening system control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The softened water system has a fast hot water output mode. When fast hot water is needed, the softened water system controls the motor inside the water distribution valve to rotate, so that the control state of the system gradually switches from the S4 bypass state to the S1 water production state, until the system finally operates stably in the S1 water production state to produce softened hot water.

9. The water softening system control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The system's control state gradually switches from S4 bypass state to S1 water production state. This means that initially, the second water distribution valve orifice at the control water distribution valve location is open, while the first, third, and fourth water distribution valve orifices are closed. The first pulse valve is open, and the second and third pulse valves are closed. Raw water enters the water distribution valve from the inlet end and flows out from the second water distribution valve orifice. After passing through the resin tank outlet water path, it passes through the flow meter and the first pulse valve before entering the mineralization filter element. After passing through the mineralization filter element, it flows out from the outlet end. During this process, the system controls the rotation of the water distribution valve motor, gradually switching from the second water distribution valve orifice being open to the first water distribution valve orifice being open. The opening and closing rates of the valve orifices are kept consistent throughout this process.

10. The water softening system control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, During the gradual switching from the S4 bypass state to the S1 water production state, the outlet temperature sensor detects the outlet water temperature in real time. When the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the motor is controlled to start, driving the water distribution valve to gradually switch from the S4 bypass state to the S1 water production state. The opening angle of the first water distribution valve orifice gradually increases, while the opening angle of the second water distribution valve orifice gradually decreases.

11. The water softening system control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The soft water system also features feedback regulation. The system issues commands to start the motor or to stop the motor based on whether the temperature collected by the temperature sensor reaches the preset temperature. The motor can stop rotating at any time, and when the motor stops rotating, the water outlet state of the water distribution valve will immediately remain unchanged. The water outlet temperature sensor collects the temperature in real time. Once the temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the motor stops, and the current valve opening angle remains unchanged until the water outlet temperature is detected to have reached the preset temperature again. Then the motor continues to rotate, and this cycle continues until the water distribution valve is fully rotated to the S1 water production state.

12. The water softening system control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the water outlet is closed, if the flow meter does not detect a water flow signal for 5 consecutive minutes, the program controls the motor to rotate and drives the water distribution valve to switch directly from the S1 water production state to the S4 bypass state, ensuring that hot water can be quickly produced the next time it is used.

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