Water softening valve and water softener

Abstract

The application discloses a soft water valve and a soft water machine, and relates to the technical field of the soft water machine, wherein the soft water valve comprises a valve body, a plug cover, a jet device and a plug structure; the valve body is provided with a valve cavity, a forward flow salt suction channel and a reverse flow salt suction channel; the forward flow salt suction channel comprises a first forward flow channel connected with the water inlet cavity and a second forward flow channel connected with the side wall cavity; the reverse flow salt suction channel comprises a first reverse flow channel connected with the water outlet cavity and a second reverse flow channel connected with the central cavity; the plug cover is installed on the valve body, and the plug cover and the valve body form a switching channel; the switching channel is part of the flow channel in the forward flow salt suction channel or the reverse flow salt suction channel; the jet device is provided with a siphon cavity, and the jet device is installed in the second forward flow channel or the second reverse flow channel in a lead-through mode and is connected with the water injection salt suction channel through the siphon cavity; the plug structure is used for plugging the reverse flow salt suction channel or the forward flow salt suction channel; and the technical scheme can reduce the manufacturing cost of the soft water valve.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510900401.0, filed on June 30, 2025, entitled "Soft Water Valve and Soft Water Machine", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of water softener technology, and particularly to a water softener valve and a water softener. Background Technology

[0003] Water softeners soften water, improving the user's water quality experience, saving cleaning agents, and conserving water. The core component of a water softener is the softening valve. However, to meet users' needs for different regeneration methods, current technologies typically require separate valve bodies for each method, necessitating manufacturers to design and manufacture individual molds for each. This design not only increases mold development costs but also extends the product's production cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a water softener valve and a water softener that aims to reduce the manufacturing cost of the water softener valve.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a soft water valve comprising: The valve body is provided with a valve cavity, a water inlet channel, a co-current brine suction channel, and a counter-current brine suction channel. The valve cavity includes multiple water passage chambers, including a water inlet chamber, a water outlet chamber, a side wall chamber, a central chamber, and a water injection and brine suction chamber. The co-current brine suction channel includes a first co-current channel connected to the water inlet channel and a second co-current channel connected to the side wall chamber. The counter-current brine suction channel includes a first counter-current channel connected to the water inlet channel and a second counter-current channel connected to the central chamber. The water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet cavity. A plug is installed on the valve body, and the plug and the valve body enclose a transition channel, which is a portion of the flow channel in the co-current salt suction channel or the counter-current salt suction channel; An ejector having a siphon chamber, the ejector being installed in one of the second co-current channel and the second counter-current channel, and connected to the water injection and salt absorption channel through the siphon chamber; A plug structure is used to block one of the co-current salt suction channel and the counter-current salt suction channel.

[0006] In one embodiment, the valve body is further provided with a bypass channel, which connects the second downstream channel and the second upstream channel, and also connects to the water injection and salt absorption chamber.

[0007] In one embodiment, the valve body includes a valve body having a protruding mounting protrusion. The mounting protrusion has the co-current salt suction channel and / or the counter-current salt suction channel. The plug is installed on the mounting protrusion so that the plug and the mounting protrusion enclose to form the transition channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the mounting protrusion includes a first mounting protrusion having the first downstream channel and the second downstream channel arranged side by side, and a second mounting protrusion having the first upstream channel and the second upstream channel arranged side by side; The plug is fitted onto one of the first mounting protrusion and the second mounting protrusion, and the plug structure is located on the other one.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first downstream channel is connected to the wall of the inlet chamber, and the first upstream channel is connected to the wall of the outlet chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, the co-current salt suction channel and the counter-current salt suction channel are arranged side by side in the mounting protrusion, and the first co-current channel and the first counter-current channel are the same channel, configured as a shared flow channel; The plug structure is located in one of the second downstream channel and the second upstream channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve body further includes a water outlet channel communicating with the water outlet chamber, and the common flow channel is connected to the water outlet channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the jet ejector includes a jet ejector body and a jet ejector limiting part. The jet ejector body is disposed in the second downstream channel or the second upstream channel, and the plug restricts the ejector's release movement through the jet ejector limiting part.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plug is provided with a mounting groove adapted to the mounting protrusion, and the bottom wall of the mounting groove is provided with a limiting protrusion for pressing against the jet limiting part.

[0014] In one embodiment, the plug includes a mounting protrusion that inserts into the mounting protrusion, the mounting protrusion being used to press against the jet ejector limiting portion; And / or, the plug further includes a stop ring for abutting against the end face of the mounting protrusion to restrain the movement of the plug on the mounting protrusion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the soft water valve further includes a mounting pin, the plug has a through hole for the mounting pin to pass through, the mounting protrusion has a pin groove, the mounting pin passes through the through hole and is confined within the pin groove; Alternatively, the plug is threadedly connected to the mounting protrusion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the soft water valve further includes a sealing ring, and a sealing ring groove is formed between the mounting protrusion and the plug, with the sealing ring installed in the sealing ring groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the jet ejector includes a jet ejector body, which includes a guide section, a mixing section, and a connecting section. The guide section is provided with a jet limiting part outside, and a guide cavity connected to the transfer channel is formed inside it. The mixing section is provided with a mixing cavity connected to the side wall cavity or the central cavity. The guide section and the mixing section are spaced apart and connected by the connecting section to form the siphon cavity. The siphon cavity connects the guide cavity and the mixing cavity, and also connects to the water injection and salt absorption cavity.

[0018] In one embodiment, the guide section is provided with a first annular groove, a first sealing ring is disposed in the first annular groove, and the side away from the first annular groove abuts against the flow channel wall of the second downstream channel or the second upstream channel; And / or, the mixing section is provided with a second annular groove, a second sealing ring is provided in the second annular groove, and the side away from the second annular groove abuts against the flow channel wall of the second downstream channel or the second upstream channel.

[0019] In one embodiment, the soft water valve further includes a filter screen, which is disposed in the first forward flow channel or the first reverse flow channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the filter screen includes a filter screen body and a filter screen limiting part disposed outside the filter screen body. The filter screen body is sealed and connected to the first forward flow channel or the first reverse flow channel, and the filter screen limiting part is limited and cooperated with the valve body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the plug structure is configured as a thin wall formed in the valve body, the thin wall being disposed in the co-current salt suction channel and / or the counter-current salt suction channel; Alternatively, the plug structure may be configured as a sealing plug, which is used to block the co-current salt suction channel or the counter-current salt suction channel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the soft water valve further includes a grid assembly disposed in the valve cavity and a piston disposed within the grid assembly. The grid assembly sequentially divides the valve cavity into a plurality of water passage chambers along its axial direction. The plurality of water passage chambers include the inlet chamber, the side wall chamber, the drain chamber, the center chamber, the outlet chamber, and the water injection and brine suction chamber. The inlet chamber, the side wall chamber, the drain chamber, the center chamber, the outlet chamber, and the water injection and brine suction chamber are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the valve cavity. The soft water valve has multiple water circuit modes, and the piston moves axially along the valve cavity to switch between the multiple water circuit modes.

[0023] In one embodiment, the grille assembly includes a plurality of grille units sequentially spliced ​​along the axial direction of the valve cavity, and an outer sealing ring groove for installation of an outer sealing ring is spliced ​​between two adjacent grille units; the grille assembly has a pre-installation state, in which a widened gap can be formed between two adjacent grille units, and the width of the widened gap is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer sealing ring; The soft water valve also includes a drive mounting seat that covers the valve cavity opening; when the valve cavity opening is in an open state, the bar grid assembly is installed in the valve cavity in the pre-installed state, and the widening gap widens the outer sealing ring groove to provide a larger deformation space for the outer sealing ring; when the drive mounting seat covers the valve cavity opening, the drive mounting seat abuts against the bar grid assembly to eliminate the widening gap, so that the outer sealing ring abuts against the cavity wall of the valve cavity.

[0024] In one embodiment, the piston includes a first piston and a second piston, both of which are provided with a first water-passing ring groove. The axial position of the first water-passing ring groove on the first piston is different from the axial position on the second piston. The first piston and the second piston are selectively installed into the grid assembly. The various water circuit modes include a regeneration water circuit mode. When the first piston is installed inside the bar screen assembly, in the regeneration water circuit mode, the first water-passing annular groove connects the central cavity and the sewage discharge cavity to achieve co-current regeneration. When the second piston is installed inside the bar screen assembly, in the regeneration water circuit mode, the first water-passing annular groove connects the side wall cavity and the sewage discharge cavity to achieve counter-current regeneration.

[0025] In one embodiment, the valve body includes a valve body and a valve base that are assembled separately. The valve base is provided with a soft water tank interface for connecting to a soft water tank. The valve body is provided with a first dividing rib on the side near the valve base, which cooperates with the grid assembly to separate multiple water passage chambers. The valve base is provided with a second dividing rib corresponding to each of the first dividing ribs. The first dividing rib has a first rib surface and a second rib surface that are radially opposite each other in the valve chamber. The grid assembly is sealed and abuts against the first rib surface, and the second dividing rib is fixedly connected to the second rib surface.

[0026] The present invention also proposes a water softener, which includes a water softening valve as described above.

[0027] The valve body in the technical solution of this invention is provided with a valve cavity, a water inlet channel, a co-current brine suction channel, and a counter-current brine suction channel. The valve cavity includes multiple water passage chambers, each including a water inlet chamber, a water outlet chamber, a side wall chamber, a central chamber, and a water injection and brine suction chamber. The co-current brine suction channel connects the water inlet channel and the side wall chamber, and the counter-current brine suction channel connects the water inlet channel and the central chamber. Furthermore, the jet injector can be selectively installed into either the co-current or counter-current brine suction channel, and the counter-current or co-current brine suction channel can be sealed using a plug structure to obtain a co-current brine suction channel. The regeneration valve can be configured as either a co-current or counter-current regeneration valve. In actual use, only one of the co-current or counter-current brine suction channels needs to be retained, and the other is blocked by a plug structure. Users can flexibly choose to configure the soft water valve as a co-current or counter-current regeneration valve according to their actual situation. Specifically, the co-current and counter-current regeneration valves can share the same valve body, without the need to design and manufacture molds separately for each regeneration method. This reduces mold development costs and helps to shorten the product production cycle and reduce time costs.

[0028] Furthermore, the combination of the plug and the valve body forms a transfer channel, which can serve as part of the flow path in either the co-current or counter-current brine suction channel, connecting the first and second co-current channels, or the first and second counter-current channels, ensuring smooth flow of the working medium and effectively preventing leakage. At the same time, compared to installing the ejector inside the valve cavity, which makes its disassembly and assembly difficult, the ejector can be disassembled and assembled on the soft water valve by simply removing the plug, which helps to improve the efficiency of ejector disassembly and assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the soft water valve provided by the present invention at one angle; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram of a medium-soft water valve; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the medium-soft water valve along AA; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a medium-soft water valve from another angle; Figure 5 for Figure 4Cross-sectional view of the medium-soft water valve along BB; Figure 6 for Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of a medium-soft water valve in water production mode; Figure 7 for Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of a medium-soft water valve in water injection mode; Figure 8 for Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of a medium-soft water valve in forward washing mode; Figure 9 for Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of a medium-soft water valve in backwash mode; Figure 10 for Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of a medium-soft water valve in co-current regeneration mode; Figure 11 A simplified structural diagram of the soft water valve provided by the present invention in counter-current regeneration mode; Figure 12 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the valve body at one angle; Figure 13 for Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the medium-soft water valve along CC; Figure 14 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the valve body from another angle; Figure 15 for Figure 14 Cross-sectional view of the medium-soft water valve along DD; Figure 16 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the central valve body; Figure 17 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle valve base; Figure 18 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the central grille assembly; Figure 19 for Figure 18 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of the plug, jet injector, and filter screen. Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of the jet injector; Figure 22 An assembly diagram for installing the latch and valve body; Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the structure of another embodiment of the soft water valve provided by the present invention from one angle; Figure 24 for Figure 23A structural schematic diagram of the valve body at one angle; Figure 25 for Figure 24 Cross-sectional view of the medium-soft water valve along EE; Figure 26 for Figure 24 Cross-sectional view of the medium-soft water valve along FF; Figure 27 for Figure 23 Side view of the valve body; Figure 28 for Figure 23 Bottom view of the valve body; Figure 29 for Figure 23 A simplified structural diagram of a medium-soft water valve in the co-current regeneration mode.

[0031] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Valve body; 101. Inlet channel; 102. Side wall channel; 103. Drain channel; 104. Central channel; 105. Outlet channel; 106. Water injection and brine suction channel; 11. Valve chamber; 111. Water passage chamber; 112. Inlet chamber; 113. Side wall chamber; 114. Drain chamber; 115. Central chamber; 116. Outlet chamber; 117. Water injection and brine suction chamber; 1171. First sub-chamber; 1172. Second sub-chamber; 1173. Brine suction hole; 1174. Water injection hole; 118. Inlet; 119. 12. Outlet; 12. Co-current brine suction channel; 121. First co-current channel; 122. Second co-current channel; 123. Transfer channel; 13. Counter-current brine suction channel; 131. First counter-current channel; 132. Second counter-current channel; 14. Bypass channel; 15. Valve body; 151. First partition rib; 1511. First rib surface; 1512. Second rib surface; 152. Mounting protrusion; 1521. Pin groove; 1522. Sealing ring groove; 16. Valve base; 161. Flexible tank interface; 162. Second partition rib; 2. Grille assembly; 21. Grille unit; 211. Outer sealing ring groove; 212. Widened gap; 22. Outer sealing ring; 23. Inner sealing ring; 24. Support retaining ring; 241. First support retaining ring; 242. Second support retaining ring; 243. Third support retaining ring; 244. Fourth support retaining ring; 245. Fifth support retaining ring; 246. Sixth support retaining ring; 247. Seventh support retaining ring; 3. Piston; 31. First piston body; 311. Water passage; 312. 32. First water-passing ring groove; 33. Second piston body; 34. Second water-passing ring groove; 35. First piston; 36. Second piston; 4. Ejector; 47. Ejector body; 48. Guide section; 49. Mixing section; 40. Connecting section; 41. Ejector limiting part; 42. Guide cavity; 43. Mixing cavity; 43. Siphon cavity; 44. First ring groove; 44. Second ring groove; 45. First sealing ring; 45. Second sealing ring; 5. Drive mounting base; 6. Plug structure; 71. Plug cover; 711. Limiting protrusion; 712. Through hole; 72. Mounting pin; 721. Holding body; 722. Pin body; 723. Limiting hook; 73. Sealing ring; 741. Mounting protrusion; 742. Stop ring; 8. Filter screen; 81. Filter screen body; 82. Filter screen limiting part; 200. Soft water tank; 300. Salt tank.

[0032] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0036] Water softeners soften water, improving the user's water quality experience and saving on cleaning agents and water. The core component of a water softener is the softening valve. However, to meet users' needs for different regeneration methods, current technologies typically require separate valve bodies for each method, necessitating manufacturers to design and manufacture individual molds for each. This design not only increases mold development costs but also extends the product's production cycle.

[0037] To solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes a water softener valve for use in water softeners. As one of the core components of a water softener, the water softener valve often has multiple water circuit modes, such as water production mode, forward washing mode, backwashing mode, and softening regeneration mode (water injection mode and salt absorption regeneration mode), so that the water softener can have multiple operating conditions.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 13 , Figures 23 to 27In one embodiment of the present invention, the soft water valve includes a valve body 1, a plug 71, an ejector 4, and a plug structure 6. The valve body 1 is provided with a valve cavity 11, a water inlet channel 101, a co-current brine suction channel 12, and a counter-current brine suction channel 13. The valve cavity 11 includes multiple water passage chambers 111, each of which includes a water inlet chamber 112, a water outlet chamber 116, a side wall chamber 113, a central chamber 115, and a water injection and brine suction chamber 117. The co-current brine suction channel 12 includes a first co-current channel 121 connecting the water inlet channel 101 and a second co-current channel 122 connecting the side wall chamber 113. The counter-current brine suction channel 13 includes a first counter-current channel 131 connecting the water inlet channel 101 and a second counter-current channel 132 connecting the central chamber 115. The inlet channel 101 connects to the inlet chamber 112; the plug 71 is installed on the valve body 1, and the plug 71 and the valve body 1 enclose a transition channel 123, which is a part of the flow channel in the co-current brine suction channel 12 or the counter-current brine suction channel 13; the jet ejector 4 has a siphon chamber 433, and the jet ejector 4 is connected to one of the second co-current channel 122 and the second counter-current channel 132, and is connected to the water injection brine suction chamber 117 through the siphon chamber 433; the plug structure 6 is used to block the other of the co-current brine suction channel 12 and the counter-current brine suction channel 13; so that users can select the soft water valve with the corresponding regeneration method according to their needs, while reducing the manufacturing cost of the soft water valve.

[0039] The valve body 1 in the technical solution of the present invention is provided with a valve cavity 11, a water inlet channel 101, a co-current brine suction channel 12, and a counter-current brine suction channel 13. The valve cavity 11 includes multiple water passage chambers 111, and the multiple water passage chambers 111 include a water inlet chamber 112, a water outlet chamber 116, a side wall chamber 113, a central chamber 115, and a water injection and brine suction chamber 117. The co-current brine suction channel 12 is used to connect the water inlet channel 101 and the side wall chamber 113, and the counter-current brine suction channel 13 is used to connect the water inlet channel 101 and the central chamber 115. Furthermore, the jet injector 4 can be selectively installed into the co-current brine suction channel 12 or the counter-current brine suction channel 13, and connected by a plug. By blocking the countercurrent brine suction channel 13 or the cocurrent brine suction channel 12 with the plug structure 6, a cocurrent regeneration valve or a countercurrent regeneration valve can be obtained. That is, in actual use, only one of the cocurrent brine suction channel 12 and the countercurrent brine suction channel 13 needs to be retained. With the plug structure 6 blocking the other one, users can flexibly choose to configure the soft water valve as a cocurrent regeneration valve or a countercurrent regeneration valve according to the actual situation. Specifically, the cocurrent regeneration valve and the countercurrent regeneration valve can share the same valve body 1. There is no need to design and manufacture molds separately for each regeneration method. This can reduce the development cost of molds and help shorten the product production cycle and reduce time costs.

[0040] Furthermore, the combination of the plug 71 and the valve body 1 forms a transfer channel 123. This transfer channel 123 can serve as part of the flow path in the co-current brine suction channel 12 or the counter-current brine suction channel 13, to transfer the first co-current channel 121 and the second co-current channel 122, or to transfer the first counter-current channel 131 and the second counter-current channel 132, ensuring the smooth flow of the working medium and effectively preventing leakage. At the same time, compared with installing the ejector 4 in the valve cavity 11, which makes its disassembly and assembly difficult, the ejector 4 can be disassembled and assembled by simply removing the plug 71 on the soft water valve, which helps to improve the disassembly and assembly efficiency of the ejector 4.

[0041] Specifically, the valve body 1 is also provided with an inlet channel 101 connecting the inlet chamber 112, an outlet channel 105 connecting the outlet chamber 116, a side wall channel 102 connecting the side wall chamber 113, a central channel 104 connecting the central chamber 115, and an injection and brine suction channel 106 connecting the injection and brine suction chamber 117. The inlet chamber 112 is connected to the inlet channel 101 through the inlet port 118 on the wall of the valve chamber 11, and the outlet chamber 116 is connected to the outlet channel 105 through the outlet port 119 on the wall of the valve chamber 11. In the axial direction of the valve chamber 11, the width of the inlet port 118 and the outlet port 119 can be less than or equal to the axial width of the corresponding chamber, thereby increasing the water intake of the soft water valve while ensuring the sealing of the corresponding chamber, and thus ensuring the soft water efficiency of the soft water valve.

[0042] The water injection and brine suction chamber 117 is connected to the brine tank 300 through the water injection and brine suction channel 106. The side wall chamber 113 is connected to the soft water tank 200 through the side wall channel 102. The central chamber 115 is connected to the soft water tank 200 through the central channel 104. Combined with the arrangement of the second co-current channel 122 of the co-current brine suction channel 12 connecting to the side wall channel 102 and the second counter-current channel 132 of the counter-current brine suction channel 13 connecting to the central channel 104, when the ejector 4 is located in the second co-current channel 122, the ejector 4 is connected to the water inlet channel 101 and the side wall chamber respectively. 113. When the ejector 4 is located in the second countercurrent channel 132, the ejector 4 is connected to the inlet channel 101 and the central cavity 115. The ejector 4 also has a siphon cavity 433 connected to the water injection and brine suction cavity 117. When the working medium flows into the ejector 4, it can trigger the siphon cavity 433 to draw brine from the brine tank 300 into the ejector 4 for mixing. The mixed medium is then discharged to the soft water tank 200 through the side wall channel 102 or the central channel 104, realizing the co-current or counter-current regeneration of the soft water medium inside the soft water tank 200. It should be noted that the working medium is the water flow entering through the inlet channel 101, which can be hard water; the soft water medium is the resin particles used to soften the water in the soft water tank 200; and the brine, as the regeneration liquid, can activate the adsorption capacity of the resin particles.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 15 to 16 , Figure 28In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve body 1 is further provided with a bypass channel 14, which connects the second forward flow channel 122 and the second reverse flow channel 132, and also connects to the water injection and brine suction chamber 117. This ensures that either the second forward flow channel 122 or the second reverse flow channel 132 can reliably connect to the water injection and brine suction chamber 117 through the bypass channel 14 while retaining either the forward flow brine suction channel 12 or the reverse flow brine suction channel 13. This improves the reliability of the soft water valve in extracting brine and effectively simplifies the structure of the valve body 1.

[0044] The co-current salt suction channel 12 and the counter-current salt suction channel 13 are located on the same side of the bypass channel 14, which facilitates the installation of the plug 71 on the same side of the valve body 1 and also facilitates the processing of the co-current salt suction channel 12 and the counter-current salt suction channel 13.

[0045] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the valve body 1 includes a valve body 15, the valve body 15 having a protruding mounting protrusion 152, the mounting protrusion 152 having the co-current salt suction channel 12 and / or the counter-current salt suction channel 13, and the plug 71 being installed on the mounting protrusion 152 so that the plug 71 and the mounting protrusion 152 enclose each other to form the transition channel 123.

[0046] Understandably, the mounting protrusion 152 protrudes from the outer surface of the valve body 15, enabling the machining of the co-current salt suction channel 12 and / or the counter-current salt suction channel 13 without occupying space in the valve cavity 11. Simultaneously, it provides an easy mounting position for the plug 71 and the ejector 4, ensuring convenient assembly and disassembly of the plug 71 and the ejector 4 on the valve body 15, thereby improving overall assembly efficiency. Furthermore, it facilitates the sealing setting of the plug structure 6 on the mounting protrusion 152 and the formation of the transition channel 123, thus ensuring smooth flow of the working medium.

[0047] Please refer to the reference. Figures 12 to 14 In an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting protrusion 152 includes a first mounting protrusion 152 with the first downstream channel 121 and the second downstream channel 122 arranged side by side, and a second mounting protrusion 152 with the first upstream channel 131 and the second upstream channel 132 arranged side by side; the plug 71 is fitted onto one of the first mounting protrusion 152 and the second mounting protrusion 152, and the plug structure 6 is disposed on the other one.

[0048] Understandably, by arranging the first co-current channel 121 and the second co-current channel 122 side by side on the first mounting protrusion 152, and the first counter-current channel 131 and the second counter-current channel 132 side by side on the second mounting protrusion 152, it is possible to shorten the co-current brine suction channel 12 or the counter-current brine suction channel 13, optimize the flow path of the working medium inside the soft water valve, and reduce the space occupation. On this basis, it ensures the normal triggering of the siphon chamber 433 and the normal extraction of brine, while reducing the volume of the mounting protrusion 152.

[0049] Furthermore, the fitting of the plug 71 with the first or second mounting protrusion, and the setting of the plug structure 6 on another mounting protrusion, not only makes the structure simple, easy to install and maintain, but also effectively controls the closing or opening of the corresponding channels, meeting the needs of the soft water valve under different working conditions and facilitating subsequent maintenance and repair.

[0050] Two ejectors 4 can be provided, one in the second co-current channel 122 and the other in the second counter-current channel 132. To ensure the normal operation of the soft water valve, a plug structure 6 only needs to be provided on the unused co-current brine suction channel 12 or the counter-current brine suction channel 13, specifically on the first co-current channel 121 or the first counter-current channel 131. Of course, the soft water valve can contain only one ejector 4 and one plug structure 6. For example, the ejector 4 is provided in the second co-current channel 122, and the plug structure 6 is provided in the second counter-current channel 132.

[0051] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first forward flow channel 121 is connected to the wall of the inlet chamber 112, and the first reverse flow channel 131 is connected to the wall of the outlet chamber 116, as shown below. Figure 5 and Figure 13 As shown, after the working medium enters the water inlet chamber 112 through the water inlet channel 101, as... Figure 10 As shown, since the opening of the first co-current channel 121 is formed on the wall of the inlet chamber 112, and the co-current brine suction channel 12 is not blocked by the plug structure 6, part of the working medium flows through the first co-current channel 121 to the second co-current channel 122, triggering the ejector 4 in the second co-current channel 122 to work, thereby realizing the co-current regeneration of the soft water medium inside the soft water tank 200; after the working medium enters the inlet chamber 112 through the inlet channel 101, as Figure 11As shown, since the opening of the first countercurrent channel 131 is formed on the wall of the outlet chamber 116, the inlet chamber 112 is connected to the outlet chamber 116 through the water passage 311 of the piston 3 in the valve chamber 11. When the countercurrent brine suction channel 13 is not blocked by the plug structure 6, part of the working medium in the outlet chamber 116 flows to the second countercurrent channel 132 through the first countercurrent channel 131 and triggers the ejector 4 in the second countercurrent channel 132 to work, thereby realizing the countercurrent regeneration of the soft water medium inside the soft water tank 200.

[0052] Please refer to the reference. Figures 24 to 27 In an embodiment of the present invention, the co-current salt suction channel 12 and the counter-current salt suction channel 13 are arranged side by side in the mounting protrusion 152, and the first co-current channel 121 and the first counter-current channel 131 are the same channel and are configured as a common flow channel; the plug structure 6 is provided in one of the second co-current channel 122 and the second counter-current channel 132.

[0053] Understandably, a mounting protrusion 152 is provided on the valve body 1. This mounting protrusion 152 houses a co-current brine suction channel 12 and a counter-current brine suction channel 13. The first co-current channel 121 of the co-current brine suction channel 12 and the first counter-current channel 131 of the counter-current brine suction channel 13 share the same channel. In this case, the transition channel 123 between the first co-current channel 121 and the second co-current channel 122, and the transition channel 123 between the first counter-current channel 131 and the second counter-current channel 132, are also the same flow path. This arrangement effectively simplifies the internal flow path structure of the valve body 1, reduces complex processes in the valve body 1 manufacturing process, lowers production costs, and makes the overall structure of the valve body 1 more compact, reducing its volume and facilitating installation and use. Furthermore, this shared flow path design, while ensuring the soft water valve can normally achieve co-current and counter-current regeneration functions, helps improve the stability and smoothness of the working medium flow within the valve body 1, reduces energy loss, and improves the working efficiency of the soft water valve.

[0054] Meanwhile, the use of a cap 71 to seal against the mounting protrusion 152 reduces the number of parts, lowers parts management costs and assembly difficulty, and improves the production efficiency of the soft water valve. Furthermore, this design avoids problems such as poor sealing that may result from multiple parts, helping to enhance the overall sealing performance of the soft water valve, effectively preventing leakage of the working medium, thereby ensuring stable operation of the soft water valve and extending its service life.

[0055] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the valve body 1 further includes a water outlet channel 105 communicating with the water outlet chamber 116, and the common flow channel is connected to the water outlet channel 105, such as... Figure 25 and Figure 26As shown, the outlet chamber 116 is connected to the outlet channel 105 through the outlet 119 on the wall of the valve chamber 11. Since the flow port of the common flow channel formed by the first co-current channel 121 and the first counter-current channel 131 is formed on the channel wall of the outlet channel 105, that is, in the co-current regeneration mode and the counter-current regeneration mode, the working medium entering the co-current brine suction channel 12 and the counter-current brine suction channel 13 both flow out of the outlet chamber 116.

[0056] Furthermore, since the first co-current channel 121 of the co-current brine suction channel 12 and the first counter-current channel 131 of the counter-current brine suction channel 13 share the same channel, and the transfer channel 123 between the first co-current channel 121 and the second co-current channel 122 and the transfer channel 123 between the first counter-current channel 131 and the second counter-current channel 132 are also the same flow channel, the working medium needs to flow through the shared channel and the transfer channel before it flows to the second co-current channel 122 or the second counter-current channel 132 in the corresponding regeneration water circuit mode to complete the regeneration process.

[0057] Specifically, when the plug structure 6 is located in the second forward flow channel 122, since the second reverse flow channel 132 is not blocked by the plug structure 6, the working medium can only flow through the first forward flow channel 121 (i.e., the first reverse flow channel 131) to the second reverse flow channel 132 (at this time, the second reverse flow channel 132 is in a flowable state), triggering the ejector 4 in the second reverse flow channel 132 to work, thereby realizing the reverse regeneration of the soft water medium inside the soft water tank 200; when the plug structure 6 is located in the second reverse flow channel 132, the situation is reversed, the second forward flow channel 122 is in a flowable state, and the working medium realizes the regeneration of the soft water medium according to the corresponding process.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 23 and Figure 25 As shown, by configuring the axial directions of the water inlet channel 101 and the water outlet channel 105 parallel to the axial direction of the valve chamber 11, that is, the extension direction of the water inlet channel 101 is parallel to the axial direction of the valve chamber 11, and the extension direction of the water outlet channel 105 is also parallel to the axial direction of the valve chamber 11; compared with the technical solution where the axial directions of the laterally extending water inlet channel 101 and the water outlet channel 105 are perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve chamber 11, this technical solution can reduce the width of the water softener valve, thereby reducing the width of the water softener, which is beneficial to meeting the need for installing the water softener in narrow under-sink spaces; in addition, this technical solution can also reduce the longitudinal height of the valve body 1, thereby optimizing the overall height design of the water softener, making it more suitable for installation in space-constrained areas, such as under kitchen cabinets (commonly known as "under-sink installation"), avoiding cutting the floor or adjusting the pipe routing.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 21In an embodiment of the present invention, the ejector 4 includes an ejector body 41 and an ejector limiting part 42. The ejector body 41 is disposed in the second co-current channel 122 or the second counter-current channel 132. The plug restricts the ejector 4's release movement through the ejector limiting part 42. Thus, when the plug 71 is installed on the mounting protrusion 152, the plug 71 presses against the ejector limiting part 42 without affecting the flow of the working medium. This not only enhances the installation stability of the ejector 4 on the mounting protrusion 152 and reduces the possibility of the ejector 4 moving in the co-current salt suction channel 12 or the counter-current salt suction channel 13, but also facilitates the formation of the transfer channel 123, ensuring that the working medium flows into the ejector 4 and reliably triggers the siphon chamber 433 to work.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 20 In an embodiment of the present invention, the plug 71 is provided with a mounting groove adapted to the mounting protrusion 152. The bottom wall of the mounting groove is provided with a limiting protrusion 711 for pressing against the jet limiter 42. It can be understood that the plug 71 is fitted onto the mounting protrusion 152 through the mounting groove. At this time, the limiting protrusion 711 is located between the bottom wall of the plug 71 and the mounting protrusion 152, so that the plug 71 and the mounting protrusion 152 enclose and form the transition channel 123. That is, by moving the bottom wall of the mounting groove away from the end face of the mounting protrusion 152, the bottom wall of the groove and the end face of the mounting protrusion 152 can form a transition channel 123, thereby realizing the connection between the first downstream channel 121 and the second downstream channel 122, or the first upstream channel 131 and the second upstream channel 132. However, this design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first downstream channel 121 and the second downstream channel 122, or the first upstream channel 131 and the second upstream channel 132, share a channel wall. A connecting gap is provided on the channel wall, and when the bottom wall of the channel abuts against the end face of the mounting protrusion 152, the bottom wall of the channel covers the connecting gap, so as to form a transition channel 123 by enclosing the bottom wall of the channel and the connecting gap.

[0061] Furthermore, when the plug 71 is fitted onto the mounting protrusion 152, since the ejector limiting part 42 of the ejector 4 is exposed outside the second downstream channel 122 or the second upstream channel 132, the limiting protrusion 711 can press against the ejector limiting part 42. This helps to enhance the installation stability of the ejector 4 on the mounting protrusion 152 and ensures the normal operation of the ejector 4. However, this design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the limiting protrusion 711 can also abut against the end face of the mounting protrusion 152; for example, the mounting protrusion 152 is provided with a limiting step for the ejector limiting part 42 to be inserted. In this case, the limiting protrusion 711 can abut against the end face of the mounting protrusion 152 and / or the ejector limiting part 42.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 25In an embodiment of the present invention, the plug 71 includes a mounting protrusion 741 that inserts into the mounting protrusion 152, the mounting protrusion 741 being used to press against the jet ejector limiting portion 42. It is understood that the mounting protrusion 152 is provided with a slot for the mounting protrusion 741 to be inserted into. Inside the slot, a protrusion structure is constructed comprising a common flow channel, a second forward flow channel 122, and a second reverse flow channel 132. These protrusion structures, together with the mounting protrusion 741 and the bottom of the slot, constitute a transition channel 123. These protrusion structures can be arranged independently at intervals or connected to each other.

[0063] Furthermore, when the plug 71 is inserted into the mounting protrusion 152, since the ejector limiting part 42 of the ejector 4 is exposed outside the second downstream channel 122 or the second upstream channel 132, the mounting protrusion 741 can press against the ejector limiting part 42. This helps to enhance the installation stability of the ejector 4 on the mounting protrusion 152 and ensures the normal operation of the ejector 4.

[0064] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the plug 71 further includes a stop ring 742, which abuts against the end face of the mounting protrusion 152 to constrain the movement of the plug 71 on the mounting protrusion 152. The stop ring 742 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the mounting protrusion 741. When the plug 71 is inserted into the mounting protrusion 152, the stop ring 742 abuts against the end face of the mounting protrusion 152, effectively preventing the plug 71 from being over-inserted or falling off the mounting protrusion 152, thereby further ensuring the stability and reliability of the connection between the ejector 4 and the mounting protrusion 152. At the same time, the design of the stop ring 742 also makes the installation and removal of the plug 71 more convenient and quick, which helps to improve the overall assembly efficiency and maintenance convenience.

[0065] Please refer to Figures 20 to 21 In an embodiment of the present invention, the jet ejector 4 includes a jet ejector body 41, which includes a guide section 411, a mixing section 412, and a connecting section 413. The guide section 411 is provided with an ejector limiting part 42 outside, and a guide cavity 431 connecting the transfer channel 123 is formed inside it. The mixing section 412 is provided with a mixing cavity 432 connecting the side wall cavity 113 or the central cavity 115. The guide section 411 and the mixing section 412 are spaced apart and connected by the connecting section 413 to form the siphon cavity 433. The siphon cavity 433 connects the guide cavity 431 and the mixing cavity 432, and also connects to the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117.

[0066] Understandably, since the guide cavity 431 is connected to the transfer channel 123, the working medium with a certain pressure enters the guide cavity 431 through the transfer channel 123 and flows to the siphon cavity 433. At this time, a low-pressure zone is formed at the connection between the guide cavity 431 and the siphon cavity 433. This connection is formed by the through hole in the guide section 411. Since the siphon cavity 433 can be connected to the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117 through the bypass channel 14, the low-pressure zone allows the brine in the salt tank 300 to be drawn into the siphon cavity 433 through the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117 and the bypass channel 14, and flows with the working medium to the mixing cavity 432 for mixing and energy exchange. Finally, it flows into the soft water tank 200 through the side wall cavity 113 or the central cavity 115 to realize the activation and regeneration of the soft water medium.

[0067] The two ends of the connecting section 413 are respectively connected to the guide section 411 and the mixing section 412. Multiple connecting sections 413 can be provided at intervals to form a water passage between two connecting sections 413 that connects the siphon cavity 433 and the bypass channel 14. Alternatively, the connecting section 413 can be a cylinder with water passage holes, which can ensure that the brine can be drawn into the siphon cavity 433.

[0068] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the guide section 411 is provided with a first annular groove 441, and a first sealing ring 451 is provided in the first annular groove 441, and the side away from the first annular groove 441 abuts against the flow channel wall of the second co-current channel 122 or the second counter-current channel 132. In this way, the possibility of the working medium flowing to the siphon cavity 433 through the gap between the guide section 411 and the flow channel wall of the second co-current channel 122 or the second counter-current channel 132 can be reduced, realizing the uniqueness of the flow direction of the working medium. This ensures that the ejector 4 can form a low-pressure zone at the connection between the guide cavity 431 and the siphon cavity 433, thereby reliably triggering the siphon cavity 433 to draw brine and realize the regeneration operation of the soft water medium.

[0069] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing section 412 is provided with a second annular groove 442, and a second sealing ring 452 is provided in the second annular groove 442, and the side away from the second annular groove 442 abuts against the flow channel wall of the second co-current channel 122 or the second counter-current channel 132. In this way, the possibility of the working medium and brine flowing to the side wall cavity 113 or the central cavity 115 through the gap between the mixing section 412 and the flow channel wall of the second co-current channel 122 or the second counter-current channel 132 can be reduced, thereby achieving the uniqueness of the flow direction of the mixing medium. This ensures that the mixing medium flowing out of the ejector 4 can be discharged to the side wall cavity 113 or the central cavity 115 at a higher pressure, thereby realizing the regeneration operation of the soft water medium.

[0070] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 20 and Figure 22In an embodiment of the present invention, the soft water valve further includes a mounting pin 72. The plug 71 is provided with a through hole 712 for the mounting pin 72 to pass through. The mounting protrusion 152 is provided with a pin groove 1521. The mounting pin 72 passes through the through hole 712 and is confined within the pin groove 1521. It can be understood that the plug 71 has a through hole 712, which includes a first hole and a second hole. When the plug 71 is fitted onto the mounting protrusion 152, the first hole and the second hole are aligned with the pin groove 1521 on the mounting protrusion 152. The mounting pin 72 includes a holding body 721 and two pin bodies 722 laterally connected to the same side of the holding body 721. The holding body 721 is also provided with a limiting hook 723 that engages with the first hole. The pin body 722 can be inserted into the second hole.

[0071] Specifically, after the plug 71 is fitted onto the mounting protrusion 152, the pin body 722 is inserted into the second hole, and at least partially confined within the pin groove 1521. The limiting hook 723 passes through the first hole and is confined within the pin groove 1521. This arrangement, through the limiting hook 723, the pin body 722, and the pin groove 1521, effectively prevents the plug 71 from detaching from the mounting protrusion 152, improving the installation reliability of the plug 71 on the valve body 1 and facilitating quick installation and removal of the plug 71. However, this design is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the plug 71 is threadedly connected to the mounting protrusion 152.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 In embodiments of the present invention, the plug 71 is threadedly connected to the mounting protrusion 152. It is understood that when the plug 71 includes a mounting protrusion 741, and the mounting protrusion 741 is inserted into the mounting protrusion 152, the mounting protrusion 741 has an external thread, and the mounting protrusion 152 has an internal thread that engages with the external thread. Alternatively, when the plug 71 includes a mounting protrusion 741 and a stop ring 742 protruding from the mounting protrusion 741, the stop ring 742 can be folded outwards to form a flange, and this flange has an internal thread; the mounting protrusion 152 has an external thread that engages with this internal thread. Through this threaded connection, a stable and detachable connection can be achieved between the plug 71 and the mounting protrusion 152. This connection method not only enhances the stability of the plug 71 on the valve body 1 but also greatly simplifies the assembly and disassembly process of the plug 71. In practical applications, users can easily connect or disconnect the plug 71 from the mounting protrusion 152 simply by rotating it according to the direction of the thread, without the need for additional tools. This improves overall work efficiency and reduces operational difficulty. Furthermore, the threaded connection provides excellent sealing performance, effectively preventing fluid leakage and ensuring the normal operation of the soft water valve.

[0073] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 20 In an embodiment of the present invention, the soft water valve further includes a sealing ring. A sealing ring groove 1522 is formed between the mounting protrusion 152 and the plug 71. The sealing ring is installed in the sealing ring groove 1522. The sealing ring groove 1522 is formed on the outer periphery of the mounting protrusion 152 or on the plug 71, for example, on the outer periphery of the mounting protrusion 741. In this way, the working medium is effectively prevented from flowing out of the valve body 1 through the gap between the plug 71 and the mounting protrusion 152, thereby reducing the waste of water resources.

[0074] Specifically, in one embodiment, the sealing ring groove 1522 and the pin groove 1521 are arranged at intervals along the axial extension direction of the mounting protrusion 152. The sealing ring groove 1522 is located near the end face of the mounting protrusion 152 away from the valve body 15 to block the flow of the medium. At the same time, it effectively prevents the medium from flowing out of the plug 71 through the through hole 712.

[0075] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 20 In an embodiment of the present invention, the soft water valve further includes a filter screen 8, which is disposed in the first forward flow channel 121 or the first reverse flow channel 131. The first forward flow channel 121 is connected to the inlet chamber 112, and the first reverse flow channel 131 is connected to the outlet chamber 116. By setting the filter screen 8, the impurities carried by the working medium flowing to the ejector 4 can be effectively reduced, the risk of blockage of the guide chamber 431 can be reduced, and the normal operation of the ejector 4 can be ensured.

[0076] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the filter screen 8 includes a filter screen body 81 and a filter screen limiting part 82 disposed outside the filter screen body 81. The filter screen body 81 is sealed and connected to the first forward flow channel 121 or the first reverse flow channel 131, and the filter screen limiting part 82 is limited and cooperated with the valve body 1.

[0077] Understandably, the filter screen limiting part 82 is exposed outside the first forward flow channel 121 or the first reverse flow channel 131. Thus, in one embodiment, when the plug 71 is fitted onto the mounting protrusion 152, the limiting protrusion 711 on the plug 71 presses against the filter screen limiting part 82 without affecting the flow of the working medium. Or, in another embodiment, when the plug 71 is inserted into the mounting protrusion 152, the mounting protrusion 741 of the plug 71 presses against the filter screen limiting part 82 without affecting the flow of the working medium. This not only enhances the installation stability of the filter screen 8 on the mounting protrusion 152 and reduces the possibility of the filter screen 8 moving in the forward flow salt suction channel 12 or the reverse flow salt suction channel 13, but also facilitates the formation of the transfer channel 123, ensuring that the working medium flows out of the filter screen 8 and flows to the siphon chamber 433 to trigger the operation of the siphon chamber 433. However, this design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the limiting protrusion 711 can also abut against the end face of the mounting protrusion 152. For example, the mounting protrusion 152 is provided with a limiting step for the filter screen limiting part 82 to be embedded. In this case, the limiting protrusion 711 can abut against the end face of the mounting protrusion 152 and / or the filter screen limiting part 82.

[0078] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the plug structure 6 is configured as a thin wall formed on the valve body 1, the thin wall being disposed in the co-current brine suction channel 12 and / or the counter-current brine suction channel 13; it is understood that the thin wall can be formed on the side of the first co-current channel 121, the second co-current channel 122, the first counter-current channel 131, and the second counter-current channel 132 away from the corresponding water passage 111 during the processing of the valve body 1, and exposed on the surface of the valve body 1, simplifying the overall structure of the soft water valve.

[0079] Limiting the thickness of the thin wall to approximately 3mm ensures the connection between the thin wall and the valve body 1. It also facilitates the disruption of the thin wall on the co-current brine suction channel 12 when a soft water valve is selected as the co-current regeneration valve. This allows for the easy installation of the ejector 4 into the second co-current channel 122, and further fixation of the ejector 4 to the valve body 1 via the plug 71. Similarly, when a soft water valve is selected as the counter-current regeneration valve, it facilitates the disruption of the thin wall on the counter-current brine suction channel 13, allowing for the easy installation of the ejector 4 into the second counter-current channel 132, and further fixation of the ejector 4 to the valve body 1 via the plug 71. This ensures the stable installation of the ejector 4 and enables co-current or counter-current regeneration of the soft water valve.

[0080] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the plug structure 6 is configured as a sealing plug, which is used to block the co-current brine suction channel 12 or the counter-current brine suction channel 13. Thus, when a soft water valve is selected as the co-current regeneration valve, after the ejector 4 is installed into the second co-current channel 122, the ejector 4 is further fixed to the valve body 1 by the plug 71, while the sealing plug blocks the first counter-current channel 131 and the second counter-current channel 132. At this time, the sealing plug can be adapted to the first counter-current channel 13. When selecting a soft water valve as a counter-current regeneration valve, after the ejector 4 is installed in the second counter-current channel 132, the two plungers of the ejector 4 are further fixed to the valve body 1 by the plug 71. At the same time, the first forward channel 121 and the second forward channel 122 are sealed with a sealing plug. The sealing plug at this time can have two plungers that are adapted to the first forward channel 121 and the second forward channel 122, thereby ensuring the stable installation of the ejector 4 and realizing the forward or counter-current regeneration of the soft water valve.

[0081] However, this design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first downstream channel 121 and the second downstream channel 122, or the first upstream channel 131 and the second upstream channel 132, share a channel wall and are connected through a connecting gap in the channel wall. Thus, the downstream salt absorption channel 12 or the upstream salt absorption channel 13 can be blocked by sealing the connecting gap.

[0082] Please see Figures 2 to 5 In an embodiment of the present invention, the soft water valve further includes a grid assembly 2 disposed in the valve cavity 11 and a piston 3 disposed in the grid assembly 2. The grid assembly 2 divides the valve cavity 11 into a plurality of water passage chambers 111 along its axial direction. The plurality of water passage chambers 111 include the inlet chamber 112, the side wall chamber 113, the drain chamber 114, the center chamber 115, the outlet chamber 116, and the water injection and brine absorption chamber 117. The inlet chamber 112, the side wall chamber 113, the drain chamber 114, the center chamber 115, the outlet chamber 116, and the water injection and brine absorption chamber 117 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the valve cavity 11. The soft water valve has multiple water circuit modes, and the piston 3 moves along the axial direction of the valve cavity 11 to switch the soft water valve between the multiple water circuit modes.

[0083] Understandably, the soft water valve in this solution is a piston-type soft water valve. That is, the valve chamber 11 is divided into multiple water passage chambers 111 by the grille assembly 2. The piston 3 moves axially within the grille assembly 2, controlling the flow between these multiple water passage chambers 111, thus enabling the soft water valve to switch between multiple water circuit modes. This type of piston-type soft water valve has a larger flow rate and higher softening efficiency, making it easier to achieve the design goals of small size, large flow rate, high water production, and high salinity efficiency. Furthermore, this type of piston-type soft water valve has a long service life.

[0084] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 18 , Figure 19 The grating assembly 2 includes multiple grating units 21. Each grating unit 21 can divide a water passage cavity 111. The connection between two grating units 21 forms a support ring 24 for dividing the water passage cavity 111. The multiple grating units 21 can be integrally formed or separately formed and then spliced ​​to form an integral structure.

[0085] The grille assembly 2 is inserted into the valve cavity 11 through the cavity opening, and the outer periphery of the grille assembly 2 is sealed against the inner periphery of the valve cavity 11. Specifically, an outer sealing ring 22 can be provided between the outer periphery of the support ring 24 and the inner periphery of the valve cavity 11 to divide the valve cavity 11 into multiple water passage chambers 111 along its axial direction and reduce the possibility of mutual water seepage between the multiple water passage chambers 111. Piston 3 is inserted into the inner periphery of the grille assembly 2, and the outer periphery of piston 3 is sealed against the inner periphery of grille assembly 2. That is, the outer periphery of piston 3 is sealed against the inner sealing ring 23 at the inner periphery of the support ring 24, thereby cutting off the connection between two adjacent water passage chambers 111. Piston 3 is generally provided with multiple water passage positions. When piston 3 moves to a certain position, at least one of the multiple support rings 24 is positioned opposite to the water passage position of piston 3, thereby forming a water passage gap at the inner periphery of support ring 24 and the water passage position of piston 3, realizing the conduction of water passage chambers 111 on both sides of the support ring 24. In this way, the axial movement of piston 3 can make different water passage chambers 111 conduct, thereby efficiently controlling the water flow direction and forming corresponding water channels.

[0086] See also Figure 13 In this design, the valve cavity 11 can be cylindrical or formed by assembling multiple cylindrical sections to facilitate the installation of the grille assembly 2 and the piston 3. The inlet channel 101, side wall channel 102, drain channel 103, center channel 104, outlet channel 105, and water injection and salt absorption channel 106 on the valve body 1 are arranged along the axial direction of the valve cavity 11. In order to increase the flow area of ​​the soft water valve, at least one of the inlet channel 101, side wall channel 102, drain channel 103, center channel 104, outlet channel 105, and water injection and salt absorption channel 106 is circumferentially offset from the others in the valve cavity 11. The reasonable design of the positions of the inlet channel 101, side wall channel 102, drain channel 103, center channel 104, outlet channel 105, and water injection and salt absorption channel 106 also helps to control the overall volume of the soft water valve. The inlet channel 101, side wall channel 102, sewage discharge channel 103, center channel 104, outlet channel 105, and water injection and brine absorption channel 106 are respectively connected to the corresponding pipelines at the ends away from the valve chamber 11, thereby realizing the installation of the soft water valve in the soft water machine.

[0087] The valve body 1 can be formed by splicing together several parts fastened with bolts and sealing the mating surfaces with structures such as sealing rings; or it can be formed by connecting several parts together by ultrasonic welding, which helps to form a more complex valve cavity 11 and various channel structures; furthermore, the valve body 1 can also be integrally molded, such as by 3D printing technology, to adapt to small-batch production.

[0088] The multiple water passages 111 include an inlet chamber 112 connected to the inlet channel 101, a side wall chamber 113 connected to the side wall channel 102, a drain chamber 114 connected to the drain channel 103, a central chamber 115 connected to the central channel 104, an outlet chamber 116 connected to the outlet channel 105, and an injection and brine absorption chamber 117 connected to the injection and brine absorption channel 106. The inlet channel 101 is used to connect to an external inlet pipe to allow raw water to enter the soft water valve; the side wall channel... 102. The central channel 104 is used to connect to the soft water tank 200; the sewage discharge channel 103 is connected to the external sewage pipe to discharge the wastewater in the water softener; the water outlet channel 105 is connected to the external water outlet pipe to discharge the produced soft water; the water injection and brine absorption channel 106 is connected to the brine tank 300 to inject water into the brine tank 300 and to pass the brine in the brine tank 300 into the soft water tank 200 to regenerate the soft water medium in the soft water tank 200.

[0089] Understandable, such as Figures 3 to 5 The inlet chamber 112 and the outlet chamber 116 are connected to the soft water tank 200 via the side wall chamber 113 and the central chamber 115. Therefore, the side wall chamber 113 is adjacent to the inlet chamber 112, so that the inlet chamber 112 is connected to the soft water tank 200 through the side wall chamber 113. The two are arranged adjacent to each other, thereby reducing the flow path of raw water into the soft water tank 200 and simplifying the water path in the soft water valve. The central chamber 115 is adjacent to the outlet chamber 116, so that the outlet chamber 116 is connected to the soft water tank 200 through the central chamber 115. The two are arranged adjacent to each other, thereby reducing the flow path of softened water out of the soft water tank 200 and simplifying the water path in the soft water valve. In order to facilitate the connection of valve body 1 to soft water tank 200, side wall channel 102 and central channel 104 can be connected to soft water tank 200 through soft water tank interface 161. At this time, side wall channel 102 and central channel 104 are arranged alternately in soft water interface, and the other channels can be connected to the corresponding external pipelines through quick connectors.

[0090] When the softened water from the soft water tank 200 flows out of the soft water valve, some of the softened water can flow to the brine injection chamber, thereby injecting water into the brine tank 300. Therefore, the brine injection chamber 117 is located adjacent to the side of the outlet chamber 116 away from the central chamber 115. Thus, when the soft water flows through the outlet chamber 116, some of the soft water can flow directly from the outlet chamber 116 to the brine injection chamber 117. Compared to the method where the brine injection chamber 117 and the outlet chamber 116 are separated and connected by a special flow channel, this solution can effectively shorten the flow path of the soft water into the brine tank 300, thereby further optimizing the water circuit of the soft water valve. Moreover, there is no need to set up an additional special flow channel, which helps to reduce the size of the soft water valve.

[0091] Furthermore, the drain chamber 114 is located between the side wall chamber 113 and the central chamber 115. This increases the distance between the inlet chamber 112 and the outlet chamber 116, facilitating the arrangement of the inlet channel 101 and the outlet channel 105, and also increasing the inner diameter of the inlet and outlet channels 101 and 105, thereby increasing the inlet and outlet flow rates and improving working efficiency. On the other hand, the drain chamber 114 is located near the center of the valve chamber 11, so regardless of whether a forward or reverse washing mode is used, wastewater in the soft water tank 200 can be discharged to the drain chamber 114 nearby, helping to shorten the water flow path in both forward and reverse washing modes, further optimizing the water path. In other embodiments, the drain chamber 114 can also be located on the side of the inlet chamber 112 opposite to the outlet chamber 116.

[0092] Therefore, in this design, the inlet chamber 112, side wall chamber 113, drain chamber 114, center chamber 115, outlet chamber 116, and water injection / salt absorption chamber 117 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the valve chamber 11. This arrangement can accommodate multiple water circuit modes, making the water flow paths in multiple water circuit modes shorter. This reduces the possibility of water flow detouring out of the valve chamber 11 (for example, in a certain water circuit mode, when water flows from one chamber to another, it needs to cross multiple chambers along the axial direction of the valve chamber 11 to reach the outlet, and then cross multiple chambers in the opposite direction to exit the soft water valve). This improves the rationality of the arrangement of multiple water passage chambers 111, simplifies the water flow path, and also helps to reduce the overall volume of the soft water valve.

[0093] Furthermore, since the brine injection chamber 117 only participates in the function of injecting water into the brine tank 300 or injecting brine into the soft water tank 200, the water flow required is smaller than that of the inlet chamber 112 and the outlet chamber 116. Therefore, the volume of the brine injection chamber 117 can be appropriately reduced, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the valve chamber 11 at the brine injection chamber 117, and further reducing the volume of the valve body 1. Consequently, the inlet chamber 112 is located on the side of the valve chamber 11 near the opening, and the brine injection chamber 117 is located on the side away from the opening. This facilitates the installation of the grille assembly 2 in the valve chamber 11, while allowing the inner diameter of the grille unit 21 at the brine injection chamber 117 to be smaller than the inner diameter of the other grille units 21.

[0094] More specifically, in order to accommodate the grille assembly 2, in one embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the piston 3 includes a first piston body 31 and a second piston body 32 connected to each other. The diameter of the first piston body 31 is larger than the diameter of the second piston body 32. The first piston body 31 has a water passage 311 that is open at both ends. The outer periphery of the first piston body 31 is provided with a first water passage ring groove 312, and the outer periphery of the second piston body 32 is provided with a second water passage ring groove 321.

[0095] Specifically, the first water-passing ring groove 312 and the second water-passing ring groove 321 are the water-passing levels on the piston 3. The second piston body 32 is used to cooperate with the grid unit 21 at the water injection and salt absorption chamber 117, and the first piston body 31 is used to cooperate with other grid units 21. Compared with using pistons 3 with equal inner diameters and opening three water-passing grooves on the piston 3, the actual design not only needs to consider the relative positions of the three water-passing grooves, but also needs to design the dimensions of the three water-passing grooves separately, making the design more complex and the opening of the water-passing channel 311 more difficult. In this solution, the diameter of the first piston body 31 is larger than the diameter of the second piston body 32, which can form a water-passing step at the connection between the first piston body 31 and the second piston body 32. This facilitates the connection between multiple water-passing chambers 111 through the water-passing step, and the switching of multiple water circuit modes can be realized through the water-passing channel 311 on the first piston body 31, the first water-passing ring groove 312, and the second water-passing ring groove 321 on the second piston body 32. This helps to reduce the design difficulty of the piston 3, thereby simplifying the structure of the piston 3.

[0096] Furthermore, the grille assembly 2 includes multiple supporting retaining rings 24 that separate the water passage chambers 111, and the multiple water passage chambers 111 include an inlet chamber 112, a side wall chamber 113, a sewage discharge chamber 114, a central chamber 115, an outlet chamber 116, and a water injection and brine absorption chamber 117. For ease of explanation, as follows... Figures 6 to 11As shown, the plurality of support rings 24 include a first support ring 241, a second support ring 242, a third support ring 243, a fourth support ring 244, a fifth support ring 245, a sixth support ring 246, and a seventh support ring 247 arranged in sequence. The water inlet chamber 112 is formed between the first support ring 241 and the second support ring 242, the side wall chamber 113 is formed between the second support ring 242 and the third support ring 243, the sewage discharge chamber 114 is formed between the third support ring 243 and the fourth support ring 244, the central chamber 115 is formed between the fourth support ring 244 and the fifth support ring 245, the water outlet chamber 116 is formed between the fifth support ring 245 and the sixth support ring 246, and the water injection and brine absorption chamber 117 is formed between the sixth support ring 246 and the seventh support ring 247.

[0097] The following describes the specific application of a soft water valve with a first mounting protrusion and a second mounting protrusion in a water circuit configuration.

[0098] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of water circuit modes include a water production mode. In the water production mode, the piston 3 moves to the water production position. At this time, the first water-passing ring groove 312 faces the second support retaining ring 242, so that the water inlet chamber 112 is connected to the side wall cavity 113 through the first water-passing ring groove 312. At the same time, the outer periphery of the first piston body 31 abuts against the inner periphery of the first support retaining ring 241, the third support retaining ring 243 and the fourth support retaining ring 244 respectively, so as to block the connection between the water inlet chamber 112 and the water passage 311 and the side wall. The connection between cavity 113 and sewage cavity 114, and the connection between central cavity 115 and sewage cavity 114; the connection between the first piston body 31 and the second piston body 32 faces the central cavity 115, so that the central cavity 115 is connected to the outlet cavity 116 through the formed water passage step; at the same time, the second water passage ring groove 321 faces the outlet cavity 116, and the outer peripheral surface of the end of the second piston body 32 away from the first piston body 31 abuts against the sixth support retaining ring 246 and the seventh support retaining ring 247 respectively to block the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117.

[0099] Figure 6 This is a simplified structural diagram of a water softener valve in water production mode. The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of water flow in water production mode. Therefore, in water production mode, the water flow path is as follows: raw water flows into the inlet chamber 112 through the inlet channel 101, then flows sequentially to the side wall chamber 113 and the side wall channel 102, and finally flows into the water softener tank 200 for softening treatment; the softened water flows into the central chamber 115 through the central channel 104, and then flows sequentially through the outlet chamber 116 and the outlet channel 105 through the central chamber 115, finally flowing out of the water softener valve, thus completing the normal water production of the water softener valve.

[0100] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of water circuit modes include a water injection mode. In the water injection mode, the piston 3 moves to the water injection position. At this time, the first water-passing ring groove 312 faces the second support retaining ring 242, so that the water inlet chamber 112 is connected to the side wall chamber 113 through the first water-passing ring groove 312. At the same time, the outer periphery of the first piston body 31 abuts against the inner periphery of the first support retaining ring 241, the third support retaining ring 243 and the fourth support retaining ring 244 respectively, so as to block the connection between the water inlet chamber 112 and the water passage 311, the connection between the side wall chamber 113 and the drain chamber 114, and the connection between the central chamber 115 and the drain chamber 114. The connection of the first piston body 31 and the second piston body 32 is oriented towards the central cavity 115, so that the central cavity 115 is connected to the outlet cavity 116 through the formed water passage step; at the same time, the second water passage ring groove 321 is oriented towards the sixth support retaining ring 246, so that the outlet cavity 116 is connected to the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117 through the second water passage ring groove 321, and the outer peripheral surface of the end of the second piston body 32 away from the first piston body 31 abuts against the seventh support retaining ring 247, thereby blocking the side of the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117 away from the outlet cavity 116 (that is, blocking the connection between the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117 and the bypass channel 14).

[0101] Figure 7 This is a simplified structural diagram of a soft water valve in water injection mode. The direction indicated by the arrow in the diagram is the direction of water flow in water injection mode. Therefore, in the water injection mode, the water flow path is as follows: raw water flows into the inlet chamber 112 through the inlet channel 101, then flows sequentially to the side wall chamber 113 and the side wall channel 102, and then flows into the soft water tank 200 for softening treatment; the softened water flows into the central chamber 115 through the central channel 104, and then flows into the outlet chamber 116 through the central chamber 115. In the outlet chamber 116, the soft water is divided into two parts. One part flows through the outlet channel 105 and out of the soft water valve for normal soft water production. The other part flows to the water injection and salt absorption chamber 117, and then flows to the salt tank 300 through the water injection and salt absorption channel 106. This ensures that the preparation of soft water is uninterrupted when water is injected into the salt tank 300, and also ensures that the water entering the salt tank 300 is softened soft water, which can reduce the consumption of salt in the salt tank 300.

[0102] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of water circuit modes include a forward washing mode. In the forward washing mode, the piston 3 moves to the forward washing position. At this time, the first piston body 31 abuts against the third support retaining ring 243 and the fifth support retaining ring 245 respectively, so as to block the communication between the side wall cavity 113 and the drain cavity 114, and the communication between the water outlet cavity 116 and the central cavity 115. Since the first piston body 31 does not abut against the first support retaining ring 241 and the second support retaining ring 242, the water inlet cavity 112 can be directly connected to the side wall cavity 113 and the water passage 311 respectively. The first water passage groove 312 faces the first The four support rings 244 allow the central cavity 115 to be connected to the sewage cavity 114 through the first water-passing ring groove 312, and the connection between the first piston body 31 and the second piston body 32 faces the water outlet cavity 116, allowing the water inlet cavity 112 and the water outlet cavity 116 to be connected through the water passage 311; at the same time, the second water-passing ring groove 321 is located on the side of the seventh support ring 247 away from the sixth support ring 246, so that the outer periphery of the second piston body 32 near the first piston body 31 abuts against the sixth support ring 246 and the seventh support ring 247 respectively, thereby blocking the water injection and salt absorption cavity 117.

[0103] Figure 8 This is a simplified structural diagram of the soft water valve in the forward wash mode. The direction indicated by the arrow in the diagram is the water flow direction of the soft water valve in the forward wash mode. Therefore, in the forward wash mode, the water flow path is as follows: raw water flows into the inlet chamber 112 through the inlet channel 101, and the hard water in the inlet chamber 112 is divided into two parts. One part flows to the outlet chamber 116 through the water passage 311 and is discharged from the soft water valve through the outlet channel 105; the other part flows to the side wall chamber 113 and flows into the soft water tank 200 through the side wall channel 102 to clean the soft water tank 200. The wastewater after cleaning is discharged from the soft water valve in sequence through the central channel 104, the central chamber 115, the drain chamber 114, and the drain channel 103, thereby completing the forward flushing of the soft water tank 200.

[0104] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 9In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of water circuit modes include a backwash mode. In the backwash mode, the piston 3 moves to the backwash position. At this time, the first piston body 31 abuts against the second support retaining ring 242 and the fourth support retaining ring 244 respectively to block the communication between the water inlet chamber 112 and the side wall chamber 113, and the communication between the sewage discharge chamber 114 and the central chamber 115. The first water passage groove 312 faces the third support retaining ring 243, so that the side wall chamber 113 is connected to the sewage discharge chamber 114 through the first water passage groove 312, and the connection between the first piston body 31 and the second piston body 32 faces the central chamber 115, so that the side wall chamber 113 is connected to the water outlet chamber 116, and the water passage 311 is connected to the water outlet chamber 116. Furthermore, since the first piston body 31 does not abut against the first support retaining ring 241, the water inlet chamber 112 and the water outlet chamber 116 can be connected through the water passage 311; at the same time, the second water passage ring groove 321 faces the water injection and salt absorption chamber 117, so that the second piston body 32 abuts against the sixth support retaining ring 246 and the seventh support retaining ring 247 on opposite sides of the second water passage ring groove 321, thereby blocking the water injection and salt absorption chamber 117.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a simplified structural diagram of a water softener valve in backwash mode. The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of water flow in backwash mode. Therefore, in backwash mode, the water flow path is as follows: raw water flows into the inlet chamber 112 through the inlet channel 101, and then flows to the outlet chamber 116 through the water passage 311. In the outlet chamber 116, the water is divided into two parts. One part is discharged from the water softener valve through the outlet channel 105; the other part flows in the opposite direction to the central chamber 115, and then flows into the water softener tank 200 through the central channel 104 to clean the water softener tank 200. The wastewater after cleaning is discharged from the water softener valve through the side wall channel 102, the side wall chamber 113, the drain chamber 114, and the drain channel 103 in sequence, thus completing the backwashing of the water softener valve.

[0106] In addition, since unsoftened hard water can flow out of the softened water valve through the interconnected inlet chamber 112 and outlet chamber 116, a switch structure can be set at the outlet channel 105 to allow users to choose whether to discharge unsoftened hard water from the water softener.

[0107] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 10In embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of water circuit modes include a downstream regeneration mode. In the downstream regeneration mode, the piston 3 moves to the downstream regeneration position. At this time, the first piston body 31 abuts against the second support retaining ring 242, the third support retaining ring 243, and the fifth support retaining ring 245, thereby blocking the communication between the inlet chamber 112 and the side wall chamber 113, the communication between the side wall chamber 113 and the drain chamber 114, and the communication between the central chamber 115 and the outlet chamber 116, respectively. At the same time, the first water-passing ring groove 312 faces the fourth support retaining ring 244, so that the central chamber 115 is connected to the drain chamber 114 through the first water-passing ring groove 312. Since the first piston body 31 does not abut against the first support retaining ring 241, and the connection between the first piston body 31 and the second piston body 32 faces the water outlet chamber 116, the water inlet chamber 112 and the water outlet chamber 116 can be connected through the water passage 311; at the same time, the second piston body 32 abuts against the sixth support retaining ring 246 to block the connection between the water outlet chamber 116 and the water injection and brine suction chamber 117, and the second water passage ring groove 321 faces the seventh support retaining ring 247, thereby allowing the water injection and brine suction chamber 117 to be connected to the bypass flow channel 14.

[0108] Figure 10 This is a simplified structural diagram of a water softener valve in co-current regeneration mode. The arrows in the diagram indicate the water flow direction in this mode. Therefore, in co-current regeneration mode, the water flow path is as follows: the brine in the brine tank 300 flows sequentially through the brine injection channel 106 and the brine injection chamber 117 into the bypass channel 14; simultaneously, raw water flows into the inlet chamber 112 through the inlet channel 101, and the water flow in the inlet chamber 112 is divided into two parts. One part flows through the water passage 311 to the outlet chamber 116 and is discharged from the water softener valve through the outlet channel 105; the other part flows to the co-current brine injection channel 12 to trigger it. The ejector 4 inside generates a siphon effect, causing the brine in the bypass channel 14 to be drawn into the co-current brine suction channel 12, into the siphon chamber 433 and mixing chamber 432 of the ejector 4, and then into the side wall chamber 113, and into the soft water tank 200 through the side wall channel 102, so as to regenerate the soft water medium in the soft water tank 200; the regenerated wastewater is discharged from the soft water valve in sequence through the central channel 104, the central chamber 115, the drain chamber 114 and the drain channel 103, thereby realizing the co-current regeneration of the soft water valve. The water flow path of the soft water valve with a common channel in the co-current regeneration mode is different from the above. The difference is that, for example, Figure 29 As shown, the water flow entering the downstream brine absorption channel 12 is obtained by diverting the water flow entering the outlet chamber 116.

[0109] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 11In embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of water circuit modes include a counter-current regeneration mode. In the counter-current regeneration mode, the piston 3 moves to the counter-current regeneration position. At this time, the first piston body 31 abuts against the second support retaining ring 242, the fourth support retaining ring 244, and the fifth support retaining ring 245, respectively, thereby blocking the communication between the inlet chamber 112 and the side wall chamber 113, the communication between the central chamber 115 and the drain chamber 114, and the conduction between the central chamber 115 and the outlet chamber 116. At the same time, the first water-passing ring groove 312 faces the third support retaining ring 243, so that the side wall chamber 113 is connected to the drain chamber 114 through the first water-passing ring groove 312. Since the first piston body 31 does not abut against the first support retaining ring 241, and the connection between the first piston body 31 and the second piston body 32 faces the water outlet chamber 116, the water inlet chamber 112 and the water outlet chamber 116 can be connected through the water passage 311; at the same time, the second piston body 32 abuts against the sixth support retaining ring 246 to block the connection between the water outlet chamber 116 and the water injection and brine suction chamber 117, and the second water passage ring groove 321 faces the seventh support retaining ring 247, thereby allowing the water injection and brine suction chamber 117 to be connected to the bypass flow channel 14.

[0110] Figure 11 This is a simplified structural diagram of a water softener valve in counter-current regeneration mode. The arrows in the diagram indicate the water flow direction in this mode. Therefore, in counter-current regeneration mode, the water flow path is as follows: the brine in the brine tank 300 flows sequentially through the brine injection channel 106 and the brine injection chamber 117 into the bypass channel 14; simultaneously, raw water flows into the inlet chamber 112 through the inlet channel 101 and then through the water passage 311 to the outlet chamber 116. The water flow in the outlet chamber 116 is divided into two parts: one part is discharged from the water softener valve through the outlet channel 105; the other part flows to the counter-current brine injection channel 13 to trigger it. The ejector 4 inside generates a siphon effect, causing the brine in the bypass channel 14 to be drawn into the countercurrent brine suction channel 13, into the siphon chamber 433 and mixing chamber 432 of the ejector 4, and then into the central chamber 115. It is then introduced into the soft water tank 200 through the central channel 104 to regenerate the soft water medium in the soft water tank 200. The regenerated wastewater is discharged from the soft water valve in sequence through the side wall channel 102, the side wall chamber 113, the sewage discharge chamber 114 and the sewage discharge channel 103, thereby realizing the countercurrent regeneration of the soft water valve.

[0111] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the cavity wall of the water injection and brine absorption chamber 117 is provided with a water injection hole 1174 and a brine absorption hole 1173. The water injection hole 1174 is connected to the water injection and brine absorption channel 106, and the brine absorption hole 1173 is connected to the bypass channel 14. The water injection hole 1174 and the brine absorption hole 1173 are respectively located on opposite sides of a support retaining ring 24. It can be understood that, as Figure 3As shown, the water injection and brine suction chamber 117 is divided into a first sub-chamber 1171 and a second sub-chamber 1172 by a seventh support ring 247. The second sub-chamber 1172 is located on the side of the first sub-chamber 1171 opposite to the water outlet chamber 116. The first sub-chamber 1171 can communicate with the water outlet chamber 116 and can also communicate with the water injection and brine suction channel 106 through the water injection hole 1174. The second sub-chamber 1172 can communicate with the bypass channel 14 through the brine suction hole 1173. Thus, by controlling the first sub-chamber 1171 and the second sub-chamber 1172, the water injection and brine suction chamber 1172 can be connected to the first sub-chamber 1171 and the second sub-chamber 1172. The connection of 172 enables the bypass channel 14 to connect with the water injection and brine absorption channel 106. In either the co-current or counter-current regeneration mode, the second water-passing ring groove 321 faces the seventh support baffle ring 247, thereby allowing the first sub-cavity 1171 and the second sub-cavity 1172 to connect through the second water-passing ring groove 321. Consequently, the brine in the brine tank 300 flows into the bypass channel 14 sequentially through the water injection hole 1174, the first sub-cavity 1171, the second water-passing ring groove 321, the second sub-cavity 1172, and the brine absorption hole 1173. To ensure the brine absorption capacity, the number of brine absorption holes 1173 can be one or more, or the inner diameter of the brine absorption hole 1173 can be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the water injection and brine absorption chamber 117.

[0112] Please see Figure 18 and Figure 19 In one embodiment, the grille assembly 2 includes a plurality of grille units 21 sequentially spliced ​​along the axial direction of the valve cavity 11, and an outer sealing ring groove 211 for the installation of the outer sealing ring 22 is spliced ​​between two adjacent grille units 21; the grille assembly 2 has a pre-installation state, in which an enlarged gap 212 can be formed between two adjacent grille units 21, and the width of the enlarged gap 212 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer sealing ring 22; The soft water valve also includes a drive mounting seat 5 that covers the opening of the valve cavity 11; when the opening of the valve cavity 11 is in an open state, the grid assembly 2 is installed in the valve cavity 11 in the pre-installation state, and the widening gap 212 widens the outer sealing ring groove 211 to provide a larger deformation space for the outer sealing ring 22; when the drive mounting seat 5 covers the opening of the valve cavity 11, the drive mounting seat 5 abuts against the grid assembly 2 to eliminate the widening gap 212, so that the outer sealing ring 22 abuts against the cavity wall of the valve cavity 11.

[0113] Specifically, multiple grid units 21 are sequentially assembled. To facilitate the assembly of the grid assembly 2, the grid units 21 are often assembled first, and then the entire grid assembly 2 is installed into the valve cavity 11. That is, the assembly of multiple grid units 21 and the outer sealing ring 22 is completed first, and then the grid assembly 2 is installed into the valve cavity 11. Therefore, if multiple grid units 21 are directly assembled, the outer sealing ring 22 is clamped by the outer sealing ring groove 211. In order to ensure the sealing strength, the outer sealing ring 22 and the valve cavity 11 are usually interference fit. This results in a large friction between the outer sealing ring 22 and the cavity wall of the valve cavity 11 during actual installation, making it difficult for the grid assembly 2 to be inserted into the valve cavity 11. It also easily causes the outer sealing ring 22 to shift, increasing the installation difficulty of the grid assembly 2.

[0114] In this design, the grille assembly 2 is pre-installed into the valve cavity 11. The presence of the widened gap 212 further increases the width of the outer sealing ring groove 211 along the axial direction of the valve cavity 11, providing a larger deformation space for the outer sealing ring 22. This reduces the friction between the outer sealing ring 22 and the cavity wall of the valve cavity 11 during assembly, facilitating the installation of the grille assembly 2 into the valve cavity 11 and reducing the probability of the outer sealing ring 22 coming out of the outer sealing ring groove 211. Furthermore, the presence of the widened gap 212 also further increases the radial depth of the outer sealing ring groove 211 along the valve cavity 11, allowing more of the outer sealing ring 22 to be installed within the outer sealing ring groove 211. This helps to reduce the outer diameter of the grille assembly 2 at the outer sealing ring 22, thereby reducing the friction between the outer sealing ring 22 and the cavity wall of the valve cavity 11, further facilitating the installation of the grille assembly 2 into the valve cavity 11. Furthermore, the width of the widened gap 212 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer sealing ring 22, thereby reducing the possibility of the outer sealing ring 22 getting stuck in the widened gap 212 while reducing the installation difficulty of the grille assembly 2. It should be noted that the cross-sectional diameter of the outer sealing ring 22 refers to the width of the outer sealing ring 22 in the axial direction.

[0115] When the drive mounting base 5 seals the opening of the valve cavity 11, the drive mounting base 5 abuts against the grille assembly 2. Under the pressing action of the drive mounting base 5, the widened gap 212 is eliminated, and the depth and width of the outer sealing ring groove 211 are reduced. This allows two adjacent grille units 21 to clamp the outer sealing ring groove 211 together, thereby causing the outer sealing ring 22 to expand radially and press against the cavity wall of the valve cavity 11, thus ensuring the sealing effect between the grille assembly 2 and the cavity wall of the valve cavity 11. Therefore, this solution facilitates the installation of the grille assembly 2 and ensures the sealing strength between the grille assembly 2 and the cavity wall of the valve cavity 11.

[0116] Multiple grille units 21 can be connected by snap-fit. For example, one of the adjacent sides of two adjacent grille units 21 is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole, and the other is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion. In the pre-installation state, the snap-fit ​​protrusion passes through the snap-fit ​​hole and snaps into the edge of the snap-fit ​​hole.

[0117] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 11 In an embodiment of the present invention, the piston 3 includes a first piston 33 and a second piston 34, both of which are provided with a first water-passing ring groove 312. The axial position of the first water-passing ring groove 312 on the first piston 33 is different from the axial position on the second piston 34. The first piston 33 and the second piston 34 are selectively installed into the grid assembly 2. The various water circuit modes include a regeneration water circuit mode. When the first piston 33 is installed inside the bar screen assembly 2, in the regeneration water circuit mode, the first water-passing ring groove 312 connects the central cavity 115 and the sewage discharge cavity 114 to achieve co-current regeneration. When the second piston 34 is installed inside the bar screen assembly 2, in the regeneration water circuit mode, the first water-passing ring groove 312 connects the side wall cavity 113 and the sewage discharge cavity 114 to achieve counter-current regeneration.

[0118] In other words, the soft water valve in this solution can be either a forward-flow regeneration valve or a reverse-flow regeneration valve. From a structural perspective, the forward-flow and reverse-flow regeneration valves differ only in the structure of the first piston 33 and the second piston 34; the valve body 1, the grille assembly 2, and other structures are identical. This means that the forward-flow and reverse-flow regeneration valves can share the same valve body 1 and grille assembly 2. Therefore, in actual production, both valves can be manufactured using the same valve body 1, saving the cost of a single mold and reducing the processing cost of the soft water valve. In actual use, the corresponding piston 3 is selected, and the ejector 4, plug 71, and plug structure 6 are selectively installed for the forward-flow brine suction channel 12 of the forward-flow regeneration valve and the reverse-flow brine suction channel 13 of the reverse-flow regeneration valve to meet the user's needs.

[0119] Specifically, the only difference between the first piston 33 and the second piston 34 is that the axial position of the first water-passing ring groove 312 on the first piston 33 is different from that on the second piston 34. That is, the water passage levels on the first piston 33 and the second piston 34 are different. Therefore, in actual production, only the position of the first water-passing ring groove 312 needs to be adjusted to simultaneously process the co-current regeneration valve and the counter-current regeneration valve. Compared with the prior art, which processes the structures of the co-current regeneration valve and the counter-current regeneration valve separately and then assembles them separately, this solution can not only improve processing efficiency, but also save the cost of a set of molds, thereby reducing the cost of the soft water valve.

[0120] Furthermore, due to the change in the position of the first water-passing ring groove 312, in the co-current regeneration mode, the first water-passing ring groove 312 connects the central cavity 115 and the drain cavity 114, so that the wastewater generated by the regeneration of the soft water medium in the soft water pipe flows out sequentially through the central cavity 115 and the drain cavity 114, and the corresponding brine enters the soft water tank 200 through the side wall cavity 113; in the counter-current regeneration mode, the first water-passing ring groove 312 connects the side wall cavity 113 and the drain cavity 114, so that the wastewater generated by the regeneration of the soft water medium in the soft water pipe is discharged from the soft water valve sequentially through the side wall cavity 113 and the drain cavity 114, and the corresponding brine enters the soft water tank 200 through the central cavity 115. In other water circuit modes, the water flow direction of the co-current regeneration valve and the counter-current regeneration valve is set in the same direction.

[0121] Please see Figures 15 to 17 In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve body 1 includes a valve body 15 and a valve base 16, which are assembled separately. The valve base 16 is provided with a soft water tank interface 161 for connecting to the soft water tank 200. The valve body 15 has a first dividing rib 151 on the side near the valve base 16, which cooperates with the grille assembly 2 to separate multiple water passage chambers 111. The valve base 16 has a second dividing rib 162 corresponding to each of the first dividing ribs 151. The first dividing rib 151 has a first rib surface 1511 and a second rib surface 1512 that are radially opposite to each other in the valve chamber 11. The grille assembly 2 is sealed and abuts against the first rib surface 1511, and the second dividing rib 162 is fixedly connected to the second rib surface 1512. Optionally, the valve base 16 and the valve body 15 can be connected by hot plate welding.

[0122] Specifically, the soft water tank interface 161 is located on the valve base 16, and the soft water tank 200 is installed on the outside of the soft water connector. In order to facilitate the connection between the valve cavity 11 and the soft water tank 200, the side wall channel 102 and the central channel 104 are located on the valve base 16. The co-current brine suction channel 12, the counter-current brine suction channel 13, the water inlet channel 101, the water outlet channel 105, and the water injection brine suction channel 106 are formed on the valve body 15, thereby ensuring the circumferential continuity of the water inlet channel 101, the water outlet channel 105, and the water injection brine suction channel 106, thereby reducing the possibility of water leakage. The bypass channel 14 can be formed by splicing the valve body 15 and the valve base 16, which facilitates the processing and shaping of the bypass channel 14. Of course, in other embodiments, the co-current salt suction channel 12, the counter-current salt suction channel 13, the water inlet channel 101, the water outlet channel 105, and the water injection salt suction channel 106 can be partially provided in the valve body 15, and the other part can be formed by splicing the valve body 15 and the valve base 16 and / or provided in the valve base 16; or, the co-current salt suction channel 12, the counter-current salt suction channel 13, the water inlet channel 101, the water outlet channel 105, and the water injection salt suction channel 106 can all be formed by splicing the valve body 15 and the valve base 16; or, the co-current salt suction channel 12, the counter-current salt suction channel 13, the water inlet channel 101, the water outlet channel 105, and the water injection salt suction channel 106 can all be provided in the valve base 16.

[0123] In addition, the valve body 15 has a first separating rib 151 on the side near the valve base 16 to separate multiple water passage chambers 111. The first rib surface 1511 of the first separating rib 151 abuts against the grid assembly 2. That is, each first separating rib 151 abuts against a support ring 24 of the grid assembly 2. This ensures that the outer periphery of the grid assembly 2 abuts only against the valve body 15, thereby eliminating the impact of the abutment between the outer periphery of the grid assembly 2 and the inner periphery of the valve chamber 11 on the splicing of the valve body 15 and the valve base 16. This reduces the probability of cracking at the splicing point of the valve body 15 and the valve base 16, and also reduces the probability of the valve body 1 bursting, thus improving the service life of the soft water valve. Furthermore, the presence of the first separating rib 151 can further increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve chamber 11, which helps to increase the flow rate, so that the flow rate of the soft water valve is not less than 6 m3 / h, further achieving a small volume and large flow rate.

[0124] In addition, the second partition rib 162 is fixedly connected to the second rib surface 1512, which can increase the connection area between the valve base 16 and the valve body 15, thereby increasing the connection strength between the valve body 15 and the valve base 16, so as to further reduce the probability of the valve body 1 bursting and improve the service life of the soft water valve.

[0125] Optionally, the valve body 1 is further provided with a mixing channel, one end of which is connected to the inlet chamber 112 and / or the inlet channel 101, and the other end is connected to the outlet chamber 116 and / or the outlet channel 105; the soft water valve also includes a mixing valve corresponding to the mixing channel; thus, in the water production mode, when the mixing valve is opened, a portion of the raw water can flow directly from the inlet channel 101 and / or the inlet chamber 112 through the mixing channel into the outlet chamber 116 and / or the outlet channel 105, thereby mixing with the softened soft water (sodium ions increase during the softening process), and then being delivered to the external outlet pipe to reduce the phenomenon of excessive sodium ions, thereby meeting the low concentration requirements for sodium ions in some regions (such as Europe). Optionally, the splicing surface between the valve body 15 and the valve base 16 passes through the mixing channel to facilitate the formation of the mixing channel.

[0126] The present invention also proposes a water softener, which includes a water softening valve. The specific structure of the water softening valve is as described in the above embodiments. Since the present water softener adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0127] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present invention and the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A soft water valve, characterized in that, include: The valve body is provided with a valve cavity, a water inlet channel, a co-current brine suction channel, and a counter-current brine suction channel. The valve cavity includes multiple water passage chambers, including a water inlet chamber, a water outlet chamber, a side wall chamber, a central chamber, and a water injection and brine suction chamber. The co-current brine suction channel includes a first co-current channel connected to the water inlet channel and a second co-current channel connected to the side wall chamber. The counter-current brine suction channel includes a first counter-current channel connected to the water inlet channel and a second counter-current channel connected to the central chamber. The water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet cavity. A plug is installed on the valve body, and the plug and the valve body enclose a transition channel, which is a portion of the flow channel in the co-current salt suction channel or the counter-current salt suction channel; An ejector having a siphon chamber, the ejector being installed in one of the second co-current channel and the second counter-current channel, and connected to the water injection and salt absorption chamber through the siphon chamber; A plug structure is used to block one of the co-current salt suction channel and the counter-current salt suction channel.

2. The soft water valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is also provided with a bypass channel, which connects the second downstream channel and the second upstream channel, and also connects to the water injection and salt absorption chamber.

3. The soft water valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body includes a valve body with a protruding mounting protrusion. The mounting protrusion has a co-current salt suction channel and / or a counter-current salt suction channel. The plug is installed on the mounting protrusion so that the plug and the mounting protrusion enclose and form the transition channel.

4. The soft water valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting protrusion includes a first mounting protrusion having the first downstream channel and the second downstream channel arranged side by side, and a second mounting protrusion having the first upstream channel and the second upstream channel arranged side by side; The plug is fitted onto one of the first mounting protrusion and the second mounting protrusion, and the plug structure is located on the other one.

5. The soft water valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first downstream channel is connected to the wall of the inlet chamber, and the first upstream channel is connected to the wall of the outlet chamber.

6. The soft water valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The co-current salt suction channel and the counter-current salt suction channel are arranged side by side in the mounting protrusion, and the first co-current channel and the first counter-current channel are the same channel, configured as a shared flow channel; The plug structure is located in one of the second downstream channel and the second upstream channel.

7. The soft water valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The valve body also includes a water outlet channel that connects to the water outlet chamber, and the common flow channel is connected to the water outlet channel.

8. The soft water valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The jet ejector includes a jet ejector body and a jet ejector limiting part. The jet ejector body is disposed in the second downstream channel or the second upstream channel. The plug restricts the ejector's release movement through the jet ejector limiting part.

9. The soft water valve as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The plug is provided with a mounting groove that adapts to the mounting protrusion, and the bottom wall of the mounting groove is provided with a limiting protrusion for pressing against the jet limiter.

10. The soft water valve as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The plug includes a mounting protrusion that is inserted into the mounting protrusion, the mounting protrusion being used to press against the jet ejector limiting part; And / or, the plug further includes a stop ring for abutting against the end face of the mounting protrusion to restrain the movement of the plug on the mounting protrusion.

11. The soft water valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The soft water valve also includes a mounting pin, the plug has a through hole for the mounting pin to pass through, the mounting protrusion has a pin groove, the mounting pin passes through the through hole and is confined within the pin groove; Alternatively, the plug is threadedly connected to the mounting protrusion.

12. The soft water valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The soft water valve also includes a sealing ring, and a sealing ring groove is formed between the mounting protrusion and the plug, with the sealing ring installed in the sealing ring groove.

13. The soft water valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The jet ejector includes a jet ejector body, which includes a guide section, a mixing section, and a connecting section. The guide section is provided with a jet limiting part outside, and a guide cavity connected to the transfer channel is formed inside it. The mixing section is provided with a mixing cavity connected to the side wall cavity or the central cavity. The guide section and the mixing section are spaced apart and connected by the connecting section to form the siphon cavity. The siphon cavity connects the guide cavity and the mixing cavity, and also connects to the water injection and salt absorption cavity.

14. The soft water valve as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The guide section is provided with a first annular groove, and a first sealing ring is provided in the first annular groove, with the side away from the first annular groove abutting against the flow channel wall of the second downstream channel or the second upstream channel; And / or, the mixing section is provided with a second annular groove, a second sealing ring is provided in the second annular groove, and the side away from the second annular groove abuts against the flow channel wall of the second downstream channel or the second upstream channel.

15. The soft water valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The soft water valve also includes a filter screen, which is located in the first forward flow channel or the first reverse flow channel.

16. The soft water valve as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The filter screen includes a filter screen body and a filter screen limiting part disposed outside the filter screen body. The filter screen body is sealed and connected to the first forward flow channel or the first reverse flow channel, and the filter screen limiting part is limited and cooperated with the valve body.

17. The soft water valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plug structure is configured as a thin wall formed in the valve body, and the thin wall is provided in the co-current salt suction channel and / or the counter-current salt suction channel; Alternatively, the plug structure may be configured as a sealing plug, which is used to block the co-current salt suction channel or the counter-current salt suction channel.

18. The soft water valve according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The soft water valve further includes a grid assembly disposed in the valve cavity and a piston disposed in the grid assembly. The grid assembly divides the valve cavity into multiple water passage chambers along its axial direction. The multiple water passage chambers include the inlet chamber, the side wall chamber, the drain chamber, the center chamber, the outlet chamber, and the water injection and brine suction chamber. The inlet chamber, the side wall chamber, the drain chamber, the center chamber, the outlet chamber, and the water injection and brine suction chamber are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the valve cavity. The soft water valve has multiple water circuit modes, and the piston moves axially along the valve cavity to switch between the multiple water circuit modes.

19. The soft water valve as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The grille assembly includes multiple grille units sequentially spliced ​​along the axial direction of the valve cavity, with an outer sealing ring groove for installation of an outer sealing ring spliced ​​between adjacent grille units; the grille assembly has a pre-installation state, in which an enlarged gap can be formed between adjacent grille units, the width of the enlarged gap being smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer sealing ring; The soft water valve also includes a drive mounting seat that seals the valve cavity opening; when the valve cavity opening is in an open state, the grille assembly is installed into the valve cavity in the pre-installed state, and the widening gap widens the outer sealing ring groove to provide a larger deformation space for the outer sealing ring; When the drive mounting seat covers the opening of the valve cavity, the drive mounting seat abuts against the grille assembly to eliminate the widened gap and make the outer sealing ring press against the cavity wall of the valve cavity.

20. The soft water valve as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The piston includes a first piston and a second piston, both of which are provided with a first water-passing ring groove. The axial position of the first water-passing ring groove on the first piston is different from the axial position on the second piston. The first piston and the second piston are selectively installed into the grid assembly. The various water circuit modes include a regeneration water circuit mode. When the first piston is installed inside the bar screen assembly, in the regeneration water circuit mode, the first water-passing annular groove connects the central cavity and the sewage discharge cavity to achieve co-current regeneration. When the second piston is installed inside the bar screen assembly, in the regeneration water circuit mode, the first water-passing annular groove connects the side wall cavity and the sewage discharge cavity to achieve counter-current regeneration.

21. The soft water valve as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The valve body includes a valve body and a valve base that are assembled separately. The valve base is provided with a soft water tank interface for connecting to a soft water tank. The valve body is provided with a first dividing rib on the side near the valve base, which cooperates with the grid assembly to separate multiple water passage chambers. The valve base is provided with a second dividing rib corresponding to each of the first dividing ribs. The first dividing rib has a first rib surface and a second rib surface that are radially opposite each other in the valve chamber. The grid assembly is sealed and abuts against the first rib surface, and the second dividing rib is fixedly connected to the second rib surface.

22. A water softener, characterized in that, Includes the soft water valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

Images