water softener

Abstract

This utility model provides a water softener, which includes an outer shell, an inner shell, a water circuit controller, a first softening tank, and a second softening tank. The outer shell forms a first inner cavity, and the inner shell forms a second inner cavity. The inner shell is disposed in the first inner cavity, and the first softening tank and the second softening tank are both disposed in the second inner cavity of the inner shell, and the first softening tank and the second softening tank are arranged along the length direction of the second inner cavity. The water circuit controller includes a water circuit control valve and a set of connecting pipes, wherein the water circuit control valve is connected to the first softening tank and the second softening tank respectively through the connecting pipes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a water softener that can soften water. Background Technology

[0002] A water softener is a device that removes calcium and magnesium ions from water using ion exchange resin, reducing water hardness. The softened water produced by this process contains fewer calcium ions, making it suitable for bathing and washing clothes. Some people also believe that soft water is better for beauty treatments.

[0003] After a water softener has been softening water for a period of time, it needs to be replenished with brine (usually NaCl solution) to prevent the softening resin in the softening tank from losing its activity after prolonged use.

[0004] The processing speed of a water softener is related to the amount of resin in its softening tank (also called a resin tank, softening filter, or softened water container). However, while a larger resin tank can hold more resin, it also results in a larger water softener, making it less suitable for confined spaces. To make water softeners fit in small spaces, two smaller-capacity softening tanks are often used instead of a single, larger resin tank, resulting in a narrower, elongated shape that is easier to place in tight spaces.

[0005] However, many existing dual-tank water softeners are still bulky and inconvenient to use due to their disorganized internal piping and unreasonable brine tank design. Utility Model Content

[0006] The main advantage of this invention is that it provides a water softener that optimizes the arrangement of the salt tank, softening tank, and control valve, making its overall size smaller and its salt tank space larger enough to reduce the frequency of salt replenishment by the user.

[0007] Other advantages and features of this utility model are fully demonstrated in the following detailed description.

[0008] According to this utility model, a water softener capable of achieving at least one of the aforementioned objectives or other objectives and advantages includes:

[0009] An outer shell;

[0010] An inner shell;

[0011] A water circuit controller;

[0012] A first softening tank; and

[0013] A second softening tank, wherein the outer shell forms a first inner cavity, the inner shell forms a second inner cavity, wherein the inner shell is disposed in the first inner cavity, the first softening tank and the second softening tank are both disposed in the second inner cavity of the inner shell, and the first softening tank and the second softening tank are arranged along the length direction of the second inner cavity, wherein the water circuit controller includes a water circuit control valve and a set of connecting pipes, wherein the water circuit control valve is connected to the first softening tank and the second softening tank respectively through the connecting pipes.

[0014] The further objectives and advantages of this invention will become fully apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0015] These and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be fully apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 1B This is another perspective view of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 3A This is another perspective view of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, wherein the top cover of the outer casing of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in this figure has been removed.

[0020] Figure 3B This is another perspective view of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outer casing of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in this figure has been removed.

[0021] Figure 3C This is another perspective view of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outer casing of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in this figure has been removed.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the outer casing of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the top cover of the outer casing shown in the figure has been removed.

[0023] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the base plate of the outer casing of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 5BThis is a perspective view of the cover plate of the inner shell of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a top view of the inner shell of the water softener according to the above embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the cover plate of the inner shell shown in the figure has been removed.

[0026] Figure 7 This is another perspective view of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the salt tank salting component of the water softener according to the present invention is in the open state.

[0027] Figure 8 The salt tank of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the salt-adding assembly of the salt tank of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the fixing frame of the salt tank of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the two softening tanks, the salt valve, and the cover plate of the inner shell of the water softener according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0032] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0033] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the elements can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0034] Refer to the attached diagram in the instruction manual. Figures 1A to 11 A water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, comprising a water circuit controller 1, a first softening tank 31, and a second softening tank 32. The water circuit controller 1 includes a water circuit control valve 10 and a set of connecting pipes 20. The water circuit control valve 10 is connected to the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 respectively through the connecting pipes 20, to control the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 to be connected in parallel or in series. Preferably, the water circuit control valve 10 is positioned above either the first softening tank 31 or the second softening tank 32. Optionally, the water circuit control valve 10 is positioned above the space between the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32. This arrangement of the water circuit control valve 10 can make full use of space and increase the structural strength of the entire water softener. It is understood that the water circuit control valve 10 of the water circuit controller 1 can be any control valve capable of switching between series and parallel connections of the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32. In other words, the water circuit control valve 10 of the water circuit controller 1 can be a planar valve, a piston valve, or a column valve, etc.

[0035] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, the water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an outer shell 51 and an inner shell 52. The outer shell 51 forms a first inner cavity 510, and the inner shell 52 forms a second inner cavity 520. The inner shell 52 is disposed in the first inner cavity 510, and the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 are both disposed in the second inner cavity 520 of the inner shell 52. Preferably, the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 are arranged along the length direction of the second inner cavity 520 to reduce the width of the water softener of the present invention. More preferably, the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 are designed to be interchangeable to reduce the types of goods required for assembly of the water softener of the present invention.

[0036] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 of the water softener are both vertically installed in the second inner cavity 520, and the height of the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 is higher than the depth of the second inner cavity 520, so that the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 protrude upward from the second inner cavity 520 respectively.

[0037] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, the inner shell 52 of the water softener according to this embodiment of the present invention has a bottom 521, wherein the bottom 521 forms two retaining grooves 5210, wherein the shape and size of the two retaining grooves 5210 are respectively set according to the bottom end 311 of the first softening tank 31 and the bottom end 321 of the second softening tank 32, so that the bottom end 311 of the first softening tank 31 and the bottom end 321 of the second softening tank 32 are respectively accommodated in the two retaining grooves 5210.

[0038] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, the inner shell 52 of the water softener according to this embodiment of the present invention has a cover plate 522, wherein the cover plate 522 forms two positioning holes 5220, wherein the shape and size of the two positioning holes 5220 are respectively set according to the tank body 312 of the first softening tank 31 and the tank body 322 of the second softening tank 32, so that the tank body 312 of the first softening tank 31 and the tank body 322 of the second softening tank 32 are respectively inserted into the two positioning holes 5220. Accordingly, the two retaining grooves 5210 of the inner shell 52 of the water softener of the present invention and the two positioning holes 5220 of the cover plate 522 cooperate with each other to ensure that the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 are held in a preset installation position.

[0039] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, in this embodiment of the water softener, the entire bottom end 311 of the first softening tank 31, the entire bottom end 321 of the second softening tank 32, at least a portion of the tank body 312 of the first softening tank 31, and at least a portion of the tank body 322 of the second softening tank 32 are disposed in the second inner cavity 520. The cover plate 522 further forms a salt inlet 5221, which communicates with the second inner cavity 520. In other words, the unoccupied space within the second inner cavity 520 of the inner shell 52 forms the brine chamber 5201 of the water softener of this invention. When the water softener lacks salt, salt can be replenished through the salt inlet 5221. Furthermore, the inner shell 52 encloses the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32, providing protection. The unused space of the inner shell 52 can also be used as a brine chamber, thus making efficient use of space and increasing the salt capacity while maintaining the same overall volume of the water softener.

[0040] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11As shown in the figure, the inner shell 52 of the water softener according to this embodiment of the present invention has an overflow port 5202, wherein the overflow port 5202 is connected to the brine chamber 5201. Accordingly, the overflow port reduces the risk of leakage for the user. When the water circuit control valve 10 or the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 of the water softener of the present invention leaks, the water will first flow to the brine chamber 5201 and then flow into the sewer through the overflow port 5202. As shown in the figure. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, the water softener according to this embodiment of the present invention further includes a salt addition assembly 40, wherein the salt addition assembly 40 includes a fixed frame 41, two pivot plates 42 and a front cover 43, wherein the fixed frame 41 is disposed above the inner shell 52, the pivot plates 42 are pivotally disposed on opposite sides of the fixed frame 41, and the front cover 43 is disposed on the front side of the two pivot plates 42, thereby forming a salt addition channel 401 with the two pivot plates 42 and the front cover 43, wherein the salt addition channel 401 is connected to the salt inlet 5221 of the cover plate 522.

[0041] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, the outer casing 51 of the water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention includes two side plates 511, a bottom plate 512, a front plate 513, and a rear plate 514, wherein the two side plates 511, the bottom plate 512, the front plate 513, and the rear plate 514 surround to form the first inner cavity 510. Further, the bottom plate 512 is disposed between the two side plates 511; preferably, the two side plates 511 and the rear plate 514 are integrally formed. Furthermore, the base plate 512 forms two fixing holes 5120, wherein the shape and size of the fixing holes 5120 are formed according to the two protrusions 5211 of the bottom 521, so that the two protrusions 5211 of the bottom 521 partially protrude from the two fixing holes 5120 and are constrained by the base plate 512, wherein the two retaining grooves 5210 of the bottom 521 are formed inside the two protrusions 5211. Accordingly, the base plate 512 constrains the two protrusions 5211 of the bottom 521 and provides support for the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32, so that the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 are held in a preset position. It can be understood that the cover plate 522 of the inner shell 52 and the base plate 512 of the outer shell 51 of the water softener of this utility model can enhance the structural strength of the entire water softener.

[0042] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11As shown, the water circuit control valve 10 of the water softener according to this embodiment of the utility model has a knob 11, wherein the knob 11 is disposed in the valve core 12 of the water circuit control valve 10, so that the operator can rotate the valve core 12 by the knob and control the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 in parallel or in series. Further, the side plate 511 of the housing 51 has a switching hole 5111, so that the operator can rotate the knob 11 through the switching hole 5111.

[0043] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, the housing 51 of the water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a top cover 515, wherein the top cover 515 is placed on top of the two side plates 511 and the rear plate 514.

[0044] As shown in the attached image. Figures 1A to 11 As shown, the water softener according to this embodiment of the present invention further includes a salt valve 60, wherein the salt valve 60 is disposed in a recessed position between the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32. The salt valve 60 being disposed in a recessed position between the first softening tank 31 and the second softening tank 32 saves lateral width or longitudinal depth and also facilitates connection and installation with the water circuit control valve 10.

[0045] It is understood that the terms "first" and / or "second" in this document are used only to name different parts (or elements) of the present invention and to distinguish between different parts, elements, and structures of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, they do not in themselves imply any order or number.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings and described above are merely examples of the present invention and not limitations.

[0047] Therefore, it can be seen that the objective of this utility model can be fully and effectively achieved. The embodiments used to explain the function and structural principles of this utility model have been fully described and illustrated, and this utility model is not limited to changes based on the principles of these embodiments. Therefore, this utility model includes all modifications covered within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water softener characterized by comprising: include: An outer shell; An inner shell; A water circuit controller; A first softening tank; and A second softening tank, wherein the outer shell forms a first inner cavity, the inner shell forms a second inner cavity, wherein the inner shell is disposed in the first inner cavity, the first softening tank and the second softening tank are both disposed in the second inner cavity of the inner shell, and the first softening tank and the second softening tank are arranged along the length direction of the second inner cavity, wherein the water circuit controller includes a water circuit control valve and a set of connecting pipes, wherein the water circuit control valve is connected to the first softening tank and the second softening tank respectively through the connecting pipes.

2. The water softener of claim 1, wherein Both the first softening tank and the second softening tank are vertically installed in the second inner cavity, and the height of both the first softening tank and the second softening tank is greater than the depth of the second inner cavity.

3. The water softener of claim 2 wherein, The inner shell has a bottom, wherein the bottom forms two retaining grooves, wherein the shape and size of the two retaining grooves are respectively set according to the bottom end of the first softening tank and the bottom end of the second softening tank, so that the bottom end of the first softening tank and the bottom end of the second softening tank are respectively accommodated in the two retaining grooves.

4. The water softener of claim 3 wherein, The inner shell has a cover plate, wherein the cover plate forms two positioning holes, wherein the shape and size of the two positioning holes are respectively set according to the body of the first softening tank and the body of the second softening tank, so that the body of the first softening tank and the body of the second softening tank are respectively inserted into the two positioning holes.

5. The water softener of claim 4 wherein, The entire bottom end of the first softening tank, the entire bottom end of the second softening tank, at least a portion of the tank body of the first softening tank, and at least a portion of the tank body of the second softening tank are disposed in the second inner cavity, and the cover plate further forms a salt inlet, wherein the salt inlet communicates with the second inner cavity.

6. A water softener as claimed in claim 5 wherein, The inner shell has an overflow port, wherein the overflow port is connected to the brine chamber.

7. The water softener according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer shell includes two side plates, a bottom plate, a front plate, and a rear plate, wherein the two side plates, the bottom plate, the front plate, and the rear plate surround to form the first inner cavity.

8. The water softener according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base plate is disposed between the two side plates, wherein the base plate forms two fixing holes, wherein the shape and size of the fixing holes are formed according to the two protrusions of the bottom, such that the two protrusions of the bottom partially protrude from the two fixing holes and are constrained by the base plate, wherein the two retaining grooves of the bottom are formed inside the two protrusions.

9. The water softener according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water circuit control valve has a knob, which is located on the valve core of the water circuit control valve so that the operator can rotate the valve core by the knob and control the first softening tank and the second softening tank in parallel or in series.

10. The water softener according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, The device further includes a salting assembly comprising a fixed frame, two pivot plates, and a front cover. The fixed frame is positioned above the inner shell, the pivot plates are pivotally positioned on opposite sides of the fixed frame, and the front cover is positioned in front of the two pivot plates, such that the two pivot plates and the front cover form a salting channel, wherein the salting channel communicates with the salt inlet of the cover plate.

11. The water softener according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The water circuit control valve is positioned above either the first softening tank or the second softening tank, or above the space between the first softening tank and the second softening tank.

12. The water softener according to claim 10, characterized in that, It further includes a salt valve, wherein the salt valve is disposed in a recessed position between the first softening tank and the second softening tank.

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