Water distributing device and water softener comprising same
By designing a multi-path water distribution device in the water softener, the first lower water distributor covers the outer side of the upper layer of the resin layer, which solves the problem of low resin layer utilization and improves the softening and regeneration effect and water production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images
Figure CN224337309U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water softeners, and in particular to a water distribution device and a water softener including the same. Background Technology
[0002] A water softener is a device that uses ion exchange resin in a softening tank to remove metal ions such as calcium and magnesium from water, which cause high water hardness, thereby softening the water.
[0003] Currently, most water softeners on the market operate in five modes: softening, backwashing, slow brine flushing, forward flushing, and water replenishment. The slow brine flushing mode primarily involves drawing brine into the tank to provide sufficient sodium ions to the resin, replacing the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed on the resin. This restores the resin's ion exchange capacity; that is, the sodium ions in the resin exchange for calcium and magnesium ions in the water, and the displaced calcium and magnesium ions and other impurities are washed away, ensuring effective softening after resin regeneration.
[0004] A water softener's distribution system typically includes a tank, an upper distributor, a lower distributor, a central pipe, and a resin layer. The upper distributor, lower distributor, and central pipe are installed within the tank, while the resin layer is formed inside the tank. During slow brine washing, brine flows in from the central pipe at the inlet, flows out from the lower distributor, then flows from the bottom of the tank upwards through the resin layer, and finally exits through the upper distributor at the outlet. However, this resin softening and regeneration process has the following problems.
[0005] like Figure 1 As shown, in most water softeners on the market, the lower distributor 2 is usually located at the bottom of the tank 10. The amount of resin particles used to form the resin layer 60 is typically around 10 kg, so the resin particles will densely cover the lower distributor 2. As brine passes through the resin layer 60 from bottom to top, it cannot completely cover all the resin particles; statistically, the particle regeneration rate is usually around 60%. The remaining 40% of unregenerated resin particles are usually located on the upper outer half of the resin particle layer, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the arrows schematically illustrate the flow path L of brine in the central pipe 1 and resin layer 60. The low utilization rate of the upper resin particles and the poor overall particle softening and regeneration effect lead to a reduction in the amount of softened water produced by the subsequent water softening process. This also fundamentally affects the performance parameters of the water softener, resulting in a low cycle water production. Utility Model Content
[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defect that the upper layer of the soft water resin layer in the existing water distribution device is less covered by salt water and has a low utilization rate, and to provide a water distribution device and a water softener including the same.
[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:
[0008] A water distribution device is used in a water softener. The water distribution device includes a tank, a central pipe, a lower water distributor, and a resin layer. Along the flow direction of brine in the central pipe, the central pipe includes a first central pipe and a second central pipe that are connected to each other. The lower water distributor includes a first lower water distributor and a second lower water distributor.
[0009] The first water distributor is connected between the outlet end of the first central pipe and the inlet end of the second central pipe, and the second water distributor is connected to the outlet end of the second central pipe.
[0010] The water distribution device is configured to form a first brine flow path and a second brine flow path.
[0011] The first brine flow path flows sequentially from the inlet end of the first central pipe through the outlet end of the first central pipe, the outlet of the first lower water distributor, and through the resin layer from bottom to top.
[0012] The second brine flow path flows sequentially from the inlet end of the first central pipe through the outlet end of the first central pipe, the outlet of the first lower water distributor, the inlet end of the second central pipe, the outlet end of the second central pipe, the second lower water distributor, and through the resin layer from bottom to top.
[0013] In this scheme, the brine flowing into the first central pipe is partially diffused into the resin layer via the first lower distributor according to the first brine flow path, and the other part diffuses into the resin layer via the second distributor according to the second brine flow path. The first lower distributor is located above the second lower distributor. The brine flowing into the resin layer according to the first brine flow path can effectively cover the upper outer area of the resin layer, increasing the coverage area of the resin particles, effectively improving the softening and regeneration effect of the resin particles, and thus improving the utilization rate of the resin particles.
[0014] Preferably, the first lower water distributor has a central outlet and an external circumferential outlet surrounding the central outlet;
[0015] The central outlet is connected to the inlet end of the second central pipe to serve as the outlet of the first lower distributor in the second brine flow path.
[0016] The circumferential outlet is the outlet of the first lower water distributor in the first brine flow path.
[0017] Preferably, the flow rate of the brine flowing out from the circumferential outlet is not less than the flow rate of the brine flowing out from the central outlet.
[0018] In this scheme, by adopting the above-mentioned settings, the flow rate of brine flowing out from the circumferential outlet is relatively large, which can effectively ensure the amount of brine flowing along the first brine flow path, thereby effectively covering the upper outer area of the resin layer, effectively improving the softening and regeneration effect of the resin particles, and helping to further improve the utilization rate of the resin particles.
[0019] Preferably, the opening size of the central outlet is smaller than the diameter of the first central tube.
[0020] In this scheme, based on the "wall-climbing" characteristic of water flow in the pipe, the opening size of the middle outlet is set to be smaller than the diameter of the first central pipe. Consequently, the width of the inner wall structure of the first lower water distributor is smaller than the diameter of the first central pipe, preventing most of the vertically downward brine in the first central pipe from flowing into the second central pipe through the inner wall structure, thereby ensuring the brine flow rate in the first brine flow path.
[0021] Preferably, in the height direction of the tank, the first lower water distributor is located above the middle of the resin layer.
[0022] In this solution, the first lower water distributor is positioned above the middle of the resin layer, which allows the brine to more effectively cover the resin particles in the upper outer area of the resin layer, thereby more effectively solving the problem of low resin particle utilization in the resin layer.
[0023] Preferably, the mass of the resin layer is m, the density of the resin particles in the resin layer is ρ, the radius of the tank is r, and the height of the resin layer in the tank is H = m / (ρπr). 2 The first lower water distributor is located at position h, and along the direction from the top to the bottom of the resin layer, 1 / 3H≤h≤1 / 2H.
[0024] In this solution, setting the first water distributor at the aforementioned location allows the utilization rate of resin particles to be controlled within the optimal range.
[0025] Preferably, the central hole of the second central tube is used to allow brine to flow through, and the diameter of the central hole of the second central tube gradually increases along the brine flow direction in the second central tube.
[0026] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural configuration can reduce the flow resistance in the second brine flow path, which is beneficial to optimizing the brine flow distribution in the resin layer.
[0027] Preferably, the first central tube and the second central tube are coaxially arranged.
[0028] In this design, the aforementioned structural arrangement facilitates the rapid flow of brine from the first central tube into the second central tube, promoting uniform upward diffusion of the brine within the resin layer. Furthermore, this arrangement also facilitates the connection between the first and second central tubes.
[0029] Preferably, the water distribution device further includes an upper water distributor located inside the tank, the upper water distributor being disposed at the inlet end of the first central pipe.
[0030] This utility model also provides a water softener, which includes the above-mentioned water distribution device.
[0031] In this solution, the water distribution device can effectively cover the upper outer area of the resin layer, which can effectively improve the softening and regeneration effect of the resin particles, improve the utilization rate of the resin particles, and thus increase the amount of soft water produced by the subsequent water softener. This can optimize the performance parameters of the water softener and increase the cycle water production of the water softener.
[0032] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0033] In the water distribution device of this application, a portion of the brine flowing into the first central pipe diffuses through the resin layer via the first lower water distributor according to the first brine flow path, while the other portion diffuses through the second water distributor according to the second brine flow path. The first lower water distributor is located above the second lower water distributor. The brine flowing into the resin layer according to the first brine flow path effectively covers the upper outer area of the resin layer, effectively improving the softening and regeneration effect of the resin particles and increasing their utilization rate. Consequently, this increases the softened water production capacity of the subsequent water softener, optimizes its performance parameters, and increases its cycle water production. Attached Figure Description
[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of brine in a water distribution device in the prior art.
[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of brine in a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Reference signs
[0040] Water distribution device 100
[0041] Central tube 1
[0042] Water distributor 2
[0043] Tank 10
[0044] First Central Pipeline 20
[0045] First water distributor 30
[0046] Central Export 301
[0047] Circumferential Export 302
[0048] Second central tube 40
[0049] Second water distributor 50
[0050] Resin layer 60
[0051] Water distributor 70
[0052] 80 outlet
[0053] First brine flow path L1
[0054] Second brine flow path L2 Detailed Implementation
[0055] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments thereon.
[0056] like Figures 2 to 5As shown, this embodiment provides a water distribution device 100. Specifically, the water distribution device 100 includes a tank 10, a central pipe 1, a lower water distributor 2, and a resin layer 60. Along the flow direction of the brine in the central pipe 1, the central pipe 1 includes a first central pipe 20 and a second central pipe 40 connected to each other. The lower water distributor 2 includes a first lower water distributor 30 and a second lower water distributor 50. The first lower water distributor 30 is connected between the outlet end of the first central pipe 20 and the inlet end of the second central pipe 40, and the second lower water distributor 50 is connected to the outlet end of the second central pipe 40. The water distribution device 100 is configured to form a first brine flow path L1 and a second brine flow path L2. The first brine flow path L1 flows sequentially from the inlet end of the first central pipe 20, through the outlet end of the first central pipe 20, the outlet of the first lower water distributor 30, and through the resin layer 60 from bottom to top. The second brine flow path L2 flows sequentially from the inlet end of the first central pipe 20, through the outlet end of the first central pipe 20, the outlet of the first lower distributor 30, the inlet end of the second central pipe 40, the outlet end of the second central pipe 40, the second lower distributor 50, and through the resin layer 60 from bottom to top. Figure 5 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of the brine flow.
[0057] In this embodiment, the brine flowing into the first central pipe 20 is partially diffused in the resin layer 60 via the first lower distributor 30 according to the first brine flow path L1, and the other part is diffused in the resin layer 60 via the second distributor according to the second brine flow path L2. The first lower distributor 30 is located above the second lower distributor 50. The brine flowing into the resin layer 60 along the first brine flow path L1 can effectively cover the upper outer area of the resin layer 60, increasing the coverage area of the resin particles, effectively improving the softening and regeneration effect of the resin particles, and thus improving the utilization rate of the resin particles.
[0058] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the first lower water distributor 30 has a central outlet 301 and a circumferential outlet 302 surrounding the central outlet 301. The central outlet 301 is connected to the inlet end of the second central pipe 40 to serve as the outlet of the first lower water distributor 30 in the second brine flow path L2. The circumferential outlet 302 is the outlet of the first lower water distributor 30 in the first brine flow path L1.
[0059] Furthermore, the flow rate of brine flowing out from the circumferential outlet 302 is not less than the flow rate of brine flowing out from the central outlet 301.
[0060] With this configuration, the flow rate of brine flowing out from the circumferential outlet 302 is relatively large, which can effectively ensure the amount of brine flowing along the first brine flow path L1, thereby effectively covering the upper outer area of the resin layer 60, effectively improving the softening and regeneration effect of the resin particles, and helping to further improve the utilization rate of the resin particles.
[0061] As a preferred configuration, the opening size of the central outlet 301 is smaller than the diameter of the first central pipe 20. This configuration, based on the "wall-climbing" characteristic of water flow within the pipe, sets the opening size of the central outlet 301 smaller than the diameter of the first central pipe 20. Consequently, the width of the inner wall structure of the first lower water distributor 30 is smaller than the diameter of the first central pipe 20, preventing most of the vertically downward-flowing brine in the first central pipe 20 from flowing through the inner wall structure into the second central pipe 40. This ensures the brine flow rate in the first brine flow path L1.
[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, in the height direction of the tank 10, the first lower water distributor 30 is located above the middle of the resin layer 60. This arrangement allows the brine to more effectively cover the resin particles in the upper outer area of the resin layer 60, thereby more effectively solving the problem of low resin particle utilization in the resin layer 60.
[0063] Specifically, the mass of resin layer 60 is m, the density of resin particles in resin layer 60 is ρ, the radius of tank 10 is r, and the height of resin layer 60 in tank 10 is H = m / (ρπr). 2 The first lower water distributor 30 is positioned at point h, and along the direction from the top to the bottom of the resin layer 60, 1 / 3H ≤ h ≤ 1 / 2H, meaning the height ratio of h to H is between 1 / 3 and 1 / 2. Positioning the first lower water distributor 30 within this range allows for optimal control of resin particle utilization.
[0064] Furthermore, the central hole of the second central tube 40 is used to allow brine to flow through, such as... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, along the brine flow direction in the second central tube 40, the diameter of the central hole of the second central tube 40 gradually increases. This arrangement reduces the flow resistance in the second brine flow path L2, optimizes the brine flow distribution in the resin layer 60, ensures that the difference in brine flow rate between the first brine flow path L1 and the second brine flow path L2 is not too large, and improves water distribution efficiency.
[0065] Reference Figures 3 to 5 It is understood that the first central tube 20 and the second central tube 40 are coaxially arranged. This arrangement facilitates the rapid flow of brine from the first central tube 20 into the second central tube 40, and promotes the uniform upward diffusion of the brine within the resin layer 60. Furthermore, this arrangement also facilitates the splicing of the first central tube 20 and the second central tube 40.
[0066] like Figures 2 to 4It is understood that the water distribution device 100 also includes an upper water distributor 70 located inside the tank 10. The upper water distributor 70 is located at the inlet end of the first central pipe 20. An outlet 80 is also provided above the upper water distributor 70. The brine in the second brine flow path L2 passes through the resin layer 60, then through the upper water distributor 70, and finally flows out through the outlet 80.
[0067] It should be noted that the structures of the upper water distributor 70, the first lower water distributor 30, and the second lower water distributor 50 can all adopt the existing water distributor configuration, which will not be elaborated here.
[0068] This embodiment also provides a water softener, which includes the above-mentioned water distribution device 100. Since the water distribution device 100 can effectively cover the upper outer area of the resin layer 60, it can effectively improve the softening and regeneration effect of the resin particles, which is conducive to improving the utilization rate of the resin particles, thereby increasing the amount of soft water produced by the subsequent water softener, optimizing the performance parameters of the water softener, and increasing the cycle water production of the water softener.
[0069] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "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, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0070] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A water distribution device for use in a water softener, the water distribution device comprising a tank, a central pipe, a lower water distributor, and a resin layer, characterized in that, Along the flow direction of the brine in the central tube, the central tube includes a first central tube and a second central tube that are connected to each other, and the lower water distributor includes a first lower water distributor and a second lower water distributor. The first water distributor is connected between the outlet end of the first central pipe and the inlet end of the second central pipe, and the second water distributor is connected to the outlet end of the second central pipe. The water distribution device is configured to form a first brine flow path and a second brine flow path. The first brine flow path flows sequentially from the inlet end of the first central pipe through the outlet end of the first central pipe, the outlet of the first lower water distributor, and through the resin layer from bottom to top. The second brine flow path flows sequentially from the inlet end of the first central pipe through the outlet end of the first central pipe, the outlet of the first lower water distributor, the inlet end of the second central pipe, the outlet end of the second central pipe, the second lower water distributor, and through the resin layer from bottom to top.
2. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first lower water distributor has a central outlet and an external circumferential outlet surrounding the central outlet; The central outlet is connected to the inlet end of the second central pipe to serve as the outlet of the first lower distributor in the second brine flow path. The circumferential outlet is the outlet of the first lower water distributor in the first brine flow path.
3. The water distribution device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The flow rate of the brine flowing out from the circumferential outlet is not less than the flow rate of the brine flowing out from the central outlet.
4. The water distribution device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The opening size of the central outlet is smaller than the diameter of the first central tube.
5. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the height direction of the tank, the first lower water distributor is located above the middle of the resin layer.
6. The water distribution device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mass of the resin layer is m, the density of the resin particles in the resin layer is ρ, the radius of the tank is r, and the height of the resin layer in the tank is H = m / (ρπr). 2 The first lower water distributor is located at position h, and along the direction from the top to the bottom of the resin layer, 1 / 3H≤h≤1 / 2H.
7. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The central hole of the second central tube is used to allow brine to flow through, and the diameter of the central hole of the second central tube gradually increases along the brine flow direction in the second central tube.
8. The water distribution device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first central tube and the second central tube are coaxially arranged.
9. The water distribution device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The water distribution device also includes an upper water distributor located inside the tank, which is disposed at the inlet end of the first central pipe.
10. A water softener, characterized in that, The water softener includes a water distribution device as described in any one of claims 1-9 above.