Soft water system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a water softening system, relating to the field of water softening technology, comprising: an inlet water path; a water path switching mechanism having an inlet section, a soft water outlet section, a drain section, a first port, and a second port, the inlet section being able to communicate with the inlet water path; a softening tank for holding soft water material, the first port being connected to the first water outlet of the softening tank, and the second port being connected to the second water outlet of the softening tank; a flow detection unit for detecting the flow rate of water discharged from the drain section; a soft water output water path connected to the soft water outlet section; a bypass water path, the inlet water path being able to communicate with the soft water output water path through the bypass water path, the water path switching mechanism being able to control the connection and disconnection between the inlet water path and the inlet section, and between the inlet water path and the soft water output water path through the bypass water path; and a control unit electrically connected to the flow detection unit and the water path switching mechanism. This application can solve the problem of continuous drainage in soft water systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of soft water technology, and in particular to a soft water system. Background Technology

[0002] In modern residential and industrial water use scenarios, water softeners, as large-scale water-using equipment, soften hard water through softening materials in the softening tank, effectively reducing the content of calcium, magnesium, and other ions in the water and improving water quality. To ensure the softening effect, when the softening materials in the softening tank reach the end of their lifespan, they need to be regenerated. In addition, flushing or backwashing operations can be performed as needed. All water generated during the above operations must be discharged from the drain outlet in a timely manner.

[0003] Water softeners rely on a water path switching mechanism to switch water paths, ensuring smooth operation for various tasks. However, in actual operation, this mechanism has significant flaws. If the switching mechanism malfunctions during switching—for example, during regeneration or backwashing operations requiring drainage—it may fail to switch to the next station due to internal valve jamming or other faults, or it may be unable to switch to a station without drainage. In this case, the water softener will continuously drain water, resulting in leakage. This continuous leakage not only wastes water resources but can also lead to serious safety and quality incidents such as flooding of homes, causing severe economic losses and disruption to users' lives. This has become a key technical bottleneck restricting the stable and reliable operation of water softeners. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a soft water system that can solve the problem of continuous drainage in soft water systems.

[0005] The specific technical solution of this utility model embodiment is as follows:

[0006] A water softening system, the water softening system comprising:

[0007] Water inlet channel;

[0008] A water circuit switching mechanism, comprising a water inlet, a soft water outlet, a drainage section, a first port, and a second port, wherein the water inlet is connected to the water inlet channel;

[0009] A softening tank for holding soft water materials, wherein the first port is connected to the first water outlet of the softening tank, and the second port is connected to the second water outlet of the softening tank;

[0010] A flow detection unit is used to detect the flow rate of water discharged from the drainage section;

[0011] A soft water output channel, wherein the soft water output channel is connected to the soft water outlet section;

[0012] A bypass water passage is provided, through which the inlet water passage can be connected to the soft water outlet water passage. The water passage switching mechanism can control the connection and disconnection between the inlet water passage and the inlet section, and between the inlet water passage and the soft water outlet water passage via the bypass water passage.

[0013] The control unit is electrically connected to the flow detection unit and the water path switching mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the soft water system has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the water path switching mechanism controls the water inlet path to be in a connected state with the water inlet section, and the water inlet path to be in a disconnected state with the soft water output path through the bypass path.

[0015] In the second state, the water circuit switching mechanism controls the water inlet circuit to be disconnected from the water inlet section, and the water inlet circuit is connected to the soft water output circuit through the bypass circuit.

[0016] Preferably, the control unit switches the water path switching mechanism according to the flow rate value detected by the flow detection unit, so that the soft water system is in a first state or a second state.

[0017] Preferably, the water circuit switching mechanism includes a first sub-water circuit switching mechanism and a second sub-water circuit switching mechanism. The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has the water inlet, the soft water outlet, the drainage, the first port, and the second port. The second sub-water circuit switching mechanism controls the connection and disconnection between the water inlet circuit and the water inlet, and the connection and disconnection between the water inlet circuit and the soft water outlet circuit through the bypass circuit.

[0018] The control unit is electrically connected to the first sub-waterway switching mechanism and the second sub-waterway switching mechanism, respectively.

[0019] Preferably, the control unit controls the first sub-waterway switching mechanism based on the position status of the first sub-waterway switching mechanism and the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit.

[0020] Preferably, the control unit switches the second sub-waterway switching mechanism according to the position status of the first sub-waterway switching mechanism and the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit.

[0021] Preferably, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a detection unit for detecting its own position state to obtain the position state.

[0022] Preferably, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a first waterway switching component, which achieves switching between different position states by rotating to different angles and / or moving along the axial direction to different positions.

[0023] Preferably, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a first position state, in which the water inlet is connected to the first port and the second port is connected to the soft water outlet.

[0024] Preferably, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a second position state, in which the water inlet is connected to the second port and the first port is connected to the drainage section.

[0025] Preferably, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section, and the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a third position state in which the water inlet section is connected to the regenerated liquid input section.

[0026] Preferably, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section and a fourth position state, in which the water inlet section, the regenerated liquid input section and the second port are connected, and the first port is connected to the drainage section.

[0027] Preferably, the soft water system further includes a regeneration container for holding regenerated materials, the regeneration container being connected to the regenerated liquid inlet.

[0028] Preferably, the soft water system further includes a Venturi mechanism, the throat of which forms the regenerated liquid input section; the water inlet section is connected to the second port after passing through the inlet and outlet of the Venturi mechanism, so that the water input through the water inlet section will draw in and mix the regenerated material as it flows through the Venturi mechanism before being input into the second port.

[0029] Preferably, the soft water system further includes:

[0030] An integrated valve, comprising the inlet water passage, the first sub-water passage switching mechanism, the soft water output water passage, the bypass water passage, and the second sub-water passage switching mechanism.

[0031] Preferably, the integrated valve includes a housing, which has an inlet port, a soft water outlet port, and a drain port; an inlet water passage is formed between the inlet port and the inlet section; a soft water output water passage is formed between the soft water outlet section and the soft water outlet port; and the drain port is connected to the drain section.

[0032] At least a portion of the second sub-waterway switching mechanism is disposed within the housing and is movable to allow the second sub-waterway switching mechanism to have a first position and a second position;

[0033] When the second sub-water circuit switching mechanism is in the first position, the water inlet port and the water inlet part are in a connected state. The second sub-water circuit switching mechanism moves to the position of disconnecting the soft water output water circuit.

[0034] When the second sub-water circuit switching mechanism is in the second position, the second sub-water circuit switching mechanism moves to a position where the water inlet port and the water inlet part are disconnected, and the water inlet port is connected to the soft water outlet port.

[0035] Preferably, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a first port and a second port disposed on the housing, a water inlet, a soft water outlet, and a drain formed inside the housing; the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism further includes: a first water circuit switching member disposed inside the housing; and a driving mechanism that drives the first water circuit switching member to move along its own axial direction to realize the opening and closing of the drain, the opening and closing of the water inlet and the first port, the opening and closing of the water inlet and the second port, the opening and closing of the soft water outlet and the second port, and the opening and closing of the water inlet and the soft water outlet.

[0036] Preferably, the drainage section, the water inlet section, and the soft water outlet section are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the first water circuit switching component;

[0037] The first water circuit switching component has a first blocking part, a second blocking part, and a third blocking part arranged along the axial direction of the first water circuit switching component; when the first water circuit switching component moves, the first blocking part realizes the connection and disconnection between the drainage part and the first port, and the second blocking part realizes the connection and disconnection between the water inlet part and the first port;

[0038] The third blocking part enables the connection and disconnection between the water inlet and the soft water outlet, and between the water inlet and the second port;

[0039] The third blocking part enables the connection and disconnection between the second port and the soft water outlet.

[0040] Preferably, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a first position state. In the first position state, the first blocking part disconnects the drainage part from the first port, and the third blocking part disconnects the water inlet part from the soft water outlet part and the second port.

[0041] The first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a second position state. In the second position state, the first blocking part connects the drainage part to the first port, and the third blocking part connects the water inlet part to the second port.

[0042] The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section and a third position state. In the third position state, the first blocking section disconnects the drainage section from the first port, the second blocking section disconnects the water inlet section from the first port, and the third blocking section disconnects the water inlet section from the second port while connecting the water inlet section to the regenerated liquid input section.

[0043] Preferably, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section, which is connected to the second port and can be connected to the water inlet section;

[0044] The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a fourth position state. In the fourth position state, the first blocking part connects the drainage part to the first port, the second blocking part disconnects the water inlet part from the first port, and the third blocking part disconnects the water inlet part from the second port and connects the water inlet part to the regenerated liquid input part, so that the water inlet part is connected to the second port through the regenerated liquid input part.

[0045] Preferably, the housing has a regenerated liquid inlet port, and a regenerated liquid inlet water passage is formed between the regenerated liquid inlet port and the regenerated liquid inlet section;

[0046] The integrated valve further includes a third sub-water circuit switching mechanism, which can control the on / off state of the regenerated liquid input water circuit.

[0047] Preferably, the integrated valve includes: a Venturi mechanism, the throat of which forms the regenerated liquid inlet; the inlet of the Venturi mechanism is connected to the water inlet, and the outlet of the Venturi mechanism is connected to the second port, so that the water inlet can be connected to the second port after passing through the inlet and outlet of the Venturi mechanism.

[0048] The technical solution of this utility model has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0049] During normal operation of the water softening system, the inlet section is connected to the inlet water path, which is disconnected from the water softening output path via the bypass water path. Water entering through the inlet water path enters the inlet section of the water path switching mechanism. At this time, the water entering the inlet section can enter the softening tank through the first port to soften the water. The softened water then returns to the water path switching mechanism through the second port and is subsequently output from the water softening output path. When the water softening system needs to perform certain functional operations on the softening tank, such as regeneration or backwashing, the water entering the inlet section can enter the softening tank through one of the first and second ports to perform the corresponding functional operations. The water then returns to the water path switching mechanism through the other of the first and second ports. The water discharged from the softening tank then needs to be discharged through the drain section. If the water path switching mechanism malfunctions, the drain section remains connected to the other of the first and second ports and cannot be disconnected, causing water to continuously discharge from the drain section. At this time, the flow detection unit detects the flow rate of the water discharged from the drainage section. When an abnormal flow rate is detected, the control unit controls the water circuit switching mechanism based on the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit. This causes the water circuit switching mechanism to connect the inlet water circuit to the soft water output circuit via the bypass water circuit, and disconnect the inlet water circuit from the inlet section. Afterward, the water input from the inlet water circuit is directly input to the soft water output circuit via the bypass water circuit. At this point, the water output by the soft water system is unsoftened water, ensuring a normal supply of ordinary water and preventing situations where users cannot obtain water. This method solves the problem of continuous drainage caused by malfunctions in the water circuit switching mechanism, avoiding water waste caused by continuous drainage and preventing potentially serious safety and quality accidents such as flooding of user homes. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement this invention according to specific circumstances.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the soft water system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated valve in the first position state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated valve in the second position state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the integrated valve in the third position state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the integrated valve in the fourth position state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the second sub-waterway switching mechanism in the second position in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0057] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0058] 1. Water inlet path; 2. Water path switching mechanism; 21. Water inlet section; 22. Soft water outlet section; 23. Drainage section; 24. First port; 25. Second port; 26. First sub-water path switching mechanism; 264. Regenerated liquid input section; 265. First water path switching component; 2651. First blocking section; 2652. Second blocking section; 2653. Third blocking section; 27. Second sub-water path switching mechanism; 28. Regenerated liquid input port; 3. Flow detection unit; 4. Soft water output path; 5. Bypass path; 6. Venturi mechanism; 7. Housing; 71. Water inlet port; 72. Soft water outlet port; 73. Drainage port; 8. Third sub-water path switching mechanism; 10. Integrated valve. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The details of this utility model can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the description of specific embodiments. However, the specific embodiments of this utility model described herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the utility model in any way. Under the teachings of this utility model, those skilled in the art can conceive of any possible modifications based on this utility model, and these should all be considered to fall within the scope of this utility model.

[0060] To address the issue of continuous drainage in soft water systems, this application proposes a soft water system. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the soft water system in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1As shown, the soft water system may include: an inlet water path 1; a water path switching mechanism 2, which has an inlet section 21, a soft water outlet section 22, a drain section 23, a first port 24, and a second port 25, wherein the inlet section 21 can be connected to the inlet water path 1; a softening tank for holding soft water materials, wherein the first port 24 is connected to the first water outlet of the softening tank, and the second port 25 is connected to the second water outlet of the softening tank; a flow detection unit 3, which is used to detect the flow rate of the water discharged from the drain section 23; a soft water output water path 4, which is connected to the soft water outlet section 22; a bypass water path 5, through which the inlet water path 1 can be connected to the soft water output water path 4, and the water path switching mechanism 2 can control the connection and disconnection between the inlet water path 1 and the inlet section 21, and between the inlet water path 1 and the soft water output water path 4 through the bypass water path 5; and a control unit, which is electrically connected to the flow detection unit 3 and the water path switching mechanism 2.

[0061] During normal operation of the soft water system, the inlet section 21 is connected to the inlet water passage 1. The inlet water passage 1 is disconnected from the soft water output passage 4 via the bypass water passage 5. Water entering the inlet section 21 of the water switching mechanism 2 flows into the inlet section 21. At this time, the water entering the inlet section 21 can enter the softening tank through the first port 24 to soften the water. The softened water then returns to the water switching mechanism 2 through the second port 25 and is then output from the soft water output passage 4. When the soft water system needs to perform certain functional operations on the soft water tank, such as regeneration or backwashing, the water entering the inlet section 21 can enter the softening tank through one of the first port 24 and the second port 25 to perform the corresponding functional operations. The water then returns to the water switching mechanism 2 through the other of the first port 24 and the second port 25. The water discharged from the soft water tank then needs to be discharged through the drain section 23. If the water switching mechanism 2 malfunctions, the drain section 23 remains connected to the other of the first port 24 and the second port 25 and cannot be disconnected, causing water to continuously discharge from the drain section 23. At this time, the flow detection unit 3 detects the flow rate of the water discharged from the drainage section 23. When an abnormal flow rate is detected, the control unit controls the water circuit switching mechanism 2 based on the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit 3. This causes the water circuit switching mechanism 2 to connect the inlet water circuit 1 to the soft water output water circuit 4 via the bypass water circuit 5, and disconnect the inlet water circuit 1 from the inlet section 21. Afterward, the water input from the inlet water circuit 1 is directly input to the soft water output water circuit 4 via the bypass water circuit 5. At this time, the water output by the soft water system is unsoftened water, ensuring at least a normal supply of ordinary water and preventing users from being unable to obtain water. This method solves the problem of continuous drainage from the drainage section 23 due to an abnormality in the water circuit switching mechanism 2, avoiding water waste caused by continuous drainage and preventing potential major safety and quality accidents such as flooding of user homes.

[0062] The inlet water passage 1 is used to connect to a water source to receive water output from the source. The water passage switching mechanism 2 controls the connection or disconnection between the inlet section 21 and the inlet water passage 1. The water passage switching mechanism 2 also controls the connection or disconnection between the inlet water passage 1 and the soft water output water passage 4 via the bypass water passage 5. Therefore, the soft water system can have a first state and a second state, such as... Figure 2 As shown, in the first state, the water circuit switching mechanism 2 controls the inlet water circuit 1 and the inlet section 21 to be in a connected state, while the inlet water circuit 1 is disconnected from the soft water output water circuit 4 through the bypass water circuit 5. Figure 6 As shown, in the second state, the water circuit switching mechanism 2 controls the water inlet water circuit 1 and the water inlet section 21 to be disconnected, and the water inlet water circuit 1 is connected to the soft water output water circuit 4 through the bypass water circuit 5.

[0063] Furthermore, since the flow detection unit 3 is used to detect the flow rate of the water discharged from the drainage section 23, and the control unit is electrically connected to the flow detection unit 3 and the water path switching mechanism 2, the control unit can switch the water path switching mechanism 2 according to the flow rate value detected by the flow detection unit 3 so that the soft water system is in the first state or the second state.

[0064] The water circuit switching mechanism 2 can control the connection and disconnection between the inlet section 21 and the first port 24, the inlet section 21 and the second port 25, the soft water outlet section 22 and the second port 25, and the outlet section 23 and the first port 24 and the second port 25, respectively. By controlling the connection and disconnection between the inlet section 21, the first port 24, the second port 25, the soft water outlet section 22, and the outlet section 23, the water circuit switching mechanism 2 can enable the soft water system to perform different functional operations on the softening tank.

[0065] In one feasible embodiment, the water path switching mechanism 2 includes a first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 and a second sub-water path switching mechanism 27. The first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 has a water inlet section 21, a soft water outlet section 22, a drain section 23, a first port 24, and a second port 25. The second sub-water path switching mechanism 27 controls the connection and disconnection between the water inlet path 1 and the water inlet section 21, and the connection and disconnection between the water inlet path 1 and the soft water outlet path 4 via the bypass path 5. The control unit is electrically connected to the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 and the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27, respectively.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the main function of the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism 26 is to perform water circuit control on the softening tank by performing different functional operations.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the control unit can control the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 according to its position and the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit 3. If the water path switching mechanism 2 malfunctions, the drain section 23 remains connected to the other of the first port 24 and the second port 25, and water continues to flow out of the drain section 23. At this time, the flow detection unit 3 detects the flow rate of the water discharged from the drain section 23. When it detects an abnormal flow rate or when it detects water discharge and the duration of the discharge exceeds the normal time range, the control unit controls the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 according to the flow rate of the water discharged from the drain section 23 detected by the flow detection unit 3, so that the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 can switch to the initial position or the position where the drain section 23 is disconnected from the first port 24 and / or the second port 25, so that water no longer flows out of the drain section 23.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the control unit switches the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27 according to the position status of the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 and the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit 3. If the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 cannot be switched to the initial position or the position where the drain section 23 is disconnected from the first port 24 and / or the second port 25, the control unit can switch the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27 according to the position status of the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 and the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit 3, thereby switching the soft water system to the second state through the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27.

[0069] When the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 malfunctions, the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27, which is an independent switching mechanism, can reliably switch the soft water system to the second state.

[0070] In the above embodiments, as feasible, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 may have a detection unit for detecting its own position status to obtain the position status. When a detection unit is present, the control unit can accurately know the actual position status of the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26. Otherwise, the control unit cannot accurately know where the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 is stuck. For example, when the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 switches from position A to position C, it may pass through position B. If the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 gets stuck at this time, the control unit cannot know whether the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 is stuck at position B or position C. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately know the actual position status of the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 through the detection unit. The detection unit can take many forms. For example, the detection unit can use a Hall sensor to obtain the position status of the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26.

[0071] In one feasible implementation, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 has a first waterway switching component 265, which can switch between different position states by rotating to different angles and / or moving along the axial direction to different positions.

[0072] As a feasible option, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 can have a first position state. In the first position state, the water inlet 21 is connected to the first port 24, and the second port 25 is connected to the soft water outlet 22. When the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 is in the first position state, the water input from the water inlet 21 enters the softening tank through the first port 24. After passing through the softening material, the water is converted into soft water. The soft water flows out of the softening tank through the second port 25. Then, the soft water is output from the soft water outlet 22 and supplied to the user through the soft water output water path 4.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism 26 can have a second position state. In the second position state, the water inlet 21 is connected to the second port 25, and the first port 24 is connected to the drain 23. In the second position state, the softened water material in the softening tank can be backwashed. Water input from the water inlet 21 enters the softening tank through the second port 25, backwashes the softened water material in the softening tank, and then flows out of the softening tank through the first port 24. After that, the water is discharged from the drain 23.

[0074] The first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 may include a regenerated liquid input section 264. The regenerated liquid input section 264 receives input regenerated liquid, which is used to regenerate depleted water softening material, enabling the material to regain its lifespan and continue water softening treatment. Furthermore, the water softening system may include a regeneration container for holding regenerated material, the container being connected to the regenerated liquid input section 264. Regenerated liquid can be formed within the regeneration container using the regenerated material, and this regenerated liquid can be input into the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 through the regenerated liquid input section 264.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism 26 can have a third position state. In the third position state, the water inlet 21 is connected to the regenerated liquid input section 264, and further, the first port 24 is disconnected from the drain section 23. In the third position state, water can be added to the regeneration container. Water input from the water inlet 21 enters the regeneration container through the regenerated liquid input section 264 to replenish the regeneration container. The regenerated material in the regeneration container can then form regenerated liquid.

[0076] like Figure 5As shown, the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism 26 can have a fourth position state. In the fourth position state, the water inlet 21, the regenerated liquid input 264, and the second port 25 are connected, and the first port 24 is connected to the drain 23. In the fourth position state, the soft water material in the softening tank can be regenerated. The water input from the water inlet 21 and the regenerated liquid input from the regenerated liquid input 264 are mixed to dilute the regenerated liquid, and then they enter the softening tank together through the second port 25. The regenerated liquid regenerates the soft water material in the softening tank. After reacting with the soft water material, the regenerated liquid flows out of the softening tank through the first port 24. Then, the regenerated liquid is discharged from the drain 23.

[0077] To ensure that the regenerated liquid input from the self-regenerating liquid input section 264 can be actively and evenly mixed with the water input from the water inlet section 21, a feasible soft water system may include: a Venturi mechanism 6, the throat of which forms the regenerated liquid input section 264; the water inlet section 21 is connected to the second port 25 after passing through the inlet and outlet of the Venturi mechanism 6, so that the water input from the water inlet section 21 draws in the regenerated material, mixes it, and then inputs it to the second port 25 as it flows through the Venturi mechanism 6. In this way, since the water input from the water inlet section 21 itself possesses kinetic energy, the regenerated liquid input from the self-regenerating liquid input section 264 can be evenly mixed with the water input from the water inlet section 21 without requiring any additional driving force.

[0078] The first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 and the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27 can be two independent valve devices, or they can form an integrated valve 10. Alternatively, the soft water system may include an integrated valve 10, which has an inlet water path 1, a first sub-water path switching mechanism 26, a soft water outlet water path 4, a bypass water path 5, and a second sub-water path switching mechanism 27. This approach allows for greater integration of components within the soft water system.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the integrated valve 10 may include a housing 7. The housing 7 has a water inlet port 71, a soft water outlet port 72, and a drain port 73. A water inlet passage 1 is formed between the water inlet port 71 and the water inlet section 21. A soft water outlet passage 4 is formed between the soft water outlet section 22 and the soft water outlet port 72. The drain port 73 communicates with the drain section 23. At least a portion of the second sub-water passage switching mechanism 27 is disposed within the housing 7 and is movable to have a first position and a second position. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, when the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27 is in the first position, the inlet port 71 and the inlet section 21 are in a connected state. The second sub-water path switching mechanism 27 moves to the position where the soft water output path 4 is disconnected. When the second sub-water path switching mechanism 27 is in the second position, as shown... Figure 6As shown, the second sub-water circuit switching mechanism 27 moves to the position where the water inlet port 71 and the water inlet section 21 are disconnected, and the water inlet port 71 is connected to the soft water outlet port 72.

[0080] Furthermore, the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 has a first port 24 and a second port 25 disposed on the housing 7, a water inlet 21, a soft water outlet 22, and a drain 23 formed inside the housing 7. The first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 also includes: a first water path switching member 265 disposed inside the housing 7; and a driving mechanism that drives the first water path switching member 265 to move along its own axial direction to realize the opening and closing of the drain 23, the opening and closing of the water inlet 21 and the first port 24, the opening and closing of the water inlet 21 and the second port 25, the opening and closing of the soft water outlet 22 and the second port 25, and the opening and closing of the water inlet 21 and the soft water outlet 22.

[0081] In one specific embodiment, as feasible, the drain section 23, the inlet section 21, and the soft water outlet section 22 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the first water path switching member 265. The first water path switching member 265 has a first blocking section 2651, a second blocking section 2652, and a third blocking section 2653 arranged along the axial direction of the first water path switching member 265. When the first water path switching member 265 moves, the first blocking section 2651 switches the drain section 23 to the first port 24, and the second blocking section 2652 switches the inlet section 21 to the first port 24. The third blocking section 2653 switches the inlet section 21 to the soft water outlet section 22, and the inlet section 21 to the second port 25. The third blocking section 2653 switches the second port 25 to the soft water outlet section 22.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 has a first position state, such as... Figure 2 As shown, in the first position state, the first blocking part 2651 disconnects the drain part 23 from the first port 24, and the third blocking part 2653 disconnects the water inlet part 21 from the soft water outlet part 22 and the second port 25.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 has a second position state, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the second position state, the first blocking part 2651 connects the drain part 23 to the first port 24, and the third blocking part 2653 connects the water inlet part 21 to the second port 25.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the first sub-waterway switching mechanism 26 has a third position state, such as... Figure 4As shown in the third position state, the first blocking part 2651 disconnects the drain part 23 from the first port 24, the second blocking part 2652 disconnects the water inlet part 21 from the first port 24, and the third blocking part 2653 disconnects the water inlet part 21 from the second port 25 and connects the water inlet part 21 to the regenerated liquid input part 264.

[0085] When the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 has a regenerated liquid input section 264, which is connected to the second port 25 and can be connected to the water inlet section 21, the first sub-water path switching mechanism 26 can have a fourth position state. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in the fourth position, the first blocking part 2651 connects the drain part 23 to the first port 24, the second blocking part 2652 disconnects the water inlet part 21 from the first port 24, and the third blocking part 2653 disconnects the water inlet part 21 from the second port 25 and connects the water inlet part 21 to the regenerated liquid input part 264, so that the water inlet part 21 is connected to the second port 25 through the regenerated liquid input part 264.

[0086] Alternatively, the housing 7 may have a regenerated liquid inlet port 28, and a regenerated liquid inlet water passage may be formed between the regenerated liquid inlet port 28 and the regenerated liquid inlet section 264.

[0087] Furthermore, the integrated valve 10 may include a third sub-water circuit switching mechanism 8, which can control the on / off state of the regenerated liquid input water circuit. When the first sub-water circuit switching mechanism 26 is switched to the fourth position state and the third position state, the third sub-water circuit switching mechanism 8 can be switched from the disconnected state to the regenerated liquid input water circuit connected state. This allows the regenerated liquid input through the regenerated liquid input port 28 to enter the regenerated liquid input section 264, or allows water input from the water inlet section 21 to be input into the regeneration container through the regenerated liquid input section 264 and the regenerated liquid input port 28.

[0088] Alternatively, the integrated valve 10 may include a venturi mechanism 6, the throat of which forms a regenerated liquid inlet 264. The inlet of the venturi mechanism 6 is connected to the water inlet 21, and the outlet of the venturi mechanism 6 is connected to the second port 25, so that the water inlet 21 can be connected to the second port 25 after passing through the inlet and outlet of the venturi mechanism 6.

[0089] Alternatively, the integrated valve 10 may include a flow detection unit 3. The flow detection unit 3 is disposed in the water passage between the drain section 23 and the drain port 73. In this manner, the flow detection unit 3 can also be integrated into the integrated valve 10, further improving the level of integration.

[0090] All articles and references disclosed herein, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination should include the identified element, component, part, or step, as well as other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not substantially affect the essential novelty of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments substantially constituted by such elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of the term “may” herein is intended to indicate that any described attribute “may” include is optional. Multiple elements, components, parts, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step can be divided into multiple separate elements, components, parts, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “an” used to describe an element, component, part, or step does not imply exclusion of other elements, components, parts, or steps.

[0091] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water softening system characterised in that, The soft water system includes: Water inlet channel; A water circuit switching mechanism, comprising a water inlet, a soft water outlet, a drainage section, a first port, and a second port, wherein the water inlet is connected to the water inlet channel; A softening tank for holding soft water materials, wherein the first port is connected to the first water outlet of the softening tank, and the second port is connected to the second water outlet of the softening tank; A flow detection unit is used to detect the flow rate of water discharged from the drainage section; A soft water output channel, wherein the soft water output channel is connected to the soft water outlet section; A bypass water passage is provided, through which the inlet water passage can be connected to the soft water outlet water passage. The water passage switching mechanism can control the connection and disconnection between the inlet water passage and the inlet section, and between the inlet water passage and the soft water outlet water passage via the bypass water passage. The control unit is electrically connected to the flow detection unit and the water path switching mechanism.

2. The soft water system of claim 1, wherein, The soft water system has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the water path switching mechanism controls the water inlet path to be in a connected state with the water inlet section, and the water inlet path to be in a disconnected state with the soft water output path through the bypass path. In the second state, the water circuit switching mechanism controls the water inlet circuit to be disconnected from the water inlet section, and the water inlet circuit is connected to the soft water output circuit through the bypass circuit.

3. The soft water system of claim 1, wherein, The control unit switches the water path switching mechanism according to the flow value detected by the flow detection unit, so that the soft water system is in a first state or a second state.

4. The soft water system of claim 1, wherein The water circuit switching mechanism includes a first sub-water circuit switching mechanism and a second sub-water circuit switching mechanism. The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has the water inlet, the soft water outlet, the drainage, the first port, and the second port. The second sub-water circuit switching mechanism controls the connection and disconnection between the water inlet circuit and the water inlet, and the connection and disconnection between the water inlet circuit and the soft water outlet circuit through the bypass circuit. The control unit is electrically connected to the first sub-waterway switching mechanism and the second sub-waterway switching mechanism, respectively.

5. The water softening system of claim 4, wherein The control unit controls the first sub-waterway switching mechanism based on its position and the flow rate detected by the flow detection unit.

6. The water softening system of claim 4, wherein The control unit switches the second sub-waterway switching mechanism according to the position status of the first sub-waterway switching mechanism and the flow value detected by the flow detection unit.

7. A water softening system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterised in that, The first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a detection unit for detecting its own position state to obtain the position state.

8. The soft water system of claim 7, wherein, The first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a first waterway switching component, which achieves switching between different position states by rotating to different angles and / or moving along the axial direction to different positions.

9. The soft water system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a first position state. In the first position state, the water inlet is connected to the first port, and the second port is connected to the soft water outlet.

10. The soft water system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a second position state. In the second position state, the water inlet is connected to the second port, and the first port is connected to the drainage section.

11. The soft water system of claim 9, wherein, The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section and a third position state in which the water inlet section is connected to the regenerated liquid input section.

12. The soft water system of claim 10, wherein, The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section and a fourth position state. In the fourth position state, the water inlet section, the regenerated liquid input section and the second port are connected, and the first port is connected to the drainage section.

13. The soft water system of claim 12, wherein, The soft water system further includes a regeneration container for holding recycled materials, the regeneration container being connected to the regenerated liquid inlet.

14. The water softening system of claim 12, wherein, The soft water system further includes a Venturi mechanism, the throat of which forms the regenerated liquid input section; the water inlet section is connected to the second port after passing through the inlet and outlet of the Venturi mechanism, so that the water input through the water inlet section will draw in and mix the regenerated material as it flows through the Venturi mechanism before being input into the second port.

15. The soft water system of claim 4, wherein, The soft water system also includes: An integrated valve, comprising the inlet water passage, the first sub-water passage switching mechanism, the soft water output water passage, the bypass water passage, and the second sub-water passage switching mechanism.

16. The soft water system of claim 15, wherein, The integrated valve includes a housing, which has an inlet port, a soft water outlet port, and a drain port; an inlet water passage is formed between the inlet port and the inlet section; a soft water output water passage is formed between the soft water outlet section and the soft water outlet port; and the drain port is connected to the drain section. At least a portion of the second sub-waterway switching mechanism is disposed within the housing and is movable to allow the second sub-waterway switching mechanism to have a first position and a second position; When the second sub-water circuit switching mechanism is in the first position, the water inlet port and the water inlet part are in a connected state. The second sub-water circuit switching mechanism moves to the position of disconnecting the soft water output water circuit. When the second sub-water circuit switching mechanism is in the second position, the second sub-water circuit switching mechanism moves to a position where the water inlet port and the water inlet part are disconnected, and the water inlet port is connected to the soft water outlet port.

17. The soft water system of claim 16, wherein The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a first port and a second port disposed on the housing, a water inlet, a soft water outlet and a drain formed inside the housing; The first sub-waterway switching mechanism further includes: a first waterway switching component disposed within the housing; A driving mechanism drives the first water circuit switching component to move along its own axial direction to realize the opening and closing of the drainage section, the opening and closing of the water inlet section and the first port, the opening and closing of the water inlet section and the second port, the opening and closing of the soft water outlet section and the second port, and the opening and closing of the water inlet section and the soft water outlet section.

18. The soft water system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The drainage section, the water inlet section, and the soft water outlet section are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the first water circuit switching component; The first water circuit switching component has a first blocking part, a second blocking part, and a third blocking part arranged along the axial direction of the first water circuit switching component; when the first water circuit switching component moves, the first blocking part realizes the connection and disconnection between the drainage part and the first port, and the second blocking part realizes the connection and disconnection between the water inlet part and the first port; The third blocking part enables the connection and disconnection between the water inlet and the soft water outlet, and between the water inlet and the second port; The third blocking part enables the connection and disconnection between the second port and the soft water outlet.

19. The soft water system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a first position state. In the first position state, the first blocking part disconnects the drainage part from the first port, and the third blocking part disconnects the water inlet part from the soft water outlet part and the second port. The first sub-waterway switching mechanism has a second position state. In the second position state, the first blocking part connects the drainage part to the first port, and the third blocking part connects the water inlet part to the second port. The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section and a third position state. In the third position state, the first blocking section disconnects the drainage section from the first port, the second blocking section disconnects the water inlet section from the first port, and the third blocking section disconnects the water inlet section from the second port while connecting the water inlet section to the regenerated liquid input section.

20. The soft water system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a regenerated liquid input section, which is connected to the second port and can be connected to the water inlet section; The first sub-water circuit switching mechanism has a fourth position state. In the fourth position state, the first blocking part connects the drainage part to the first port, the second blocking part disconnects the water inlet part from the first port, and the third blocking part disconnects the water inlet part from the second port and connects the water inlet part to the regenerated liquid input part, so that the water inlet part is connected to the second port through the regenerated liquid input part.

21. The soft water system of claim 20, wherein, The housing has a regenerated liquid inlet port, and a regenerated liquid inlet water passage is formed between the regenerated liquid inlet port and the regenerated liquid inlet section; The integrated valve further includes a third sub-water circuit switching mechanism, which can control the on / off state of the regenerated liquid input water circuit.

22. The soft water system of claim 20, wherein, The integrated valve includes a Venturi mechanism, the throat of which forms the regenerated liquid inlet; the inlet of the Venturi mechanism is connected to the water inlet, and the outlet of the Venturi mechanism is connected to the second port, so that the water inlet can be connected to the second port after passing through the inlet and outlet of the Venturi mechanism.

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