Water softening device and water distributor for a water softening device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of soft water device and the water distributor of soft water device, and the water distributor includes: water inlet portion, the water inlet portion has annular water inlet passage;Impeller portion, the impeller portion is located below the water inlet portion, the impeller portion is communicated with the water inlet passage to form the water inlet of the impeller portion of axial inflow;The impeller portion has multiple arc centrifugal type blades, these blades extend axially in the space of the impeller portion to form multiple radial flow channels and multiple radial water outlets;Intermediate water cavity, which is located at the intermediate position between the water inlet portion and the impeller portion, the intermediate water cavity is extended upward by the impeller portion and extends to the water inlet portion. By the present application, the water distributor can convert axial inflow into radial outflow, so that water can be distributed on the resin surface with greater area or uniformly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to water treatment technology, and in particular to a water softening device and a water distributor for the water softening device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the basic structure of water softeners on the market is a combination of water purification and softening treatment modules. The most important component in the water softening process is the water softening tank. As one of the most important accessories of water softening equipment, the water softening tank is filled with ion exchange resin, which provides sodium ions to exchange for Ga and Mg ions in hard water. Through the process of ion adsorption and exchange, the hardness of the raw water is reduced. When the resin absorbs a certain amount of calcium and magnesium ions, it must be regenerated. The regeneration process involves rinsing the resin layer with brine from the brine tank, replacing the calcium and magnesium ions on the resin, and discharging them out of the tank with the regeneration waste liquid. The resin then regains its softening and exchange capacity.

[0003] Currently, most mainstream water softeners on the market use a conical water distributor for their water tanks. However, the uniformity of water distribution using a conical water distributor is generally poor, which usually results in a relatively low utilization rate and regeneration rate of the resin.

[0004] The soft water tank has a cylindrical structure with a central tube. Normally, regardless of whether water flows through the resin from bottom to top or top to bottom, according to flow dynamics, it tends to flow closer to the central tube, resulting in low utilization of the resin further away from the central tube. This is why some systems previously used conical water distributors. However, conical water distributors also have significant drawbacks: for the same external volume, the usable resin volume is small.

[0005] Calcium and magnesium, dissolved in water, are two of the most common minerals that make water "hard." Hardness increases with increasing calcium and magnesium content, which is related to the concentration of dissolved polyvalent cations in the water. Water softening is an ion exchange technology used to remove calcium and magnesium ions that form hard limescale (such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate). The process involves exchanging calcium and magnesium cations from the source water for sodium cations adsorbed onto resin beads filled with exchange sites. As water flows through the softener system, sodium ions are released from the resin (exchange), and hard water ions are collected at the exchange sites.

[0006] In the prior art, the water to be softened enters the softening tank of the water softener from above. Because the water distributor cannot effectively distribute the water to allow it to fully contact the resin for ion exchange, the ion exchange capacity of the water softener is low. Utility Model Content

[0007] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide a water softening device and a water distributor for the water softening device, so as to solve the problem that the existing water cannot fully contact the resin after entering the water softening tank, resulting in low ion exchange capacity.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a water distributor for a water softening device is provided, comprising: a water inlet having an annular water inlet channel; an impeller located below the water inlet, the impeller communicating with the water inlet channel to form an axially flowing inlet for the impeller; the impeller having a plurality of arc-shaped centrifugal blades extending axially within the space of the impeller to form a plurality of radial flow channels and a plurality of radial outlets; and an intermediate water cavity located between the water inlet and the impeller, the intermediate water cavity extending upward from the impeller and extending to the water inlet.

[0009] The water inlet section is in the shape of a bucket-shaped tube.

[0010] The width of the water inlet channel in the water inlet section gradually decreases.

[0011] The water inlet has a stepped protrusion on the upper part of its outer surface.

[0012] The impeller section includes a top plate and a bottom plate, and a plurality of blades of the impeller section extend axially within the space formed by the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0013] The width of the radial flow channel in the impeller section gradually increases.

[0014] The plurality of blades are evenly arranged in the impeller section, and the number of the plurality of blades is 8 to 16.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a water softening device is also provided, comprising a water softening tank and a first water distributor disposed on the top of the water softening tank. The first water distributor comprises: a water inlet having an annular water inlet channel; an impeller located below the water inlet, the impeller communicating with the water inlet channel to form an axially flowing inlet for the impeller; the impeller having a plurality of arc-shaped centrifugal blades extending axially within the space of the impeller to form a plurality of radial flow channels and a plurality of radial outlets; and an intermediate water cavity located between the water inlet and the impeller, the intermediate water cavity extending upward from the impeller and extending to the water inlet.

[0016] The water softening device also includes a second water distributor located at the bottom of the water softening tank.

[0017] The water softening device further includes a central pipe located in the middle of the water softening tank, with its two ends connected to the first water distributor and the second water distributor, respectively.

[0018] According to the technical solution of this utility model, in soft water mode, the water distributor can change the axial inflow to the radial outflow, thereby distributing water on the resin surface with a larger area or evenly, so as to carry out more complete ion exchange. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a water softening device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the water distributor according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the side of the water distributor according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the upper water distributor according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the impeller portion according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] Although this utility model specification may include various different embodiments, it should be understood that, with regard to some preferred embodiments described in detail in the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings, the contents disclosed in this utility model specification should be regarded as illustrative of the principles of this utility model, and the embodiments shown are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0027] The water softening device provided according to an embodiment of this utility model includes a water softening tank filled with a resin composed of cross-linked polystyrene sulfonate beads, commonly known as a cationic resin. The resin is typically used in conjunction with Na+ ions on the beads. When hardness ions come into contact with the Na+ ions bound to the resin, they exchange, or calcium replaces two Na+ ions, releasing the Na+ ions into the water. Typically, each Ca or Mg ion exchanges for two Na+ ions. Furthermore, iron in the water also exchanges with sodium, reducing the capacity of the water softening device.

[0028] Brine is an auxiliary agent in water softening and purification systems involving ion exchange technology. Generally, brine is a solution of salt and water (with a concentration ranging from approximately 3.5% to 26%). At this concentration, brine is considered fully saturated. Brine does not participate in the purification process itself but is used to regenerate the ion exchange resin. Typically, when the water softener detects that the regeneration cycle has been reached, it flushes the tank with a mixture of salt and water (brine). Normally, calcium and magnesium have a stronger adhesion to the resin beads inside the tank, which is why they are able to displace sodium ions during the softening process. However, the brine used during the regeneration cycle has such a high sodium concentration that it overwhelms the calcium and magnesium ions, and these hardness ions detach from the beads and are replaced by sodium ions in the brine. The calcium and magnesium ions are then flushed out of the tank along with the remaining water in the brine, and the softener is ready to run again.

[0029] Typically, purified water flows through the resin container until the resin is considered depleted and the water is softened to the desired level. Regeneration is achieved by exposing the ion exchange resin to a brine solution. This brine solution is usually stored in a brine tank. The brine tank is used to store high-concentration sodium or potassium salt solutions. The brine solution serves to rinse the softening tank and facilitate regeneration.

[0030] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] This utility model provides a water softening device, which includes a water softening tank 1, a first water distributor 2, a central pipe 3, and a second water distributor 4. The water softening tank 1, also known as a resin tank, is filled with a resin layer formed from ion exchange resin. The first water distributor 2 is located above or at the top of the water softening tank 1, for example, at the tank opening; therefore, it is also called an upper water distributor. Generally, the upper water distributor can be connected to a valve body (not shown) outside the tank. The central pipe 3 is located in the middle of the water softening tank 1, with one end passing through the upper water distributor 2 and connecting to the valve body, and the other end connecting to the second water distributor 3. The second water distributor 4 is located below the water softening tank 1; it is also called a lower water distributor, and can adopt the structure of a lower water distributor in the prior art, which will not be described further here. The valve body, also known as a control valve, serves as the inlet and outlet water distribution element of the water softener. It is positioned above the upper water distributor 2 and connected to both the upper water distributor 2 and the central pipe 4, allowing the inlet and outlet water to flow along predetermined water channels. When water enters through the valve body, the upper water distributor 2 distributes the water evenly, sufficiently, or over a larger area above the resin layer within the tank, enabling the water to come into contact with more resin (especially resin further from the center) for more complete ion exchange.

[0032] Generally, in water treatment equipment with both purification and softening functions, the water treatment sequence is to first purify the raw water (e.g., tap water) and then soften it. That is, the softened water is purified water, meaning that residual chlorine, colloids, impurities, and pigments have been removed. Of course, the softening device can also directly soften tap water, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0033] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The water distributor (or water divider) 2 according to this application includes an inlet section 10 and an impeller section 20. The inlet section 10 is generally tubular in shape with a certain height, gradually narrowing from top to bottom, and has a distinct inward contraction in the middle. That is, the waist of the inlet section 10 is significantly narrowed inward. A stepped boss is provided on the upper part of the outer surface of the inlet section 10. These bosses are threaded and can be connected to the tank body. The outer surface of the inlet section above the boss also has threads for connection to a valve body. Since the intermediate water cavity 30 extends to the water inlet 10, an annular water inlet channel is formed in the water inlet 10. That is, the water inlet channel is between the pipe wall of the water inlet 10 and the water cavity 30. The water inlet channel gradually narrows from top to bottom, that is, the annular width of the water inlet channel gradually decreases from top to bottom. Since the above-mentioned shape of the water inlet 10 can give the water more energy, it can increase the flow velocity of the water flow and enable the water to have a higher flow velocity when it enters the impeller section 20.

[0034] The impeller portion 20 is located below the water inlet portion 10, and the impeller portion 20 can be fixedly connected to the water inlet portion 10 or integrally formed. (Reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The impeller section 20 includes an annular inlet 21 and multiple outlets 22. The inlet 21 of the impeller section 20 is connected to the inlet channel of the inlet section 10. That is, the inlet 21 of the impeller section 20 is also annular and axially arranged, so the impeller section 20 has axial inflow. Furthermore, since the inlet channel gradually narrows from top to bottom, the water flow can have a high velocity after entering the impeller section 20.

[0035] Specifically, the impeller section 20 includes a top plate 23 and a bottom plate 24, with a space of height D between the top plate 23 and the bottom plate 24. The impeller section 20 has a plurality of blades 25, which are centrifugally and evenly distributed within the space of the impeller section 20. (Refer to reference) Figure 5 ,exist Figure 5 The top plate 23 is not shown to clearly illustrate the internal structure of the impeller section 20. Axially, the blades 25 extend axially within the space formed by the top plate 23 and the bottom plate 24, contacting both plates; that is, the blades 25 are connected to both the top plate 23 and the bottom plate 24, respectively, and the height of the blades 25 is consistent with the height D of the space. Radially, the blades 25 are arranged centrifugally in a counter-clockwise arc shape, with adjacent blades forming radial flow channels 26, thus forming a radial water outlet channel and outlet 22 of the impeller section 20. The width of the radial flow channels 26 gradually increases from the inside to the outside, allowing water to be distributed over a larger area. In this embodiment, the number of blades can be 8 to 16, preferably, for example, 12 blades.

[0036] An intermediate water chamber 30 is provided between the water inlet section 10 and the impeller section 20. The intermediate water chamber 30 extends upward from the impeller section 20 and extends to the water inlet section 10, for example, it can extend to a height that is flush with or similar to the height of the boss of the water inlet section 10. A central pipe 3 can be provided in the intermediate water chamber 30, and the softened water can flow out of the tank through the central pipe 3.

[0037] According to the embodiments of this application, the water inlet and outlet directions of the water circuit can be different in different working modes. That is, the water inlet of the upper water distributor can be the water outlet in different modes, and the water outlet can be the water inlet in different modes. The working modes of the softening water device generally include: softening water mode, backflushing mode, forward flushing mode, and regeneration mode.

[0038] In soft water mode, the soft water device is used to prepare soft water. Purified water (or tap water) enters the upper distributor 2 through the valve body. The upper distributor 2 distributes the water evenly across the surface of the resin layer, allowing it to flow from top to bottom through the resin layer, enabling a thorough ion exchange reaction between the tap water and the resin. After this exchange, the purified water becomes soft water and flows from bottom to top through the valve body via the central pipe 3, exiting from the outlet (the direction of water flow can be referenced). Figure 1 (The direction of the arrow in the image).

[0039] Backflushing mode, also known as reverse washing mode, is used to flush the resin layer with reverse water flow to remove impurities or loosen the resin layer. Specifically, purified water (or tap water) enters the central pipe 3 through the valve body, and is evenly distributed into the resin layer by the lower water distributor 4, flushing the resin from top to bottom. The resulting wastewater is discharged from the wastewater outlet through the upper water distributor 2 and the valve body.

[0040] The forward flushing mode, also known as the forward washing mode, is used to rinse the resin layer with a forward water flow to remove residual salt water and calcium and magnesium ions. Specifically, purified water (or tap water) enters the upper water distributor 2 through the valve body. The water is evenly distributed on the surface of the resin layer by the upper water distributor 2, and then flows from top to bottom through the resin layer, rinsing the resin from top to bottom. The resulting wastewater flows from bottom to top through the valve body via the central pipe 3 and is discharged from the wastewater outlet (the water flow direction can be referenced). Figure 1 (The direction of the arrow in the image).

[0041] In regeneration mode, it is used to regenerate the resin with brine. In regeneration mode, the brine (regeneration solution) in the brine tank is connected to the external brine tank through the valve body. The brine solution (regeneration solution) in the brine tank enters the central pipe 3 through the valve body. After being evenly distributed by the lower water distributor 4, the water is evenly diffused into the resin layer, entering the resin layer from top to bottom and immersing all the resin. This allows the brine solution to fully replace the resin and undergo a displacement reaction. The resulting wastewater is discharged from the wastewater outlet through the upper water distributor 2 and the valve body.

[0042] In summary, according to the above embodiments of this application, after water enters the water softener, it is distributed and diffused to the resin layer through the upper water distributor. The upper water distributor can change the axial inflow into radial outflow, increase the flow rate of the water, and distribute the water evenly over a larger area on the surface of the resin layer. In the water softening mode, the resin areas near and away from the central pipe can exchange ions with the water, thereby improving the ion exchange capacity. In the positive flushing mode, the resin areas near and away from the central pipe can be flushed by water, effectively improving the flushing effect.

[0043] Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, this application is intended to cover modifications and variations thereof, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents.

[0044] Furthermore, features disclosed in the foregoing description, claims, or drawings, expressed in their specific form or according to the manner of performing the disclosed function or the method or process for obtaining the disclosed result, may, as appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of these features to implement this application in their different forms. Specifically, one or more features of any embodiment described in this application may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment described in this application.

[0045] Protection may also be sought for any feature disclosed in any one or more publications cited in or combined by reference in this application.

Claims

1. A water distributor for a water softening device, characterized in that, include: The water inlet has an annular water inlet channel; The impeller section is located below the water inlet section and is connected to the water inlet channel to form an axially flowing inlet for the impeller section. The impeller section has multiple arc-shaped centrifugal blades that extend axially within the space of the impeller section to form multiple radial flow channels and multiple radial outlets. The intermediate water cavity is located between the water inlet and the impeller, and extends upward from the impeller to the water inlet.

2. The water distributor of the water softening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet is in the shape of a bucket or tube.

3. The water distributor of the water softening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The width of the water inlet channel of the water inlet unit gradually decreases.

4. The water distributor of the water softening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper part of the outer surface of the water inlet has a stepped protrusion.

5. The water distributor of the water softening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impeller section includes a top plate and a bottom plate, and a plurality of blades of the impeller section extend axially within the space formed by the top plate and the bottom plate.

6. The water distributor of the water softening device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The width of the radial flow channel in the impeller section gradually increases.

7. The water distributor of the water softening device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of blades are evenly arranged in the impeller section, and the number of the plurality of blades is 8 to 16.

8. A water softening device, comprising a water softening tank and a first water distributor disposed on top of the water softening tank, characterized in that, The first water distributor includes: The water inlet has an annular water inlet channel; The impeller section is located below the water inlet section and is connected to the water inlet channel to form an axially flowing inlet for the impeller section. The impeller section has multiple arc-shaped centrifugal blades that extend axially within the space of the impeller section to form multiple radial flow channels and multiple radial outlets. The intermediate water cavity is located between the water inlet and the impeller, and extends upward from the impeller to the water inlet.

9. The water softening device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a second water distributor located at the bottom of the soft water tank.

10. The water softening device according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a central pipe located in the middle of the soft water tank, with its two ends connected to the first water distributor and the second water distributor, respectively.

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