Water softening device and mist spraying device equipped with water softening device

Abstract

To miniaturize water softening equipment while maintaining or improving water softening performance. [Solution] The water softening device 1 comprises a housing 3 having an internal space, an inlet 2 for introducing water to be treated into the internal space, a water treatment layer 4 that removes hardness components from the water to be treated and generates weakly acidic soft water, and an outlet 5 for discharging weakly acidic soft water from the internal space. The water treatment layer 4 comprises a first soft water layer 4a that removes hardness components from the water to be treated, a neutralization layer 4b provided downstream of the first soft water layer 4a that neutralizes the water to be treated, a second soft water layer 4c provided downstream of the neutralization layer 4b that removes hardness components from the water to be treated, and an acidification layer 4d provided downstream of the second soft water layer 4c that acidifies the water to be treated and removes hardness components from the water to be treated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water softening device and a mist spraying device provided with the water softening device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, many water softening devices using cation exchange resins have been proposed. For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a device that uses a weakly acidic cation exchange resin to ion-exchange calcium ions or magnesium ions, which are hardness components contained in raw water, with hydrogen ions to obtain soft water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a conventional water softening device using a weakly acidic cation exchange resin, the ion exchange rate by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin is slower than that of a strongly acidic cation exchange resin. For example, when it is necessary to miniaturize the water softening device such as a soft water cartridge, there is a concern that the amount of ion exchange resin that can be filled is small, and thus the hardness in hard water cannot be sufficiently removed.

[0005] The present invention solves the above problems and aims to provide a water softening device that can be miniaturized while maintaining or improving the soft water performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve this objective, the water softening device according to the present invention comprises a housing having an internal space, an inlet for introducing water to be treated into the internal space, a water treatment layer that removes hardness components from the water to be treated and produces weakly acidic soft water, and an outlet for discharging weakly acidic soft water from the internal space. The water treatment layer comprises a first soft water layer that removes hardness components from the water to be treated using a weakly acidic cation exchange resin, a neutralization layer provided downstream of the first soft water layer that neutralizes the water to be treated using a weakly basic anion exchange resin, a second soft water layer provided downstream of the neutralization layer that removes hardness components from the water to be treated using a weakly acidic cation exchange resin, and an acidification layer provided downstream of the second soft water layer that acidifies the water to be treated and removes hardness components from the water to be treated using an H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin. This achieves the intended objective. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a miniaturized water softening device while maintaining or improving water softening performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a water softening device with a water treatment layer installed in the housing. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a water softening device with some of the water treatment layers removed from the housing. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the installation status of a mist spraying system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a mist spraying device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow path of the mist spraying device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The water softening device according to the present invention is equipped with a water treatment layer that generates weakly acidic soft water. The water treatment layer has a first soft water layer, a neutralization layer, a second soft water layer, and an acidification layer. The first and second soft water layers remove hardness components from the water to soften it. The neutralization layer neutralizes the soft water that has passed through the first soft water layer. The acidification layer acidifies the soft water flowing in from the second soft water layer and removes hardness components. The water softening device is configured so that the water to be treated, such as city water, flows through the first soft water layer, neutralization layer, second soft water layer, and acidification layer in that order. Tap water, well water, etc., can be used as the water to be treated (city water).

[0010] In this configuration, water containing hardness components is softened in the first soft water layer when these components are adsorbed by the cation exchange resin. Meanwhile, cations (hydrogen ions) released from the cation exchange resin are released into the water being treated that flows into the first soft water layer. Next, the first soft water that flows out of the first soft water layer is neutralized in the neutralization layer, where hydrogen ions contained in the soft water are removed by the weakly basic ion exchange resin. The neutralized soft water then flows into the second soft water layer and is softened by the same process as in the first soft water layer. In other words, by sandwiching the neutralization layer between the soft water layers, the hydrogen ion concentration in the water can be reduced in the neutralization layer. This makes ion exchange between the hardness components and the hydrogen ions held by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin more likely to occur in the second soft water layer. In other words, as the hydrogen ion concentration of the water being treated that flows into the second soft water layer decreases, the weakly acidic cation exchange resin in the second soft water layer becomes more likely to release hydrogen ions. As a result, it becomes possible to maintain or improve water softening performance.

[0011] Furthermore, the second softened water, after passing through the second softened water layer, flows through an acidification layer filled with H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin. This process removes hardness components and cations other than hardness components, such as sodium ions, that could not be removed by the softening process in the first and second softened water layers, and releases hydrogen ions. Therefore, even when miniaturizing the water softening device, the water softening performance can be compensated for by using H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin, which has a faster exchange rate than weakly acidic cation exchange resin. As a result, it is possible to miniaturize the water softening device while maintaining or improving its water softening performance per unit volume.

[0012] Furthermore, the soft water layer, neutralization layer, and acidification layer may each be equipped with a cylindrical container whose water inlet opening (upstream opening) and outlet opening (downstream opening) are covered with a permeable membrane, and may be configured to be detachable from the water softening device layer by layer.

[0013] With this configuration, a fixed amount of ion exchange resin packed in a cylindrical container can be used as a unit, and the size of the soft water layer, neutralization layer, and acidification layer—that is, the amount or density of resin packed—can be easily changed. Therefore, it becomes easy to adjust the hardness and pH of the extracted weakly acidic soft water to the desired value by changing the soft water layer, neutralization layer, and acidification layer according to the concentration of hardness components and bicarbonate ions contained in the water to be treated. In other words, it becomes easy to adjust the water softening performance to suit the water quality of each country or region. This means that there is no need to separately design and manufacture water softening equipment to suit the water quality of each country or region, thus rationalizing development costs or manufacturing costs.

[0014] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of the embodiment. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, and positional relationships of components shown in the embodiments are examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, terms indicating relationships between elements, such as perpendicular and parallel, do not necessarily represent strict meanings but include substantially equivalent ranges, for example, differences of a few percent. Moreover, the figures described in the embodiments are not necessarily strictly accurate. Identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the water softening device with the water treatment layer installed in the housing. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the water softening device with part of the water treatment layer removed from the housing. (Overall structure) The water softening device 1 is a device that generates weakly acidic soft water usable as domestic water from tap water (raw water containing hardness components) supplied from an external source. The tap water, the first softened water 110 described later, the neutralized softened water 120, and the second softened water 130 are collectively referred to as the treated water.

[0016] The water softening device 1 comprises a housing 3, a protruding portion 90, a water treatment layer 4, and a protruding portion 91.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 3 is a cylindrical structure with an internal space. In other words, the housing 3 is a container for enclosing the water treatment layer 4. The housing 3 also has a side opening 3b for attaching and detaching the water treatment layer 4 to and from the housing 3.

[0018] The side opening 3b is an opening provided on the side surface of the housing 3. In the present embodiment, four side openings 3b are arranged side by side along the water flow direction. Each layer of the water treatment layer 4 is detachable from the housing 3 through the side opening 3b. The side opening 3b is released by the housing opening / closing part 3a when the water treatment layer 4 is detached or attached, and is closed by the housing opening / closing part 3a during water flow. Here, "closed" means a state in which almost no or no water leaks from the side opening 3b. On the other hand, "open" means a state in which each layer of the water treatment layer 4 is detachable from the housing 3.

[0019] The housing opening / closing part 3a is a structure provided on the side surface of the housing 3 and having an arc shape in a plan view as viewed in the water flow direction. The housing opening / closing part 3a is provided corresponding to the side opening 3b. In other words, four housing opening / closing parts 3a are arranged side by side along the water flow direction. The housing opening / closing part 3a closes or opens the side opening 3b by rotating about a rotation axis 3c located at the boundary with the side opening 3b. More specifically, the side opening 3b is closed by rotating in the direction of the black arrow (a) shown in FIG. 2, and the side opening 3b is opened by rotating in the direction of the black arrow (b). Further, the housing opening / closing part 3a closes the side opening 3b when the periphery of the housing opening / closing part 3a contacts the periphery of the side opening 3b. At this time, in order to prevent water leakage from the contact part, the periphery of the housing opening / closing part 3a or the periphery of the side opening 3b may be provided with a sealing material (not shown).

[0020] The rotation axis 3c is constituted by a known technique such as a hinge.

[0021] [[ID=​12]]The protruding part 90 is a cylindrical structure protruding from one surface 101 of the housing 3. The protruding part 90 is connected to a water pipe that supplies tap water. The protruding part 90 includes an inlet 2.

[0022] The inlet 2 is a circular opening provided at the tip surface in the protruding direction of the protruding part 90. Tap water flows into the inlet 2. In other words, tap water flows into the interior of the water softening device 1 through the inlet 2. The inlet 2 may be provided on one surface 101 of the housing 3.

[0023] The water treatment layer 4 removes hardness components from the city water flowing in from the inlet 2 to produce soft water. More precisely, it produces weakly acidic soft water. Here, weakly acidic soft water refers to soft water with a pH of approximately 4 to 6. The water treatment layer 4 is composed of, in the order of water flow, a first soft water layer 4a, a neutralization layer 4b, a second soft water layer 4c, and an acidification layer 4d.

[0024] The first softened water layer 4a and the second softened water layer 4c are cylindrical in shape and filled with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6. There are no particular restrictions on the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6, and a general-purpose resin can be used. Specifically, for example, one that uses a carboxyl group (-COOH) as the exchange group can be used. It is desirable that the terminal end of the functional group of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 is a hydrogen ion in order to acidify the water that has been treated to soften by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6.

[0025] The first soft water layer 4a is composed of a first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a. The second soft water layer 4c is composed of a second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6b. In the following, the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a and the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6b will be described as weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

[0026] The neutralization layer 4b is cylindrical in shape and filled with a weakly basic anion exchange resin 7. There are no particular restrictions on the weakly basic anion exchange resin 7, and a general-purpose resin can be used. Specifically, for example, one in which the functional group is in the free base form can be used. The neutralization layer 4b is located downstream of the first softened water layer 4a in the direction of water flow.

[0027] The second soft water layer 4c is constructed by filling it with a second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6b. Furthermore, the second soft water layer 4c is located downstream of the neutralization layer 4b in the direction of water flow.

[0028] The acidification layer 4d is constructed by filling its interior with H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8. There are no particular restrictions on the H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8; a general-purpose resin can be used, for example, one that uses a sulfo group (-SO3H) as the exchange group. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6, the weakly basic anion exchange resin 7, and the H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8, they will be collectively referred to as "ion exchange resin." Furthermore, the acidification layer 4d is located downstream of the second soft water layer 4c in the direction of water flow.

[0029] The first softening layer 4a, the neutralization layer 4b, the second softening layer 4c, and the acidification layer 4d are each composed of cylindrical containers (water treatment layer containers 10) of the same shape, with their respective ion exchange resins filled into containers, where, for example, the upstream and downstream openings are covered with a permeable membrane (permeable outer diaphragm 9). Examples of the permeable outer diaphragm 9 include nonwoven fabric and polyester mesh, but there are no particular restrictions as long as it can prevent the ion exchange resin filled inside the water treatment layer container 10 from flowing out of the container.

[0030] In this embodiment, the water treatment layer 4 comprises a water treatment layer container 10 and a permeable outer diaphragm 9.

[0031] The water treatment layer container 10 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical structure provided in each layer of the water treatment layer 4, and holds an ion exchange resin inside. Specifically, the water treatment layer container 10 provided as the first soft water layer 4a and the second soft water layer 4c hold a weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 inside. The water treatment layer container 10 provided as the neutralization layer 4b holds a weakly basic anion exchange resin 7 inside. Furthermore, the water treatment layer container 10 provided as the acidification layer 4d holds an H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8 inside. The water treatment layer container 10 does not necessarily have to be cylindrical; for example, it may be a rectangular tube. Also, in this embodiment, all the water treatment layer containers 10 have the same shape to reduce manufacturing costs and to facilitate the rearrangement of each layer. The water treatment layer container 10 is equipped with a water-permeable outer diaphragm 9 at the upstream and downstream openings in the water flow direction.

[0032] The permeable outer diaphragm 9 is provided at the upstream and downstream openings of the water treatment layer container 10. It is a porous structure. More specifically, it is a structure for holding ion exchange resin inside the water treatment layer container 10, and is composed of a material that is permeable to water but prevents the ion exchange resin from flowing out. Specifically, the permeable outer diaphragm 9 is made of nonwoven fabric or polyester mesh, etc. In this embodiment, the permeable outer diaphragm 9 is provided at the two openings of the water treatment layer container 10, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided so as to cover the ion exchange resin on all sides. In other words, the permeable outer diaphragm 9 may also serve as the water treatment layer container 10.

[0033] As a result, each layer constituting the water treatment layer 4 can be attached to and detached from the water softening device 1 one layer at a time, and it becomes easy to change the size (amount of resin filled) of the first soft water layer 4a, neutralization layer 4b, second soft water layer 4c, and acidification layer 4d, using a fixed amount of ion exchange resin filled in each water treatment layer container 10 as one unit.

[0034] Therefore, by changing the size (amount of resin filling) of the first softening layer 4a, neutralization layer 4b, second softening layer 4c, and acidification layer 4d according to the concentration of hardness components and other ions contained in the water, it becomes easy to adjust the hardness and pH of the extracted weakly acidic soft water to the desired values. For example, when softening water with a high proportion of hardness components (e.g., water in North America), the hardness of the extracted weakly acidic soft water can be efficiently reduced by making the amount of filling of the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a greater than the amount of filling of the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6b. In other words, by making each layer of the water treatment layer 4 a cartridge type that can be attached to and detached from the housing 3, it is possible to realize a water softening device tailored to the water quality of each country and region simply by combining the layers. In other words, since there is no need to separately design and manufacture a water softening device tailored to the water quality of each country and region, development costs or manufacturing costs can be rationalized.

[0035] The protruding portion 91 is a cylindrical structure that protrudes from one surface 102 of the housing 3. The protruding portion 91 is a structure through which weakly acidic soft water produced by the water treatment layer 4 flows. The protruding portion 91 is equipped with an outlet 5.

[0036] The outlet 5 is a circular opening provided on the tip surface of the protruding portion 91 in the direction of protrusion. Weakly acidic softened water flows out from the outlet 5. In other words, the weakly acidic softened water flows out of the water softening device 1 through the outlet 5. The outlet 5 may be provided on one side 102 of the housing 3.

[0037] Next, the roles of each component of the water softening device 1 will be explained using Figures 1 and 2.

[0038] The first water softening layer 4a softens the tap water circulating within it through the action of the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a. The first water softening layer 4a is equipped with the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a, which has hydrogen ions at the ends of its functional groups, and exchanges the cations (calcium ions, magnesium ions), which are hardness components in the circulating tap water, with the hydrogen ions at the ends of the functional groups. In other words, the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a adsorbs the hardness components and releases hydrogen ions into the water. As a result, the hardness components in the tap water decrease and the hydrogen ion concentration increases, thus softening the tap water.

[0039] More specifically, in the first softened water layer 4a, tap water containing hardness components is passed through the inlet 2 and softened by passing through the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a filled inside. The softened water (first softened water 110) is then passed to the neutralization layer 4b. However, the water softened by the first weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a contains a large amount of hydrogen ions that have been exchanged for hardness components and released, resulting in acidic water with a low pH. When the pH is low (when the hydrogen ion concentration in the water is high), softening becomes difficult. Therefore, the water that has flowed through the first softened water layer 4a is neutralized by passing it to the neutralization layer 4b to adjust the pH.

[0040] The neutralization layer 4b flows out from the first soft water layer 4a due to the action of the weakly basic anion exchange resin 7. The pH of the first soft water 110, which contains hydrogen ions, is neutralized to convert it into neutral soft water, and this neutralized soft water 120 is passed through the second soft water layer 4c. The neutralization layer 4b is equipped with a weakly basic anion exchange resin 7, which adsorbs the hydrogen ions contained in the first soft water 110 along with anions (such as sulfate ions), causing the pH of the soft water to rise.

[0041] More specifically, in the neutralization layer 4b, the first softened water 110 is passed through from the first softened water layer 4a, and the weakly basic anion exchange resin 7 filled inside is circulated through it, neutralizing the first softened water 110 that has flowed out from the first softened water layer 4a, and allowing it to pass to the second softened water layer 4c as neutralized softened water 120 that is easily softened.

[0042] Furthermore, in the second soft water layer 4c, neutralized soft water 120, which has been neutralized from the neutralization layer 4b, is passed through and through the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6b filled inside. As a result, hardness components that could not be removed in the first soft water layer 4a are exchanged with hydrogen ions contained in the second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6b, softening the water that flows into the second soft water layer 4c, and the softened water (second soft water 130) is passed through the acidification layer 4d.

[0043] The acidification layer 4d further softens the second softened water 130 containing hydrogen ions that have flowed out from the second softened water layer 4c through the action of the H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8. The acidification layer 4d is equipped with an H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8 having hydrogen ions at the ends of its functional groups, and exchanges hardness components and cations other than hardness components (mainly sodium ions, etc.) remaining in the second softened water 130 that has flowed out from the second softened water layer 4c with hydrogen ions at the ends of its functional groups.

[0044] More specifically, in the acidification layer 4d, second softened water 130 containing hydrogen ions is passed through from the second softened water layer 4c, and by passing through the H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8 filled inside, remaining hardness components and cations other than hardness components are exchanged for hydrogen ions, resulting in softer and more acidic weakly acidic softened water being passed to the outlet 5. As a result, the hardness components and cations other than hardness components in the softened water decrease, and the hydrogen ion concentration increases, thus softening and acidifying the incoming water. However, if the hardness components and cations other than hardness components of the water are removed by the time the water passes through the second softened water layer 4c and almost none remain in the water, then ion exchange by the H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8 does not occur, and the water quality hardly changes even when it passes through the acidification layer 4d. Furthermore, when configuring a small cartridge-type water softener as in this embodiment, the amount of ion exchange resin that can be filled is limited, which tends to result in insufficient water softening performance. Therefore, by installing an H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin at the downstream end of the water treatment layer 4, the acidification performance can be compensated for, allowing the water softening device to be miniaturized without compromising the water softening performance.

[0045] Next, we will explain the intention and effect of the configuration that includes a neutralization layer 4b between the first soft water layer 4a and the second soft water layer 4c.

[0046] When water containing hardness components is softened using the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6, the cations, which are hardness components in the water, are exchanged for hydrogen ions by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6, thereby softening the water. At this time, hydrogen ions are released, so the water is softened, and simultaneously, the hydrogen ion concentration increases, causing it to become acidic (pH decreases), making it more difficult for hardness components to be adsorbed. Generally, water containing a large amount of permanent hardness components (e.g., sulfates such as calcium sulfate or chlorides such as magnesium chloride) tends to have a lower pH during softening than water containing a large amount of temporary hardness components (e.g., carbonates such as calcium carbonate). This is because the bicarbonate ions contained in the temporary hardness components react with the hydrogen ions released from the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 during the ion exchange reaction, neutralizing them. In other words, although exchange between hardness components and hydrogen ions occurs, the hydrogen ion concentration in the water does not increase easily, so acidification does not progress easily. The weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 can remove temporary hardness components. While hardness can be removed, the water quickly becomes acidic, making it difficult for the ion exchange reaction of the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 to proceed.

[0047] When extracting weakly acidic soft water by passing water containing hardness components through a weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6, the hardness and pH of the extracted weakly acidic soft water depend on the concentration of hardness components in the water and the ratio of temporary hardness to permanent hardness. If the flow time through the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 is the same, a higher concentration of hardness components will result in a higher concentration of hardness components in the weakly acidic soft water. Furthermore, a higher ratio of temporary hardness will result in a higher pH of the weakly acidic soft water, while a lower ratio will result in a lower pH and may not completely remove the hardness components.

[0048] By equipping the system with a neutralizing layer 4b between the first soft water layer 4a and the second soft water layer 4c, the water, which has been acidified to a degree that makes it difficult for hardness components to be adsorbed by the first soft water layer 4a, is neutralized by the neutralizing layer 4b, and then softened again as it flows through the second soft water layer 4c. As a result, even if the tap water is acidified to a degree that makes it difficult for hardness components to be adsorbed when it flows through the first soft water layer 4a, it is neutralized as it flows through the neutralizing layer 4b and softened again as it flows through the second soft water layer 4c. Therefore, compared to a system without a neutralizing layer 4b, it is possible to obtain weakly acidic soft water with even less hardness components. Furthermore, even in cases where almost all of the hardness components in hard water can be removed with a system without a neutralizing layer 4b, this configuration allows the pH of the weakly acidic soft water to be adjusted to be more neutral (closer to alkaline). In other words, the neutralizing layer 4b can raise the pH of weakly acidic soft water.

[0049] Next, we will explain the intention and effect of the configuration that includes an acidification layer 4d after the second soft water layer 4c.

[0050] By configuring the system so that water flows through the first softening layer 4a, the neutralizing layer 4b, and the second softening layer 4c before passing through the acidifying layer 4d, the tap water is softened in the first softening layer 4a and the second softening layer 4c, and then further softened in the acidifying layer 4d. As a result, hardness components that were not completely removed by the softening in the first softening layer 4a and the second softening layer 4c, as well as cations other than hardness components such as sodium ions, are removed in the acidifying layer 4d, and hydrogen ions are released into the water. Therefore, it is possible to obtain soft water with fewer hardness components than with a configuration consisting of the first softening layer 4a, the neutralizing layer 4b, and the second softening layer 4c. In addition, compared to a configuration consisting of the first softening layer 4a, the neutralizing layer 4b, and the second softening layer 4c, the obtained soft water can be adjusted to be more acidic. Furthermore, even if almost all of the hardness components in the water are removed during the flow through the first soft water layer 4a and the second soft water layer 4c, cations such as sodium ions that are not removed in the first soft water layer 4a and the second soft water layer 4c are removed in the acidification layer 4d, making it possible to obtain weakly acidic soft water that is more acidic (for example, weakly acidic soft water with a pH of about 4).

[0051] Furthermore, by providing an acidification layer 4d after the second soft water layer 4c, hardness components that could not be completely removed by the first soft water layer 4a and the second soft water layer 4c are ion-exchanged. In other words, since the H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8 performs ion exchange with water containing a relatively small amount of hardness components compared to tap water, the consumption of the H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8 in the acidification layer 4d can be suppressed.

[0052] Here, we will explain the regeneration of ion exchange resins. Compared to H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8, weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 has a narrower pH range in which ion exchange reactions occur, and ion exchange reactions do not proceed in the acidic range. However, it has the characteristic that it can be easily regenerated even with a low acid concentration in the regeneration solution used for regeneration. Specifically, in the case of H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8, a dilute hydrochloric acid concentration of several percent or more is required to completely regenerate the ion exchange resin, but in the case of weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6, regeneration is possible even at a concentration of about 0.01%. Therefore, when softening tap water containing hardness components, it is desirable to minimize the amount of H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8 used and use weakly acidic cations. By increasing the amount of exchange resin 6 used, it becomes easier to recover the used ion exchange resin, regenerate it, and use it again for water softening.

[0053] As described above, the water softening device 1 according to this embodiment 1 can be enjoyed with the following effects.

[0054] (1) The water softening device 1 is equipped with a water treatment layer 4 that produces weakly acidic soft water. The water treatment layer 4 has a first soft water layer 4a, a neutralization layer 4b, a second soft water layer 4c, and an acidification layer 4d. The first soft water layer 4a and the second soft water layer 4c soften the incoming water containing hardness components with a weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6. The neutralization layer 4b neutralizes the pH of the soft water that has passed through the first soft water layer 4a with a weakly basic anion exchange resin 7. The acidification layer 4d acidifies the pH of the soft water that has passed through the second soft water layer 4c with an H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 8. The water softening device is configured so that tap water flows in the order of the first soft water layer 4a, the neutralization layer 4b, the second soft water layer 4c, and the acidification layer 4d.

[0055] With this configuration, tap water containing hardness components flows out of the first soft water layer 4a before the pH of the tap water decreases due to the softening treatment in the first soft water layer 4a, is neutralized in the neutralization layer 4b, and is softened in the second soft water layer 4c. Therefore, compared to a configuration without a neutralization layer 4b, the decrease in pH and acidification of the water flowing through the first soft water layer 4a can be suppressed, making it easier for hardness components to exchange with hydrogen ions held by the weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6 in the second soft water layer 4c. Consequently, the water softener 1 can improve its water softening performance compared to a configuration without a neutralization layer 4b. Furthermore, even when almost all hardness components in hard water can be removed in a configuration without a neutralization layer 4b, this configuration allows the pH of the weakly acidic soft water to be adjusted to be more neutral. In other words, when almost all hardness components in water can be removed and the pH becomes 4 or less, it is possible to adjust the pH to the weakly acidic range (pH=4~6).

[0056] Furthermore, with this configuration, after the water is softened in the first softening layer 4a and the second softening layer 4c, it is further softened in the acidification layer 4d. As a result, hardness components that could not be completely removed by the softening in the first softening layer 4a and the second softening layer 4c, as well as cations other than hardness components such as sodium ions, are removed in the acidification layer 4d, and hydrogen ions are released into the water. Therefore, compared to a configuration consisting of a first softening layer 4a, a neutralization layer 4b, and a second softening layer 4c, the water softening device 1 can produce weakly acidic soft water with fewer hardness components.

[0057] Furthermore, compared to a configuration consisting of a first soft water layer 4a, a neutralization layer 4b, and a second soft water layer 4c, the extracted weakly acidic soft water can be adjusted to be more acidic. (2) In the water softening device 1, the first soft water layer 4a, the neutralization layer 4b, the second soft water layer 4c, and the acidification layer 4d are each composed of water treatment layer containers 10 of the same shape, with the upstream and downstream openings covered by a permeable outer diaphragm 9, and filled with their respective ion exchange resins.

[0058] With this configuration, each layer of the water treatment layer 4 is detachable from the water softening device 1, and it becomes easy to change the size (amount of ion exchange resin filled) of the first soft water layer 4a, neutralization layer 4b, second soft water layer 4c, and acidification layer 4d, using a fixed amount of ion exchange resin filled in the water treatment layer container 10 as one unit. Therefore, it becomes easy to change the size (amount of ion exchange resin filled) of the first soft water layer 4a, neutralization layer 4b, second soft water layer 4c, and acidification layer 4d according to the concentration of hardness components and other ions contained in the water, and adjust the hardness and pH of the extracted weakly acidic soft water to the desired value.

[0059] Furthermore, by making all the water treatment layer containers 10 the same shape, any water treatment layer container 10 can be installed at any position on the housing 3. In other words, each layer of the water treatment layer 4 can be easily rearranged. This makes it easier to form the necessary configuration to obtain the desired water softening performance.

[0060] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing steps, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] Furthermore, while the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1 shows an example where the shapes of each water treatment layer container 10 are all identical, the device is not limited to this. The shapes of the water treatment layer containers 10 may be different.

[0062] Furthermore, in the water softening apparatus 1 according to this embodiment 1, the first softening layer 4a, neutralization layer 4b, second softening layer 4c, and acidification layer 4d are configured by filling each ion exchange resin into a water treatment layer container 10 of the same shape, with the upstream and downstream openings covered by a permeable outer diaphragm 9. However, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the flow path lengths may differ, or the shapes may be other than cylindrical. Even in this way, the same effects as in embodiment 1 can be obtained. (Embodiment 2) Next, the mist spraying device 11 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the installation state of the mist spraying device. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the mist spraying device 11 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a configuration diagram showing the flow path of the mist spraying device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that Figures 3 to 5 schematically illustrate each component.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the house 200 is a building for the residents to live in their private lives and may be equipped with bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a toilet, etc. Note that in Figure 3, only the bathroom 220 is shown for the sake of explanation. The house 200 is equipped with a mist spraying device 11.

[0064] The mist spraying device 11 is installed, for example, in the space above the ceiling 210 of the bathroom 220. More precisely, the mist spraying device 11 is arranged so that the micro-mist generating unit 12a and the splash mist generating unit 12b, which will be described later, are exposed inside the bathroom 220. The mist spraying device 11 is connected to a water inlet pipe 230 that guides water into the interior of the mist spraying device 11. More precisely, one end of the water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the flow path 13 shown in Figure 4, and the other end of the water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the water supply.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the mist spraying device 11 comprises a water softener 1a, a mist generating unit 12 that atomizes tap water or weakly acidic softened water, a first channel 21 that supplies weakly acidic softened water to the mist generating unit 12 via the water softener 1a, a second channel 22 that supplies tap water to the mist generating unit 12 without going through the water softener 1a, switching valves 18 and 19 that switch between the first channel 21 and the second channel 22, and a control unit 20 that controls the operating mode and the switching valves 18 and 19. The configuration of the water softener 1a is the same as that of the water softener 1 according to Embodiment 1. Details already explained in Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the following description as appropriate. (Overall structure) The mist spraying device 11 generates weakly acidic soft water usable as drinking water from tap water supplied from an external source, and further atomizes the weakly acidic soft water or tap water containing hardness components. The mist spraying device 11 is equipped with a micro-mist mode and a splash mist mode. The micro-mist mode is also called the first operating mode, and the splash mist mode is also called the second operating mode.

[0066] The micro-mist mode uses weakly acidic softened water obtained by the water softening device 1a to produce a mist with a diameter of several micrometers. This mode generates micro-mist 250, which is a mist of approximately 1000 chromates. The micro-mist mode is designed to improve hair quality, provide moisturizing effects, and other beauty benefits by atomizing weakly acidic soft water and spraying it onto people. In micro-mist mode, tap water flows through the following sequence: channel 13, channel 14, water softener 1a, channel 15, channel 17, and micro-mist generation unit 12a. Furthermore, the amount of water used per hour in micro-mist mode is less than in splash mist mode.

[0067] The splash mist mode is a mode that generates splash mist 260, which has a particle size larger than a few micrometers, from tap water. The splash mist mode is used to warm the bathroom by spraying hot water, or to wash the body or the bathroom. In splash mist mode, tap water flows in the following order: flow path 13, flow path 16, flow path 17, and splash mist generation unit 12b. Also, the amount of water used per hour in splash mist mode is greater than in micro mist mode.

[0068] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the mist spraying device 11 is composed of a water softening device 1a that generates weakly acidic soft water from tap water, a mist generating unit 12 that atomizes tap water or weakly acidic soft water, a flow path 13 into which tap water flows in from the outside, flow paths 14 to 17 that supply weakly acidic soft water or tap water to the mist generating unit 12, switching valves 18 and 19 that switch the flow paths, and a control unit 20 that controls the operating mode and the switching valves.

[0069] The water softening device 1a has the configuration described in Embodiment 1, with the inlet 2 connected to the flow path 13 and the outlet 5 connected to the flow path 15 (see Figure 1).

[0070] The flow path 13 is connected to the city water inlet pipe 230. The mist spraying device 11 uses the pressure of the city water to extract city water containing hardness components or weakly acidic soft water after softening treatment from the flow path 17, and the mist generation unit 12 generates a mist of city water containing hardness components or weakly acidic soft water.

[0071] Between the flow path 13 and the mist generation unit 12, a water softening device 1a, flow path 14, flow path 15, flow path 16, and flow path 17 are provided.

[0072] Flow channel 14 is a flow channel that connects flow channel 13 to the water softening device 1a.

[0073] Flow path 15 is a flow path connecting the water softening device 1a to flow path 17.

[0074] Flow path 16 is a flow path that connects flow path 13 to flow path 17 without going through the water softening device 1a.

[0075] In other words, in micro-mist mode, tap water containing hardness components flows through channel 13, channel 14, water softener 1a, channel 15, and channel 17 in that order, undergoing water softening treatment, and the resulting weakly acidic soft water is supplied to the micro-mist generation unit 12a (flow shown by the white arrow in Figure 4). In other words, in micro-mist mode, the mist spraying device 11 supplies water to the mist generation unit 12 via the first channel 21. Also, in splash mist mode, tap water containing hardness components flows through channel 13, channel 16, and channel 17 in that order, and is supplied to the splash mist generation unit 12b as tap water containing hardness components (flow shown by the black arrow in Figure 4). In other words, in splash mist mode, the mist spraying device 11 supplies water to the mist generation unit 12 via the second channel 22.

[0076] (Switching valve) The switching valve 18 is installed at the connection point between the flow path 13 and the flow paths 14 and 16. The switching valve 18 guides the city water flowing in from the flow path 13 to either the flow path 14 or the flow path 16. In other words, The switching valve 18 switches the direction of water flow. The switching valve 18 is a so-called three-way valve, and its type is not particularly limited. The switching valve 18 is, for example, a solenoid valve that controls the opening and closing of each flow path by an electrical signal.

[0077] The switching valve 19 is installed at the connection point between the flow path 17 and the flow paths 15 and 16. The switching valve 19 guides water flowing in from flow path 14 or flow path 16 into flow path 17. In other words, the switching valve 19 switches the direction of water flow. The switching valve 19 is a so-called three-way valve, and its type is not particularly limited. The switching valve 19 is, for example, a solenoid valve that controls the opening and closing of each flow path by an electrical signal.

[0078] Furthermore, the switching valve 18 and the switching valve 19 are each connected to the control unit 20, which will be described later, via wireless or wired communication.

[0079] (Mist generation section) The mist generation unit 12 atomizes tap water containing hardness components supplied through the flow path 17, or weakly acidic soft water treated via the water softening device 1a. There are no particular restrictions on the means of mist generation, and general-purpose methods can be used. For example, mist generation using a nozzle with a porous outlet or mist generation by centrifugal fracturing can be used.

[0080] In this embodiment, the mist generating unit 12 is configured to include a micro-mist generating unit 12a and a splash mist generating unit 12b.

[0081] In micro-mist mode, the micro-mist generation unit 12a sprays weakly acidic softened water taken from the water softener 1a as micro-mist 250. In this embodiment, the micro-mist generation unit 12a is a nozzle with a porous outlet (not shown). The average pore size of the porous structure in the micro-mist generation unit 12a is smaller than the average pore size of the porous structure in the splash mist generation unit 12b, which will be described later. In other words, the micro-mist 250 sprayed from the micro-mist generation unit 12a is a finer mist than the splash mist 260.

[0082] In splash mist mode, the splash mist generating unit 12b sprays tap water containing hardness components, which has been passed through channels 13, 15, and 17, as a splash mist. In this embodiment, the splash mist generating unit 12b is a nozzle with a porous outlet (not shown). The average pore size of the porous area in the splash mist generating unit 12b is larger than the average pore size of the porous area in the micro-mist generating unit 12a. In other words, the splash mist 260 sprayed from the splash mist generating unit 12b has a larger particle size than the micro-mist 250. (heating part) The heating unit 31 heats the water flowing into the mist generation unit 12, thereby warming or vaporizing the water. The heating unit 31 is, for example, an electric heater. The heating unit 31 can be installed anywhere as long as it can heat the water flowing into the mist generation unit 12. In this embodiment, two heating units are installed, one near the flow path 15 and one near the flow path 16. In other words, the heating unit 31 heats the water flowing through the flow paths 15 and 16 by heating the flow paths 15 and 16.

[0083] (Control Unit) The control unit 20 controls the operation of the mist generation unit 12 and the switching valves 18 and 19, and switches the operating mode. At this time, the control unit 20 switches the switching valves 18 and 19 according to the operating mode.

[0084] The control unit 20 has a computer system that includes a processor and memory. The computer system functions as a control unit when the processor executes a program stored in memory.

[0085] (Mist spraying) Next, the operation of mist spraying by the mist spraying device 11 will be described. The operation of mist spraying by the mist spraying device 11 is switched according to the operating mode selected by the control unit 20.

[0086] As described above, the operating modes consist of a micro-mist mode (first operating mode) and a splash mist mode (second operating mode).

[0087] In micro-mist mode, the mist spraying device 11 supplies weakly acidic softened water to the micro-mist generation unit 12a through the first channel 21 (via the water softening device 1a), atomizes a predetermined amount of water, and sprays it to the outside (bathroom 220). At this time, the control unit 20 sets the switching valve 18 to allow water to flow through channel 13 and channel 14, and sets the switching valve 19 to allow water to flow through channel 15 and channel 17.

[0088] On the other hand, in splash mist mode, the mist spraying device 11 supplies tap water to the splash mist generating unit 12b through the second flow path 22, atomizes a predetermined amount of water, and sprays it outside (bathroom 220). At this time, the control unit 20 switches the switching valve 18 to connect flow path 13 and flow path 16, and switches the switching valve 19 to connect flow path 16 and flow path 17.

[0089] Thus, the mist spraying device 11 is configured to switch between a first operating mode that can spray a mist of weakly acidic soft water and a second operating mode that can spray a mist of tap water containing hardness components.

[0090] This makes it possible to switch between a mist of weakly acidic softened water and a mist of city water containing hardness components as needed. As a result, wear on the water treatment layer 4 inside the water softener 1a can be reduced compared to the case where only a mist of weakly acidic softened water can be sprayed. In other words, the amount of water circulating inside the water softener 1a can be kept to the minimum necessary, and thus the amount of hardness components adsorbed in the water softener 1a can be kept to a minimum, thus reducing the frequency of maintenance (regeneration or replacement) of the water softener 1a.

[0091] Furthermore, when the water softening device 1a is installed inside the mist spraying device 11, miniaturization of the water softening device 1a while maintaining or improving its water softening performance can prevent the size of the mist spraying device 11 from increasing. In other words, it is possible to maintain ease of installation when the mist spraying device 11 is installed in a narrow space such as an attic.

[0092] As described above, the mist spraying device 11 according to this second embodiment can be enjoyed as follows.

[0093] (1) The mist spraying device 11 comprises a water softener 1a, a mist generating unit 12 that atomizes tap water containing hardness components or weakly acidic soft water, a first channel 21 that supplies weakly acidic soft water to the mist generating unit 12 via the water softener 1a, a second channel 22 that supplies tap water to the mist generating unit without going through the water softener 1a, switching valves 18 and 19 that switch between the first channel 21 and the second channel 22, and a control unit 20 that controls the operating mode and the switching valves.

[0094] With this configuration, in micro-mist mode, micro-mist passes through the first channel 21. Weakly acidic soft water is supplied to the mist generation unit 12a, and a micro-mist of weakly acidic soft water is generated from the micro-mist generation unit 12a, which can then be sprayed to the outside (bathroom 220).

[0095] In splash mist mode, tap water containing hardness components is supplied to the splash mist generating unit 12b through the second channel 22, causing the splash mist generating unit 12b to generate splash mist, which can then be sprayed outside (bathroom 220).

[0096] Therefore, by switching between mist of weakly acidic softened water and mist of city water containing hardness components as needed, the mist spraying device 11 can reduce wear on the water treatment layer 4 inside the water softener 1a compared to the case where only mist of weakly acidic softened water can be sprayed. In other words, the maintenance frequency of the water softener 1a can be reduced.

[0097] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing steps, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0098] For example, Embodiment 2 shows an example in which only the water flowing through the second channel 22, which does not have a water softener 1a, is atomized in splash mist mode, but the invention is not limited to this. Specifically, in splash mist mode, mist may be generated using the water flowing through both the first channel 21 and the second channel 22.

[0099] Furthermore, the water treatment layer 4 of the water softening device 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a first soft water layer 4a, a neutralization layer 4b, a second soft water layer 4c, and an acidification layer 4d, but is not limited to this. For example, the water treatment layer 4 does not have to include the second soft water layer 4c.

[0100] In this case, the water softening device 1 comprises a housing 3 having an internal space, an inlet 2 for introducing water to be treated into the internal space, a water treatment layer 4 that removes hardness components from the water to be treated and produces weakly acidic soft water, and an outlet 5 for discharging the weakly acidic soft water from the internal space. The water treatment layer 4 comprises a first soft water layer 4a that removes hardness components from the water to be treated using a weakly acidic cation exchange resin, a neutralization layer 4b provided downstream of the first soft water layer 4a that neutralizes the water to be treated using a weakly basic anion exchange resin, and an acidification layer provided downstream of the neutralization layer 4b that acidifies the water to be treated and removes hardness components from the water to be treated using an H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin.

[0101] While this configuration reduces water softening performance, it minimizes the size of the water softening device 1, thereby suppressing manufacturing costs. In other words, it is desirable for designers to consider the required water softening performance and manufacturing costs and appropriately change the combination of water treatment layers. [Industrial applicability]

[0102] The water softening device according to the present invention can be applied to household electrical appliances and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Water softener 1a Water softener 2 Inlet 3 cabinets 3a Enclosure opening / closing section 3b Side opening 4. Water treatment layer 4a First soft water layer 4b Neutralizing layer 4c Second soft water layer 4d acidification layer 5 Outlet 6. Weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6a First weakly acidic cation exchange resin 6b Second weakly acidic cation exchange resin 7. Weakly basic anion exchange resin 8. H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin 9 Water-permeable external membrane 10 Water treatment layer container 11. Mist spraying device 12 Mist generation unit 12a Micromist generation section 12b Splash Mist Generator 13 Flow channels 14 channels 15 channels 16 channels 17 channels 18. Switching valve 19. Switching valve 20 Control Unit 21 First channel 22 Second flow path 31 Heating section 90 Protrusion 91 Protrusion 101 one side 102 one side 110 Daiichi Soft Water 120 Neutralized Soft Water 130 Second Soft Water 200 houses 210 Attic space 220 Bathroom 230 City water introduction pipe 250 micro-mist 260 Splash Mist

Claims

1. A housing having an internal space, The internal space includes an inlet for introducing the water to be treated, A water treatment layer that removes hardness components from the water to be treated and produces weakly acidic soft water, An outlet for releasing weakly acidic soft water from the aforementioned internal space, Equipped with, The aforementioned water treatment layer is A first soft water layer that removes hardness components from the treated water using a weakly acidic cation exchange resin, A neutralization layer is provided downstream of the first soft water layer, which neutralizes the water to be treated using a weakly basic anion exchange resin. A second softening layer is provided downstream of the neutralization layer, and removes hardness components from the treated water using a weakly acidic cation exchange resin. The system includes an acidification layer located downstream of the second soft water layer, which acidifies the water to be treated using an H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin and removes hardness components from the water to be treated. Water softener.

2. The aforementioned first soft water layer is A weakly acidic cation exchange resin removes hardness components from tap water to produce softened water. The aforementioned neutralizing layer is The first softened water is neutralized with a weakly basic anion exchange resin to produce neutralized softened water. The aforementioned second soft water layer is A weakly acidic cation exchange resin is used to remove hardness components from the neutralized softened water, thereby producing a second softened water with fewer hardness components than the first softened water. The aforementioned acidified layer is A type H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin is used to remove hardness components from the second soft water and to acidify the second soft water, thereby producing the weakly acidic soft water. The water softening apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The water softening apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the water treatment layers is detachably provided to the housing.

4. The aforementioned first soft water layer is The housing is detachably attached to the aforementioned housing, It comprises a water-permeable outer diaphragm that holds the aforementioned weakly acidic cation exchange resin inside, The water softening apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned neutralizing layer is The housing is detachably attached to the aforementioned housing, It comprises a water-permeable outer diaphragm that holds the aforementioned basic anion exchange resin inside, The water softening apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned second soft water layer is The housing is detachably attached to the aforementioned housing, It comprises a water-permeable outer diaphragm that holds the aforementioned weakly acidic cation exchange resin inside, The water softening apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The aforementioned acidified layer is The housing is detachably attached to the aforementioned housing, The system includes a water-permeable outer diaphragm that holds the aforementioned H-type strongly acidic cation exchange resin inside. The water softening apparatus according to claim 3.

8. Each layer of the aforementioned water treatment layer is: It has a roughly cylindrical shape, The water softening apparatus according to claims 4 to 7, wherein the upstream opening and the downstream opening in the water flow direction of the substantially cylindrical shape are covered by the permeable outer diaphragm.

9. The water softening apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the permeable outer diaphragm is a nonwoven fabric or polyester mesh.

10. The water softening apparatus according to claim 8, wherein all layers of the water treatment layer have the same external shape.

11. The water softening apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of weakly acidic cation exchange resin packed in the first softened water layer is greater than the amount of weakly acidic cation exchange resin packed in the second softened water layer.

12. A mist spraying device that atomizes and sprays the weakly acidic softened water obtained from the water softening device described in claim 1.

13. A mist generating unit that atomizes water, A first channel for supplying water to the mist generation section via the water softening device, A second channel that supplies water to the mist generation section without going through the water softening device, A switching valve that switches between the first flow path and the second flow path, A control unit that controls the operating mode and the switching valve, Equipped with, The aforementioned operating mode is: The first operating mode atomizes a predetermined amount of water, It includes a second operating mode that atomizes a larger amount of water than the first operating mode, The control unit, In the first operating mode, the switching valve allows water to flow through the first channel. In the second operating mode, the switching valve allows water to flow through the second channel. The mist spraying device according to claim 12.

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