Water softening unit

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a water softening device. [Solution] The water softening device of the present invention is connected to the secondary side of a faucet and comprises an ion exchange tank section having a cation exchange resin, a water inlet section for supplying water to the inside of the ion exchange tank section, a water outlet section for discharging water from the ion exchange tank section to the outside, a regeneration tank section for generating and temporarily storing regenerated water that regenerates the ion exchange capacity of the cation exchange resin, a drain valve for discharging the regenerated water, a water injection pipe connected to the regeneration tank section, a water injection valve for opening and closing the water injection pipe, a regeneration pipe connecting the ion exchange tank section and the regeneration tank section, a regeneration valve for opening and closing the regeneration pipe, a water flow detector provided between the water inlet section and the water outlet section for detecting the water flow of the water softening device and detecting the cumulative amount of water flowed, and a control unit for controlling the electrical means, wherein the control unit has the function of opening the water injection valve and injecting water into the regeneration tank section when the water flow detector is detecting water flow, and closing the water injection valve after a predetermined time or predetermined amount of water has been passed through.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water softening device that removes hardness components from raw water, such as tap water, and softens it, and more particularly to a water softening device that is connected to the secondary side of a residential water tap. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, cation exchange resins are used to soften tap water and other types of water. Since the exchange capacity of cation exchange resins decreases with continued use, they are regenerated by passing recycled water (for example, saltwater) through them. In water softening systems equipped with cation exchange resins, increasing the capacity of the cation exchange resin makes the system larger, but the frequency of cation exchange resin regeneration decreases. Conversely, decreasing the capacity of the cation exchange resin makes the system smaller, but the frequency of cation exchange resin regeneration increases.

[0003] Softened water has the effect of suppressing the formation of "soap scum," which is created when soap combines with hardness components, because the hardness components have been removed. Furthermore, this improves soap lathering, resulting in benefits such as "less dirt around the sink," "reduced use of soap and shampoo," and "gentler on hair and skin." In particular, after showering, there is no soap scum residue on the skin, and it is covered with fatty acids similar to the sebum film, making it gentle on the skin.

[0004] The following technologies are disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 as water softening devices connected to the secondary side of a faucet. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-246375 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-041377 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-022540 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is a water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet, in which water for regeneration is stored in a water supply tank while the shower is in use, and when regeneration is performed, an on / off valve is opened and water is supplied from the water supply tank to a salt tank into which salt has been added in advance, and while dissolving the salt, it is supplied to a cation exchange resin. Therefore, while the shower was in use, water was constantly supplied to the water tank, resulting in overflow and wasted water. In addition, because the water for regeneration was supplied to the cation exchange resin while dissolving salt, the salt concentration became diluted, leading to a decrease in regeneration efficiency.

[0007] The technology described in Patent Document 2 is a water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet, and is a technology that enables the user to be notified of the amount of softened water produced and the regeneration cycle, and to reset the notification after regeneration, in order to improve the user's convenience. However, since there was no compartment to store the regeneration fluid, the user had to open the regeneration fluid drain port and pour the fluid into the regeneration fluid inlet themselves during regeneration.

[0008] The technology described in Patent Document 3 is a water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet, but because there is no part to store the regenerated water, the user had to operate the water outlet themselves, set a container containing the regenerating agent in the injection part, and put the regenerating agent into the cation exchange resin during regeneration.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a water softening device that, even in a water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet and which does not supply water unless the faucet is opened, automatically generates and stores regenerated water if a regenerating agent is added, and regenerates the cation exchange resin with simple operation by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention has the following configuration as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems. (1) The water softening device according to the present invention is a water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet, comprising: an ion exchange tank section having a cation exchange resin for softening water; a water inlet section for supplying water into the ion exchange tank section; a water outlet section for discharging water from the ion exchange tank section to the outside; a regeneration tank section provided above the ion exchange tank section for generating and temporarily storing regenerated water that regenerates the ion exchange capacity of the cation exchange resin; a drain valve for discharging the regenerated water; and a water inlet section provided between the water inlet section and the water outlet section and connected to the regeneration tank section. The water softener comprises a pipe, a water inlet valve for opening and closing the water inlet pipe, a regeneration pipe connecting the ion exchange tank section and the regeneration tank section, a regeneration valve for opening and closing the regeneration pipe, a water flow detector provided between the water inlet section and the water outlet section for detecting the water flow of the water softener and detecting the cumulative amount of water flowed, and a control unit for controlling the electrical means including the water flow detector and the water inlet valve, wherein the control unit has the function of opening the water inlet valve and injecting water into the regeneration tank section while the water flow detector is detecting water flow, and closing the water inlet valve after a predetermined time or a predetermined amount of water has been passed through.

[0011] (2) The water softening device according to (1) of the present invention is characterized in that it is equipped with an open / close detector for detecting the opening and closing of the regeneration valve, and when the regeneration valve is opened, the regenerated water flows from the regeneration pipe to the ion exchange tank, and the control unit has a function to reset the integrated water flow rate of the water flow detector in response to the open signal of the open / close detector.

[0012] (3) The water softening device according to (1) of the present invention is characterized in that the regeneration valve is an electrical means whose opening and closing is controlled by the control unit, and the control unit has a function to open the regeneration valve when the cumulative value of the water flow rate of the water flow detector reaches a preset value and the water flow detector does not detect water flow for a predetermined time, thereby allowing the regenerated water to flow from the regeneration pipe to the ion exchange tank, and the control unit resets the cumulative value of the water flow rate of the water flow detector.

[0013] (4) The water softening apparatus according to (1) or (2) of the present invention is characterized in that a check valve is provided in the middle of the regeneration pipe to prevent backflow of water from the ion exchange tank to the regeneration tank.

[0014] (5) The water softening device according to (2) of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit is equipped with a display means for displaying the operating status of the water softening device, and has a function to display an error on the display means when it simultaneously detects an open signal from the open / close detector and a water flow from the water flow detector.

[0015] (6) The water softening device according to the present invention is a water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet, comprising: an ion exchange tank section having a cation exchange resin for softening water; a water inlet section for supplying water into the ion exchange tank section; a water outlet section for discharging water from the ion exchange tank section to the outside; a regeneration tank section provided above the ion exchange tank section for generating and temporarily storing regenerated water that regenerates the ion exchange capacity of the cation exchange resin; a drain valve for discharging the regenerated water; a water injection pipe provided downstream of the ion exchange tank section and connected to the regeneration tank section; a water injection valve for opening and closing the water injection pipe; a water flow detector provided between the water inlet section and the water outlet section for detecting the water flow of the water softening device and detecting the cumulative amount of water flowed; and a control unit for controlling the electrical means including the water flow detector and the water injection valve, wherein the control unit has the function of opening the water injection valve and injecting water into the regeneration tank section while the water flow detector is detecting water flow, and closing the water injection valve after a predetermined time or a predetermined amount of water has been passed through.

[0016] (7) The water softening device according to (6) of the present invention includes an operation switch for opening the water injection valve. When the water injection valve is opened and the regenerated water flows from the water injection pipe to the ion exchange tank unit, the control unit has a function of resetting the integrated water flow value of the water flow detector according to the open signal of the operation switch. (8) The water softening device according to (6) of the present invention is such that when the integrated water flow value of the water flow detector reaches a preset value and the water flow detection of the water flow detector does not detect for a predetermined time, the control unit opens the water injection valve, and while the regenerated water flows from the water injection pipe to the ion exchange tank unit, the control unit has a function of resetting the integrated water flow value of the water flow detector.

[0017] (9) The water softening device according to any one of (1), (2), (3), (6), (7), and (8) of the present invention is characterized in that a constant flow valve for making the water flow rate of the water injection pipe constant is provided in the middle of the water injection pipe.

[0018] (10) The water softening device according to any one of (1), (2), (3), (6), (7), and (8) of the present invention is characterized in that the regeneration tank unit has a regeneration tank with an open upper surface and a mesh member spaced upward from the bottom surface of the regeneration tank.

[0019] (11) The water softening device according to any one of (1), (2), (3), (6), (7), and (8) of the present invention is characterized in that the drain valve is provided in the ion exchange tank unit upstream of the cation exchange resin, closes during water flow, and opens during non - water flow.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the water softening device of the present invention, a shower head is connected to the water outlet, and while the user opens the faucet and is using the shower, a water flow detector detects the water flow and opens the water supply valve, supplying the amount of water necessary for generating regenerated water to the regeneration tank. After that, the water supply valve closes automatically, so if a regenerating agent is put into the regeneration tank in advance, it will dissolve naturally and generate regenerated water, which can then be temporarily stored in the regeneration tank.

[0021] During regeneration, when the user opens the regeneration valve, regenerated water is supplied from the regeneration pipe to the ion exchange tank, and the cation exchange resin is regenerated. If an open / close detector is provided to detect the opening and closing of the regeneration valve, the control unit will detect the open signal of the regeneration valve, determine that regeneration is in progress, and reset the integrated water flow rate value of the water flow detector, allowing the aforementioned regenerated water generation operation to be repeated.

[0022] If the regeneration valve is an electrical means whose opening and closing is controlled by the control unit, then when the cumulative water flow rate of the water flow detector reaches a preset value and the water flow detector does not detect water flow for a predetermined period of time, the regeneration valve will automatically open, supplying regenerated water from the regeneration pipe to the ion exchange tank and regenerating the cation exchange resin. At this time, the control unit resets the cumulative water flow rate. In this way, the user can automatically regenerate the cation exchange resin without having to operate it themselves.

[0023] When the user operates the regeneration valve, there is a risk of forgetting to close the valve after regeneration is complete. If the user forgets to close the valve and opens the faucet, there is a risk of water flowing back from the ion exchange tank to the regeneration tank. However, installing a check valve in the middle of the regeneration pipe can prevent this backflow.

[0024] Furthermore, by providing a display means to show the operating status of the water softening device, an open signal due to forgetting to close the regeneration valve and a water flow detection by the water flow detector due to opening the faucet occur simultaneously, and this can be displayed on the display means as an error state.

[0025] Furthermore, the regeneration valve and regeneration pipe can be eliminated, and the water injection valve and water injection pipe can be combined with the regeneration valve and regeneration pipe. With this configuration, it becomes possible to inject water into the regeneration tank in the forward direction and supply water to the ion exchange tank in the reverse direction using the same piping. In addition, the number of parts is reduced, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0026] In this configuration, when regeneration is performed, the user operates an operation switch on the control unit to open the water injection valve, and regenerated water is supplied to the ion exchange tank from the water injection pipe, regenerating the cation exchange resin. At this time, the control unit determines that regeneration is in progress based on the open signal from the operation switch, resets the accumulated water flow rate value of the water flow detector, and repeats the aforementioned regenerated water generation operation. Furthermore, since the control unit closes the water injection valve after a predetermined amount of water has flowed through, the user will not forget to close it.

[0027] Furthermore, in this configuration, if the cumulative water flow rate of the water flow detector reaches a preset value and the water flow detector does not detect water flow for a predetermined period of time, the water supply valve is automatically opened, and regenerated water is supplied from the regeneration pipe to the ion exchange tank, allowing the cation exchange resin to be regenerated. At this time, the control unit resets the cumulative water flow rate. In this way, the user can regenerate the resin automatically without any manual operation.

[0028] During water flow, the flow rate changes due to fluctuations in water pressure. However, by equipping the water injection pipe with a constant flow valve to maintain a constant flow rate, it is possible to accurately supply a predetermined amount of water (= constant flow rate × predetermined time) to the regeneration tank.

[0029] The regeneration tank section consists of a regeneration tank with an open top and a permeable mesh member installed separately from the bottom, dividing the inside of the regeneration tank into upper and lower sections. A solid regenerating agent is placed on top of this mesh member, and water is poured in up to the top. While the water is temporarily stored, it comes into contact with the regenerating agent and dissolves naturally, producing regenerated water of a predetermined concentration. By connecting this regeneration tank section and the ion exchange tank section via a regeneration pipe, the cation exchange resin can be regenerated as needed.

[0030] To regenerate the cation exchange resin, it is necessary to pass regenerated water through it. If a drain valve is installed upstream of the cation exchange resin in the ion exchange tank section, and is designed to close when water is flowing and open when water is not flowing, then during regeneration, when water is not flowing, the regenerated water can pass through the cation exchange resin and be discharged through the drain valve. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] A piping diagram of a water softening device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A piping diagram showing the water softening state of the water softening apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A piping diagram showing the water injection state into the regeneration tank section of the water softening device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A piping diagram showing the standby state of the water softening device before regeneration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A piping diagram showing the regeneration state of the water softening device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A piping diagram of a water softening system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] A piping diagram showing the water injection state into the regeneration tank section of the water softening device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A piping diagram showing the standby state of the water softening device before regeneration according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A piping diagram showing the regeneration state of the water softening device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A piping diagram showing the standby state of the water softening device before regeneration according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] "First Embodiment" The water softening apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In addition, in the following drawings, the scale and number of components in each structure may differ from the actual structure in order to make each structure easier to understand.

[0033] Figure 1 is a piping diagram of the water softening device in the first embodiment. Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 show piping diagrams illustrating the water softening state, the water filling state into the regeneration tank, the standby state before regeneration, and the regeneration state, respectively, with arrows indicating the water flow.

[0034] <Water softening equipment> The water softener 1 is connected to the secondary side of the faucet 2 via a connecting hose 3 to a water inlet 4. The water inlet 4 is formed at the bottom of the ion exchange tank 5. When the faucet 2 is opened, water is supplied from the water inlet 4 to the ion exchange tank 5. The ion exchange tank 5 has a cation exchange resin 6 that softens the water and a case member 7 that houses the cation exchange resin 6 in its internal space. Although not shown in detail, the upper and lower sides of the case member 7 are made of mesh material, respectively, to prevent the cation exchange resin 6 from flowing out while allowing water to pass through. As a result, water flowing in from the bottom of the case member 7 passes through the cation exchange resin 6, flows out through a water outlet 8 connected to the upper side of the case member 7 to an external shower hose 9, and is discharged from the shower head 10. One end of the connecting hose 3 is detachably connected to the secondary side of the faucet 2 via a connecting fitting 3A, and the other end is connected to the bottom wall of the ion exchange tank 5 via the water inlet 4. One end of the shower hose 9 is detachably connected to the shower head 10 via a connecting fitting 9A, and the other end is connected to the ion exchange tank section 5 via a water outlet hole 5A formed in the ceiling wall of the ion exchange tank section 5.

[0035] The cation exchange resin 6 is used to exchange calcium ions (Ca) in tap water. 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) and remove. As an example, the matrix of the cation exchange resin 6 initially contains anions (R-SO3). - ) contains the cation Na +are combined. When tap water is introduced into the cation exchange resin 6, ion exchange begins, and Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ are adsorbed by the cation exchange resin 6, and in their place, Na + is released. As a result, the hardness components Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ are removed, so the tap water can be softened.

[0036] Also, since the ion exchange capacity of the cation exchange resin 6 decreases when it continues to be used, it is regenerated by passing regenerated water (for example, salt water) through it. When, for example, a high-concentration salt water of 5 to 20% is passed through the cation exchange resin 6, the ion exchange capacity is reversed, and Na + is adsorbed by the cation exchange resin 6, and in its place, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ is released. By passing a predetermined amount of salt water, the cation exchange resin 6 is restored to its initial state, and the cation exchange function is regenerated. The water softening device 1 can be used for a long time by repeating the water softening and regeneration described above.

[0037] <Regeneration tank section, water injection pipe, water injection valve, regeneration pipe, regeneration valve, drain valve> The regeneration tank section 11 can generate regenerated water and temporarily store the regenerated water. Therefore, it is required to have a structure in which the regenerant 26 is stored in the regeneration tank section 11 in advance, water is supplied thereto and stored, and further, the regenerated water is supplied to the ion exchange tank section 5. Therefore, the location of the water injection pipe 12 to the regeneration tank section 11 is not limited as long as it is in any of the passages from the water inlet section 4 to the ion exchange tank section 5 and the water outlet section 8. In the present embodiment, the water injection pipe 12 is provided by branching from the upper surface of the ion exchange tank section 5 and connected to the connection port 11a on the bottom surface of the regeneration tank section 11. Even with this arrangement, it is equivalent to providing the water injection pipe 12 between the water inlet section 4 and the water outlet section 8.

[0038] However, since the capacity of the regeneration tank section 11 is limited, it is necessary to provide a water injection valve 13 in the middle of the water injection pipe 12 to open and close the water injection pipe 12, and to control this water injection valve 13 to supply water. The control method will be described later, but it is preferable to use an electrical means including a solenoid valve or motor valve as the means of opening and closing.

[0039] A regeneration pipe 14 is provided between the regeneration tank 11 and the ion exchange tank 5 to supply regenerated water. In this case, the upper end of the regeneration pipe 14 is connected to a connection port 11b provided on the bottom surface of the regeneration tank 11 in order to supply the regenerated water by gravity. This allows the entire amount of regenerated water temporarily stored in the regeneration tank 11 to be discharged from the regeneration tank 11 to the ion exchange tank 5.

[0040] On the other hand, since the supply of recycled water is limited to when the shower is not in use, a regeneration valve 15 is required to open and close the regeneration pipe 14. The regeneration valve 15 is not limited to being manually operated or electrically operated, but it is preferable that it has a structure that can electrically detect its open or closed state, and its control method will be described later.

[0041] To regenerate the cation exchange resin 6, it is necessary to pass regenerated water through it and discharge it from the ion exchange tank section 5. To utilize gravity, it is preferable to provide a drain valve 16 at the bottom of the ion exchange tank section 5 upstream of the cation exchange resin 6. The drain valve 16 is not particularly limited as long as it is a means of opening and closing a passage, but it is preferable from the user's perspective to open the passage during regeneration (when water is not flowing) and close the passage when the shower is in use (when water is flowing).

[0042] <Water flow detector> The water flow detector 17 is installed between the water inlet 4 and the water outlet 8. A water flow sensor is preferred as the water flow detector 17 in terms of ease of control. The water flow sensor, although not shown in the figure, consists of a magnetic rotor that rotates with the water flow and a Hall IC that detects magnetism. The rotor has multiple blades and detects the presence or absence of water flow, the instantaneous water flow rate, and the cumulative water flow rate by using magnetic pulses generated as the magnetism moves closer to and further away from the Hall IC installed nearby. When installed between the water inlet 4 and the water outlet 8, it can be used to determine whether water is flowing or not (whether or not the shower is being used) and to measure the amount of softened water used (= cumulative water flow rate). Alternatively, a water flow switch can be used as the water flow detector 17. The water flow switch turns on when water is flowing and off when water is not flowing, and can detect the presence or absence of water flow. Furthermore, by combining this with time, the water flow rate can be accumulated.

[0043] <Water softening state> As shown in Figure 2, when the user opens the faucet 2, the water flows through the water inlet 4, ion exchange tank 5, water outlet 8, and shower hose 9, as indicated by the arrows, and is discharged from the shower head 10. At this time, the water flow detector 17 detects the water flow and accumulates the amount of water that flows through. Although not shown in the figure, the system may be configured to display the accumulated amount of water that flows through, i.e., the amount of softened water used, by some means, and notify the user of the time when the cation exchange resin 6 needs to be regenerated. For example, a set value for the amount of water used can be set in advance, and when the accumulated amount of water that flows through exceeds the set value, the system can notify the user of the time when it is time for regeneration.

[0044] <Water supply control to the recycling tank section> The water inlet valve 13 and water flow detector 17 are examples of electrical means, and are controlled by the control unit 18 when supplying water to the regeneration tank section 11. In the water softening device 1 connected to the secondary side of the faucet 2, water will not be supplied to the regeneration tank section 11 even if the water inlet valve 13 is opened unless the user opens the faucet 2. Therefore, by opening the faucet 2 and, as shown in Figure 3, while the water flow detector 17 is detecting the water flow, the water inlet valve 13 can be opened to supply water to the regeneration tank section 11 as indicated by the arrow. The timing of opening the water inlet valve 13 may be at the same time as opening the faucet 2, or after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, as mentioned above, since the capacity of the regeneration tank section 11 is limited, the control unit 18 closes the water inlet valve 13 after a predetermined time or after a predetermined amount of water has been supplied, ending the supply of water to the regeneration tank section 11. The control unit 18 then continues to close the water inlet valve 13, even if the water flow detector 17 detects water flow (shower use), until the next regeneration cycle starts and ends.

[0045] <How to play> The user regenerates the cation exchange resin 6 based on an electrical indicator indicating the regeneration time, or by a change in the user's own perception of the water's feel. At this time, the user closes the faucet 2 and stops using the shower. Since the regenerated water is generated and stored in the regeneration tank 11, when the drain valve 16 is open and the regeneration valve 15 is opened, the regenerated water flows out as shown by the arrow in Figure 5, and the cation exchange resin 6 is regenerated. The regenerated water that has passed through the cation exchange resin 6 passes through the drain valve 16 and is discharged from the drain outlet 25.

[0046] <Structure of a regenerative valve> The regeneration valve 15 may be a manual valve operated directly by the user and may be equipped with an open / close detector 20 for detecting opening and closing, or it may be a solenoid valve or motor valve that the user operates by opening and closing it with an operation switch 23, which will be described later. In this embodiment, a manual valve is used, and the user rotates a handle 19 to open and close the regeneration valve 15. The open / closed detector 20 consists of a magnet 20a and a reed switch 20b, with the magnet 20a moving together with the rotation of the handle 19. When the magnet 20a and the reed switch 20b face each other and enter the magnetic operating range, the reed switch 20b turns on, detecting the open state of the regeneration valve 15. Also, when the handle 19 is reversed, the magnet 20a separates, and the reed switch 20b turns off. However, even if this on / off relationship is reversed, it is still possible to detect the open / closed state of the regeneration valve 15.

[0047] When the regeneration valve 15 is operated, the reed switch 20b turns on, and the control unit 18 detects an open signal, the system determines that regeneration has been performed while continuing to supply regenerated water, and can reset the aforementioned cumulative water flow value (to 0L). As a result, after regeneration, the user will use softened water from a state where the cumulative water flow value is 0. At this time, the set value for the amount of water used can also be rewritten to the cumulative water flow value at the time of the reset.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the opening and closing of the regeneration valve 15 is controlled by an electrical means controlled by the control unit 18, regeneration can be automated. When the cumulative water flow rate reaches a set value and no water flow is detected for a predetermined time, the control unit 18 determines that regeneration is possible without using the shower, opens the regeneration valve 15, supplies regenerated water, and thereafter proceeds as described above. If the shower is used at this time, the regeneration valve 15 will be closed.

[0049] <Backflow prevention, error display> As described above, in this embodiment, regeneration is performed by opening the regeneration valve 15, but after drainage is complete, it is necessary to return the handle 19 to its original position and close the regeneration valve 15. At this time, the reed switch 20b is turned off. However, there is a risk of forgetting to close the valve. If the faucet 2 is opened while the valve is still open, water will flow back from the regeneration pipe 14 to the regeneration tank 11. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a check valve 21 in the regeneration pipe 14. The check valve 21 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that closes the passage when backflow occurs and opens the passage when it is resolved. In this embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which an umbrella-shaped valve body 21a with a sealing member (not shown) attached is built in so that the sealing member faces upward. As a result, when backflow occurs, the water pressure lifts the valve body 21a, the sealing member comes into contact with the passage wall of the regeneration pipe 14, and the regeneration pipe 14 can be closed.

[0050] As mentioned above, if the regeneration valve 15 is left open and the faucet 2 is opened, it is preferable that the check valve 21 mechanically stops the backflow and notifies the user of this condition. In this embodiment, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the control unit 18 detects the ON state of the reed switch 20b, and when the water flow detector 17 detects water flow, the operating status is displayed on the display means 22 by flashing or lighting an LED 22a or the like, such as an error display.

[0051] "Second Embodiment" A second embodiment of the water softening device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9. However, parts with the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0052] <Differences from the first embodiment> The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are clear from comparing Figures 1 and 6: the absence of the regeneration pipe 14, regeneration valve 15, open / close detector 20, and check valve 21, and the presence of the operating switch 23. Otherwise, the configuration is identical. Therefore, the water softening state is the same as in the first embodiment, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0053] <Water supply control to the recycling tank section> As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the functions of the regeneration tank section 11, the water injection valve 13, the drain valve 16, and the water flow detector 17 are the same as in the first embodiment, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0054] <How to play> In this embodiment, the regeneration method involves opening the water injection valve 13 by operating the control switch 23 on the control unit 18 while the drain valve 16 is open. As shown by the arrow in Figure 9, regenerated water flows, allowing the cation exchange resin 6 to be regenerated. That is, the water injection pipe 12 serves both to inject water into the regeneration tank section 11 and to supply regenerated water to the ion exchange tank section 5. In this case, it goes without saying that the water injection valve 13 is electrically operated. For example, a solenoid valve or a motor valve is preferred, however, the water injection valve 13 must be capable of allowing water to pass in both directions. While continuing to supply recycled water, the system can determine that recycling has been completed and reset the cumulative water flow value mentioned above (to 0L). As a result, after recycling, the user will use softened water from a state where the cumulative water flow value is 0. In addition, the system opens the water inlet valve 13, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it determines that the discharge of recycled water has finished and closes the water inlet valve 13 to end the recycling process. In this embodiment, since the opening and closing of the water inlet valve 13 is performed by the control unit 18, the problem of forgetting to close the valve, as in the first embodiment, does not occur.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, regeneration can be automated. When the cumulative water flow rate reaches a set value and no water flow is detected for a predetermined time, the control unit 18 determines that regeneration is possible without using the shower, opens the water injection valve 13, supplies regenerated water, and thereafter proceeds with the regeneration method as described above. If the shower is used at this time, the water injection valve 13 is closed.

[0056] When using a solenoid valve as the water injection valve 13, it is preferable to use a direct-acting solenoid valve that can be opened and closed regardless of the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the water injection valve 13, in order to serve both the purpose of injecting water into the regeneration tank section 11 and supplying regenerated water to the ion exchange tank section 5.

[0057] "Common configuration for the first and second embodiments" The common configurations of the first and second embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 5.

[0058] <Constant flow valve> It is preferable to provide a constant flow valve 24 in the middle of the water injection pipe 12 to keep the water flow rate constant. The amount of water flowing per unit time through the water injection pipe 12 changes with fluctuations in water pressure, and consequently, the amount of water injected into the regeneration tank section 11 also changes. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a constant flow valve 24 in the water injection pipe 12 to keep the water flow rate constant and stabilize the amount of water stored in the regeneration tank section 11. The constant flow valve 24 is not particularly limited as long as it keeps the water flow rate constant even when the water pressure is high. Known types include O-ring type, diaphragm type, and piston type. In particular, the O-ring type is inexpensive compared to other types because the O-ring inside deforms due to water pressure, changing the passage area.

[0059] <Structure of the recycling tank section> The recycling tank section 11 consists of a recycling tank 11c with its top open to the atmosphere and connection ports 11a and 11b on its bottom for connecting a water injection pipe 12 and a recycling pipe 14, and a permeable mesh member 11d installed above the bottom surface of the recycling tank 11c, dividing the inside of the recycling tank 11c into upper and lower sections. The mesh member 11d is not particularly limited as long as it is permeable to water, but a polyester mesh with openings much smaller than the recycling agent 26 is preferred. In this embodiment, the mesh member 11d is provided inside the regeneration tank 11c, with the mesh sandwiched between a grid-like molded object (not shown). A cover 11e can also be attached to cover the opening of the regeneration tank 11c from above. The cover 11e is removed to open the opening of the regeneration tank 11c, the regeneration agent 26 is placed on top of the mesh member 11d through the opening, and then water is poured in with the regeneration valve 15 closed. The amount of water temporarily stored inside the regeneration tank 11c must be such that at least the lower part of the regeneration agent 26 is always submerged. With this configuration, the regeneration agent 26 gradually dissolves from the part submerged in water. Here, since the specific gravity of the dissolved water is greater than that of water, convection occurs at the bottom of the mesh member 11d due to the difference in specific gravity, and the water comes into contact with the regeneration agent 26, promoting natural dissolution. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the concentration of the regeneration agent 26 increases. At most, dissolution is completed when the regeneration agent 26 reaches its saturation concentration. Note that the dissolution of the regeneration agent 26 is not limited to natural dissolution; it may also be forcibly stirred using a pump.

[0060] <Structure of a drain valve> As mentioned above, the drain valve 16 is not limited to those that close when water is flowing and open when water is not flowing, but a system that automatically opens and closes depending on whether water is flowing or not is preferable in terms of user convenience and manufacturing cost. The drain valve 16 of this type is constructed by providing an umbrella-shaped valve body 16a with a sealing member (not shown) and a spring member 16b inside a cylindrical body 16A. The cylindrical body 16A is integrated with the bottom wall of the ion exchange tank section 5 by mounting means such as screws (not shown), and the internal space of the cylindrical body 16A is in communication with a discharge hole 5a formed in the bottom wall of the ion exchange tank section 5. The cylindrical body 16A may also be integrally formed with the bottom wall of the ion exchange tank section 5. From the bottom of the ion exchange tank section 5 toward the drain port 25 on the bottom side of the cylindrical body 16A, a valve body 16a with a sealing member facing downwards and a spring member 16b in contact with the valve body 16a are arranged in that order. When water is supplied to the ion exchange tank section 5, the water pressure on the upstream side of the ion exchange tank section 5 increases, the spring member 16b contracts, the valve body 16a lowers and contacts the inner wall of the cylindrical body 16A, closing the drain valve 16. When the faucet 2 is closed and the water pressure on the upstream side of the ion exchange tank section 5 decreases, the biasing force of the spring member 16b pushes up the valve body 16a and opens the drain valve 16. Therefore, in the regeneration state shown in Figure 5 and the regeneration state shown in Figure 9, drainage can be performed from the drain port 25 as indicated by the arrow.

[0061] "Third Embodiment" A third embodiment of the water softening device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 10. The only differences from the first and second embodiments are the presence or absence of an electrode for detecting the water level in the regeneration tank and the water injection control using that electrode.

[0062] <Structure of the recycling tank section> A metal lower electrode 27a is provided at the connection port 11a on the bottom of the regeneration tank section 11. On the other hand, a metal upper electrode 27b is provided at a position (a predetermined height on the side wall of the regeneration tank 11c) that is always submerged by the water poured into the regeneration tank section 11 and exposed to the atmosphere when regenerated water is supplied. As a result, when water is poured in, if the tip of the upper electrode 27b, which protrudes into the inside of the regeneration tank 11c, is submerged, the lower electrode 27a and the upper electrode 27b become energized. When regenerated water is supplied and the water level decreases, and the tip of the upper electrode 27b is exposed to the atmosphere, the lower electrode 27a and the upper electrode 27b become de-energized, and the presence or absence of regenerated water in the regeneration tank 11c can be detected. The electrode 27 is composed of the lower electrode 27a and the upper electrode 27b.

[0063] <Water injection control for the recycling tank section> As mentioned above, water is injected into the regeneration tank 11 for a predetermined time or in a predetermined amount, but in this embodiment, the injection of water can be terminated depending on whether or not the electrode 27 is energized. The control unit 18 may determine that regeneration has been performed when the electrode 27 becomes de-energized and reset the accumulated water flow value (to 0L). Although the water injection method in this embodiment differs from the predetermined amount of water injection in the first and second embodiments, it is equivalent in that it involves injecting a predetermined amount of water into the regeneration tank 11c. [Examples]

[0064] <Recycled water produced> An example using the water softening device 1 shown in Figure 1 will be described. The opening is approximately 133 cm. 2A mesh member 11d was placed approximately 31 mm above the bottom surface of the box-shaped regeneration tank 11c. 600 g of solid salt, roughly almond-shaped with a size of 7-14 mm per grain, was placed on top of the mesh member 11d as the regeneration agent 26. Then, the faucet 2 was opened, and while the shower was in use, the control unit 18 opened the water inlet valve 13 in response to the water flow detection by the water flow detector 17, injecting approximately 500 mL of water from the water inlet pipe 12, and then closing the water inlet valve 13. At this time, the water level was approximately 65 mm from the bottom surface of the regeneration tank 11c. Inside the regeneration tank 11c, the regeneration agent 26 dissolved, and after about 1 hour, the salt concentration became approximately 20%, and the amount of regenerated water became approximately 620 mL. Furthermore, the water inlet valve 13 was controlled not to open even if the shower continued to be used. The water inlet valve 13 used a solenoid valve, and the constant flow valve 24 was of the O-ring type.

[0065] <Condition of drain valve> The spring member 16b of the drain valve 16 is made of stainless steel for corrosion resistance. The biasing force of the spring member 16b is set so that the valve body 16a closes when water flows at a water pressure of 0.03 MPa or higher and opens when no water flows (0 MPa).

[0066] <Amount of softened water obtained> Approximately 240 mL of cation exchange resin 6 was filled into the ion exchange tank section 5. First, water was continuously passed through until the ion exchange capacity of the cation exchange resin 6 was lost. Then, the water tap 2 was closed to stop the water flow, the regeneration valve 15 was opened, and the regenerated water that had been temporarily stored was supplied to the cation exchange resin 6 from the regeneration pipe 14, and the entire amount was discharged through the drain valve 16 and the drain port 25. At this time, the open / close detector 20 detected the open signal of the reed switch 20b, and the control unit 18 reset the accumulated water flow value of the water flow detector 17. Furthermore, it was determined that the regeneration was complete 3 minutes after detection. Here, the regeneration valve 15 was closed, the faucet 2 was opened, and softened water was discharged from the showerhead 10. The hardness of the discharged water and the cumulative flow rate were measured. The drain valve 16 was closed at this time. The flow rate was set to 10 L / min, which is typical for showers. The hardness of the raw water was converted to 60 mg / L. Up to a flow rate of 5 L, the hardness was high due to the effect of residual water, but thereafter it became 0 mg / L, and it exceeded 20 mg / L only after a flow rate of 300 L.

[0067] <Check valve operation, error display> In the water softening device 1, the faucet 2 was opened and water was discharged from the showerhead 10 while the regeneration valve 15 was intentionally open. At this time, the check valve 21 closed, and no backflow occurred into the regeneration tank 11c. In addition, the open signal from the open / close detector 20 and the water flow detection from the water flow detector 17 occurred simultaneously, causing the LED 22a of the display means 22 to light up and display an error.

[0068] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1...Water softener, 2...Faucet, 3...Connecting hose, 4...Water inlet 5...Ion exchange tank section, 6...Cation exchange resin, 7...Case component, 8...Water outlet section, 9... Shower hose, 10... Shower head, 11...Recycling tank section, 11a...Connection port, 11b...Connection port, 11c...Recycling tank, 11d...Mesh component, 11e...Cover, 12...Water inlet pipe, 13...Water inlet valve, 14...Recycled pipe, 15...Recycled valve, 16...Drain valve, 16a...Valve body, 16b...Spring member, 17...Water flow detector, 18...Control unit, 19...Handle 20...Open / closed sensor, 20a...Magnet, 20b...Reed switch, 21...Check valve, 21a...Valve body, 22...Display means, 22a...LED, 23...Operation switch, 24...Constant flow valve, 25...Drain port, 26...Regenerating agent, 27...electrode, 27a...lower electrode, 27b...upper electrode.

Claims

1. A water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet, An ion exchange tank section having a cation exchange resin that softens water, A water inlet for supplying water to the inside of the ion exchange tank section, A water outlet for draining water from the ion exchange tank to the outside, Regenerated water is generated to restore the ion exchange capacity of the cation exchange resin, and temporarily stored in a regeneration tank section located above the ion exchange tank section. A drain valve for discharging the recycled water, A water inlet pipe is provided between the water inlet and water outlet sections and is connected to the recycling tank section, A water inlet valve for opening and closing the aforementioned water inlet pipe, A regeneration pipe connecting the ion exchange tank section and the regeneration tank section, A regeneration valve for opening and closing the aforementioned regeneration pipe, A water flow detector is provided between the water inlet and the water outlet, which detects the water flow of the water softening device and the cumulative value of the water flow, The system includes a control unit for controlling the electrical means, including the water flow detector and the water injection valve, The control unit has the function of opening the water injection valve and injecting water into the regeneration tank while the water flow detector is detecting water flow, and closing the water injection valve after a predetermined time or predetermined amount of water has been supplied. A water softening device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit has an open / close detector for detecting the opening and closing of the regeneration valve, and when the regeneration valve is opened, the regenerated water flows from the regeneration pipe to the ion exchange tank, and the control unit has a function to reset the integrated water flow rate of the water flow detector in response to the open signal from the open / close detector. The water softening apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The regeneration valve is an electrical means whose opening and closing is controlled by the control unit, and the control unit has a function to open the regeneration valve when the cumulative water flow rate of the water flow detector reaches a preset value and the water flow detector does not detect water flow for a predetermined time, thereby allowing the regenerated water to flow from the regeneration pipe to the ion exchange tank, and the control unit to reset the cumulative water flow rate of the water flow detector, as described in claim 1.

4. A check valve is provided in the middle of the regeneration pipe to prevent backflow of water from the ion exchange tank to the regeneration tank. The water softening apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control unit includes a display means for displaying the operating status of the water softening device, and has a function to display an error on the display means when it simultaneously detects an open signal from the open / close detector and a water flow from the water flow detector. The water softening apparatus according to feature 2.

6. A water softening device connected to the secondary side of a faucet, An ion exchange tank section having a cation exchange resin that softens water, A water inlet for supplying water to the inside of the ion exchange tank section, A water outlet for draining water from the ion exchange tank to the outside, Regenerated water is produced to restore the ion exchange capacity of the cation exchange resin, and is temporarily stored in a regeneration tank section located above the ion exchange tank section. A drain valve for discharging the recycled water, A water inlet pipe is provided downstream of the ion exchange tank section and connected to the regeneration tank section, A water inlet valve for opening and closing the aforementioned water inlet pipe, A water flow detector is provided between the water inlet and the water outlet, which detects the water flow of the water softening device and the cumulative value of the water flow, The system includes a control unit for controlling the electrical means, including the water flow detector and the water injection valve, The control unit has the function of opening the water injection valve and injecting water into the regeneration tank while the water flow detector is detecting water flow, and closing the water injection valve after a predetermined time or predetermined amount of water has been supplied. A water softening device characterized by the following features.

7. The control unit is equipped with an operating switch for opening the water injection valve, and when the water injection valve is opened, the regenerated water flows from the water injection pipe to the ion exchange tank, and the control unit has a function to reset the accumulated water flow rate of the water flow detector in response to the opening signal of the operating switch. The water softening apparatus according to feature 6.

8. The water softening apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit has a function to open the water injection valve, allowing the regenerated water to flow from the water injection pipe to the ion exchange tank, and to reset the water flow rate of the water flow detector, when the cumulative water flow rate of the water flow detector reaches a preset value and the water flow detector does not detect water flow for a predetermined time, and the control unit also has a function to reset the cumulative water flow rate of the water flow detector.

9. A constant flow valve is provided in the middle of the water inlet pipe to maintain a constant water flow rate through the pipe. A water softening device according to any one of 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, or 8.

10. The recycling tank section comprises a recycling tank with an open top and a mesh member spaced upward from the bottom of the recycling tank. A water softening device according to any one of 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, or 8.

11. The drain valve is located upstream of the cation exchange resin and in the ion exchange tank section, closing when water is flowing and opening when water is not flowing. A water softening device according to any one of 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, or 8.

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