Multi-port valve for water treatment

Abstract

A multi-port valve for a water treatment system includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a drain port, a first resin port, a second resin port, and cavities that fluidly connect each port. A drivetrain subassembly is coupled to the housing and includes a first motor and a lead screw. An injector subassembly is coupled to the housing and includes a second motor, a brine port, and a brine valve. Furthermore, a piston is positioned on the lead screw and configured to move laterally along the length of the lead screw in response to the rotation of the lead screw.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 459,786, filed on April 17, 2023, the entire content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application.

[0002] [Field of the Invention] The present invention generally relates to a multi - port valve for water treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi - port valve having an internal lead screw that rotates to translate a piston within the multi - port valve without translational movement of the lead screw.

Background Art

[0003] Water treatment systems for softening, filtering, and / or treating water in residential and commercial applications are well - known in the art. Many of these water treatment systems include a multi - port valve, a resin tank, and a brine tank. Multi - port valves are known in the art that can adjust the positioning of components within the valve to control the flow of fluid between a water inlet, a water outlet, a drain, a resin tank, and a brine tank.

[0004] However, there is a need for a multi - port valve for a water treatment system that controls the movement of a piston through the cavity of the multi - port valve to open and close the path between the ports of the multi - port valve and separately controls the timing at which the brine valve is opened and closed. This individual control of these functions provides variability in the operating sequence, operating frequency, and operating duration of the water treatment system.

[0005] Preferably, the design of the multi - port valve provides a smaller multi - port valve and water treatment system that does not require compensation for lateral movement of the lead screw.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a multi-port valve for water treatment in commercial and residential applications.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-port valve includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a drain port, a first resin port, a second resin port, and cavities that fluidly connect each port. A drivetrain subassembly is coupled to the housing and includes a first motor and a lead screw. An injector subassembly is coupled to the housing and includes a second motor, a brain port, and a brine valve. Furthermore, a piston is positioned on the lead screw and configured to move laterally along the length of the lead screw in response to the rotation of the lead screw.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, the piston includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion has a central axis aligned with the central axis of the lead screw. Furthermore, the inner portion of the piston may include a threaded portion configured to receive the threaded portion of the lead screw.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the piston also includes at least one support extending between the inner and outer portions of the piston. One or more supports are separated from each other by one or more cavities. Furthermore, anti-rotation elements may extend into one or more cavities of the piston to prevent rotation of the piston during rotation of the lead screw. As a result, the rotation of the lead screw is entirely converted into lateral movement of the piston.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the distal end of the lead screw is positioned within a support at the opposite end of the housing. The lead screw is configured to rotate freely within the support.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the drivetrain subassembly also includes a sensor for detecting the rotation of the lead screw. As a result, the control unit is configured to receive data from the sensor to determine the rotation of the lead screw and, consequently, the corresponding position of the piston. The control unit is further configured to actuate a first motor to rotate the lead screw and move the piston laterally, and to actuate a second motor separately to open and close a brine valve.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a water treatment system having a resin tank, a brine tank, and the multi-valve port described above, wherein the multi-valve port is fluidically coupled to both the resin tank and the brine tank.

[0013] These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better understood and recognized when considered in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention and is given as an example, not as an limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from its spirit, and the present invention includes all such modifications.

[0014] A clear understanding of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, as well as the configuration and operation of a typical mechanism incorporating the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings which constitute part of this specification. In the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate the same elements in multiple figures, as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a water treatment system including a brine tank, a resin tank, and a multi-port valve. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the multi-port valve in the water treatment system. [Figure 3] It is a rear perspective view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a rear perspective view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a semi-disassembled perspective view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of the drive train sub-assembly of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the injector sub-assembly of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the piston of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 9] It is an end view of the piston of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2 with the piston in the first position. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2 with the piston in the second position. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2 with the piston in the third position. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2 with the piston in the fourth position. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2 with the piston in the fifth position. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve of FIG. 2 with the piston in the sixth position. [Figure 16] It is a front perspective view of a multi-port valve according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, certain specific terminology is used for clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology selected, and each specific terminology should be understood to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner and achieve a similar purpose. For example, terms such as "connected" and "attached", or terms similar thereto, are frequently used. These are not limited to direct connections, and include connections through other elements when such connections are recognized as equivalent by those skilled in the art.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The present invention and its various features and advantageous details are more fully described by reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail below.

[0018] Throughout this description, various terms indicating directions such as left and right, front and back, top and bottom, upper and lower, etc. may be used. These directions are not intended to be limiting and are used to describe the relationship of elements to each other in the accompanying drawings. It is also assumed that, unless mutually exclusive, elements may be reversed, for example, by rotating the components or turning them upside down, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0019] Referring first to FIG. 1, a water treatment system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The water treatment system 10 can be used in many different applications (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.). The water treatment system 10 includes a resin tank 12 and a brine tank 14. A multiport valve 16 is fluidly coupled to both the resin tank 12 and the brine tank 14. In a representative embodiment of the present invention, the multiport valve 16 is attached to the upper end of the resin tank 12. Additional aspects of the multiport valve 16 are described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 2 - 15. In other embodiments of the present invention, the water treatment system 10 may not include a brine tank and / or may include a brine source other than the brine tank 14.

[0020] Next, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the multi-port valve 16 is shown in more detail. The multi-port valve 16 includes a housing 18 having a first left end 20, a second right end 22, a front end 24, and a rear end 26. The drivetrain subassembly 28 is attached to the left end 20 of the housing 18. As shown in more detail in the exploded perspective view of Figure 6, the drivetrain assembly 28 includes a stepper motor 30, a lead screw 34, and a gearbox 32 for converting the motion of the stepper motor 30 into rotation of the lead screw 34. A sensor 36 is located within the gearbox 32 to detect rotation. For example, the sensor 36 may be a Hall effect sensor and associated magnet located on or near the output shaft of the stepper motor 30, thereby measuring the rotation of the output shaft of the stepper motor 30 and / or the rotation of an associated pinion gear 37 coupled to the output shaft of the stepper motor 30, and consequently measuring the rotation of the lead screw 34. Preferably, the sensor 36 may be in the form of an infrared sensor positioned on or near the output shaft of the stepper motor 30 (e.g., supported by a collar 39 of the subassembly) to monitor the rotation, speed, and / or position of the output shaft of the stepper motor 30 and / or the associated pinion gear 37. As shown in Figure 6, the gearbox 32 further includes a gear assembly 33 and bearings 35 to convert the motion from the stepper motor 30 to the lead screw 34.

[0021] The drivetrain subassembly 28 also includes an anti-rotation element 82 that extends laterally in the same direction as the lead screw 34. In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the anti-rotation element 82 extends parallel to the lead screw 34. The anti-rotation element 82 will be described in more detail below.

[0022] The injector subassembly 38 is mounted on the right end 22 of the housing 18. As shown in more detail in the exploded perspective view of Figure 7, the injector assembly 38 includes a brine valve 40, a brine valve motor 42, a distributor plate 43 which may be in the form of a gasket 43, and a venturi plate 44. The motor 42 is configured to cause rotation of the brine valve 40 which may be in the form of a ceramic disc valve to allow or prevent the flow of brine into the multiport valve 16. In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the motor 42 causes rotation of the brine valve 40 via a series of gears. However, other embodiments of the present invention may use other systems to convert the motion of the motor 42 into the brine valve 40. The gasket 43 and the venturi plate 44 are joined together, and the gasket 43 is preferably made of rubber and provides a sealing surface for the venturi plate 44 which controls the flow rate of brine injected / flowing into the multiport valve 16. The venturi plate 44 also includes a venturi inlet 47 and a venturi outlet 49, both of which are in fluid communication with the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16. The alignment of these elements will be described in more detail below in the description of the cross-sectional views of the multiport valve 16 in Figures 10 to 15.

[0023] The control unit / user display 46 may be mounted on the front end 24 of the housing 18. The control unit / user display 46 is positioned to be easily accessible to the user. Furthermore, the control unit / user display 46 is configured to allow the user to control the water treatment system 10 and view information related to the water treatment system 10. The control unit 46 can receive data from the sensor 36 regarding the rotation of the lead screw 34 that drives the piston 64 (Figure 5 and other figures), as well as data regarding the number of pulses commanded to the stepper motor 30, for example. As a result, when operating the stepper motor 30, the control unit 46 can accurately determine the rotation of the lead screw 34 by comparing the detected rotation of the lead screw 34 with the number of pulses of the stepper motor 30. The control unit 46 is configured to operate the stepper motor 30 to rotate the lead screw 34 by any degree by pulse-driving the stepper motor 30 to translate the piston 64 and then stopping it. The above comparison between the detected rotation of the lead screw 34 and the number of pulses of the stepper motor 30 provides closed-loop feedback to verify the proper commanded operation of the stepper motor 30. In summary, using the stepper motor 30 provides precise piston translation by controlling the orientation of the axis in steps, for example, at 1.8-degree intervals.

[0024] The control unit 46 is further configured to predict when the multiport valve 16 should be serviced or maintained. For example, the sensor 36 can monitor the speed at which the stepper motor 30 pulses. Furthermore, by comparing data on the number of pulses of the stepper motor 30 with data from the sensor 36 on the rotation of the lead screw 34, the control unit 46 can determine whether or not there is a missing step in the stepper motor 30. That is, if the stepper motor 30 pulses but the sensor 36 determines that there was no rotation of the lead screw 34, the control unit 46 can compare the two and determine that the stepper motor 30 did not actually step in response to the pulse, and therefore maintenance may be required. As a result, by monitoring changes in speed or "missed steps," the control unit 46 can predict when components within the drivetrain assembly 28 (including, but not limited to, internal seals, gear assembly 33, bearings 35, etc.) need to be serviced or replaced prior to failure.

[0025] The rear perspective views of the housing 18 in Figures 3 and 4 show multiple openings / ports at the rear end 26 of the housing 18. These ports include an inlet port 48, an outlet port 50, and a drain port 52, each fluidically coupled to the internal cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16. The inlet port 48 is configured to fluidically couple the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16 to the inlet line to receive untreated water from the system; the outlet port 50 is configured to fluidically couple the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16 to the outlet line to supply water to the system; and the drain port 52 is configured to fluidically couple the cavity 54 to the drain to assist in the discharge of water from the system. Furthermore, the injector subassembly 38 includes a brain port 56. As a result, a hose 58 (see Figure 1) may be coupled to the brain port 56 to fluidly couple the injector subassembly 38 and the multiport valve 16 to the brine tank 14 of the water treatment system 10. The bottom 60 of the housing 18 also includes a resin port 62 that fluidly connects the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16 to the resin tank 12. The resin port 62 includes a first inner resin port 62a and a second outer resin port 62b, which are configured to interact with the bottom of the resin tank 12 (via a distributor 63 extending through the resin of the resin tank 12) and the top of the resin tank 12, respectively.

[0026] Figures 3 and 4 show the drain port 52 positioned parallel to the inlet port 48 and outlet port 50 at the rear end 26 of the housing 18, but the drain port 52 may be positioned at other angles and other positions on the housing 18. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the drain port may be in the form of a drain port 53 extending upward from the upper end of the housing 18. In such an arrangement, the valve 16 is less likely to leak to the floor through the drain port 53 when, for example, the drain adapter is removed during maintenance of the valve 16. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the drain port 52, inlet port 48, and outlet port 50 can be positioned at any angle and / or any position on the housing 18.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the multiport valve 16 also includes a piston 64 driven by a lead screw 34 controlled by a stepper motor 30. The piston 64 is located within the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16 and is configured to move laterally within the cavity 54 to align different ports with each other for different operations of the water treatment system 10. The specific alignment of the piston 64 will be described in more detail below when illustrating Figures 10 to 15.

[0028] Figures 8 and 9 show a cross-sectional view and an end view of the piston 64 of the multiport valve 16, respectively. The piston 64 includes an inner portion 66 and an outer portion 68. The outer portion 68 of the piston 64 is configured to receive a plurality of gaskets 70 on the outer surface 69 of the outer portion 68, within a recess 71 formed in the outer surface 69 of the outer portion 68. The outer surface 69 of the outer portion 68 of the piston 64 further includes an operating recess 73 formed therein, the function of which will be described in more detail later. Figure 8 shows the use of four gaskets 70a to 70d, but various embodiments of the present invention may use any number of gaskets or other sealing arrangements. As will be described in more detail below, the gaskets 70 act to seal the fluid path in the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16 as the piston 64 translates along the cavity 54. The inner portion 66 of the piston 64 is configured to include a threaded portion 72 aligned with the central axis 74 of the piston 64. The threaded portion 72 of the piston 64 is configured to engage with the threaded portion 76 of the lead screw 34. As a result, rotation of the lead screw 34 causes lateral movement of the piston 64 within the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw 34 can rotate while maintaining a stationary lateral position, thereby causing lateral movement of the piston 64.

[0029] As shown in Figures 10 to 15, unlike conventional multiport valves, the threaded portion 76 of the lead screw 34 and the piston 64 are located within the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16. More specifically, the threaded portion 76 of the lead screw 34 and the piston 64 are located within the pressure vessel region 17 of the multiport valve 16. The pressure vessel region 17 is related to the region of the cavity 54 located between each of the ports 48, 50, 52, and 62. As the lead screw 34 rotates, causing lateral movement of the piston 64 via the connection of the threaded portions 72, 76, the system ensures that the pressure in the pressure vessel region 17 acting on the piston 64 does not cause movement of the lead screw 34. As a result, the control unit 46 can accurately determine the position of the piston 64 based on the detected rotation of the lead screw 34.

[0030] Figure 9 shows one or more supports 78 extending between the inner portion 66 and the outer portion 68 of the piston 64, which are configured to mount the inner portion 66 and the outer portion 68 together while forming one or more cavities 80 positioned between the supports 78. In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the piston 64 includes three supports 78 and three cavities 80. In other embodiments of the present invention, the piston 64 may include any number of supports 78 of varying thicknesses and any number of cavities 80 of varying sizes. The anti-rotation extension 82 of the drivetrain assembly 28 is configured to extend into one of the cavities 80 of the piston 64. As a result, the extension 82 prevents the piston 64 from rotating in response to the rotation of the lead screw 34, and consequently, the rotation of the lead screw 34 is efficiently converted into lateral movement of the piston 64 without loss due to rotation of the piston 64. In various embodiments of the present invention, there may be any number of anti-rotation extensions 82 that penetrate any number of cavities 80 of the piston 64 in order to prevent the piston 64 from rotating and to stabilize the piston 64 rotationally.

[0031] Figures 10 to 15 show cross-sectional views of a multiport valve 16 with the piston 64 in multiple positions. Each position in Figures 10 to 15 provides a different operation of the multiport valve 16. As shown in the cross-sectional views, the lead screw 34 extends into the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16. The threaded portion 76 of the lead screw 34 extends through the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16 and is aligned with the central axis 74 of the piston 64. As the lead screw 34 rotates, the piston 64 moves laterally along the threaded portion 76 of the lead screw 34. In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw 34 extends to the injector subassembly 38. While it is assumed that the lead screw 34 is cantilevered within the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distal end 84 of the lead screw 34 is supported by a support 86 formed in or attached to the injector assembly 38. As a result, the lead screw 34 is stabilized within the system. The distal end 84 of the lead screw 34 is configured to rotate freely within the support 86. In a more preferred embodiment, the support 86 extends outward from the venturi plate 44 and receives the distal end 84 of the lead screw 34.

[0032] Figure 10 shows the multiport valve 16 in a first position 100, such as the service position. The service position 100 is the primary position of the multiport valve 16 and is maintained in this position for most of the operation of the multiport valve 16 and the water treatment system 10. In the service position 100, the piston 64 is located in the leftmost position 102. As a result, the piston 64 opens the path from the inlet port 48 to the outer resin port 62b and closes the path from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, the drain port 52, and the inner resin port 62a (the aforementioned gasket 70 interacts with one or more inner surfaces of the multiport valve 16 extending into the cavity 54 to provide a fluid-tight seal and close the path). On the other hand, the actuation recess 73 of the piston 64 is positioned to open the path between the inner resin port 62a and the outlet port 50. Furthermore, the brine motor 42 operates to close the brine valve 40.

[0033] As a result, the fluid enters the multi-port valve 16 through the inlet port 48, flows to the top of the resin tank 12 through the outer resin port 62b, flows through the resin tank 12 to its bottom (the fluid is processed in the resin inside the resin tank 12 as it flows from the top to the bottom of the resin tank 12), flows from the bottom of the resin tank 12 through the resin tank distributor 63 to the inner resin port 62a, and then flows to the outlet port 50.

[0034] Figure 11 shows the multi-port valve 16 in a second position 110, such as the backwash position. In the backwash position 110, the piston 64 is in its rightmost position 112. As a result, the piston 64 blocks the path from the inlet port 48 to the outer resin port 62b, while opening the paths from the inlet port 48 to the inner resin port 62a and from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50 (the aforementioned gasket 70 interacts with one or more inner surfaces of the multi-port valve 16 extending into the cavity 54 to provide a fluid-tight seal, blocking and opening the paths). Meanwhile, the actuation recess 73 of the piston 64 is aligned to form a path between the outer resin port 63a and the drain port 52. Furthermore, the brine motor 42 operates to close the brine valve 40.

[0035] As a result, the fluid can flow directly from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, and can also flow from the inlet port 48 through the distributor 63 to the bottom of the resin tank 12. The fluid can then flow from the bottom of the resin tank 12 to the top of the resin tank 12, into the cavity 54 of the multi-port valve 16, and out through the drain port 52. This creates a backwash flow that assists in cleaning the resin tank 12.

[0036] Figure 12 shows the multiport valve 16 in a third position 120, such as the brine suction position. The brine suction position 120 is used to rinse the resin in the resin tank 12 with brine in order to regenerate the resin. In the brine suction position 120, the piston 64 is in an intermediate position 122, and the brine motor 42 operates to open the brine valve 40. As a result, the piston 64 opens the path from the inlet port 48 to the venturi inlet 47 and the path from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, while blocking the direct path from the inlet port 48 to the inner resin port 62a, the outer resin port 62b, and the drain port 52 (see Figures 4 and 10). Furthermore, in the intermediate position 122, the piston 64 opens the path from the venturi outlet 49 (Figure 7) to the outer resin port 62b within the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16. Furthermore, the operating recess 73 of the piston 64 is aligned to open a path from the inner resin port 62a to the drain port 52.

[0037] As a result, the fluid can flow from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, and also to the venturi 45 via the venturi inlet 47. As shown in Figure 7, the injector subassembly 28 may also include a screen filter 51 for screening the fluid before it reaches the venturi inlet 47. The brine can be injected into the fluid by the venturi 45, and the resulting fluid mixture flows to the top of the resin tank 12 via the outer resin port 62b. After passing through the resin in the resin tank 12, the fluid mixture flows through the inner resin port 62a into the cavity 54 (via the distributor 63) and towards the drain port 52.

[0038] In the alternative brine suction position, the piston 64 may be positioned in an alternative intermediate position, with the brine motor 42 operating to open the brine valve 40. As a result, the piston 64 opens the pathway from the inlet port 48 to the venturi inlet 47 and the pathway from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, while blocking the direct pathway from the inlet port 48 to the inner resin port 62a, the outer resin port 62b, and the drain port 52. Furthermore, in the alternative intermediate position, the piston 64 opens the pathway from the venturi outlet 49 (Figure 7) to the inner resin port 62b within the cavity 54 of the multi-port valve 16. In addition, the operating recess 73 of the piston 64 is aligned to open the pathway from the outer resin port 62a to the drain port 52.

[0039] As a result, the fluid can flow from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, and also to the venturi 45 via the venturi inlet 47. The brine can be injected into the fluid by the venturi 45, and the resulting mixed fluid flows to the bottom of the resin tank 12 via the inner resin port 62a and the distributor 63. After passing through the resin in the resin tank 12, the mixed fluid flows through the outer resin port 62b into the cavity 54 and towards the drain port 52.

[0040] Figure 13 shows the multi-port valve 16 in a fourth position 130, such as the slow rinse position. In the slow rinse position 130, the piston 64 is in the same intermediate position 122 as in Figure 12 and the brine suction position 120, but the brine motor 42 operates to close the brine valve 40. As a result, the piston 64 opens the path from the inlet port 48 to the venturi inlet 47 and the path from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, while blocking the direct path from the inlet port 48 to the inner resin port 62a, the outer resin port 62b, and the drain port 52. Furthermore, in the intermediate position 122, the piston 64 opens the path from the venturi outlet 49 to the outer resin port 62b within the cavity 54 of the multi-port valve 16. In addition, the operating recess 73 of the piston 64 is aligned to open the path from the inner resin port 62a to the drain port 52, while blocking the direct path from the inner resin port 62a to the outlet port 50.

[0041] As a result, the fluid can flow from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, and also through the venturi inlet 47 to the venturi 45. Because the brine valve 40 is closed, the fluid flows through the venturi 45 without brine injection. This provides a slow, controlled flow rate as the fluid flows from the venturi outlet 49 to the outer resin port 62b, to the top of the resin tank 12, and through the resin. After passing through the resin in the resin tank 12, the fluid flows through the inner resin port 62a (through the distributor 63) into the cavity 54 and towards the drain port 52.

[0042] Figure 14 shows the multi-port valve 16 in a fifth position 140, such as the fast rinse position. In the fast rinse position 140, the piston 64 moves laterally to the left from the intermediate position 122 to the offset intermediate position 142. Furthermore, the brine valve 40 is closed. In the offset intermediate position 142, the piston 64 opens the path from the inlet port 48 to the outer resin port 62b and the path from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, while blocking the direct path from the inlet port 48 to the inner resin port 62a, the outer resin port 62b, and the drain port 52. Furthermore, the operating recess 73 of the piston 64 is aligned to open the path from the inner resin port 62a to the drain port 52, while blocking the direct path from the inner resin port 62a to the outlet port 50.

[0043] As a result, the fluid can flow from the inlet port 48 to the outlet port 50, and also from the inlet port 48 to the outer resin port 62b. This provides a faster flow velocity for the fluid to the outer resin port 62b, to the top of the resin tank 12, and through the resin, compared to the slow rinse position 130 described above (see Figure 13). After passing through the resin in the resin tank 12, the fluid flows through the inner resin port 62a (via the distributor 63) into the cavity 54 and towards the drain port 52.

[0044] Figure 15 shows the multi-port valve 16 at a sixth position 150, such as the brine-filled position. At the brine-filled position 150, the piston 64 moves to the leftmost position 102 shown in Figure 12, but the brine valve 40 is open. As a result, the piston 64 opens the path from the inlet port 48 to the outer resin port 62b and closes the path to the drain port 52. Meanwhile, the actuation recess 73 of the piston 64 is positioned to open the path between the inner resin port 62a and the outlet port 50.

[0045] As a result, the fluid enters the multi-port valve 16 via the inlet port 48, flows to the top of the resin tank 12 via the outer resin port 62b, flows through the resin tank 12 to its bottom (the fluid is processed in the resin inside the resin tank 12 as it flows from the top to the bottom of the resin tank 12), flows from the bottom of the resin tank 12 (via the distributor 63) to the inner resin port 62a, and then flows to the outlet port 50. With the brine valve 40 in the open position, the fluid can also flow from the inlet port 48 through the brine valve 40 into the brine tank 14.

[0046] In the alternative brine filling position, the piston 64 may be positioned in the alternative left position, with the brine motor 42 operating to open the brine valve 40. As a result, the piston 64 opens the path from the inlet port 48 to the outer resin port 62b and blocks the path to the drain port 52. Meanwhile, the operating recess 73 of the piston 64 is positioned to open the path between the inner resin port 62a and the outlet port 50. Furthermore, the path from the inner resin port 62b to the brine port 56 is opened.

[0047] As a result, the fluid enters the multi-port valve 16 via the inlet port 48, flows to the top of the resin tank 12 via the outer resin port 62b, flows through the resin tank 12 to its bottom (the fluid is processed in the resin inside the resin tank 12 as it flows from the top to the bottom of the resin tank 12), flows from the bottom of the resin tank 12 (via the distributor 63) to the inner resin port 62a, and then flows to the outlet port 50. With the brine valve 40 in the open position, the fluid can also flow from the inlet port 48 to the outer resin port 62b, through the resin tank 12 to the inner resin port 62a (via the distributor 63), and then into the brine tank 14 via the brine valve 40. In this alternative brine refilling position, the brine tank 14 is refilled with treated water.

[0048] As described above, the stepper motor 30 operates to rotate the lead screw 34, and the rotation of the lead screw 34 causes the piston 64 to move laterally between the positions described above and those shown in Figures 10 to 15. In addition to operating the stepper motor 30, the control unit 46 can determine the position of the piston 64 based on the rotation of the lead screw 34 detected by the sensor 36 (Figure 6). Separately, the brine motor 42 operates to open and close the brine valve 40. That is, the operation of the lead screw 34 and the piston 64 is independent of the operation of the brine valve 40. As a result, the water treatment system 10 can circulate between the above positions in any order and at any frequency. Furthermore, a brine level sensor (not shown) may be placed in the brine tank 14 to determine when brine refilling is necessary.

[0049] The independent operation of the brine valve 40 allows for further control of the brine flow through the brine valve 40. Specifically, the size of the orifice of the brine valve 40 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the brine flow through the brine valve 40 to the venturi 55. This can be utilized in both the brine suction and brine filling positions.

[0050] Furthermore, by converting the rotational motion of the lead screw 34 into the lateral motion of the piston 64, the lead screw 34 can remain laterally stationary within the multiport valve 16. As a result, the multiport valve 16 and its drivetrain subassembly 28 do not need to be sized to compensate for the lateral movement of the lead screw 34, and therefore their dimensions can be optimized to accommodate any type of installation. Moreover, by positioning the threaded portion 76 of the lead screw 34 and the piston 64 within the pressure vessel region 17 of the multiport valve 16, the dimensions of the multiport valve 16 and its drivetrain assembly 28 can be optimized to accommodate any type of installation.

[0051] A preferred embodiment also allows for an automatic piston removal / installation function. The conversion of the rotational motion of the lead screw 34 into the lateral motion of the piston 64 enables the easy removal and installation of the piston 64. For example, the injector subassembly 38 may be removed from the right end 22 of the housing 18 to expose the cavity 54 of the multiport valve 16. As a result, the control unit 46 operates the stepper motor 30 to rotate the lead screw 34, moving it laterally until the piston 64 is ejected, allowing it to be removed by the user from the right side 22 of the housing. Similarly, the user may install the piston 64 by positioning it at the distal end 84 of the lead screw 34, operating the control unit 46 to operate the stepper motor 30, and rotating the lead screw 34 in the reverse direction to return the piston 64 laterally into the pressure vessel region 17 of the multiport valve 16. The injector subassembly 38 may then be attached to the right end 22 of the housing 18.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment of the removal / installation function, the movement / translation of the lead screw 34 causing the movement of the piston 64, whether rotational movement and / or lateral movement in a direction transverse, perpendicular, or at an angle to the direction of the piston 64, may be used to enable easy removal and installation of the piston 64 at the ends of the housing 18, for example, the right end 22 of the housing 18, but not limited to these.

[0053] While the best mode envisioned by the inventors for carrying out the present invention has been described above, the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is evident that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept underlying the present invention.

[0054] Furthermore, individual components do not need to be formed in the disclosed shape or assembled in the disclosed configuration, and may be provided in substantially any shape and assembled in substantially any configuration. In addition, all disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment may be combined with or replaced with disclosed features of all other disclosed embodiments, except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0055] The appended claims are intended to include all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Preferred embodiments of the invention are distinguished by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-port valve for a water treatment system, A housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a drain port, a first resin port, a second resin port, and cavities that fluidly connect each port, A drivetrain subassembly coupled to the housing, comprising a first motor and a lead screw, An injector subassembly coupled to the housing, comprising a second motor, a brine port, and a brine valve, A piston positioned on the lead screw and configured to move laterally along the length of the lead screw in response to the rotation of the lead screw, A multi-port valve equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein the piston includes an inner portion and an outer portion, and the inner portion has a central axis aligned with the central axis of the lead screw.

3. The multiport valve according to claim 2, wherein the inner portion of the piston includes a threaded portion configured to receive the threaded portion of the lead screw.

4. The multiport valve according to claim 2, wherein the piston further comprises at least one support extending between the inner and outer portions of the piston, and one or more cavities disposed between the supports.

5. The multiport valve according to claim 4, further comprising anti-rotation elements extending into one or more cavities of the piston to prevent the piston from rotating while the lead screw is rotating.

6. The multiport valve according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the lead screw is located within a support at the opposite end of the housing, and the lead screw is configured to rotate freely within the support.

7. The support prevents the lead screw from moving laterally, as described in claim 6.

8. The multiport valve according to claim 6, wherein the support extends from the surface of the injector subassembly.

9. The multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein the drivetrain subassembly further includes a sensor for detecting the rotation of the lead screw.

10. The system further comprises a control unit, the control unit is The first motor is operated to rotate the lead screw and move the piston laterally. To operate the second motor to open and close the brine valve, and Receiving data from the aforementioned sensor to determine the rotation of the lead screw and the associated position of the piston, A multiport valve according to claim 9, configured to perform the following:

11. The multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein the piston and the lead screw are located within the cavity of the housing.

12. A water treatment system, A resin tank and The resin tank is equipped with a multi-port valve that communicates with the fluid, and the multi-port valve is A housing having an inlet port fluidically coupled to a water inlet, an outlet port fluidically coupled to a water outlet, a drain port, a first resin port fluidically coupled to the bottom of the resin tank, a second resin port fluidically coupled to the top of the resin tank, and cavities that fluidly connect each port, A drivetrain subassembly coupled to the housing, comprising a first motor and a lead screw, An injector subassembly coupled to the housing, comprising a second motor, a brine port, and a brine valve, A piston positioned on the lead screw and configured to move laterally along the length of the lead screw in response to the rotation of the lead screw, A water treatment system equipped with the following features.

13. The water treatment system according to claim 12, wherein the piston includes an inner portion and an outer portion, and the inner portion has a central axis aligned with the central axis of the lead screw.

14. The water treatment system according to claim 13, wherein the inner portion of the piston includes a threaded portion configured to receive the threaded portion of the lead screw.

15. The water treatment system according to claim 13, wherein the outer portion of the piston includes a plurality of gaskets formed within the outer portion to fluidly seal a selected region of the cavity at different positions of the piston within the cavity.

16. The water treatment system according to claim 13, wherein the piston further comprises at least one support extending between the inner and outer portions of the piston, and one or more cavities disposed between the supports.

17. The water treatment system according to claim 15, further comprising anti-rotation elements extending into one or more cavities of the piston to prevent the piston from rotating while the lead screw is rotating.

18. The water treatment system according to claim 12, wherein the distal end of the lead screw is located within a support at the opposite end of the housing, and the lead screw is configured to rotate freely within the support.

19. The water treatment system according to claim 12, wherein the drivetrain subassembly further includes a sensor for detecting the rotation of the lead screw.

20. The system further comprises a control unit, the control unit is The first motor is operated to rotate the lead screw and move the piston laterally. To operate the second motor to open and close the brine valve, and Receiving data from the aforementioned sensor to determine the rotation of the lead screw and the associated position of the piston, The water treatment system according to claim 19, configured to perform the following:

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