Water softening device and washing machine equipped with the water softening device

Abstract

To control with a simple structure and to suppress lowering of water softening property in a water softening device.SOLUTION: A water softening device comprises: a hardness component removing apparatus 20 storing an ion exchange resin 23; a pool tank 40 temporarily storing water to be treated between a water supply destination and the hardness component removing apparatus 20; a regeneration agent container 60 connected to the pool tank 40 in a regenerated water passage 43; and a control device 80 performing regeneration treatment of the ion exchange resin 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a water softening device and a washing machine equipped with the water softening device.

Background Art

[0002] Devices for softening hard water using ion exchange resins are known (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Ion exchange resins whose adsorption amount of hardness components has become saturated and can no longer soften water can be regenerated and reused by passing brine through them.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a water softener in which a resin housing portion 6 filled with ion exchange resin, a raw water tank 7 for storing raw water, and a brine tank portion 8 for storing brine are integrally configured.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a washing machine equipped with a water softening device using an ion exchange resin. In the water softening device, a salt container 32 and a brine container 31 for putting salt are arranged above a resin chamber 33 for housing the ion exchange resin. During regeneration of the ion exchange resin, brine generated by supplying tap water to the brine container 31 is configured to flow down into the resin chamber 33.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In regions such as Europe, there are many areas where tap water is hard water with high hardness (rich in mineral components such as Ca and Mg). In such regions, the effectiveness of detergents decreases, and the cleaning power decreases. Therefore, it is preferable for washing machines and dishwashers that use detergents to be equipped with a water softening device to soften the tap water for use in cleaning.

[0007] As described above, the water softening device using ion exchange resin can be regenerated by passing brine through it. Therefore, as in Patent Document 2, an amount of salt sufficient for multiple regenerations is put into a predetermined container to regenerate the ion exchange resin.

[0008] However, in that case, main controls such as regeneration of water softening performance, concentration and liquid volume of the regeneration brine, and salt replenishment notification in the salt container are required. However, the sensors used for each control are diverse, and the installation locations are also diverse, so the structure becomes complex and the material cost increases.

[0009] In addition, tap water contains chlorine. The ion exchange resin swells to a certain extent due to the oxidizing action of chlorine. Therefore, the ion exchange resin is accommodated in a container with space considering its swelling. However, since each ion exchange resin is a particle, if there is space in the container, it moves inside the container during water flow.

[0010] By repeatedly passing water, the accommodation state of the ion exchange resin changes, and long and short water passage paths are formed. In the short water passage path, hardness components leak out earlier than in the long path. As a result, the water softening performance decreases. Also, the performance of the ion exchange resin deteriorates earlier on the upstream side than on the downstream side of the water passage path. When the ion exchange resin with deteriorated performance moves to the downstream side, hardness components are likely to leak out, so the water softening performance further decreases.

[0011] For example, in a washing machine, it is common for water supply to be carried out multiple times in a single washing process. Each time this occurs, the accommodation state of the ion exchange resin changes, so the water softening performance is even more likely to decline. If the water softening performance deteriorates, the regeneration frequency of the ion exchange resin will increase accordingly. The power, tap water, and salt consumption required for the regeneration process will increase.

[0012] The main object of the disclosed technology is to realize optimal control of a water softening device with a simple structure. And to realize a water softening device that can suppress the decline in water softening performance.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0013] The disclosed technology relates to a water softening device that softens water to be treated and supplies it to a water supply destination.

[0014] The water softening device includes a hardness component remover that houses an ion exchange resin, receives the water to be treated, and sends out the water to be treated that has passed through the ion exchange resin toward the water supply destination; a pool tank that temporarily stores the water to be treated between the water supply destination and the hardness component remover; a regenerant container that is connected to the pool tank via a regeneration water path where a pump is installed and houses a water-soluble regenerant for regenerating the ion exchange resin; and a control device that executes a regeneration process for the ion exchange resin.

[0015] That is, according to this water softening device, there is a pool tank that temporarily stores the water to be treated between the water supply destination and the hardness component remover. Therefore, the softened water to be treated is once stored in the pool tank. The pool tank is connected to a regenerant container that houses a water-soluble regenerant for regenerating the ion exchange resin via a regeneration water path where a pump is installed.

[0016] Therefore, the control device that executes the regeneration process for the ion exchange resin can generate a regenerant aqueous solution in the pool tank by executing a process of sending the water to be treated stored in the pool tank to the regenerant container and a process of returning it from the regenerant container during the execution of the regeneration process.

[0017] The water stored in the pool tank is softened treated water to be treated, that is, "soft water".

[0018] Then, the regenerant aqueous solution generated in the pool tank is passed through the hardness component remover. Moreover, since the regenerant aqueous solution can be stored in the pool tank once, a certain amount can be secured.

[0019] The water softening device may also be provided with a sensor in the pool tank that measures the electrical conductivity inside the pool tank and outputs it to the control device.

[0020] As described above, the treated water to be treated that has passed through the hardness component remover is stored in the pool tank. Therefore, the sensor measures the electrical conductivity of the treated water to be treated. Accordingly, the hardness of the softened treated water can be measured. A decrease in water softening performance can be determined. Instead of the sensor, a sensor that measures the refractive index of the liquid inside and outputs it to the control device may be used.

[0021] Furthermore, in this water softening device, as described above, since the regenerant aqueous solution can also be stored in the pool tank during the regeneration process, the concentration of the regenerant aqueous solution can also be measured. Accordingly, the presence or absence of the regenerant contained in the regenerant container, that is, the timing of adding the regenerant can also be determined.

[0022] The water softening device may also be such that the pump is a peristaltic pump capable of pumping water in both directions, and only one path constituting the regenerated water path is provided between the pool tank and the regenerant container.

[0023] If so, the structure between the pool tank and the regenerant container can be simplified. Since water can be pumped in both directions by the pump, the pool tank and the regenerant container can be arranged at arbitrary positions.

[0024] The water softening device may also be such that the hardness component remover and the pool tank are connected by one soft water path, and a non-waterproof pump that discharges toward the hardness component remover is installed in the soft water path.

[0025] If the pump has no water-stopping property, water can flow even when the pump is stopped. And during the regeneration process, by operating the pump, the regenerated water can be sent from the pool tank to the hardness component remover. The hardness component remover and the pool tank can be arranged at arbitrary positions.

[0026] The water softening device may also be such that the hardness component remover has a resin filling chamber filled with ion exchange resin, and the resin filling chamber is configured to be expandable corresponding to the swelling of the ion exchange resin.

[0027] As described above, if there are gaps in the resin filling chamber, the particles of the ion exchange resin move during water flow, and the water softening performance deteriorates. On the contrary, in this hardness component remover, the resin filling chamber is filled with the ion exchange resin in a tightly packed state (filled with substantially no gaps). Therefore, the particles of the ion exchange resin do not move during water flow, so the deterioration of the water softening performance can be suppressed.

[0028] And since the resin filling chamber is configured to be expandable corresponding to the swelling of the ion exchange resin, even if the ion exchange resin swells, deformation and breakage of the hardness component remover can be prevented.

[0029] For example, it is preferable that the hardness component remover has a buffer space facing at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the resin filling chamber, and the water passing surface partitioning the resin filling chamber and the buffer space is configured to enter the buffer space according to the swelling of the ion exchange resin.

[0030] In this way, the hardness component remover with the above-described structure can be configured relatively easily.

[0031] The water softening device may also be such that the flow path cross-section of the resin filling chamber is formed to have substantially the same size from the upstream water passing surface to the downstream water passing surface.

[0032] If so, the flow of the water to be treated in the resin filling chamber can be made into a uniform flow along the water flow direction (so-called laminar flow). Therefore, the water to be treated can be brought into contact with the ion exchange resin without variation, so that a decrease in softening performance can be suppressed.

[0033] The softening device can be suitably applied to a washing machine. For example, in a washing machine including a water storage tub having an inlet into which laundry is loaded, a drum rotatably accommodated in the tub with an opening facing the inlet, a water supply path for supplying water for washing to the tub, and a detergent supply case provided in the water supply path and configured to accommodate a detergent and mix the detergent with water and supply the mixture to the tub, the above-described softening device may be installed at a portion upstream of the detergent supply case in the water supply path.

[0034] If so, even in an area where the hardness of tap water is high, such as in Europe and America, it is always possible to wash with soft water suitable for washing. Moreover, since the control required for the softening device can be implemented by measuring the electrical conductivity in the pool tank, the structure is simple and the material cost can be suppressed. In addition, since a decrease in softening performance can be suppressed, the regeneration frequency is reduced and the running cost can also be reduced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0035] According to the softening device to which the disclosed technology is applied, the material cost can be suppressed by simplifying the structure, and a decrease in softening performance can be suppressed. Therefore, by using it in a frequently used device such as a washing machine, consumers can obtain effects such as a reduction in purchase cost and a reduction in running cost.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is merely illustrative in nature and does not limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0038] <Washing Machine> FIG. 1 illustrates a water softening device 1 to which the disclosed technology is applied. This water softening device 1 is installed in a drum washing machine 2.

[0039] The drum washing machine 2 has a box-shaped housing (not shown), and inside the housing, a tub 10, a drum 11, etc. are installed. The tub 10 is a bottomed cylindrical container capable of storing water, which is placed horizontally inside the housing. The tub 10 has an inlet 10a at its front side, into which laundry is loaded.

[0040] The drum 11 is a bottomed cylindrical container with a large number of holes opening on its outer peripheral surface, and is housed in the tub 10 with its opening facing the inlet 10a. The drum 11 is arranged coaxially with the tub 10 and is configured to be rotatable by the drive of a motor (not shown). During washing, the laundry is accommodated inside the drum 11.

[0041] Inside the housing, a water supply path 12 is provided to supply water (tap water) used for washing. The downstream end of the water supply path 12 is connected to the tub 10. The upstream end of the water supply path 12 is connected to the water pipe 13. Tap water is supplied to the water supply path 12 at a constant water pressure through the water pipe 13.

[0042] In the drum washing machine 2, a detergent supply case 14 is installed in the water supply path 12 so that detergent can be automatically added. The detergent supply case 14 is composed of a main body case 14a, a tray 14b, etc. The main body case 14a is attached to the upper part of the housing. The tray 14b is configured to be pullable out from the main body case 14a, and detergents, softeners, etc. are accommodated inside it.

[0043] The detergent supply case 14 is arranged on the downstream side of the water supply path 12. Specifically, it is arranged between the lower end pipe 12a extending upward from the tub 10 and the intermediate pipe 12b extending horizontally in the upper part of the housing. The upstream end of the lower end pipe 12a is connected to the bottom of the main body case 14a. The downstream end of the intermediate pipe 12b is connected to the upper part of the main body case 14a so that water can flow into the tray 14b.

[0044] When performing washing, by storing detergent in the tray 14b, during water supply in the washing process, the detergent is supplied to the tub 10 in a state of being mixed with the supplied water. A drainage path 16 is installed at the lower part of the tub 10 to drain the water in the tub 10 to the outside when the water in the tub 10 becomes unnecessary.

[0045] <Water softening device> The water softening device 1 is installed at a site on the upstream side of the detergent supply case 14 in this water supply path 12. Specifically, it is installed between the upstream side of the intermediate pipe 12b and the downstream side of the upper end pipe 12c connected to the water pipe 13. A water supply valve 15 that opens during water supply is installed in the upper end pipe 12c.

[0046] The water softening device 1 softens the water used for washing, that is, tap water (water to be treated), and supplies it to the detergent supply case 14 and the tab 10 which are the water supply destinations. The water softening device 1 includes a hardness component remover 20, a pool tank 40, a regenerant container 60, etc. The water softening device 1 also includes a control device 80 in order to perform the regeneration process of the ion exchange resin 23, which will be described later.

[0047] (Hardness component remover) The hardness component remover 20 is configured to accommodate the ion exchange resin 23, receive tap water, and send out the tap water that has passed through the ion exchange resin 23 toward the detergent supply case 14. Fig. 2 specifically shows the hardness component remover 20.

[0048] The hardness component remover 20 is composed of an integrally formed part. The hardness component remover 20 has a housing case 21 which is substantially elliptical in top view and substantially rectangular in side view. Inside the housing case 21, a water passage space 22 through which water flows from the lower side to the upper side is formed. The water passage space 22 has a substantially elliptical cross section, and its size (area) is substantially the same from the lower end to the upper end.

[0049] In the water passage space 22, an upstream buffer space 22a, a resin filling chamber 22b, and a downstream buffer space 22c are partitioned in order from the lower side. The resin filling chamber 22b is densely filled with a predetermined ion exchange resin 23 (a collection of particles) that adsorbs hardness components. The upstream buffer space 22a and the resin filling chamber 22b are partitioned by an upstream water passage surface 24L. The downstream buffer space 22c and the resin filling chamber 22b are partitioned by a downstream water passage surface 24H.

[0050] By providing buffer spaces 22a and 22c on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the resin filling chamber 22b, a substantially uniform water flow (laminar flow) can be formed throughout the resin filling chamber 22b. In addition, in order to form a laminar flow in the resin filling chamber 22b, it is necessary that the cross-sectional size of the resin filling chamber 22b is substantially the same from its lower end to its upper end. However, the cross-sectional size of the buffer spaces 22a and 22c may be substantially the same as or larger than the cross-sectional size of the resin filling chamber 22b.

[0051] As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, each water passing surface 24L and 24H on the upstream side and the downstream side is composed of a sheet-like mesh member. The mesh member is formed of, for example, polyester and has an elliptical frame portion 24a and a water passing portion 24b that extends in a mesh shape inside the frame portion 24a. The size of the mesh (holes) of the water passing portion 24b is smaller than the particle size of the ion exchange resin 23. Therefore, there is no possibility that the ion exchange resin 23 passes through the water passing portion 24b.

[0052] The ion exchange resin 23 swells over time due to the oxidizing action of chlorine in tap water. For example, when the ion exchange resin 23 swells, its volume increases by about 5%. Therefore, the ion exchange resin 23 is generally housed in a container with a gap left in consideration of its swelling.

[0053] However, if there is a gap in the container, when water passes through, the particles of the ion exchange resin 23 move inside the container due to water pressure. By repeatedly passing water, the housing state of the ion exchange resin 23 changes and a bias occurs (the surface of the ion exchange resin 23 on the upstream side becomes uneven). As a result, long and short water passing paths are formed. The portion with a short water passing path allows the hardness components to leak out earlier than the portion with a long water passing path. Thereby, the softening performance deteriorates.

[0054] Also, since the upstream side of the water passage comes into contact with tap water earlier and adsorbs hardness components, the performance of the ion exchange resin 23 deteriorates quickly. If there are gaps in the container, the particles of the ion exchange resin 23 with deteriorated performance move to the downstream side. Then, it becomes easier for hardness components to leak out on the downstream side, so the softening performance further deteriorates.

[0055] On the other hand, in this hardness component remover 20, the resin filling chamber 22b is densely filled with the ion exchange resin 23. That is, the ion exchange resin 23 is filled so that no gaps are generated in the resin filling chamber 22b. The particles of the ion exchange resin 23 in the resin filling chamber 22b cannot move even when water passes through.

[0056] Furthermore, since the performance deteriorates in order from the ion exchange resin 23 on the upstream side, leakage of hardness components can be suppressed until the performance of almost all the ion exchange resins 23 deteriorates. Therefore, a decrease in softening performance can be suppressed, the frequency of regeneration treatment can be reduced, and the running cost can also be reduced.

[0057] Each mesh member constituting the water passing surfaces 24L and 24H of the resin filling chamber 22b has elasticity (for example, an elongation rate of 7% to 17%). Therefore, for example, when the central part of the water passing part 24b is pressed, the water passing part 24b elongates and deforms so that its central part bulges. And the water passing surfaces 24L and 24H face the buffer space. Therefore, the resin filling chamber 22b can expand toward both the upstream side and the downstream side. Thereby, the volume of the resin filling chamber 22b is set to be able to increase by about 10%, at least 5% or more.

[0058] When the densely filled ion exchange resin 23 swells, the water passing part 24b elastically deforms accordingly and enters the buffer space. That is, the resin filling chamber 22b is configured to be expandable in response to the swelling even when the ion exchange resin 23 is densely filled. Therefore, even if the ion exchange resin 23 swells, breakage of the resin filling chamber 22b can be prevented, and the densely filled state of the ion exchange resin 23 can be stably maintained.

[0059] On the side surface of the upstream buffer space 22a, a water supply port 25 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper end pipe 12c of the water supply path 12 is connected to this water supply port 25.

[0060] On the lower surface of the upstream buffer space 22a, a reclaimed water discharge port 27 is provided. The upstream end of the reclaimed water discharge pipe 28 is connected to this reclaimed water discharge port 27. The downstream end of the reclaimed water discharge pipe 28 is connected to the tab 10. Near the reclaimed water discharge port 27 in the reclaimed water discharge pipe 28, a drain valve 29 that is opened and closed by the control device 80 is installed.

[0061] On the side surface of the downstream buffer space 22c, a soft water outlet 30 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the upstream end of the soft water pipe 31 is connected to this soft water outlet 30. The downstream end of the soft water pipe 31 is connected to the pool tank 40.

[0062] (Pool tank) The pool tank 40 is composed of a substantially airtight water storage container and is arranged between the detergent supply case 14 and the hardness component remover 20. Tap water softened by the hardness component remover 20, that is, soft water, is temporarily stored in the pool tank 40.

[0063] In this embodiment, the pool tank 40 is arranged at a higher position than the hardness component remover 20. The soft water pipe 31 extends from the lower part of the pool tank 40 toward the hardness component remover 20 below. In the middle of the soft water pipe 31, a stop valve 32 that is opened and closed by the control device 80 is installed. The upstream end of the intermediate pipe 12b is connected to the upper part of the pool tank 40.

[0064] At a position of a predetermined water level in the pool tank 40, there is a pair of sensing parts positioned vertically apart from each other, and a sensor 42 for measuring the electrical conductivity inside the pool tank 40 is installed at these sensing parts. Based on the electrical conductivity measured by these sensing parts, the hardness of the water stored in the pool tank 40 can be measured. And based on the difference in the electrical conductivity measured by these sensing parts, the water level can be determined. The sensor 42 is electrically connected to the control device 80 and outputs a signal of the measured electrical conductivity to the control device 80. The pool tank 40 is also connected to the regenerant container 60 through a reclaimed water pipe 43 (reclaimed water path).

[0065] (Reclaimed water pipe, regenerant container) The regenerant container 60 has a dissolving tank 61 capable of storing water and a regenerant case 62 accommodated in the dissolving tank 61. The regenerant case 62 is accommodated with an appropriate amount of regenerant S as needed. The regenerant S is a water-soluble powder or granular chemical for regenerating the ion exchange resin 23. A specific example thereof is salt (NaCl).

[0066] The regenerant accommodated in the regenerant case 62 dissolves in the water when the water accumulates in the dissolving tank 61. Thereby, a regenerant aqueous solution (reclaimed water) in which the regenerant is dissolved is generated in the dissolving tank 61. The reclaimed water is, for example, high-concentration salt water.

[0067] One end of the reclaimed water pipe 43 is connected to the lower part of the dissolving tank 61. The other end of the reclaimed water pipe 43 is connected to the lower part of the pool tank 40. A tube pump 70 (an example of a peristaltic pump) is installed in the middle of the reclaimed water pipe 43. The tube pump 70 is a known pump and is composed of a tube 71 extending along a circular peripheral wall, a plurality of rollers 72 pressing the tube 71 against the circular peripheral wall, a rotating body 73 for circulating these rollers 72 along the peripheral wall, and the like.

[0068] Each end of the tube 71 is connected to the reclaimed water pipe 43. By rotating the rotating body 73, the water inside the tube 71 is pumped. The rotating body 73 can rotate forward or backward under the control of the control device 80. Therefore, the tube pump 70 can pump water in both directions. When the tube pump 70 is not operating, it has water-stopping properties. That is, the flow of water is blocked. Thus, in this water softening device 1, a on-off valve for controlling the flow of water in the reclaimed water pipe 43 is not provided. Note that a on-off valve may be provided to improve water-stopping properties.

[0069] According to this configuration, water can be pumped in both directions through one path. Therefore, only one water supply path is provided between the pool tank 40 and the regenerant container 60. The complication of the structure can be avoided. Water can be pumped with an appropriate flow rate and appropriate metering properties. The regenerant container 60 can be placed at any location regardless of the installation location relative to the pool tank 40. If there is only one water supply path, the laying of the reclaimed water pipe 43 is also simple, and the remaining water accumulating in the water supply path can be suppressed.

[0070] (Control device) Fig. 3 shows the control device 80 and its main related devices. The control device 80 has hardware such as a processor 81 and a memory 82. Software such as a control program and control data is installed in the memory 82. The control device 80 executes a regeneration process for regenerating the ion exchange resin 23 with degraded water softening function through the cooperation of these hardware and software. Note that this control device 80 may also be used as the control device provided in the drum washing machine 2.

[0071] As described above, the sensor 42 is electrically connected to the control device 80. The tube pump 70, the drain valve 29, and the water stop valve 32 are also electrically connected to the control device 80. The control device 80 controls the operation of the tube pump 70, the drain valve 29, and the water stop valve 32 based on the signal input from the sensor 42.

[0072] <Normal state> Figure 4 shows the state when the washing machine is supplying water in a state where the water softening performance of the water softening device 1 is appropriate (normal state). Arrow Y represents the flow of water (the same applies hereinafter). The water stop valve 32 is open, and the drain valve 29 is closed. The tube pump 70 is stopped. When the water supply valve 15 is opened, tap water flows into the water supply path 12 at a predetermined water pressure.

[0073] Tap water flows into the buffer space 22a on the upstream side of the hardness component remover 20 and diffuses throughout the space. Then, it flows into the resin filling chamber 22b through the upstream water passing surface 24HL. The tap water flows almost evenly throughout the flow path and into the downstream buffer space 22c. By passing through the resin filling chamber 22b, the hardness components of the tap water are adsorbed by the ion exchange resin 23, and the water is softened.

[0074] The softened tap water (also referred to as soft water) flows into the pool tank 40. When the soft water exceeds the water storage capacity of the pool tank 40, it is sent to the detergent supply case 14 through the intermediate pipe 12b. Since the sensor 42 is installed in the pool tank 40, the degradation of the water softening performance of the water softening device 1 can be determined from the measured value. A predetermined determination value is set in the control device 80, and the necessity of the regeneration process is determined by comparing with this determination value.

[0075] <Regeneration process> When the measured value of the sensor 42 becomes equal to or greater than the determination value, the control device 80 executes the regeneration process. Figures 5, 6, and 7 show the main states during the regeneration process. It is assumed that an appropriate amount of regenerant (salt) is stored in advance as the regenerant in the regenerant case 62.

[0076] When executing the regeneration process, the control device 80 performs a process of generating regenerated water in the pool tank 40 (regenerated water generation process) and a process of passing the regenerated water generated in the pool tank 40 through the hardness component remover 20 (water passing process). In the regenerated water generation process, the control device 80 executes a process of sending the soft water accumulated in the pool tank 40 to the regenerant container 60 (water sending process) and a process of returning it from the regenerant container 60 (water returning process).

[0077] Figure 5 shows the state of the water supply process. The regeneration process is usually executed at any timing after the water supply in the washing step or the rinsing step, or after the completion of the entire washing process. At any timing, the soft water is stored in the pool tank 40. The soft water is used for the regeneration process.

[0078] The control device 80 closes the water stop valve 32 and operates the tube pump 70 (rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R1) to send the soft water stored in the pool tank 40 to the regenerant container 60. As a result, the soft water is stored in the dissolution tank 61, the regenerant dissolves in the soft water, and the regenerated water is generated in the dissolution tank 61.

[0079] Figure 6 shows the state of the water return process. The control device 80 operates the tube pump 70 in the reverse direction at a predetermined timing to send the regenerated water stored in the dissolution tank 61 to the pool tank 40. As a result, the regenerated water is stored in the pool tank 40. A part of the soft water sent to the regenerant container 60 is absorbed by the regenerant. Therefore, the amount of the regenerated water stored in the pool tank 40 decreases.

[0080] Whether the regenerant is sufficient in the regenerant container 60 can be determined by the measured value of the sensor 42. When the control device 80 determines that the regenerant is insufficient based on the measured value of the sensor 42, it prompts the input of the regenerant by means of a buzzer or a display on the monitor. When the control device 80 determines that the regenerated water of an appropriate concentration has been generated based on the measured value of the sensor 42, it executes the water passing process.

[0081] Figure 7 shows the state in the water passing process. In the water passing process, the control device 80 opens the drain valve 29 and the water stop valve 32. As a result, the regenerated water stored in the pool tank 40 flows into the hardness component remover 20 by natural fall. Then, it is drained to the faucet 10 through the regenerated water discharge port 27 and the regenerated water discharge pipe 28.

[0082] When the reclaimed water passes through the resin filling chamber 22b, the ion exchange resin 23 comes into contact with the reclaimed water. By doing so, the ion exchange resin 23 with deteriorated softening performance is regenerated. Since the reclaimed water is stored in the pool tank 40 with a predetermined capacity, it can be regenerated with a sufficient amount of reclaimed water necessary for regeneration. Also, since the concentration of the reclaimed water is uniform, stable regeneration treatment without variation can be performed.

[0083] When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed and all of the reclaimed water has flowed out from the pool tank 40, the control device 80 closes the drain valve 29. Thereby, it returns to the normal state. Since the control necessary for the water softening device can be implemented by measuring the electrical conductivity in the pool tank 40, the structure is simple and the material cost can be suppressed.

[0084] <Modification Example of Hardness Component Remover> FIG. 8 shows a modification example of the hardness component remover 20. In the hardness component remover 20A of this modification example, the structure of the resin filling chamber 22b is different from that of the hardness component remover 20 of the above-described embodiment.

[0085] That is, in the hardness component remover 20 of the embodiment, the water passing surfaces 24L and 24H were composed of elastic mesh members. On the other hand, in the hardness component remover 20A of this modification example, the water passing surfaces 24L and 24H are composed of non-elastic mesh members 90 (for example, metal meshes) that are substantially inelastic.

[0086] Instead, an elastic member 91 (for example, sponge) is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the resin filling chamber 22b. The elastic member 91 is configured to be compressed when the ion exchange resin 23 swells and to contract in response to the expansion of its volume.

[0087] FIG. 9 shows another modification example of the hardness component remover 20. The water passing surfaces 24L and 24H of the hardness component remover 20B of this modification example are also composed of non-elastic mesh members 90. And in the hardness component remover 20B of this modification example, the upstream side 90L (24L) and the downstream side 90 (24H) are fixed, and 90H (24L) is configured to be movable.

[0088] The inelastic mesh member 90H(24L) in contact with the ion exchange resin 23 is pushed upstream when the ion exchange resin 23 swells, and moves to expand the volume of the resin filling chamber 22b while deforming the elastic member 92 such as an O-ring.

[0089] <Modification example of the reclaimed water path> FIG. 10 shows a modification example of the reclaimed water path. In the above-described embodiment, one path using the tube pump 70 was exemplified. In contrast, the reclaimed water path of this modification example is composed of two paths (a water supply path 94A and a water return path 94B).

[0090] A check valve 94a, a water pump 94b, and an on-off valve 94c are installed in each of the paths 94A and 94B. In the water supply path 94A, water supply treatment is performed by the operation of the water pump 94b. That is, the soft water stored in the pool tank 40 is sent to the regenerant container 60. In the water return path 94B, water return treatment is performed by the operation of the water pump 94b. That is, the reclaimed water stored in the regenerant container 60 is sent back to the pool tank 40.

[0091] <Modification example of the path between the hardness component remover and the pool tank> Although not shown, the path between the hardness component remover 20 and the pool tank 40 can also be changed.

[0092] For example, in the above-described embodiment, reclaimed water is sent from the pool tank 40 to the hardness component remover 20 by natural drop. For this purpose, the pool tank 40 needs to be arranged at a higher position than the hardness component remover 20. Therefore, the installation location is restricted. In contrast, in this modification example, a configuration in which the pool tank 40 can be arranged at a lower position than the hardness component remover 20 will be described.

[0093] Specifically, as in the embodiment, the pool tank 40 and the hardness component remover 20 are connected by one path (soft water path). Then, a non-waterproof pump that discharges toward the hardness component remover 20 is installed in the soft water path.

[0094] For example, a normal water pump that discharges by the rotation of an impeller may be installed. In a normal state, the water pump is stopped. Since the water pump has no water stoppage property, it can send tap water from the hardness component remover 20 to the pool tank 40 due to the water pressure of the tap water. And during the regeneration process, by operating the water pump, the regenerated water is sent from the pool tank 40 to the hardness component remover 20.

[0095] As described above, according to the water softening device to which the disclosed technology is applied, the optimal control of the water softening device can be realized with a simple structure, and the decrease in water softening performance can be suppressed. Therefore, the material cost is suppressed, and the regeneration frequency is reduced. Thus, by using it in a frequently used device, effects such as reduction of running cost can be obtained. In particular, it is effective in regions with high hardness of tap water such as in Europe and America.

[0096] Note that the disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and also includes various other configurations. For example, in the embodiment, a water softening device installed in a drum washing machine is exemplified, but a vertical washing machine may also be used. Further, not limited to washing machines, it may be installed in a dishwasher, a beverage manufacturing device, etc. As long as it is a device that requires water softening treatment, a water softening device to which the disclosed technology is applied can be installed.

Explanation of Signs

[0097] 1 Water softening device 2 Drum washing machine 10 Tab 10a Inlet 11 Drum 12 Water supply path 13 Water pipe 14 Detergent supply case 15 Water supply valve 20 Hardness component remover 22 Water passage space 22a Upstream buffer space 22b Resin filling chamber 22c Downstream buffer space 23 Ion exchange resin 24H Upstream water passage surface (mesh member) 24L Downstream water passage surface (mesh member) 29 Drain valve 32 Check valve 40 Pool tank 42 Sensor 43 Reclaimed water pipe (reclaimed water path) 60 Regenerant container 70 Tube pump (peristaltic pump) 80 Control device

Claims

Claim 1: A water softening device provided inside a predetermined apparatus that requires softening treatment of supplied tap water, the water softening device softening tap water and supplying it to a water supply destination inside the predetermined apparatus, a hardness component remover that houses an ion exchange resin and sends out softened water obtained by passing tap water through the ion exchange resin from a softened water outlet toward the water supply destination; a pool tank that temporarily stores the softened water between the water supply destination and the hardness component remover; a regenerant container that is connected to the pool tank in a regenerated water path where a pump is installed and that houses a water-soluble regenerant for regenerating the ion exchange resin; a control device that executes a regeneration process for the ion exchange resin; and comprising: when the regeneration process is executed, the control device performs a water supply process of sending the softened water stored in the pool tank to the regenerant container, and a return water process of returning the regenerated water generated by the regenerant dissolving in the softened water stored in the regenerant container to the pool tank, and then a water softening device that allows the regenerated water stored in the pool tank to flow through the softened water outlet to the hardness component remover.

2. In the water softening device according to Claim 1, a sensor that measures the electrical conductivity inside the pool tank and outputs it to the control device is installed in the pool tank. The water softening device.

3. In the water softening device according to Claim 1, a sensor that measures the refractive index of the liquid inside the pool tank and outputs it to the control device is installed in the pool tank. The water softening device.

4. In the water softening device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the pump consists of a peristaltic pump capable of sending water in both directions, and only one path constituting the regenerated water path is provided between the pool tank and the regenerant container. The water softening device.

5. In the water softening device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, the hardness component remover and the pool tank are connected by one softened water path, and a non-water-stopping pump that discharges toward the hardness component remover is installed in the softened water path. The water softening device.

6. In the water softening device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, the hardness component remover has a resin filling chamber filled with an ion exchange resin, and the resin filling chamber is configured to be expandable corresponding to the swelling of the ion exchange resin. The water softening device.

7. In the water softening device according to Claim 6, The hardness component remover has a buffer space facing at least one of the water passing surfaces on the upstream side and the downstream side of the resin filling chamber. A water passing surface partitioning the resin filling chamber and the buffer space is configured to enter the buffer space in accordance with the swelling of the ion exchange resin. A water softening device.

8. In the water softening device according to claim 6 or 7, A water softening device in which the flow path cross section of the resin filling chamber is formed to have substantially the same size from the water passing surface on the upstream side to the water passing surface on the downstream side.

9. A washing machine, A water storage-capable tub having an inlet into which laundry is loaded, A drum rotatably accommodated in the tub with an opening facing the inlet, A water supply path for supplying water for washing to the tub, A detergent supply case provided in the water supply path, configured to store a detergent and mix the detergent with water and supply the mixture to the tub, Comprising, A washing machine in which the water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is installed at a portion on the upstream side of the detergent supply case in the water supply path.

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