Water softening valve and water softener

Abstract

A water softening valve and a water softener. The water softening valve comprises a valve housing, a main valve assembly and an auxiliary valve assembly. The valve housing comprises a raw water inlet, a soft water outlet, a main chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a raw water outlet, a soft water inlet and a wastewater discharging channel, the raw water inlet leading to the main chamber, the soft water inlet leading to the soft water outlet, and the raw water outlet being able to lead to the soft water inlet by means of a softening device. The valve housing is provided with at least one of a first wastewater discharging hole and a second wastewater discharging hole, at least one of the first wastewater discharging hole and the second wastewater discharging hole leading to the wastewater discharging channel. The communication between the first wastewater discharging hole and the raw water outlet can be adjusted by means of a main valve core, and the communication between the second wastewater discharging hole and the soft water inlet can be adjusted by means of an auxiliary valve core. By means of the double-chamber and double-valve structure, the wastewater discharge channel can discharge wastewater of the water softening valve in various working modes, allowing for a simple structure.

Description

Water softener and water softener

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202322557751.0, filed on September 19, 2023, entitled “Soft Water Valve and Water Softener,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of water treatment equipment, and in particular to a water softener and a water softener. Background Art

[0004] As people's living standards continue to improve, their demands for daily water use are also becoming increasingly stringent. Residential water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions. Long-term use of hard water can be harmful to the body. For example, washing clothes with hard water for extended periods can cause them to yellow and lose their luster. Scale can clog residential water pipes, and some heating equipment can suffer from long-term heat transfer due to scale buildup, affecting heat transfer efficiency and potentially damaging the equipment. Removing calcium and magnesium ions from water, softening hard water, offers numerous benefits. For example, bathing with soft water prevents dryness and skincare results in smoother skin. It also improves heat transfer efficiency in water heaters and reduces maintenance costs.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application proposes a soft water valve with a simple structure. Through the double-chamber double-valve structure, the sewage discharge channel can realize sewage discharge of the soft water valve in multiple working modes. The structure of the sewage discharge channel is simple, the size of the soft water valve is small, the cost is reduced, and the processing efficiency is improved.

[0007] The present application also proposes a water softener.

[0008] The soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0009] The valve housing includes a raw water inlet, a soft water outlet, a main chamber, a secondary chamber, a raw water outlet, a soft water inlet and a sewage channel. The main chamber is connected to the raw water inlet, the soft water inlet is connected to the soft water outlet, and the raw water outlet and the soft water inlet can be connected through a softening device.

[0010] The main valve assembly includes a main valve core and a main driving part for driving the main valve core to move. The main valve core is located in the main cavity, and the main cavity and the raw water outlet are regulated by the main valve core.

[0011] The auxiliary valve assembly includes an auxiliary valve core and an auxiliary driving part for driving the auxiliary valve core to move. The auxiliary valve core is located in the auxiliary cavity, and the flow channel between the soft water inlet and the auxiliary valve core can be adjusted to be on and off.

[0012] Among them, the valve housing is provided with at least one of the first drain hole and the second drain hole, at least one of the first drain hole and the second drain hole is connected to the drain channel, the first drain hole and the raw water outlet can be adjusted on and off by the main valve core, and the second drain hole and the soft water inlet can be adjusted on and off by the auxiliary valve core.

[0013] According to the soft water valve of the present application, a main chamber and a secondary chamber are provided in the soft water valve to form a dual-chamber structure, which can increase the water flow rate and improve the water production efficiency of the soft water valve. Specifically, a main valve assembly is provided in the main chamber, and a secondary valve assembly is provided in the secondary chamber to form a dual-valve structure, which can achieve higher precision in water channel regulation. The soft water valve can achieve multiple operating states to meet usage requirements. Compared with a single-chamber single-valve structure that has difficulty meeting the demand for high-flow water production, the drain channel can be connected to at least one of the first drain hole and the second drain hole. The drain channel can achieve the drain effect of the soft water valve in multiple operating states such as salt absorption slow washing, forward washing, and backwashing. It has a simple structure and good drain effect.

[0014] In some embodiments, the soft water valve further includes a sewage flow restriction member, which is located in the sewage channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, a sewage outlet is formed at the end of the sewage channel, and the sewage flow limiting member is inserted into the sewage channel through the sewage outlet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the valve housing is detachably and fixedly connected to a quick-insert sewage drain head, which is plugged into the sewage outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the quick-insert sewage drain head includes a connecting portion and a bending portion connected to each other, the connecting portion is connected to the sewage outlet, and the bending portion and the connecting portion form an angle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the valve housing is formed with a drain groove having an opening along an extension direction of the drain channel. The valve housing is connected to a cover that seals the opening to form the drain channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cover and the valve housing are sealed and connected by at least one of fastener connection, plug-in connection and clip-on connection.

[0020] In some embodiments, the valve housing is connected to an ejector, and a jet channel is formed in the ejector.

[0021] In some embodiments, the jet channel includes a jet inlet, a jet outlet, and a suction port that are connected to each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the suction port is in communication with a brine tank connection port of the valve housing.

[0023] In some embodiments, a jet restrictor is inserted into the ejector through the jet inlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the jet channel is connected to the soft water inlet through a secondary valve core for on-off regulation.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one of the sewage flow restrictor and the jet flow restrictor is a limit buckle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the valve housing is connected to an end cover, and the valve housing is provided with a filter channel, and the filter channel is connected to the jet channel through a connecting groove in the end cover.

[0027] In some embodiments, the filter channel is located between the secondary valve core and the jet channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the end cover and the valve housing are connected or fixed by fasteners.

[0029] In some embodiments, the valve housing is detachably connected to a quick-insert salt tank connector, a first end of the quick-insert salt tank connector is connected to the jet channel through the suction port, and a second end of the quick-insert salt tank connector forms a salt tank connection port.

[0030] The water softener provided according to an embodiment of the present application includes a softening device and any one of the above-described softening valves, and the softening device connects the raw water outlet and the soft water inlet.

[0031] In addition to the technical problems solved by this application, the technologies that constitute the technical solutions, and the advantages brought by the technical solutions with these technical features described above, other technical features of this application and the advantages brought by these technical features will be further explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0033] FIG1 is a partial structural diagram of a soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the end cover and the cover are not shown;

[0034] FIG2 is a bottom view of the structure of a soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a valve housing provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water softener provided in an embodiment of the present application in an exploded state;

[0037] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the valve housing provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in an exploded state;

[0039] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the rear side structure of a soft water valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a water softener provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the salt tank is not shown in the figure;

[0041] FIG9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ejector according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the dotted line with a hollow arrow indicates the flow direction of water in the soft water valve in the salt absorption mode;

[0042] FIG10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ejector according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the dotted line with a hollow arrow indicates the flow direction of water in the water injection mode of the soft water valve.

[0043] Reference numerals: 110, valve housing; 1110, salt tank connection port; 111, main chamber; 112, auxiliary chamber; 113, raw water inlet; 114, soft water outlet; 115, quick-connect drain head; 1151, connecting portion; 1152, bending portion; 116, main chamber inlet; 117, jet channel; 1171, jet inlet; 1172, jet outlet; 1173, suction port; 118, raw water outlet; 119, soft water inlet; 120, main valve assembly; 130, auxiliary valve assembly; 140, bypass assembly; 150, flow meter; 160, ejector; 170, end cap; 180, filter element; 190, softening device; 210, drain channel; 211, first drain hole; 212, second drain hole 213. Sewage flow limiter; 214. Sewage outlet; 220. Sewage trough; 221. Opening; 230. Cover; 240. Connector; 250. Jet flow limiter; 261. Filter channel; 262. Installation channel; 270. Quick-insert salt box connector; 280. Cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple", "multiple roots", and "multiple groups" mean two or more.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0048] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are contradictory.

[0049] The applicant discovered that in related technologies, water softening equipment is typically used to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water. These equipment typically consists of a water softening valve and a softening device. The softening device contains a softening material, which is regenerated by washing with brine. The resulting wastewater must be discharged from the softening device. However, water softening valves typically have a single-chamber structure, resulting in a complex structure and a complicated drainage system. Furthermore, single-chamber water softening valves are bulky and expensive.

[0050] The soft water valve of the present application will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 .

[0051] 1 to 8 , the present application provides a soft water valve according to an embodiment, including a valve housing 110 , a main valve assembly 120 , and a secondary valve assembly 130 .

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the valve housing 110 includes a main chamber 111 and a sub-chamber 112. By adjusting the on-off of the flow channel corresponding to the main valve assembly 120, adjusting the on-off of the flow channel corresponding to the sub-valve assembly 130, and coordinating the main chamber 111 with the sub-chamber 112, switching of multiple functional modes can be achieved.

[0053] The valve housing 110 includes a raw water inlet 113, a soft water outlet 114, a main chamber 111, a secondary chamber 112, a raw water outlet 118, a soft water inlet 119, and a drain channel 210. The main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, the soft water inlet 119 is connected to the soft water outlet 114, and the raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119 can be connected through the softening device 190. The raw water inlet 113 is used to connect to the raw water pipeline to allow raw water to enter the valve housing 110 of the soft water valve; the main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, and raw water can flow into the main chamber 111 and then pass through the main valve assembly 120 to control the flow direction of the raw water. The main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118 can be opened and closed by the main valve assembly 120. When the main valve assembly 120 is connected to the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118, that is, when the main valve assembly 120 is connected to the raw water inlet 113 and the soft water outlet 114, the raw water can be transported to the softening device 190 through the raw water outlet 118. Since the raw water outlet 118 and the soft water inlet 119 are connected through the softening device 190, after the raw water is softened in the softening device 190, the soft water in the softening device 190 can be transported to the soft water valve through the soft water inlet 119. The soft water inlet 119 is connected to the soft water outlet 114, so that the soft water can be discharged through the soft water valve. Of course, the soft water inlet 119 can also be opened and closed by the flow channel inside the auxiliary valve assembly 130 to adjust the flow direction of the soft water.

[0054] A raw water channel may be provided between the raw water inlet 113 and the main chamber 111, and a main chamber inlet 116 may be provided between the raw water channel and the main chamber 111, so that raw water in the raw water channel enters the main chamber 111 through the main chamber inlet 116. A soft water channel may be provided between the soft water outlet 114 and the soft water inlet 119, so that soft water is transported to the soft water outlet 114 through the softening channel, facilitating the installation of the soft water valve and other pipelines and components.

[0055] It should be noted that the raw water may be water introduced into the raw water inlet 113 of the softening valve, such as tap water, and the hardness of the raw water may be greater than that of the soft water. The softening device 190 includes a resin tank, and the resin in the resin tank softens the raw water to produce soft water. In other words, the soft water may be water with reduced hardness after being processed by the softening device 190. The hardness may be the content of calcium, magnesium, and other ions in the water.

[0056] Of course, the softening device 190 can also be other structures that can be used to soften raw water. The main valve assembly 120 includes a main valve core and a main drive unit for driving the main valve core. The main valve core is located in the main chamber 111. The main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118 are regulated by the main valve core. The main valve assembly 120 can regulate the connection between the main chamber 111 and the softening device 190. When the main valve assembly 120 connects the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118, it can be used to supply water to the softening device 190.

[0057] The auxiliary valve assembly 130 includes an auxiliary valve core and an auxiliary drive unit for driving the movement of the auxiliary valve core. The auxiliary valve core is located in the auxiliary chamber 112, and the flow channel between the soft water inlet 119 and the auxiliary valve core can be adjusted. By adjusting the opening and closing of the flow channel of the auxiliary valve core, the opening and closing of the soft water inlet 119 and the corresponding channel can be adjusted, and the opening and closing of the auxiliary chamber 112 and the corresponding channel can also be adjusted. For example, the auxiliary valve core adjusts the opening and closing of the auxiliary chamber 112 and the sewage channel. The auxiliary chamber 112 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 are mainly used to achieve the regeneration of the softening material in the softening device 190 (the regeneration process includes: water injection mode, salt absorption mode and cleaning mode). Therefore, the main valve core can be driven to move based on the main drive unit, and the auxiliary drive unit can drive the auxiliary valve core to move, so that the soft water valve can switch between water production mode, water injection mode, salt absorption mode and cleaning mode.

[0058] Main chamber 111 and main valve assembly 120 primarily serve to deliver water to softening device 190, while auxiliary chamber 112 and auxiliary valve assembly 130 primarily regulate other flow paths, such as the sewage flow path. Main chamber 111 and main valve assembly 120 work together to increase the flow rate of water delivered to softening device 190, while auxiliary chamber 112 and main chamber 111 perform other functions.

[0059] 3 , the valve housing 110 is further provided with at least one of a first drain hole 211 and a second drain hole 212. At least one of the first drain hole 211 and the second drain hole 212 is connected to the drain channel 210. The first drain hole 211 and the raw water outlet 118 are adjustable in on-off relationship by a main valve core. When the main valve core connects the first drain hole 211 and the raw water outlet 118, sewage flowing into the valve housing 110 from the raw water outlet 118 is transported through the first drain hole 211 to the drain channel 210. Similarly, the second drain hole 212 and the soft water inlet 119 are adjustable in on-off relationship by a secondary valve core. When the secondary valve core connects the second drain hole 212 and the soft water inlet 119, sewage flowing into the valve housing 110 from the soft water inlet 119 is transported through the second drain hole 212 to the drain channel 210. The sewage channel 210 can be connected to at least one of the first sewage hole 211 and the second sewage hole 212, and can realize sewage discharge in different flow paths. The sewage generated by the soft water valve in different working states can be discharged through the sewage channel 210. It has a simple structure and good sewage discharge effect.

[0060] Regarding "the valve housing 110 is provided with at least one of the first drain hole 211 and the second drain hole 212", it should be noted that the valve housing 110 can be provided with the first drain hole 211 or the second drain hole 212, and the drain effect in multiple modes can be achieved through the first drain hole 211 or the second drain hole 212. Of course, the valve housing 110 can also be provided with the first drain hole 211 and the second drain hole 212. On this basis, one of the first drain hole 211 and the second drain hole 212 can correspond to the main cavity 111, and the other can correspond to the sub-cavity 112; or the first drain hole 211 and the second drain hole 212 can both be provided in the main cavity 111 or the sub-cavity 112. The positions of the first drain hole 211 and the second drain hole 212 can be selected according to actual needs. The first drain hole 211 can be adjusted to be on and off with the raw water outlet 118, and the second drain hole 212 can be adjusted to be on and off with the soft water inlet 119.

[0061] The soft water valve of the embodiment of the present application has a dual-chamber dual-valve structure. Each chamber can realize the sewage discharge function after cooperating with the corresponding valve. It can optimize the sewage discharge path of the soft water valve and realize sewage discharge of the soft water valve under various working conditions. The soft water valve has a good sewage discharge effect.

[0062] Regarding the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120 , the auxiliary chamber 112 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 , it is necessary to explain that:

[0063] The main function of the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120 is to produce water normally. Since the raw water flow rate demand in the water production mode is relatively large, the main valve core forms a water production flow channel, which connects the main chamber 111 and the raw water outlet 118, and uses the large opening structure of the main valve core to produce water. At this time, the flow channels formed by the sub-chamber 112 and the sub-valve assembly 130 do not participate in the work. Since the water softener has other functions in other states, such as cleaning, water injection, salt absorption and slow washing, etc., these states have relatively small requirements for the flow rate of raw water, so the sub-valve core can form multiple flow channels. The flow channels formed by the sub-valve core require a smaller flow area. These states are mainly controlled by the sub-chamber 112 and the sub-valve assembly 130. At the same time, the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120 cooperate to discharge sewage from these regeneration processes. Of course, sewage can also be discharged through the cooperation of the sub-chamber 112 and the sub-valve assembly 130.

[0064] Among them, when the main chamber 111 and the secondary chamber 112 have the same shape, and the outer contours of the main valve assembly 120 and the secondary valve assembly 130 have the same size, the flow area of ​​the flow channel formed by the secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130 is smaller than the flow area of ​​the water flow channel formed by the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120. The soft water valve of the embodiment of the present application has a multifunctional two-chamber structure design that can meet the use requirements of the water softener in different states. By switching the water paths of the main valve assembly 120 and the secondary valve assembly 130, the water path adjustment of the water softener in different states is achieved, that is, the water path function requirements of multiple states such as water production mode, cleaning mode (including at least one of forward washing and backwashing), water injection mode, and salt absorption slow washing mode (hereinafter referred to as salt absorption mode). The entire valve head structure is compact and simple, with high reliability and good working stability.

[0065] Among them, the switchable functional modes of the soft water valve include: water production mode, water injection mode, salt absorption mode and cleaning mode. In the water production mode, raw water can be fed into the softening device 190 through the soft water valve, and the softened water obtained by the softening device 190 is then sent back to the soft water valve, and the user can obtain soft water from the soft water outlet 114 of the soft water valve; in the water injection mode, water can be injected into the salt tank through the soft water valve, and the water injected into the salt tank can be raw water or soft water, so that the water dissolves the salt in the salt tank; after the water is injected into the salt tank, the salt in the salt tank can be dissolved for a period of time, and this process can be called molten salt mode; in the salt absorption mode, the salt water in the salt tank is fed into the softening device 190 through the soft water valve, and the water that has cleaned the softening device 190 is discharged through the soft water valve; in the cleaning mode, raw water is passed into the softening device 190 through the soft water valve, and the water that has cleaned the softening device 190 is then discharged through the soft water valve. Compared with the single-chamber single-valve structure that is difficult to meet the needs of large-flow water production, the embodiment of the present application can integrate the five water path switching functions of normal water production, water injection, salt absorption slow washing, forward washing, and backwashing into the soft water valve through the dual-chamber and dual-valve structure, reducing the number of openings of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130, thereby increasing the opening area, thereby increasing the water production of the soft water valve.

[0066] About normal water production mode:

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , in water production mode, the water production flow channel of the main valve core is connected, connecting the main chamber 111 with the raw water outlet 118. The main chamber 111 is connected to the raw water inlet 113, and the soft water inlet 119 is connected to the soft water outlet 114, so that water flows along the path of raw water inlet 113, main chamber 111, water production flow channel, raw water outlet 118, soft water inlet 119, and soft water outlet 114. Main chamber 111 and main valve assembly 120 are primarily used to supply water to softening device 190 in water production mode, helping to increase the flow rate of water delivered by the softening valve to softening device 190, thereby increasing the flow rate of soft water produced by softening device 190, making it easier for users to access soft water.

[0068] In the water production mode, the main chamber 111 cooperates with the main valve assembly 120 to supply water to the softening device 190. The soft water softened by the softening device 190 can be discharged through the soft water inlet 119 and the soft water outlet 114. During this process, the secondary chamber 112 and the secondary valve assembly 130 do not participate in the water transportation in the water production mode. The secondary valve assembly 130 can block the secondary chamber 112 and the soft water inlet 119 to prevent the water in the soft water inlet 119 from entering the secondary chamber 112, ensuring that the soft water is discharged from the soft water outlet 114, making it convenient for users to take water.

[0069] In some embodiments, in the water production mode, the softening device 190 is used to treat raw water. As the amount of raw water treated increases, the softening material in the softening device 190 absorbs more and more impurities, and the softening ability of the softening material gradually decreases. The soft water valve can be switched to the water injection mode to inject water into the salt tank to dissolve the salt in the salt tank. The soft water valve is then switched to the salt absorption mode, and the salt water in the salt tank is sent to the softening device 190 through the soft water valve to regenerate the softening material. In the salt absorption mode, the waste brine flowing out of the softening device 190 can be discharged through the sewage channel 210. After regeneration, the softening material still contains residual brine waste liquid and displaced calcium and magnesium ions. The cleaning mode can remove impurities such as the residual waste liquid to ensure the use effect of the softening material.

[0070] 3 , the sewage generated in the salt absorption mode and the cleaning mode can be discharged through the sewage channel 210 .

[0071] About the cleaning mode (including at least one of forward washing and backwashing):

[0072] In some embodiments, the main valve core and the auxiliary valve core are provided with corresponding drainage channels. In the salt absorption mode and the backwash mode, the drainage channel of the main valve core is connected, connecting the main chamber 111 with the raw water outlet 118, and the main chamber 111 is connected to the first drainage hole 211. The sewage flowing out of the softening device 190 can flow along the path of the raw water outlet 118, the main chamber 111, the drainage channel of the main valve core, the first drainage hole 211, the drainage channel 210, and the drainage outlet 214. In the forward washing mode, the drain channel 210 of the auxiliary valve core is connected, the drain flow channel of the auxiliary valve core is connected to the auxiliary chamber 112 and the soft water inlet 119, the auxiliary chamber 112 is connected to the second drain hole 212, and the sewage flowing out of the softening device 190 can flow along the path of the soft water inlet 119, the auxiliary chamber 112, the drain flow channel of the auxiliary valve core, the second drain hole 212, the drain channel 210 and the drain port 214.

[0073] The difference between the forward wash mode and the backwash mode lies in the different directions of water flow within the valve housing 110 and the softening device 190. In the forward wash mode, water flows from the main chamber 111 of the valve housing 110 to the softening device 190, then from the softening device 190 to the secondary chamber 112, and then from the second drain hole 212 of the secondary chamber 112 to the drain channel 210. In the backwash mode, water flows from the secondary chamber 112 of the valve housing 110 to the softening device 190, then from the softening device 190 to the main chamber 111, and then from the first drain hole 211 of the main chamber 111 to the drain channel 210. In other words, the water flows in opposite directions within the valve housing 110 and the softening device 190 in the forward wash mode and the backwash mode.

[0074] In some embodiments, both forward and backwash modes are used to clean the softened material. The cleaning mode for the softened material can be selected based on actual needs. It can be forward or backwash mode, or a combination of forward and backwash modes to enhance the cleaning effect of the softened material.

[0075] As shown in reference figure 4, the valve housing 110 also includes a sewage flow limiting component 213, which is located in the sewage channel 210. The sewage flow limiting component 213 can control the sewage flow rate so that the sewage flow rate is stable within the set range, so that the soft water valve can ensure the stability of the sewage flow rate under different water pressure environments, and avoid waste of water resources caused by excessive sewage flow.

[0076] Among them, the specifications of the sewage flow limiting component 213 correspond to the softening device 190. The larger the specifications of the softening device 190, the larger the specifications of the sewage flow limiting component 213. The sewage flow limiting component 213 is set corresponding to the softening device 190, which can optimize the flow stability effect.

[0077] As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , a drain port 214 is formed at the end of the drain channel 210. Sewage flowing from the first and second drain ports 214 flows out through the single drain port 214, optimizing the structure of the valve housing 110. Furthermore, the drain port 214 can be connected to a drainage pipeline, facilitating assembly of the water softener. A drain flow restrictor 213 is inserted into the drain channel 210 through the drain port 214. This restrictor 213 controls the drain flow rate of the water softener in different modes, adapting to multiple operating modes. This reduces the number of flow-limiting structures, lowers the cost of the water softener, and improves production efficiency.

[0078] As shown in FIG4 , the valve housing 110 is detachably fixedly connected with a quick-insert drain head 115, which is plugged into the drain outlet 214. The quick-insert structure enables the drain head to be disassembled and assembled without the use of auxiliary tools, saving time and effort, and is simple to operate. It can shorten assembly time and facilitate maintenance and replacement. A sealing structure is provided in the quick-insert drain head 115, which can prevent sewage from leaking out of the drain outlet 214 when the quick-insert drain head 115 is plugged into the drain outlet 214, thereby achieving safe, efficient, and leak-free assembly.

[0079] The quick-connect drain head 115 includes a connecting portion 1151 and a bent portion 1152. The connecting portion 1151 is connected to the drain outlet 214, and the bent portion 1152 forms an angle with the connecting portion 1151. After the sewage is discharged from the soft water valve, the angle formed by the bent portion 1152 and the connecting portion 1151 facilitates the quick-connect drain head 115 to connect with the water pipe or water tank, directing the sewage to the location of the water pipe or water tank, thereby allowing the sewage to be transported to the location of the water pipe or water tank. The size of the angle can be selected based on actual conditions to ensure that the sewage is diverted to a specific location so that it can be discharged from the valve housing 110.

[0080] As shown in FIG5 , the valve housing 110 is formed with a drain trough 220 having an opening 221 extending along the direction of the drain passage 210. A cover 230 is connected to the valve housing 110, which seals the opening 221 to form the drain passage 210. The drain trough 220 can be an open trough. The sealing between the drain trough 220 and the cover 230 facilitates the processing of the drain passage 210 in the valve housing 110, eliminating the need to design a process port for the drain passage 210 in the valve housing 110. This makes the structural distribution of the soft water valve more reasonable, simplifies the processing of the valve housing 110, reduces the processing difficulty, and improves production efficiency.

[0081] The cover 230 is sealedly connected to the valve housing 110 by at least one of a fastener connection, a plug connection, and a snap connection. The sealing connection between the cover 230 and the valve housing 110 can be achieved by a fastener connection, a plug connection, or a snap connection. The sealing connection can also be optimized by various methods, such as a fastener connection combined with a plug connection, a fastener connection combined with a snap connection, and so on. The connection method between the cover 230 and the valve housing 110 can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0082] About water injection mode:

[0083] In some embodiments, the valve housing 110 is provided with a salt tank connection port 1110 for connecting to a salt tank. In the water injection mode, the water injection channel of the auxiliary valve core is connected, connecting the soft water inlet 119 with the salt tank connection port 1110, allowing water to flow along the path of the soft water inlet 119, the water injection channel, and the salt tank connection port 1110. By adjusting the state of the auxiliary valve assembly 130, the softening device 190 is connected to the salt tank, and the softened water of the softening device 190 is delivered to the salt tank, dissolving the salt in the salt tank so that the salt water can be passed into the softening device 190.

[0084] Among them, in the water injection mode, the way in which the raw water inlet 113 delivers water to the softening device 190 can be the same as the above-mentioned water production mode, that is, the raw water inlet 113 and the raw water outlet 118 can be connected through the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120, which helps to simplify the structure of the main chamber 111 and the main valve assembly 120.

[0085] When the main valve core is provided with a water flow channel, the water flow channel connects the main chamber 111 with the raw water outlet 118. For details, please refer to the above description of the water production mode and will not be repeated here. The difference between the water injection mode and the normal water production mode is that the state of the auxiliary valve assembly 130 is different.

[0086] After the salt tank is filled with water, the salt in the salt tank dissolves for a preset period of time, typically one hour, two hours, etc. This process allows the salt tank to enter a salt melting state. During the salt melting state, a water production mode can be executed, allowing users to obtain soft water from the soft water outlet 114. After the salt in the salt tank dissolves, the brine is sent to the softening device 190, which is the salt absorption mode.

[0087] About salt absorption mode:

[0088] 6 , 9 and 10 , the valve housing 110 is connected to an ejector 160 , and a jet channel 117 is formed in the ejector 160 . The jet channel 117 includes a jet inlet 1171 , a jet outlet 1172 and a suction port 1173 that are connected to each other. The suction port 1173 is connected to the salt tank connection port 1110 of the valve housing 110 . A jet flow limiting component 250 is inserted in the ejector 160 through the jet inlet 1171 . The jet channel 117 is opened and closed by the auxiliary valve core and the soft water inlet 119 .

[0089] The valve housing 110 is configured with a mounting passage 262 . An end portion of the mounting passage 262 forms a mounting opening for mounting the ejector 160 . The ejector 160 can be mounted in the mounting passage 262 through the mounting opening.

[0090] When the water softener valve is in salt absorption mode, it is typically used in conjunction with a salt tank (not shown). The suction port 1173 of the ejector 160 is connected to the salt tank connection port 1110 of the valve housing 110, which is then connected to the salt tank. High-concentration salt water in the salt tank can enter the jet channel 117 through the suction port 1173. In some embodiments, the jet channel 117 can be opened and closed by a secondary valve core and the secondary chamber 112. By adjusting the secondary valve core to connect the jet channel 117 with the secondary chamber 112, not only can raw water in the secondary chamber 112 enter the jet channel 117 through the jet inlet 1171 and mix with the high-concentration salt water from the salt tank at the suction port 1173 to form salt water of a set concentration, but the salt water of the set concentration can also be introduced into the softening device 190 through the soft water inlet 119 to rinse the softened material, purify the softened material, and restore the softening capacity of the softened material, thereby achieving regeneration of the softened material.

[0091] The following describes the flow direction of water in the jet channel 117 in the softening valve in the salt absorption mode and the water injection mode.

[0092] When the water softener valve is in water injection mode, as shown in Figure 10 , the arrow indicates the direction of water flow within the ejector 160 during this mode. The rear end of the ejector 160 (the ejection outlet 1172) is blocked, and water from the front end of the ejector 160 flows through the suction port 1173 into the salt tank connector and ultimately into the salt tank, dissolving the salt within. The rear end of the ejector 160 can be blocked by a secondary valve core or other suitable sealing structure.

[0093] When the water softener is in salt absorption mode, as shown in Figure 9, the arrows indicate the direction of water flow within the ejector 160 during this mode. Water enters the front end of the ejector 160, creating a negative pressure region at the center suction port 1173. The brine in the brine tank is drawn into the brine tank connector by the negative pressure and enters the ejector 160 through the suction port 1173. The brine mixes with the raw water in the middle of the ejector 160, forming brine of the desired concentration before flowing out the rear end of the ejector 160.

[0094] The jet inlet 1171 is provided with a jet limiting member 250 in the ejector 160. In some embodiments, both the water injection mode and the salt absorption mode require water to be delivered through the jet inlet 1171, and the jet limiting member is provided at the jet inlet 1171. The jet limiting member can control the flow rate of water and control the flow rate of water injection by time, so that the amount of water injected into the salt tank can be accurately controlled by controlling time to ensure the water injection effect. At the same time, the jet limiting member can control the flow rate within the set range, stabilize the water pressure, ensure the stability of the salt absorption mode, and ensure the salt absorption effect. Among them, the jet limiting member can be a pressure stabilizer, which can ensure the stability of the water injection flow rate under different water pressures, stabilize the water pressure, and enable the ejector 160 to have a stable flow rate under different water pressure environments, exert a stable injection effect, and have a good salt absorption effect.

[0095] In some embodiments, through the cooperation of the jet limiter and the sewage limiter, the control of the water pressure by the soft water valve can be optimized, so that the soft water valve can have a stable water pressure environment in different working modes, and the soft water valve can work stably.

[0096] Among them, at least one of the sewage flow limiting component 213 and the jet flow limiting component 250 is a limiting buckle. The limiting buckle has a simple structure, is easy to install and has a good limiting effect. It can stably fix the sewage flow limiting component 213 to the sewage channel 210, and can also fix the jet flow limiting component 250 to the soft water inlet 119.

[0097] The valve housing 110 is connected to the end cap 170. The valve housing 110 is provided with a filter channel 261. The filter channel 261 may be provided with a filter element 180. The filter element 180 can filter impurities to prevent the ejector 160 from clogging and ensure the normal operation of the ejector 160. The filter channel 261 is connected to the ejection channel 117 through a connecting groove in the end cap 170. The filter channel 261 is located between the auxiliary valve core and the ejection channel 117. In some embodiments, a connecting flow channel is formed in the end cap 170 to connect the filter channel 261 and the ejection channel 117. The connecting flow channel can guide the water filtered in the filter channel 261 into the ejection channel 117 to achieve the diversion of raw water. This can eliminate the need for a connecting flow channel in the valve housing 110 and reduce the volume of the valve housing 110.

[0098] In some embodiments, the end cap 170 can achieve sealing between the jet channel 117 and the filter channel 261, integrating the sealing and the flow guide on the valve housing 110, which can reduce the processing difficulty and maintenance cost of the valve housing 110, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the soft water valve.

[0099] The end cap 170 is connected to the valve housing 110 by fasteners or by snap-fitting. As shown in Figure 7 , the end cap 170 is snap-fitted to the valve housing 110 by a snap-fitting member 240. The snap-fitting member 240 can be a bayonet pin that can be removed to release the end cap 170 from the valve housing 110. The bayonet pin can be inserted between a first snap-fitting portion of the end cap 170 and a second snap-fitting portion of the valve housing 110 to secure the end cap 170 to the valve housing 110. This snap-fitting connection facilitates replacement and maintenance of the ejector 160 and filter element 180. Of course, the end cap 170 and valve housing 110 can also be secured by fasteners.

[0100] As shown in FIG6 , a quick-connect salt tank connector 270 is detachably connected to the valve housing 110. The first end of the quick-connect salt tank connector 270 communicates with the jet channel 117 via the suction port 1173, while the second end of the quick-connect salt tank connector 270 forms a salt tank connection port 1110. The salt tank connection port 1110 is connected to the salt tank via a hose. In water injection mode, water can be delivered to the salt tank through the salt tank connection port 1110. In salt absorption mode, salt water in the salt tank can be delivered to the suction port 1173 through the salt tank connection port 1110. The quick-connect salt tank connector 270 can be installed without tools, saving time and effort and improving the assembly efficiency of the water softener valve.

[0101] Referring to Figure 7, the soft water valve also includes a bypass assembly 140, which is connected to the valve housing 110. The bypass assembly 140 includes a bypass valve core and a bypass drive unit. The bypass valve core is located between the raw water channel and the soft water channel. The bypass drive unit is used to drive the bypass valve core to move to connect or disconnect the raw water channel and the soft water channel.

[0102] The raw water channel connects the raw water outlet 118 and the raw water inlet, while the soft water channel connects the soft water outlet 114 and the soft water inlet 119. When the bypass valve core moves to connect the raw water channel and the soft water channel, some of the raw water in the raw water channel can directly enter the soft water channel, allowing the raw water to mix with the soft water in the soft water channel, thereby adjusting the hardness of the soft water and meeting the adjustable soft water hardness requirements of the soft water valve. This provides excellent adjustment effect and can meet the various user needs. Furthermore, the bypass assembly 140 is connected to the valve housing 110, eliminating the need for additional piping to connect the bypass assembly 140 and the valve housing 110. This makes the overall structure of the soft water valve more compact, more integrated, and smaller.

[0103] Valve housing 110 is connected to a flowmeter 150, whose detection portion is located within the soft water passage, between bypass assembly 140 and soft water inlet 119. Flowmeter 150 is used to detect the flow rate of soft water. The soft water in the soft water passage is designed to flow from back to front. Positioning flowmeter 150 at the rear end of bypass assembly 140, that is, between the water outlet of bypass assembly 140 and soft water inlet 119, prevents raw water flowing out of bypass assembly 140 from interfering with soft water flow measurement.

[0104] The flow meter 150 can also be located between the bypass component 140 and the soft water outlet 114. At this time, the flow meter 150 can be used to measure the total flow rate after the raw water and soft water are mixed, that is, to measure the flow rate of soft water flowing out of the valve housing 110, providing reference data for the adjustment of the soft water hardness, and conveniently and accurately controlling the raw water flow rate flowing out of the bypass component 140, thereby making the adjustment of the soft water hardness more accurate.

[0105] The flow meter 150 and the valve housing 110 can also be connected or fixed by fasteners. Referring to Figure 7, the flow meter 150 and the valve housing 110 are fixed by a clamping member 240, which can be a bayonet; the flow meter 150 is easy to disassemble and assemble, and is easy to replace and repair.

[0106] 7 , the soft water valve further includes a cover 280 , which is adapted to cover the outside of the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 , and can prevent moisture and salt mist from affecting the main valve assembly 120 and the auxiliary valve assembly 130 .

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8 , the present application provides a water softener according to an embodiment, comprising a softening device 190 and a water softening valve according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. The softening device 190 communicates with a raw water outlet 118 and a soft water inlet 119. Given the aforementioned beneficial effects of the water softening valve, a water softener incorporating the water softening valve also exhibits the aforementioned beneficial effects. For details, please refer to the aforementioned content and will not be further elaborated here.

[0108] The softening device 190 includes a resin tank. The resin in the resin tank softens the raw water and produces soft water. The resin tank inlet can adopt a standard 2.5-inch threaded hole. Correspondingly, a threaded hole opening structure can be provided at the bottom of the valve housing 110. This threaded structure can be adapted to the threaded hole of the resin tank, so that the resin tank and the valve housing 110 are tightly combined. The raw water in the valve housing 110 will enter the resin tank through the raw water outlet 118. The resin tank is filled with resin. After being filtered by the resin, the raw water will flow into the valve housing 110 through the middle circular hole of the threaded structure, i.e., the soft water inlet 119, and finally flow out from the soft water outlet 114 of the valve housing 110 for user use.

[0109] The softening device 190 may also be other structures that can be used to soften raw water.

[0110] It should be noted that the water softener also includes a salt tank (not shown in the figure), which is used to provide regenerating salt to the softening material in the softening device 190. Flushing the softening material with salt water in the salt tank can purify the softening material, restore its softening capacity, and achieve regeneration of the softening material, ensuring that the water softener can be used repeatedly and extending the service life of the water softener.

[0111] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A soft water valve, comprising: A valve housing, comprising a raw water inlet, a soft water outlet, a main chamber, a secondary chamber, a raw water outlet, a soft water inlet and a sewage discharge channel, wherein the main chamber is connected to the raw water inlet, the soft water inlet is connected to the soft water outlet, and the raw water outlet and the soft water inlet can be connected via a softening device; A main valve assembly, comprising a main valve core and a main driving part for driving the main valve core to move, the main valve core is located in the main cavity, and the main cavity and the raw water outlet are regulated by the main valve core; The auxiliary valve assembly comprises an auxiliary valve core and an auxiliary driving part for driving the auxiliary valve core to move, the auxiliary valve core is located in the auxiliary cavity, and the flow channel between the soft water inlet and the auxiliary valve core can be adjusted on and off; Wherein, the valve housing is provided with at least one of a first drain hole and a second drain hole, at least one of the first drain hole and the second drain hole is connected to the drain channel, the first drain hole and the raw water outlet can be adjusted on and off by a main valve core, and the second drain hole and the soft water inlet can be adjusted on and off by a secondary valve core. 2 . The soft water valve according to claim 1 , further comprising a sewage flow restriction member, wherein the sewage flow restriction member is located in the sewage channel.

3. The water softening valve according to claim 2, wherein: A sewage outlet is formed at the end of the sewage discharge channel, and the sewage discharge flow limiting component is inserted into the sewage discharge channel through the sewage outlet.

4. The soft water valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The valve housing is detachably and fixedly connected with a quick-insert sewage drain head, and the quick-insert sewage drain head is plugged into the sewage outlet.

5. The water softening valve according to claim 4, wherein: The quick-insert sewage drain head comprises a connecting portion and a bending portion which are connected to each other, the connecting portion is connected to the sewage outlet, and the bending portion and the connecting portion form an angle.

6. A water softening valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The valve housing is formed with a drain groove having an opening along the extending direction of the drain channel, and the valve housing is connected with a cover, which seals the opening to form the drain channel.

7. The water softening valve according to claim 6, wherein: The sealing cover and the valve housing are sealed and connected by at least one of fastener connection, plug-in connection and clamping connection.

8. The water softening valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The valve housing is connected to an ejector, a jet channel is formed in the ejector, the jet channel includes a jet inlet, a jet outlet and a suction port which are connected to each other, the suction port is connected to the salt box connection port of the valve housing, a jet flow limiting component is inserted in the ejector through the jet inlet, and the jet channel is opened and closed by the auxiliary valve core and the soft water inlet.

9. The water softening valve according to claim 8, wherein: At least one of the sewage flow limiting component and the jet flow limiting component is a limit buckle.

10. The soft water valve according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The valve housing is connected to an end cover, and the valve housing is provided with a filter channel. The filter channel is communicated with the jet channel through a connecting groove in the end cover, and the filter channel is located between the auxiliary valve core and the jet channel.

11. The water softening valve according to claim 10, wherein: The end cover is connected or fixed to the valve housing via a fastener.

12. The soft water valve according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The valve housing is detachably connected with a quick-insert salt box connector, a first end of the quick-insert salt box connector is communicated with the jet channel through the suction port, and a second end of the quick-insert salt box connector forms a salt box connection port.

13. A water softener, comprising a softening device and the softening valve according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the softening device connects the raw water outlet with the soft water inlet.

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