Brine valve, brine tank, and water softener

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water treatment devices, and in particular to a brine valve, a brine tank, and a water softener. The brine valve comprises a seat body and a floating assembly. The seat body is provided with a connection hole and a connection pipe. One end of the floating assembly is inserted into the connection hole, and the floating assembly can move relative to the seat body so as to move between a stop position and a communication position. The floating assembly comprises a first floating member and a stop member; the stop member is connected to one end of the first floating member, the first floating member is provided with a motion space, and the stop member is provided with at least one matching section having a gradually changing diameter. At the communication position, the first floating member seals a first end of the connection hole, and the connection pipe is communicated with the motion space by means of a second end of the connection hole; and at the stop position, the matching section seals the second end of the connection hole, and the connection pipe and the motion space are separately located on two sides of the seal position. After the brine valve of the present application is used for a period of time, when the floating assembly is located at the stop position, the outer peripheral surface of the matching section can still be attached to the second end of the connection hole, thereby improving the sealing performance.

Description

Salt valves, salt tanks and water softeners

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 202410236298X, filed on March 1, 2024, entitled “Salt valve, salt box and water softener”, No. 2024204020450, filed on March 1, 2024, entitled “Salt valve, salt box and water softener”, No. 2024203980443, filed on March 1, 2024, entitled “Salt valve and water softener”, No. 2024204056490, filed on March 1, 2024, entitled “Salt valve, salt box and water softener”, and No. 2024204020751, filed on March 1, 2024, entitled “Salt valve, salt box and water softener”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] In the related art, due to the unreasonable structural design of the salt valve, the salt valve cannot play a good protective role, and after a period of use, the sealing performance of the salt valve is reduced due to corrosion of the brine or salt crystallization.

[0005] When the salt tank is short of water, water needs to be injected into it to dissolve the salt in the salt tank. The salt valve is used to control the on-off of the water path of the salt tank. However, in the related art, the salt valve has a single function and cannot play a good protective role.

[0006] In the prior art, the salt valve has a single function and is unable to seal the flow channel when water replenishment is completed.

[0007] In the related art, since the salt valve is in the salt chamber for a long time, salt particles are likely to exist between the mounting structures of the base and the fixing seat, affecting the sealing effect of the base and the fixing seat, and also affecting the assembly between the base and the fixing seat.

[0008] In the related art, the salt valve has a floating component and a cover body. The floating component floats in the cover body. However, during the floating process, the floating component is prone to tipping over or rubbing against the wall of the cover body. This will not only affect the floating performance of the floating component, but may also cause the floating component to be unable to continue floating, and may even damage the salt valve, thereby affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, the present application proposes a salt valve, comprising:

[0011] A seat body, wherein the seat body is provided with a connecting hole and a connecting pipe;

[0012] a floating assembly, one end of which is plugged into the connecting hole, and the floating assembly is movable relative to the base body so as to move between a stop position and a connecting position;

[0013] The floating assembly includes a first floating member and a stopper, the stopper being connected to one end of the first floating member, the first floating member being provided with a movement space, the stopper being adapted to seal the connecting hole or to allow the connecting hole to communicate, and the stopper being provided with at least one mating section with a gradually changing diameter;

[0014] In the communication position, the first floating member seals the first end of the connection hole, and the connection pipe communicates with the movement space through the second end of the connection hole;

[0015] At the stopping position, the fitting section seals the second end of the connecting hole, and the connecting pipe and the movement space are separated on both sides of the sealing position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the salt valve provided by the embodiments of the present application further includes a first sealing member.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first sealing member is embedded in the connecting hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the floating assembly is disposed through the first sealing member.

[0019] In some embodiments, in the communication position, the first floating member is in sealing contact with the first end of the first sealing member.

[0020] In some embodiments, in the stopping position, the stopper is in sealing contact with the second end of the first sealing member.

[0021] In some embodiments, a lip is provided at an end of the first sealing member, and the lip is connected to an inner wall of the first sealing member.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fitting section is a single segment and is conical in shape, and the fitting section is provided at one end of the stopper.

[0023] In some embodiments, the float assembly further includes a second float member.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second floating member is disposed in the movement space, and the second floating member is movable along the movement space.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second floating member is suitable for stopping or connecting the movement space and the connecting hole.

[0026] In some embodiments, the floating assembly further includes a stop seat.

[0027] In some embodiments, one end of the stop seat is connected to the first floating member.

[0028] In some embodiments, the other end of the stop seat is passed through the connecting hole.

[0029] In some embodiments, a water hole is provided on the stop seat.

[0030] In some embodiments, the water hole connects the movement space and the connection hole.

[0031] In some embodiments, the stop seat includes a connecting portion and a tapered portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tapered portion is located at one end of the connecting portion.

[0033] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is provided with a receiving groove for the second floating member.

[0034] In some embodiments, the water hole is provided on the tapered portion.

[0035] In some embodiments, the water hole is connected to the receiving groove.

[0036] In some embodiments, the float assembly further includes a third seal.

[0037] In some embodiments, a positioning groove is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove.

[0038] In some embodiments, the third sealing member is embedded in the positioning groove.

[0039] In some embodiments, the third sealing member is adapted to abut against the second floating member.

[0040] In some embodiments, fixing ribs are provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fixing rib is provided at the connection between the connecting portion and the tapered portion.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fixing rib is adapted to abut against the second floating member.

[0043] In some embodiments, the fixing ribs extend along the circumferential direction of the connecting portion to form an annular structure.

[0044] In some embodiments, one end of the first floating member is sleeved on the stop seat.

[0045] In some embodiments, a connecting block is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the stop seat.

[0046] In some embodiments, one side of the connecting block is an inclined surface.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first floating member is provided with a fixing hole.

[0048] In some embodiments, one end of the first floating member is adapted to move along the inclined surface so that the connecting block is inserted into the fixing hole.

[0049] In some embodiments, the base comprises:

[0050] A base, wherein the base is provided with a water inlet cavity and the connecting pipe;

[0051] A connecting seat is connected to the base, the connecting seat is provided with the connecting hole, the connecting hole is connected to the connecting pipe through the water inlet cavity, and one end of the floating assembly is located in the water inlet cavity.

[0052] The present application also provides a salt box, comprising:

[0053] a box body, the box body being used for storing salt;

[0054] As described above, the salt valve is arranged in the box body, the salt valve is connected to the box body, and the movement space is communicated with the box body.

[0055] The present application also provides a water softener, comprising:

[0056] A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin;

[0057] The salt tank as described above is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

[0058] According to the salt valve provided herein, by providing at least one mating segment with a gradually changing diameter on the stopper, after a period of use, when the float assembly is in the stop position, the outer circumference of the mating segment can still engage with the second end of the connecting hole, thereby sealing the second end of the connecting hole 111 and improving the sealing performance. Furthermore, the float assembly moves between the connecting position and the stop position to connect or disconnect the connecting hole with the movement space. This allows the float assembly to control the amount of water added to the tank during water replenishment, preventing overfilling and providing a protective effect.

[0059] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, the present application also proposes a salt valve, comprising:

[0060] A base assembly, wherein the base assembly is provided with a communication hole and a water connection pipe;

[0061] a floating column, one end of which is plugged into the communication hole, and the floating column is movable relative to the base assembly so as to move between a stop position and a communication position;

[0062] The floating column includes a float and a floating ball, and the float forms a floating space for the floating ball;

[0063] In the communication position, the floating column seals the first end of the communication hole, and the water receiving pipe communicates with the floating space through the second end of the communication hole;

[0064] At the stopping position, the floating column seals the second end of the communicating hole, and the water receiving pipe and the floating space are separated on both sides of the sealing position;

[0065] The float ball is movable along the floating space, and the float ball is suitable for stopping or connecting the floating space and the communicating hole.

[0066] In some embodiments, the floating column further includes a moving seat.

[0067] In some embodiments, one end of the movable seat is connected to the float.

[0068] In some embodiments, the other end of the movable seat is passed through the communicating hole.

[0069] In some embodiments, a water hole is provided on the movable seat.

[0070] In some embodiments, the water hole connects the floating space and the communication hole;

[0071] In some embodiments, the floating column further includes a stop block.

[0072] In some embodiments, the stop block is connected to the other end of the moving base.

[0073] In some embodiments, at the stopping position, the stopping block is adapted to stop the second end of the communicating hole.

[0074] In some embodiments, the moving seat includes a cylindrical portion and a conical portion.

[0075] In some embodiments, the tapered portion is located at one end of the cylindrical portion.

[0076] In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion is provided with a receiving groove for the float.

[0077] In some embodiments, the water hole is provided on the conical portion.

[0078] In some embodiments, the water hole is connected to the receiving tank.

[0079] In some embodiments, the floating column further includes a first sealing ring.

[0080] In some embodiments, a positioning groove is provided on the bottom wall of the accommodating groove.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first sealing ring is embedded in the positioning groove.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first sealing ring is adapted to abut against the float.

[0083] In some embodiments, support ribs are provided on the bottom wall of the accommodating groove.

[0084] In some embodiments, the support rib is provided at the connection between the cylindrical portion and the conical portion.

[0085] In some embodiments, the support rib is suitable for abutting against the float.

[0086] In some embodiments, one end of the float is sleeved on the movable seat.

[0087] In some embodiments, a connecting block is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the movable seat.

[0088] In some embodiments, one side of the connecting block is an inclined surface.

[0089] In some embodiments, the float is provided with a snap-on hole.

[0090] In some embodiments, one end of the float is adapted to move along the inclined surface so that the connecting block is inserted into the buckle hole.

[0091] In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a pedestal.

[0092] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a transition cavity and the water receiving pipe.

[0093] In some embodiments, the base assembly further includes a fixing base.

[0094] In some embodiments, the fixing seat is connected to the base.

[0095] In some embodiments, the fixing seat is provided with the communicating hole.

[0096] In some embodiments, the communicating hole is connected to the water receiving pipe through the transition cavity.

[0097] In some embodiments, one end of the floating column is located in the transition cavity.

[0098] In some embodiments, the base assembly further comprises a sealing sleeve.

[0099] In some embodiments, the sealing sleeve is embedded in the communicating hole.

[0100] In some embodiments, the floating column is disposed through the sealing sleeve.

[0101] In some embodiments, a lip is provided at the end of the sealing sleeve.

[0102] In some embodiments, the lip is connected to the inner wall of the sealing sleeve.

[0103] In some embodiments, the salt valve provided by the embodiments of the present application further includes a protective cover.

[0104] In some embodiments, the protective cover is connected to the base assembly.

[0105] In some embodiments, the floating post is located within the protective cover and is movable relative to the protective cover.

[0106] The present application also provides a salt box, comprising:

[0107] a box body, the box body being used for storing salt;

[0108] As described above, the salt valve is arranged in the box body, the salt valve is connected to the box body, and the floating space is communicated with the box body.

[0109] The present application also provides a water softener, comprising:

[0110] A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin;

[0111] The salt tank as described above is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

[0112] The salt valve provided herein uses a floating column that moves between a stop and a connection position to disconnect or connect the water pipe from the floating space. This allows for control of the amount of water added to the salt tank, providing protection. The float ball moves within the floating space, blocking the floating space and the connection hole during brine extraction, preventing air from being drawn into the resin tank and causing resin failure. This provides protection during both water replenishment and brine extraction, providing bidirectional protection and enhancing operational safety.

[0113] The present application also provides a salt valve to solve the defect in the prior art that the salt valve cannot seal the salt water flow channel when water replenishment is completed. The salt water flow channel can be sealed when water replenishment is completed to prevent salt water from overflowing.

[0114] The present application provides a salt valve, comprising:

[0115] a base, wherein a first channel is provided in the base;

[0116] A float assembly, the float assembly comprising a float and a seal, one end of the float being connected to the seal, the float and the seal being vertically movable relative to the base, a first cavity being defined within the float, the float being provided with a communication structure for communicating with the salt tank, the first cavity forming a float cavity above the communication structure, a second channel being defined within the seal, the first cavity communicating with the second channel, and the second channel communicating with the first channel;

[0117] In the first sealing state, the floating assembly is located at a first position, and the sealing member is in sealing cooperation with the first channel.

[0118] In some embodiments, the communication structure includes at least one communication slit, and the communication slit is provided on the float.

[0119] In some embodiments, the communication structure includes a plurality of communication slits arranged vertically.

[0120] In some embodiments, a plurality of the communicating slits are uniformly distributed on the float along the circumferential direction.

[0121] In some embodiments, the salt valve provided by the embodiments of the present application further includes a protective shell.

[0122] In some embodiments, the protective shell is provided on the float.

[0123] In some embodiments, the communicating seam is arranged vertically.

[0124] In some embodiments, a guide block is provided on the inner wall of the protective shell.

[0125] In some embodiments, the guide block is slidably engaged with the connecting slit.

[0126] In some embodiments, a clamping portion is provided at one end of the sealing member.

[0127] In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​portion is snap-fitted with the connecting seam.

[0128] In some embodiments, the salt valve provided by the embodiments of the present application further includes a float.

[0129] In some embodiments, the float is disposed in the first cavity and is movable vertically along the first cavity.

[0130] In some embodiments, in the second sealing state, the float assembly is located at a second position, and the float ball is sealed in cooperation with the second channel.

[0131] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the float is provided with ribs.

[0132] In some embodiments, the ribs are used to strengthen the structural strength of the float and to limit the vertical position of the float ball.

[0133] The present application also provides a water softener, comprising:

[0134] A salt box, comprising a box body and a salt valve as described in any one of the above embodiments;

[0135] A resin tank is communicated with the first channel.

[0136] According to the water softener provided in the present application, the highest liquid level of the salt tank is 0-3 cm higher than the upper limit position of the connecting structure.

[0137] The salt valve provided in the present application is configured by arranging a connecting structure on the float and forming a float cavity above the connecting structure. When the liquid level in the salt tank exceeds the upper limit position of the connecting structure, the air sealed inside the float cavity can provide buoyancy to the floating assembly, causing the floating assembly to reach the first position, thereby switching the salt valve to the first sealing state to seal the first channel and prevent salt water from overflowing.

[0138] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, the present application also proposes a salt valve that reduces the probability of salt particles adhering to the contact surface between the fixing seat and the base, and realizes rapid disassembly and assembly between the base and the fixing seat.

[0139] The present application also proposes a salt box.

[0140] The present application also proposes a water softener.

[0141] The present application proposes a salt valve, comprising:

[0142] a base, the base being used to be fixed to the salt box;

[0143] A fixing seat, the fixing seat being sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the base;

[0144] A cover body, the cover body being sleeved on the fixing seat;

[0145] A floating component, the floating component is arranged inside the cover;

[0146] A first channel is provided in the base and the fixing seat, and the floating assembly is movable in the cover to block the first channel or connect the first channel and the cover.

[0147] The salt valve provided herein utilizes a fixed seat sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the base, allowing for quick insertion of the fixed seat and the base. Furthermore, during insertion, the probability of salt particles adhering to the contact surface between the fixed seat and the base is reduced, thereby improving the sealing effect between the fixed seat and the base. This in turn reduces corrosion of the internal structure of the salt valve by salt particles, thereby increasing the service life of the salt valve.

[0148] In some embodiments, a first sealing ring is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the base and the inner wall of the fixing seat.

[0149] In some embodiments, a sealing groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the base or the inner wall of the fixing seat.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first sealing ring is disposed in the sealing groove.

[0151] In some embodiments, the base and the fixing seat are fixedly connected by a pin.

[0152] In some embodiments, the latch is inserted into one side of the fixing seat.

[0153] In some embodiments, a boss is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the fixing seat.

[0154] In some embodiments, the free end of the cover body abuts against the boss.

[0155] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the fixing seat is provided with at least one convex rib.

[0156] In some embodiments, the rib extends along the axial direction of the fixing seat.

[0157] In some embodiments, the rib is connected to an end portion of the fixing seat.

[0158] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the cover body abuts against the rib.

[0159] In some embodiments, the mount includes a mounting section.

[0160] In some embodiments, the mounting section is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the base.

[0161] In some embodiments, the fixing seat further includes a sealing section.

[0162] In some embodiments, the sealing segment is located within the mounting segment.

[0163] In some embodiments, the sealing segment is connected to the mounting segment, and a gap exists between the sealing segment and the mounting segment.

[0164] In some embodiments, the sealing segment is configured to seal with the float assembly.

[0165] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the sealing section is covered with a second sealing ring.

[0166] In some embodiments, when the floating assembly blocks the first channel, the floating assembly abuts against the second sealing ring.

[0167] The present application also provides a salt box, comprising:

[0168] a box body, the box body being used for storing salt;

[0169] The salt valve is arranged in the box and connected to the box.

[0170] The salt box provided in the present application includes the above-mentioned salt valve and thus also has the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned salt valve, which will not be described in detail here.

[0171] The present application also provides a water softener, comprising:

[0172] A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin;

[0173] The salt box is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

[0174] The water softener provided in the present application includes the above-mentioned salt box and thus also has the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned salt box, which will not be described in detail here.

[0175] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, the present application also proposes a salt valve, which enables the cover to guide the movement of the floating assembly.

[0176] The present application also proposes a salt box.

[0177] The present application also provides a water dispenser.

[0178] The present application provides a salt valve, comprising:

[0179] base assembly;

[0180] A cover body, the cover body is disposed on the base assembly, and the cover body and the base assembly form a receiving cavity;

[0181] A floating component is arranged in the accommodating cavity, one end of the floating component is inserted in the base component, the floating component is movable relative to the base component, and the inner surface of the cover body is suitable for guiding the movement of the floating component.

[0182] The salt valve provided herein employs a cover disposed outside the float assembly, with the inner surface of the cover guiding the movement of the float assembly. Thus, when the float assembly floats, the cover restricts the float assembly's radial direction, allowing it to float along the extension of the inner surface of the cover, preventing radial movement. This improves the stability and reliability of the device.

[0183] In some embodiments, the float assembly includes a float column.

[0184] In some embodiments, the floating column is disposed in the accommodating cavity.

[0185] In some embodiments, a floating cavity is provided in the floating column.

[0186] In some embodiments, the floating cavity is communicated with the accommodating cavity.

[0187] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimensions of the floating column are adapted to the cross-sectional dimensions of the cover.

[0188] In some embodiments, the float assembly further comprises a float ball.

[0189] In some embodiments, the float is disposed in the floating cavity, and the float is movable in the axial direction of the floating cavity.

[0190] In some embodiments, a connecting seam is formed on the wall surface of the floating column.

[0191] In some embodiments, the communication slit extends along the axis of the floating column.

[0192] In some embodiments, the floating cavity is communicated with the accommodating cavity through the communicating slit.

[0193] In some embodiments, there are multiple communicating seams.

[0194] In some embodiments, the plurality of communicating slits are symmetrically arranged along the circumference of the floating column.

[0195] In some embodiments, a slider is provided on the inner wall of the cover.

[0196] In some embodiments, the slider is slidable along the connecting slit.

[0197] In some embodiments, in the axial direction of the floating column.

[0198] In some embodiments, the thickness of the bottom end of the floating column is greater than the thickness of the top end.

[0199] In some embodiments, the communication seam passes through the bottom end of the floating column and extends to the upper end of the floating column.

[0200] In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the upper end of the floating column to the thickness of the bottom end of the floating column is in a range of 0.4-0.6.

[0201] In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a pedestal.

[0202] In some embodiments, the base is adapted to be fixedly connected to the salt box.

[0203] In some embodiments, the base assembly further includes a fixing base.

[0204] In some embodiments, one end of the fixing seat is sleeved on the base.

[0205] In some embodiments, the cover is sleeved on the other end of the fixing base.

[0206] The present application also proposes a salt box, comprising:

[0207] a box body, the box body being used for storing salt;

[0208] The salt valve is arranged in the box and connected to the box.

[0209] The salt box provided in the present application includes the above-mentioned salt valve and thus also has the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned salt valve, which will not be described in detail here.

[0210] The present application also proposes a water softener, comprising:

[0211] A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin;

[0212] The salt box is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

[0213] The water softener provided in the present application includes the above-mentioned salt box and thus also has the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned salt box, which will not be described in detail here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0214] 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.

[0215] FIG1 is an exploded view of a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0216] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0217] FIG3 is a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG2 ;

[0218] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a first floating member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0219] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a stopper provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0220] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of a stopper provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0221] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of a third sealing member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0222] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0223] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting socket provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0224] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting socket provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0225] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a first sealing member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0226] FIG12 is an exploded view of a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0227] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0228] FIG14 is a partial enlarged view of A5 in FIG13;

[0229] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a float provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0230] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0231] FIG17 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0232] FIG18 is a cross-sectional view of a first sealing ring provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0233] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0234] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0235] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing base provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0236] FIG22 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0237] FIG23 is a cross-sectional view of a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0238] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of a float in a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0239] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of the main body of the base of the salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0240] FIG26 is a schematic diagram of a fixing portion of a base in a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0241] FIG27 is a schematic diagram of a float guardrail of a seal in a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0242] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of a valve plug of a sealing member in a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0243] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of a valve plug sealing ring in a salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0244] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of the salt valve structure provided by the present application;

[0245] FIG31 is a partial enlarged view of A7 in FIG30;

[0246] FIG32 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixed seat in a salt valve provided by the present application;

[0247] FIG33 is a schematic structural diagram of a salt valve provided by the present application;

[0248] FIG34 is a partial enlarged view of A8 in FIG33; and

[0249] FIG35 is a partial enlarged view of point B8 in FIG33 .

[0250] Reference numerals:

[0251] 100, salt valve;

[0252] 110. Base; 111. Connecting hole; 112. Connecting pipe; 113. Base; 114. Water inlet chamber; 115. Connecting seat; 1151. Limiting rib; 1152. First reinforcing rib; 1153. Avoidance gap; 1154. Second reinforcing rib; 116. First sealing member; 117. Lip; 118. Second sealing member; 119. Connector;

[0253] 120, floating assembly; 121, first floating member; 1211, fixing hole; 1212, movement space; 1213, connecting seam; 1214, air cavity; 122, second floating member;

[0254] 123, stopper; 1231, connecting portion; 1232, receiving groove; 1233, positioning groove; 1234, fixing rib; 1235, tapered portion; 1236, water hole; 1237, fixing block; 1238, guide rib;

[0255] 124, stopper; 1241, fitting section; 125, third sealing member; 1251, fixing portion; 1252, sealing portion; 126, limiting member;

[0256] 130, protective cover; 200, salt box; 210, box body; 300, resin tank; 310, control valve;

[0257] 1500, salt valve;

[0258] 1510, base assembly; 1511, connecting hole; 1512, water connection pipe; 1513, base; 1514, transition chamber; 1515, fixing seat; 15151, limiting rib; 15152, first reinforcing rib; 15153, avoidance gap; 15154, second reinforcing rib; 1516, sealing sleeve; 1517, lip; 1518, second sealing ring; 1519, fixing pin;

[0259] 1520, floating column; 1521, float; 15211, buckle hole; 15212, floating space; 15213, connecting seam; 15214, floating cavity; 1522, float ball;

[0260] 1523, movable seat; 15231, columnar portion; 15232, receiving groove; 15233, positioning groove; 15234, supporting rib; 15235, tapered portion; 15236, water hole; 15237, connecting block; 15238, guide rib;

[0261] 1524, stop block; 1525, first sealing ring; 15251, main body; 15252, contact portion; 1526, retaining ring;

[0262] 1530, protective cover; 2500, salt box; 2510, box body; 3500, resin tank; 3510, control valve;

[0263] 1600, base; 1610, main body; 1611, first mounting groove; 1620, fixing portion; 1621, sealing ring mounting portion; 1630, first sealing ring; 1640, second sealing ring; 1650, first channel;

[0264] 2600, floating assembly; 2610, float; 2611, first cavity; 26111, float cavity; 2612, communication structure; 2613, rib; 2620, sealing element; 2621, float guardrail; 26211, clamping portion; 26212, communication hole; 26213, second mounting groove; 26214, limiting flange; 2622, valve plug; 26221, tapered sealing surface; 2623, third sealing ring; 2624, second channel;

[0265] 3600, protective shell; 3610, guide block;

[0266] 4600, float;

[0267] 1700, salt valve; 1710, base; 1711, sealing groove; 1712, first sealing ring; 1713, mounting section; 1714, sealing section; 1715, gap; 1716, second sealing ring;

[0268] 1720, fixed seat; 1721, boss; 1722, convex rib;

[0269] 1730, cover body;

[0270] 1740, floating components;

[0271] 1750, first channel;

[0272] 1760, latch;

[0273] 1800, salt valve;

[0274] 1810, base assembly; 1811, base; 1812, fixing seat; 1813, accommodating cavity; 1814, channel;

[0275] 1820, cover body;

[0276] 1830. Floating assembly; 1831. Floating column; 1832. Floating ball; 1833. Floating cavity; 1834. Connecting seam. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0277] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0278] 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", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate 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.

[0279] 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.

[0280] 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.

[0281] 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.

[0282] The water softener absorbs metal cations such as calcium and magnesium in the raw water through the resin inside it, thereby achieving the purpose of softening the water. When the resin has reached a saturated state of adsorption of calcium and magnesium ions, the resin needs to be regenerated. Regeneration is the process of replacing the calcium and magnesium ions on the resin with sodium ions. The water softener mainly relies on resin to adsorb calcium and magnesium ions. After the resin has reached saturation of adsorption of calcium and magnesium ions, softening salt is needed to replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the resin so that the resin can adsorb calcium and magnesium ions again. The salt box is a device that can provide softening salt. The salt water in the salt box is sucked into the resin barrel to clean the resin. The salt valve is used to control the on-off of the salt box water channel, and the salt valve is in a salt water environment for a long time. In the related art, due to the unreasonable structural design of the salt valve, the salt valve cannot play a good protective role, and after a period of use, the sealing performance of the salt valve is reduced due to corrosion from the salt water or salt crystallization.

[0283] A water softener is a device used to soften water by removing hardness ions, such as calcium and magnesium, from the water to reduce scale formation. A salt valve is a valve used in a water softener, primarily used to control the flow of brine or salt solution into the softener for regeneration or recirculation.

[0284] In related technologies, a salt valve is installed within the water softener's salt tank to regulate and control the flow of brine during the regeneration process, ensuring proper operation and efficient softening. The salt valve typically consists of a base and a fixed seat, which form a chamber within which the float of the salt valve can move. However, because the salt valve remains within the salt chamber for a long period of time, salt particles can easily accumulate between the mounting structure of the base and fixed seat, affecting the sealing effect and assembly between the two.

[0285] In related technologies, water softeners utilize cation exchange resins to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water, reducing the hardness of the raw water and thereby softening hard water. Water softeners are currently widely used in industrial and energy systems and possess a strong device nature. In household use, the soft water produced by water softeners typically reduces scale buildup in water heating equipment such as water heaters, wall-mounted boilers, and electric water heaters, as well as in bathrooms. This helps prevent pipe blockages, reduces the loss of heat exchange efficiency in heating equipment, reduces detergent usage, and is more skin-friendly, resulting in softer, more vibrantly colored clothes.

[0286] The following describes the salt valve of an embodiment of the present application with reference to Figures 1-11. It is understood that a water softener primarily relies on resin to absorb calcium and magnesium ions. Once the resin reaches saturation with calcium and magnesium ions, softening salt is required to displace the calcium and magnesium ions from the resin, allowing the resin to absorb them again. The salt tank is a device that provides softening salt. The salt water in the salt tank is pumped into the resin barrel to clean the resin and restore its ability to absorb calcium and magnesium ions.

[0287] According to an embodiment of the present application, the water softener includes a resin tank 300 and a salt tank 200. The resin tank 300 is used to store resin, which can absorb metal ions such as calcium and magnesium in raw water to reduce the hardness of the water. The salt tank 200 is filled with salt water. The salt tank 200 is connected and communicated with the resin tank 300 to provide salt water to the resin tank 300, thereby cleaning the resin so that the resin can continue to absorb metal ions in the raw water. The water softener also includes a control valve 310, which is used to control the flow direction of water in the water softener. The control valve 310 is connected to both the salt tank 200 and the resin tank 300. The control valve 310 can control the flow of salt water in the salt tank 200 into the resin tank 300. The water inlet pipe of the control valve 310 is connected to a water source to transport raw water or softened water to the resin tank 300 or the salt tank 200. The brine in the brine tank 200 flows to the control valve 310 and then to the resin tank 300. Meanwhile, the control valve 310 delivers raw water or soft water to the resin tank 300 to dilute the brine. The diluted brine flows into the resin tank 300 to clean the resin.

[0288] According to an embodiment of the present application, the salt tank 200 includes a housing 210 and a salt valve 100. The housing 210 is used to store salt and brine. The salt valve 100 is disposed within the housing 210 and is connected to and communicates with the housing 210. The salt valve 100 controls the flow of water between the salt tank 200 and the resin tank 300. The housing 210 and the resin tank 300 are connected by a pipeline, and the salt valve 100 is connected to the pipeline. The salt valve 100 can control the flow of water between the pipeline and the housing 210. For example, when the level of brine in the housing 210 is lower than the level of the pipeline port, the salt valve 100 cuts off the connection between the housing 210 and the pipeline, preventing air from being drawn into the resin tank 300 and causing resin failure, thereby providing protection.

[0289] 1 and 2 , a salt valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a seat 110 and a float assembly 120 .

[0290] Specifically, the base 110 is provided with a connection hole 111 and a connection tube 112. The connection hole 111 communicates with the connection tube 112, which is adapted to communicate with the resin tank 300 of the water softener to supply brine to the resin tank 300. The base 110 can be connected to the housing 210 to secure the salt valve 100. One end of the float assembly 120 is inserted into the connection hole 111. The float assembly 120 is movable relative to the base 110, moving between a stop position and a connection position. The float assembly 120 includes a first float 121 and a stopper 124. The first float 121 is cylindrical and is connected to one end of the first float 121. The stopper 124 is adapted to seal the connection hole 111 or to provide connection thereto. The stopper 124 has at least one mating section 1241 with a gradually varying diameter. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the stopper 124 has a mating section 1241 with a gradually increasing diameter. In some embodiments, there may be multiple mating segments 1241, and the diameters of any two mating segments 1241 may be the same or different. The mating segment 1241 may be located at one end of the stopper 124, or in the middle of the stopper 124, or may extend to both ends of the stopper 124, such that the diameter of the stopper 124 gradually changes from one end to the other. The first floating member 121 defines a movement space 1212, which is in communication with the housing 210.

[0291] As shown in FIG2 , in the communication position, the first floating member 121 seals the first end of the connecting hole 111, and the connecting tube 112 communicates with the movement space 1212 through the second end of the connecting hole 111. Thus, the housing 210 communicates with the connecting tube 112 through the movement space 1212. At this point, water can be added to the housing 210 through the connecting tube 112. In some embodiments, a water passage 1236 is provided at one end of the first floating member 121. In the communication position, the floating assembly 120 seals the first end of the connecting hole 111, cutting off direct communication between the connecting hole 111 and the housing 210. The movement space 1212 communicates with the connecting hole 111 through the water passage 1236. At this point, the connecting hole 111 communicates with the housing 210 through the movement space 1212 and the water passage 1236.

[0292] In the stop position, the mating section 1241 seals the second end of the connecting hole 111, and the connecting tube 112 and the movement space 1212 are separated on either side of the sealed position. The connecting tube 112 is blocked from the movement space 1212, and the tank 210 is disconnected from the connecting tube 112, thereby stopping water supply to the tank 210. It will be appreciated that the tank 210 contains salt, and water is added to the tank 210 to dissolve the salt and form brine. Maintaining a "salt-but-water" state within the tank 210 is necessary to ensure that the salt tank 200 can provide brine and that the brine within the tank 200 is saturated, thereby preventing the water softener from producing softened water. The float assembly 120 moves between the connection position and the stop position. When water is added to the tank 210, the float assembly 120 controls the amount of water added to prevent excessive water from overflowing or damaging the "salt-but-water" state of the salt tank 200.

[0293] In some embodiments, the engaging section 1241 is a single segment and has a conical shape. The engaging section 1241 is located at one end of the stopper 124. As shown in FIG2 , the float assembly 120 is in the connected position. The stopper 124 is located at the second end of the connection hole 111. The stopper 124 can be inserted into the connection hole 111, with one end of the stopper 124 located outside the second end of the connection hole 111. The engaging section 1241 is provided at one end of the stopper 124. The engaging section 1241 has a conical shape, with the smaller end of the conical engaging section 1241 being closer to the second end of the connection hole 111. As the float assembly 120 moves toward the stop position, the engaging section 1241 moves toward the second end of the connection hole 111 and blocks the connection hole 111. The opening of the connection hole 111 gradually decreases until the engaging section 1241 completely blocks the second end of the connection hole 111, at which point water replenishment ceases. At the stopping position, the outer circumferential surface of the fitting segment 1241 is in sealing contact with the second end of the connecting hole 111 to seal the second end of the connecting hole 111 .

[0294] It is understood that when a salt valve is in a saltwater environment, it is susceptible to corrosion or salt crystals adhering to it, which can cause the outer circumferential wall of the stopper to not fit the wall of the connecting hole, thereby reducing the sealing performance of the salt valve. By providing at least one mating segment 1241 with a gradually changing diameter on the stopper 124, after a period of use, even if the diameter of the stopper 124 changes from the original diameter or the diameter of the connecting hole 111 changes, the mating segment 1241 still has a section with a diameter that can adapt to the diameter of the connecting hole 111. In the stopped position, the outer circumferential surface of the mating segment 1241 can still fit the connecting hole 111, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0295] According to the salt valve 100 of the present embodiment, by providing at least one gradually varying diameter engagement segment 1241 on the stop member 124, the outer circumference of the engagement segment 1241 can still engage with the second end of the connection hole 111 in the stop position after a period of use, thereby sealing the second end of the connection hole 111 and improving the sealing performance of the salt valve. Furthermore, the float assembly 120 moves between the connection position and the stop position. When water is added to the tank 210, the float assembly 120 can control the amount of water added, thereby preventing over-addition and providing a protective effect.

[0296] 2 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the float assembly 120 further includes a second float 122. The second float 122 is spherical and disposed within the movement space 1212. The second float 122 is movable within the movement space 1212. The second float 122 is adapted to block or connect the movement space 1212 with the connection hole 111. That is, the second float 122 can block the movement space 1212 from the connection hole 111, or connect the movement space 1212 with the connection hole 111. In the connection position, the float assembly 120 blocks the first end of the connection hole 111, and the movement space 1212 is connected to the connection tube 112 through the second end of the connection hole 111. At this time, the second float 122 blocks the movement space 1212 from the connection hole 111, or connects the movement space 1212 to the connection hole 111, thereby controlling the connection and disconnection between the connection tube 112 and the movement space 1212.

[0297] The second floating member 122 can float within the movement space 1212, which serves as a position limiter and guide for the second floating member 122. The movement space 1212 is connected to the housing 210. When the level of the saline solution in the housing 210 changes, the second floating member 122 moves with the change in the level. For example, when the saline solution is pumped, as the level decreases, the second floating member 122 moves toward the connection between the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111. When the level drops below the connection point between the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111, the second floating member 122 stops between the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111, preventing air from being drawn into the resin tank 300 and causing resin failure, thus providing protection. When water is added to the housing 210, the water lifts the second floating member 122, connecting the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111. As the amount of water increases, the second floating member 122 moves away from the connection point between the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111. It should be noted that when pumping saline, the float assembly 120 is in the communication position. At this point, the float assembly 120 seals the first end of the connecting hole 111, and the connecting tube 112 communicates with the movement space 1212 through the second end of the connecting hole 111. As a result, the housing 210 communicates with the connecting hole 111 through the movement space 1212, rather than directly with the connecting hole 111. In this way, the second float 122 can be used to control whether the housing 210 is connected to the connecting tube 112 or not.

[0298] When pumping brine, the float assembly 120 is in the connection position. The brine in the tank 210 flows into the movement space 1212, and then from the movement space 1212 through the connecting hole 111 to the connecting pipe 112, and is then transported to the resin tank 300 through the pipeline. When the brine level falls below the connection point between the connecting hole 111 and the movement space 1212, the second float 122 stops the movement space 1212 and the connecting hole 111. When replenishing water into the salt tank 200, the float assembly 120 is in the connection position. Water flows from the connecting pipe 112 to the connecting hole 111 and then into the movement space 1212. The second float 122 is lifted, and the movement space 1212 is connected to the connecting hole 111. The water flows into the movement space 1212 and finally into the tank 210, dissolving the salt to form brine. When the water replenishment reaches a certain amount, the float assembly 120 moves to the stop position, stopping the replenishment of water into the tank 210. The connecting hole 111 is connected to the connecting pipe 112 , and the brine in the brine tank 200 can pass through the connecting hole 111 .

[0299] By moving the float assembly 120 between the stop and connection positions, the connecting tube 112 is disconnected or connected to the movement space 1212. This allows the amount of water added to the salt tank 200 to be controlled, thus providing protection. The second float 122 moves within the movement space 1212. When extracting brine, the second float 122 blocks the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111, preventing air from being drawn into the resin tank 300 and causing resin failure, thus providing protection. In this way, the salt valve 100 can provide protection during both water replenishment and brine extraction, providing bidirectional protection. This not only improves safety, but also enhances space utilization within the salt tank 200 due to its high level of integration and compact size.

[0300] 2 and 4 , according to some embodiments of the present application, an air cavity 1214 is defined within the first floating member 121. Air cavity 1214 can provide buoyancy, causing the first floating member 121 to float upward, thereby driving the entire floating assembly 120 to move from a connected position to a stop position. Air cavity 1214 can communicate with a movement space 1212. As shown in FIG2 , movement space 1212 is located at one end of the first floating member 121. A communication slit 1213 is defined on the peripheral wall of the first floating member 121. Communication slit 1213 connects movement space 1212 and housing 210. The length of communication slit 1213 is less than the length of the first floating member 121. Communication slit 1213 is spaced from the other end of the first floating member 121. The wall surface of the other end of the first floating member 121 defines air cavity 1214, which is not connected to housing 210. Thus, during the water replenishment process, when the liquid level in the housing 210 rises above the communication slit 1213, some air is retained in the air cavity 1214, leaving one end of the air cavity 1214 hollow. This provides buoyancy, causing the first floating member 121 to float upward, and driving the entire floating assembly 120 to float to the stop position, thereby cutting off the connection between the movement space 1212 and the connecting pipe 112 and stopping the water replenishment into the housing 210. It will be appreciated that the timing of the first floating member 121's buoyancy can be controlled by adjusting the length of the communication slit 1213, thereby controlling the amount of water replenishment.

[0301] As shown in FIG1 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the float assembly 120 further includes a stopper 123. One end of the stopper 123 is connected to the first float 121, and the other end is disposed through the connection hole 111. The stopper 123 is movable within the connection hole 111, and the stopper 124 is connected to the other end of the stopper 123. A water passage 1236 is provided in the stopper 123, connecting the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111. In the connected position, the stopper 123 seals the connection hole 111, and the water passage 1236 connects the movement space 1212 and the connection hole 111. Salt water within the housing 210 can flow through the movement space 1212, the water passage 1236, and the connection hole 111 to the connection pipe 112, thereby being transported to the resin tank 300.

[0302] As shown in Figures 5 and 6 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the stopper 123 includes a connecting portion 1231 and a tapered portion 1235. The tapered portion 1235 is located at one end of the connecting portion 1231. The connecting portion 1231 is adapted to connect to the first floating member 121, and the tapered portion 1235 is adapted to block the connecting hole 111. The connecting portion 1231 is provided with a receiving groove 1232 for the second floating member 122. The receiving groove 1232 communicates with the movement space 1212 and serves to limit the position of the second floating member 122. The tapered portion 1235 is provided with a water passage 1236, which communicates with the receiving groove 1232. The second floating member 122 is adapted to block the receiving groove 1232 and the water passage 1236, thereby cutting off the connection between the movement space 1212 and the connecting hole 111. It is understood that when the float assembly 120 is in the connection position, the portion of the tapered portion 1235 with the water hole 1236 is located within the connection hole 111. The stopper 124 is connected to the tapered portion 1235. A connecting post is provided at the other end of the tapered portion 1235, and the stopper 124 is adapted to be plugged into the connecting post.

[0303] As shown in Figures 3 and 6 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the floating assembly 120 further includes a third sealing member 125. A positioning groove 1233 is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 1232. The third sealing member 125 is embedded in the positioning groove 1233. The third sealing member 125 is adapted to abut against the second floating member 122, thereby providing a seal. The sealing ring may be a rubber member. A fixing rib 1234 is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 1232. The fixing rib 1234 is disposed at the junction of the connecting portion 1231 and the tapered portion 1235. The fixing rib 1234 is adapted to abut against the second floating member 122, thereby supporting the second floating member 122. The fixing rib 1234 may extend along the circumference of the connecting portion 1231 to form an annular structure to enhance sealing.

[0304] As shown in FIG7 , the third seal 125 includes a fixing portion 1251 and a sealing portion 1252. The fixing portion 1251 is embedded in the positioning groove 1233. The sealing portion 1252 is adapted to contact the second floating member 122 and can elastically deform to conform to the second floating member 122. As shown in FIG3 , the fixing rib 1234 is spaced apart from the positioning groove 1233, and the two define a groove-like structure within which the sealing portion 1252 is adapted to be embedded. In some embodiments, the floating assembly 120 further includes a stopper 126. The outer diameter of the stopper 126 is slightly larger than the diameter of the receiving groove 1232, so as to provide an overfit or interference fit with the receiving groove 1232. The stopper 126 abuts against the third seal 125 to secure the third seal 125.

[0305] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , according to some embodiments of the present application, one end of the first floating member 121 is sleeved onto the stopper 123. The outer peripheral wall of the stopper 123 is provided with a fixing block 1237, one side of which is an inclined surface. The first floating member 121 is provided with a fixing hole 1211. One end of the first floating member 121 is adapted to move along the inclined surface so that the fixing block 1237 is inserted into the fixing hole 1211, thereby securing the first floating member 121. As shown in Figure 6 , the fixing block 1237 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 1231. The upper side of the fixing block 1237 is an inclined surface. During assembly, one end of the first floating member 121 is sleeved onto the connecting portion 1231 and moves along the upper side of the fixing block 1237 until the fixing block 1237 is engaged with the fixing hole 1211, thereby completing the assembly process. This improves assembly speed. There may be multiple fixing blocks 1237, evenly distributed along the circumference of the connecting portion 1231. The inner diameter of one end of the first floating member 121 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 1231. This allows the inner wall of the first floating member 121 to abut against the outer wall of the connecting portion 1231 after the first floating member 121 is connected to the connecting portion 1231, improving sealing. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the connecting seam 1213 extends along the length of the first floating member 121 (in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 2) to one end of the first floating member 121, dividing the circumferential wall of the first floating member 121 into multiple sections. This allows one end of the first floating member 121 to have a certain degree of deformability, facilitating assembly. As shown in Figure 5, the outer wall of the stop seat 123 is provided with a guide rib 1238, which is suitable for being embedded in the connecting seam 1213. During the installation process, the guide rib 1238 guides and circumferentially limits the first floating part 121, so that the fixing block 1237 can be correctly inserted into the fixing hole 1211.

[0306] Referring to FIG1 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the base 110 includes a base 113 and a connecting seat 115. The base 113 is fixedly connected to the housing 210. For example, the base 113 can be fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 210 by snap-fitting or screwing. As shown in FIG8 , the base 113 is provided with a water inlet chamber 114 and a connecting pipe 112. The connecting pipe 112 is provided on the peripheral wall of the base 113. The connecting pipe 112 is connected to the resin tank 300 through a pipeline. As shown in FIG2 , the connecting seat 115 is connected to the base 113. The connecting seat 115 is located on the open side of the water inlet chamber 114. The connecting seat 115 can be sleeved on the base 113. A second sealing member 118 is embedded between the connecting seat 115 and the base 113. In the related art, the base 113 and the connecting seat 115 are threadedly connected. Compared with the related art, socketing the base 113 and the connecting seat 115 can improve the sealing of the two, and reduce the damage of the salt water environment to the connection structure between the two, so that the base 113 and the connecting seat 115 are firmly connected.

[0307] As shown in FIG1 , the base 110 further includes a connector 119, which is inserted into the base 113 and the connecting base 115 to limit the base 113 and the connecting base 115 in the vertical direction (the vertical direction shown in FIG2 ). The base 113 may have a groove on its peripheral wall, and the connecting base 115 may have a through hole on its peripheral wall. The connecting base 115 is sleeved onto the base 113 so that the through hole and the groove correspond, and the connector 119 is inserted into the through hole and the groove. As shown in FIG9 , in some embodiments, the connecting base 115 has a second reinforcing rib 1154 on its peripheral wall, and the through hole extends through the peripheral wall of the connecting base 115 and the second reinforcing rib 1154. This increases the thickness of the connection between the connecting base 115 and the connector 119, thereby improving the strength of the connecting base 115. The connecting base 115 also has an avoidance notch 1153 for the connecting tube 112 to pass through.

[0308] Connecting seat 115 is provided with a connecting hole 111, which communicates with connecting pipe 112 via water inlet chamber 114. One end of float assembly 120 is located within water inlet chamber 114. As shown in FIG2 , float assembly 120 is inserted into connecting seat 115 and is movable relative to connecting seat 115 between a stop position and a connecting position. A stopper 123 is located at a first end of connecting hole 111, with a portion of stopper 123 located within connecting hole 111. A stopper 124 is located at a second end of connecting hole 111, with a portion of stopper 124 located within connecting hole 111 and connected to stopper 123. The remaining portion of stopper 124 is located within water inlet chamber 114.

[0309] As shown in FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the base body 110 further includes a first seal 116. The first seal 116 is embedded in the connection hole 111, and the float assembly 120 is inserted through the first seal 116. In the communication position, the first float 121 is in sealing contact with the first end of the first seal 116. In the stop position, the stop 124 is in sealing contact with the second end of the first seal 116. The provision of the first seal 116 improves the sealing between the float assembly 120 and the connection hole 111. Specifically, the first seal 116 may be an elastic member, such as a rubber member. When the float assembly 120 seals the first end of the connection hole 111, the stop seat 123 engages with the first seal 116 to improve the sealing. When the float assembly 120 seals the second end of the connection hole 111, the stop 124 engages with the first seal 116 to improve the sealing. A through hole is provided in the middle of the first seal 116 for the float assembly 120 to pass through. The first seal 116 is an elastic member. As shown in FIG11 , in some embodiments, a lip 117 is provided at the end of the first seal 116. The lip 117 is located at the connection hole 111 of the first seal 116 and is connected to the inner wall of the first seal 116. The lip 117 may be provided at both ends of the first seal 116. The thickness of the lip 117 is smaller than the wall thickness of the first seal 116. This allows the lip 117 to deform more easily when the stopper 123 or the stopper 124 contacts the first seal 116, thereby tightly fitting the stopper 123 or the stopper 124 and improving the sealing performance.

[0310] As shown in Figure 2, the salt valve 100 also includes a protective cover 130 connected to the base 110. Specifically, the protective cover 130 can be sleeved onto the connecting base 115. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the outer circumference of the connecting base 115 is provided with a retaining rib 1151, which is adapted to abut against the protective cover 130 to retain the protective cover 130 in position. The outer wall of the connecting base 115 is also provided with a first reinforcing rib 1152, which is connected to the retaining rib 1151 to enhance the strength of the retaining rib 1151. The protective cover 130 houses a floating assembly 120, which is located within and movable relative to the protective cover 130. The protective cover 130 protects and retains the floating assembly 120. When the floating assembly 120 is in the stop position, the other end of the floating assembly 120 is spaced apart from the end of the protective cover 130. The protective cover 130 may be a mesh structure or a plurality of through holes may be provided on the protective cover 130 to communicate with the box body 210 .

[0311] To facilitate understanding of the structure of the salt valve 100, an embodiment of the working process of the salt valve 100 is provided below:

[0312] As shown in Figure 2, salt water is stored in the salt tank 200. Buoyancy forces the second float 122 to float within the salt water, away from the connection between the movement space 1212 and the connecting hole 111. When the resin needs to be cleaned, the salt water in the salt tank 200 is pumped into the resin tank 300. At this point, the float assembly 120 is in the connected position, and the salt water in the tank 210 flows through the protective cover 130 and the connecting slit 1213 into the movement space 1212. The salt water in the movement space 1212 then flows through the water hole 1236 and the second end of the connecting hole 111 into the water inlet chamber 114, ultimately flowing to the connecting pipe 112 and being transported through the pipeline to the resin tank 300. When the liquid level in the box body 210 is lower than the height of the third sealing member 125, the second floating member 122 stops against the third sealing member 125 and the fixed rib 1234, and cuts off the connection between the movement space 1212 and the water pipe, thereby blocking the movement space 1212 and the connecting hole 111, preventing air from being sucked into the resin tank 300.

[0313] After the brine in housing 210 is completely pumped out, water must be added to dissolve the salt, creating brine for the next resin cleaning cycle. At this point, float assembly 120 is in the connected position. Water is delivered to water inlet chamber 114 through the pipe and connecting tube 112. Water in water inlet chamber 114 flows through connecting hole 111 and water hole 1236 into movement space 1212, lifting second float 122. Water in movement space 1212 then flows into housing 210 through connecting slit 1213 and protective cover 130.

[0314] When the liquid level in tank 210 reaches a certain height, the buoyancy generated by air cavity 1214 drives first float member 121 upward, which in turn drives float assembly 120 as a whole toward the stop position. The stop portion of stop member 124 approaches and blocks the second end of connecting hole 111, gradually reducing the opening of connecting hole 111. When float assembly 120 reaches the stop position, stop member 124 completely blocks connecting hole 111, cutting off the connection between movement space 1212 and air cavity 1214, and thus stopping water replenishment into tank 210.

[0315] The following describes the salt valve of the present embodiment in conjunction with Figures 12-22. It is understood that a water softener primarily relies on resin to absorb calcium and magnesium ions. Once the resin reaches saturation with calcium and magnesium ions, softening salt is used to displace the calcium and magnesium ions from the resin, allowing the resin to absorb them again. The salt tank is a device that provides softening salt. The salt water in the salt tank is pumped into the resin barrel to clean the resin and restore its ability to absorb calcium and magnesium ions.

[0316] According to an embodiment of the present application, a water softener includes a resin tank 3500 and a salt tank 2500. The resin tank 3500 is used to store resin, which can absorb metal ions such as calcium and magnesium in raw water to reduce the hardness of the water. The salt tank 2500 is filled with salt water. The salt tank 2500 is connected to and communicates with the resin tank 3500 to provide salt water to the resin tank 3500, thereby cleaning the resin and allowing the resin to continue to absorb metal ions in the raw water. The water softener also includes a control valve 3510, which is used to control the flow of water in the water softener. The control valve 3510 is connected to both the salt tank 2500 and the resin tank 3500. The control valve 3510 can control the flow of salt water in the salt tank 2500 into the resin tank 3500. The water inlet pipe of the control valve 3510 is connected to a water source to transport raw water or softened water to the resin tank 3500 or the salt tank 2500. The brine in the brine tank 2500 flows to the control valve 3510 and then to the resin tank 3500. At the same time, the control valve 3510 delivers raw water or soft water to the resin tank 3500 to dilute the brine. The diluted brine flows into the resin tank 3500 to clean the resin.

[0317] According to an embodiment of the present application, the salt tank 2500 includes a housing 2510 and a salt valve 1500. The housing 2510 is used to store salt and brine. The salt valve 1500 is disposed within the housing 2510 and is connected to and communicates with the housing 2510. The salt valve 1500 controls the flow of air between the salt tank 2500 and the resin tank 3500. The housing 2510 and the resin tank 3500 may be connected by a pipeline, and the salt valve 1500 is connected to the pipeline to control the flow of air between the pipeline and the housing 2510. For example, when the level of brine in the housing 2510 is lower than the level of the pipeline port, the salt valve 1500 cuts off the connection between the housing 2510 and the pipeline, thereby preventing air from being drawn into the resin tank 3500 and causing resin failure, thereby providing protection.

[0318] 12 and 13 , a salt valve 1500 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a base assembly 1510 and a floating column 1520 .

[0319] Specifically, the base assembly 1510 is provided with a communication hole 1511 and a water inlet pipe 1512. The communication hole 1511 is connected to the water inlet pipe 1512, which is adapted to connect to the resin tank 3500 of the water softener to supply brine to the resin tank 3500. The base assembly 1510 can be connected to the housing 2510 to secure the salt valve 1500. One end of a floating column 1520 is inserted into the communication hole 1511. The floating column 1520 is movable relative to the base assembly 1510 between a stop position and a connection position. The floating column 1520 includes a float 1521 and a float ball 1522. The float 1521 defines a floating space 15212 for the float ball 1522. The float ball 1522 is movable within the floating space 15212, which is connected to the housing 2510 of the salt tank 2500.

[0320] As shown in FIG13 , in the connection position, the floating column 1520 seals the first end of the connection hole 1511, and the water receiving pipe 1512 communicates with the floating space 15212 through the second end of the connection hole 1511. Thus, the tank 2510 is connected to the water receiving pipe 1512 through the floating space 15212. At this time, water can be added to the tank 2510 through the water receiving pipe 1512. In some embodiments, one end of the floating column 1520 is provided with a water hole 15236. In the connection position, the floating column 1520 seals the first end of the connection hole 1511, disconnecting the connection hole 1511 from the tank 2510. The floating space 15212 communicates with the connection hole 1511 through the water hole 15236. In the stop position, the floating column 1520 seals the second end of the communication hole 1511, and the water inlet pipe 1512 and the floating space 15212 are separated on either side of the sealed position. The water inlet pipe 1512 is blocked from the floating space 15212, and the water inlet pipe 1512 is disconnected from the tank 2510, thereby stopping water supply to the tank 2510. It will be appreciated that the tank 2510 contains salt, and water is added to the tank 2510 to dissolve the salt and form brine. Maintaining a "salt-but-water" state within the tank 2510 is essential to ensure that the salt tank 2500 can provide brine and that the brine within the tank 2500 is saturated, thereby preventing the water softener from producing softened water. The floating column 1520 moves between the connection position and the stop position. When water is added to the tank 2510, the floating column 1520 controls the amount of water added to prevent excessive water from overflowing or damaging the "salt-but-water" state of the salt tank 2500.

[0321] The float 1522 is movable along the floating space 15212 and is adapted to block the floating space 15212 from the communicating hole 1511, or to connect the floating space 15212 to the communicating hole 1511. In the connected position, the floating column 1520 blocks the first end of the communicating hole 1511, and the floating space 15212 is connected to the water receiving pipe 1512 through the second end of the communicating hole 1511. At this time, the float 1522 blocks the floating space 15212 from the communicating hole 1511, or connects the floating space 15212 to the communicating hole 1511, thereby controlling the connection and disconnection between the water receiving pipe 1512 and the floating space 15212.

[0322] The float 1522 can float in the floating space 15212, which serves to limit and guide the float 1522. The floating space 15212 is connected to the tank 2510. When the liquid level of the brine in the tank 2510 changes, the float 1522 moves with the change in the liquid level. For example, when pumping salt water, as the liquid level decreases, the float 1522 moves toward the connection point between the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511. When the liquid level is lower than the connection point between the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511, the float 1522 blocks the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511 to prevent air from being sucked into the resin tank 3500 and causing the resin to fail, thereby playing a protective role. When water is added to the box body 2510, the water lifts the float 1522, so that the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511 are connected. As the amount of water increases, the float 1522 moves away from the connection point between the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511. It should be noted that when pumping salt water, the floating column 1520 is in the connecting position. At this time, the floating column 1520 seals the first end of the connecting hole 1511, and the water receiving pipe 1512 communicates with the floating space 15212 through the second end of the connecting hole 1511. As a result, the tank 2510 communicates with the connecting hole 1511 through the floating space 15212, rather than directly with the connecting hole 1511. In this way, the connection or disconnection between the tank 2510 and the water receiving pipe 1512 can be controlled by the float 1522.

[0323] When pumping brine, the floating column 1520 is in the connecting position, and the brine in the box body 2510 flows to the floating space 15212, and flows from the floating space 15212 through the connecting hole 1511 to the water receiving pipe 1512, and is then transported to the resin tank 3500 through the pipeline. When the brine liquid level is lower than the connecting point between the connecting hole 1511 and the floating space 15212, the float 1522 blocks the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511. When adding water to salt tank 2500, floating column 1520 is in the connecting position. Water flows from water inlet pipe 1512 to connecting hole 1511 and then to floating space 15212. Float 1522 is lifted, connecting floating space 15212 with connecting hole 1511. Water flows into floating space 15212 and finally into tank 2510, dissolving salt to form brine. When a certain amount of water is added, floating column 1520 moves to the stop position, stopping the addition of water to tank 2510. Connecting hole 1511 is connected to water inlet pipe 1512, allowing brine in salt tank 2500 to pass through connecting hole 1511.

[0324] According to the salt valve 1500 of the present embodiment, the floating column 1520 moves between a stop position and a connection position, disconnecting or connecting the water inlet pipe 1512 from the floating space 15212. This allows for controlling the amount of water added to the salt tank 2500 and provides a protective function. The float 1522 moves within the floating space 15212. When pumping brine, the float 1522 blocks the floating space 15212 and the connection hole 1511, preventing air from being drawn into the resin tank 3500 and causing resin failure, thus providing a protective function. This allows the salt valve 1500 to provide protection during both water replenishment and brine pumping, providing bidirectional protection, enhancing operational safety. Furthermore, the bidirectional protection achieved through the movement of the floating column 1520 and the float 1522 within the floating column 1520 results in a high level of integration. The salt valve 1500 is compact and occupies minimal space, thus improving space utilization within the salt tank 2500.

[0325] As shown in Figures 13 and 15 , according to some embodiments of the present application, a float chamber 15214 is provided within float 1521. This chamber can provide buoyancy, causing float 1521 to float upward, thereby driving the entire floating column 1520 from a connected position to a stop position. The float chamber 15214 can communicate with the floating space 15212. As shown in Figure 13 , the floating space 15212 is located at one end of the float 1521. A connecting slit 15213 is defined on the peripheral wall of the float 1521. The connecting slit 15213 connects the floating space 15212 with the housing 2510. The length of the connecting slit 15213 is shorter than that of the float 1521. The connecting slit 15213 is spaced apart from the other end of the float 1521. The wall surface of the other end of the float 1521 defines the float chamber 15214, which is not connected to the housing 2510. Thus, during the water replenishment process, when the liquid level in the tank 2510 rises above the communication slit 15213, some air is trapped in the float chamber 15214, leaving one end of the float chamber 15214 hollow. This provides buoyancy, causing the float 1521 to rise, and driving the entire float column 1520 to float to the stop position, thereby cutting off the connection between the floating space 15212 and the water receiving pipe 1512 and stopping the water replenishment into the tank 2510. It will be appreciated that the timing of the float 1521's buoyancy can be controlled by adjusting the length of the communication slit 15213, thereby controlling the amount of water replenishment.

[0326] As shown in FIG12 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the floating column 1520 further includes a movable seat 1523 and a stopper 1524. One end of the movable seat 1523 is connected to the float 1521, and the other end is disposed through the connecting hole 1511. The movable seat 1523 is movable within the connecting hole 1511. A water hole 15236 is provided on the movable seat 1523, connecting the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511. In the connected position, the movable seat 1523 seals the connecting hole 1511, and the water hole 15236 connects the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511. Salt water within the tank 2510 can flow through the floating space 15212, the water hole 15236, and the connecting hole 1511 to the water receiving pipe 1512, thereby being transported to the resin tank 3500.

[0327] The stop block 1524 is connected to the other end of the movable seat 1523. The stop block 1524 is located at the second end of the connecting hole 1511, with a portion of the stop block 1524 located outside the connecting hole 1511. In the stopped position, the stop block 1524 is adapted to stop the second end of the connecting hole 1511. As shown in FIG13 , in some embodiments, the stop block 1524 includes a tapered stop portion located outside the connecting hole 1511, with the top end of the tapered stop portion facing the second end of the connecting hole 1511. During the ascent of the float 1521, the stop portion moves toward the second end of the connecting hole 1511, gradually decreasing the opening of the connecting hole 1511 until the stop portion completely blocks the second end of the connecting hole 1511, at which point water replenishment ceases. The bottom diameter of the tapered stop portion is larger than the diameter of the second end of the connecting hole 1511. It is understandable that the salt valve 1500 is in a salt water environment and is susceptible to corrosion or salt crystals adhering to the salt valve 1500. The stop portion is set to be conical, so that after a period of use, at the stop position, the outer peripheral surface of the stop portion can still fit with the second end of the connecting hole 1511, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0328] As shown in Figures 16 and 17 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the movable seat 1523 includes a cylindrical portion 15231 and a tapered portion 15235. The tapered portion 15235 is located at one end of the cylindrical portion 15231 and is adapted to connect with the float 1521. The tapered portion 15235 is adapted to block the connecting hole 1511. The cylindrical portion 15231 is provided with a receiving groove 15232 for the float 1522. The receiving groove 15232 communicates with the floating space 15212 and serves to limit the position of the float 1522. The tapered portion 15235 is provided with a water hole 15236 that communicates with the receiving groove 15232. The float 1522 is adapted to block the receiving groove 15232 and the water hole 15236, thereby cutting off the connection between the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511. It is understood that when the floating column 1520 is in the communication position, the portion of the tapered portion 15235 with the water hole 15236 is located within the communication hole 1511. The stopper 1524 is connected to the tapered portion 15235. A connecting column is provided at the other end of the tapered portion 15235, and the stopper 1524 is adapted to be plugged into the connecting column.

[0329] As shown in Figures 14 and 17 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the floating column 1520 further includes a first sealing ring 1525. A positioning groove 15233 is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 15232. The first sealing ring 1525 is embedded in the positioning groove 15233. The first sealing ring 1525 is adapted to abut against the float 1522, thereby providing a seal. The sealing ring may be a rubber member. Support ribs 15234 are provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 15232. The support ribs 15234 are located at the junction of the cylindrical portion 15231 and the tapered portion 15235. The support ribs 15234 are adapted to abut against the float 1522, thereby supporting the float 1522. The support ribs 15234 may extend along the circumference of the cylindrical portion 15231 to form an annular structure to improve sealing.

[0330] As shown in FIG18 , the first sealing ring 1525 includes a main body 15251 and a contact portion 15252. The main body 15251 is embedded in the positioning groove 15233. The contact portion 15252 is adapted to contact the float 1522 and can elastically deform to conform to the float 1522. As shown in FIG14 , the support rib 15234 is spaced apart from the positioning groove 15233, and the two define a groove-like structure within which the contact portion 15252 is adapted to be embedded. In some embodiments, the floating column 1520 further includes a retaining ring 1526. The outer diameter of the retaining ring 1526 is slightly larger than the diameter of the receiving groove 15232, so as to provide an overfit or interference fit with the receiving groove 15232. The retaining ring 1526 abuts against the first sealing ring 1525 to secure the first sealing ring 1525.

[0331] As shown in Figures 15 and 16 , according to some embodiments of the present application, one end of a float 1521 is sleeved onto a movable seat 1523. A connecting block 15237 is provided on the outer circumference of the movable seat 1523, with one side of the connecting block 15237 being an inclined surface. Float 1521 is provided with a snap-fitting hole 15211. One end of float 1521 is adapted to move along the inclined surface, allowing the connecting block 15237 to be inserted into the snap-fitting hole 15211, thereby securing float 1521. As shown in Figure 17 , the connecting block 15237 is provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 15231. The upper side of the connecting block 15237 is an inclined surface. During assembly, one end of float 1521 is sleeved onto the cylindrical portion 15231 and then moves along the upper side of the connecting block 15237 until the connecting block 15237 snaps into the snap-fitting hole 15211, completing assembly. This improves assembly speed. There may be multiple connecting blocks 15237, evenly distributed along the circumference of the cylindrical portion 15231. The inner diameter of one end of the float 1521 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 15231. This allows the inner wall of the float 1521 to conform to the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 15231 after the float 1521 is connected to the cylindrical portion 15231, improving sealing. As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the connecting slit 15213 extends along the length of the float 1521 (in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 13) to one end of the float 1521, dividing the circumferential wall of the float 1521 into multiple sections. This allows one end of the float 1521 to have a certain degree of deformability, facilitating assembly. As shown, the outer peripheral wall of the movable seat 1523 is provided with a guide rib 15238, which is suitable for being embedded in the connecting slit 15213. During the installation process, the guide rib 15238 serves as a guide and circumferential limit for the float 1521, so that the connecting block 15237 can be correctly inserted into the buckle hole 15211.

[0332] As shown in FIG12 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the base assembly 1510 includes a base 1513 and a fixing base 1515. The base 1513 is fixedly connected to the housing 2510. For example, the base 1513 can be fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 2510 by snap-fitting or screwing. As shown in FIG19 , the base 1513 is provided with a transition chamber 1514 and a water receiving pipe 1512. The water receiving pipe 1512 is provided on the peripheral wall of the base 1513 and is connected to the resin tank 3500 via a pipe. As shown in FIG13 , the fixing base 1515 is connected to the base 1513. The fixing base 1515 is located on the open side of the transition chamber 1514. The fixing base 1515 can be sleeved on the base 1513. A second sealing ring 1518 is embedded between the fixing base 1515 and the base 1513. In the related art, the base 1513 is threadedly connected to the fixing seat 1515. Compared with the related art, socketing the base 1513 and the fixing seat 1515 can improve the sealing of the two, and reduce the damage of the salt water environment to the connection structure between the two, so that the base 1513 and the fixing seat 1515 are firmly connected.

[0333] As shown in FIG12 , the base assembly 1510 further includes a fixing pin 1519, which is inserted into the base 1513 and the fixing seat 1515 to limit the base 1513 and the fixing seat 1515 in the vertical direction (the vertical direction as shown in FIG13 ). The base 1513 may have a groove on its peripheral wall, and the fixing seat 1515 may have a through hole on its peripheral wall. The fixing seat 1515 is sleeved onto the base 1513 so that the through hole and the groove correspond, and the fixing pin 1519 is inserted into the through hole and the groove. As shown in FIG20 , in some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the fixing seat 1515 is provided with a second reinforcing rib 15154, and the through hole extends through the peripheral wall of the fixing seat 1515 and the second reinforcing rib 15154. This can increase the thickness of the connection between the fixing seat 1515 and the fixing pin 1519, thereby improving the strength of the fixing seat 1515. The fixing seat 1515 is further provided with an avoidance notch 15153 for the water receiving pipe 1512 to pass through.

[0334] Fixed seat 1515 is provided with a connecting hole 1511, which connects to water receiving pipe 1512 via transition chamber 1514. One end of floating column 1520 is located within transition chamber 1514. As shown in FIG13 , floating column 1520 is inserted into fixed seat 1515 and is movable relative to fixed seat 1515 to move between a stop position and a connecting position. A movable seat 1523 is located at a first end of connecting hole 1511, with a portion of movable seat 1523 located within connecting hole 1511. A stop block 1524 is located at a second end of connecting hole 1511. A portion of stop block 1524 is located within connecting hole 1511 and connected to movable seat 1523, while the remaining portion of stop block 1524 is located within transition chamber 1514.

[0335] As shown in FIG. 13 , according to some embodiments of the present application, base assembly 1510 further includes a sealing sleeve 1516, which is embedded within communication hole 1511. A floating column 1520 is disposed through sealing sleeve 1516. When floating column 1520 seals a first end of communication hole 1511, movable seat 1523 engages with sealing sleeve 1516 to improve sealing performance. When floating column 1520 seals a second end of communication hole 1511, stop block 1524 engages with sealing sleeve 1516 to improve sealing performance. A through-hole is provided in the middle of sealing sleeve 1516 for floating column 1520 to pass through. Sealing sleeve 1516 is an elastic member. As shown in FIG22 , in some embodiments, a lip 1517 is provided at the end of the sealing sleeve 1516. The lip 1517 is provided at the communicating hole 1511 of the sealing sleeve 1516 and is connected to the inner wall of the sealing sleeve 1516. The lip 1517 may be provided at both ends of the sealing sleeve 1516. The thickness of the lip 1517 is smaller than the wall thickness of the sealing sleeve 1516. Thus, when the movable seat 1523 or the stop block 1524 contacts the sealing sleeve 1516, the lip 1517 is more easily deformed, thereby closely fitting with the movable seat 1523 or the stop block 1524 and improving the sealing performance.

[0336] As shown in FIG13 , the salt valve 1500 further includes a protective cover 1530 connected to the base assembly 1510. Specifically, the protective cover 1530 can be sleeved onto the fixed seat 1515. As shown in FIG20 and FIG21 , the outer circumference of the fixed seat 1515 is provided with a retaining rib 15151, which is adapted to abut against the protective cover 1530 to retain the protective cover 1530. The outer wall of the fixed seat 1515 is also provided with a first reinforcing rib 15152, which is connected to the retaining rib 15151 to enhance the strength of the retaining rib 15151. The protective cover 1530 is provided with a floating column 1520. The floating column 1520 is located within the protective cover 1530 and is movable relative to the protective cover 1530. The protective cover 1530 protects and retains the floating column 1520. When the floating column 1520 is at the stop position, the other end of the floating column 1520 is spaced apart from the end of the protective cover 1530. The protective cover 1530 may be a mesh structure or may be provided with a plurality of through holes for communicating with the box body 2510.

[0337] To facilitate understanding of the structure of the salt valve 1500, an embodiment of the working process of the salt valve 1500 is provided below:

[0338] As shown in Figure 13, salt water is stored in the salt tank 2500. Buoyancy forces the float ball 1522 to float within the salt water, away from the connection between the floating space 15212 and the connecting hole 1511. When the resin needs to be cleaned, the salt water in the salt tank 2500 is pumped into the resin tank 3500. At this point, the floating column 1520 is in the connecting position, and the salt water in the tank 2510 flows through the protective cover 1530 and the connecting slit 15213 into the floating space 15212. The salt water in the floating space 15212 then flows through the water hole 15236 and the second end of the connecting hole 1511 into the transition chamber 1514, ultimately flowing to the water receiving pipe 1512 and being transported through the pipe to the resin tank 3500. When the liquid level in the box body 2510 is lower than the height of the first sealing ring 1525, the float 1522 stops against the first sealing ring 1525 and the support rib 15234, and cuts off the connection between the floating space 15212 and the water pipe, thereby blocking the floating space 15212 and the communicating hole 1511, preventing air from being sucked into the resin tank 3500.

[0339] After the brine in tank 2510 is completely pumped out, water must be added to dissolve the salt, creating brine for the next resin cleaning cycle. At this point, floating column 1520 is in the connected position, and water is transported through the pipe and water receiving pipe 1512 to transition chamber 1514. The water in transition chamber 1514 flows through connecting hole 1511 and water hole 15236 into floating space 15212, lifting float 1522. The water in floating space 15212 then flows into tank 2510 through connecting slit 15213 and protective cover 1530.

[0340] When the liquid level in tank 2510 reaches a certain height, the buoyancy generated by float chamber 15214 drives float 1521 upward (as shown in FIG13 ). Float 1521 drives floating column 1520 toward the stop position. The stop portion of stop block 1524 approaches and blocks the second end of communication hole 1511, gradually reducing the opening of communication hole 1511. When floating column 1520 reaches the stop position, stop block 1524 completely blocks communication hole 1511, cutting off the connection between floating space 15212 and float chamber 15214, and thus stopping water replenishment into tank 2510.

[0341] The following continues to describe the salt valve and water softener provided by the present application with reference to Figures 23 to 29.

[0342] It's important to note that the primary function of the salt valve in a water softener is to control the flow of brine and the regeneration process. When the softener needs to regenerate, the salt valve opens, allowing brine to flow from the brine tank into the resin tank for ion exchange with the resin particles. This process is called backwashing or regeneration. In addition to controlling the flow of brine during regeneration, the salt valve also serves to replenish water. Over the course of a water softener's operation, the brine level in the brine tank may decrease due to evaporation, drainage, and other factors. If the brine level becomes too low, the salt valve opens, allowing water to flow through the valve into the brine tank for replenishment, ensuring proper operation of the softener.

[0343] In existing technology, salt valves typically use an air check mechanism to seal the flow channel after salt absorption is complete, preventing air from entering the resin tank through the flow channel. This single function fails to fully seal the flow channel after water replenishment is complete. Therefore, the present application provides a salt valve to address this issue.

[0344] 23 , the salt valve provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a base 1600 and a floating assembly 2600 . A first channel 1650 is defined in the base 1600 . The floating assembly 2600 includes a float 2610 and a seal 2620 . One end of the float 2610 is connected to the seal 2620. The float 2610 and the seal 2620 are vertically movable relative to the base 1600. A first cavity 2611 is defined within the float 2610. The float 2610 is provided with a communication structure 2612 for communicating with the salt tank. A float cavity 26111 is formed above the first cavity 2611 corresponding to the communication structure 2612 (i.e., as shown in FIG. 23 , the float cavity 26111 is formed between the upper limit point of the communication structure 2612 and the top of the first cavity 2611). A second channel 2624 is defined within the seal 2620. The first cavity 2611 is communicated with the second channel 2624, and the second channel 2624 is communicated with the first channel 1650. In the first sealed state, the floating assembly 2600 is located in the first position, and the seal 2620 is in sealing engagement with the first channel 1650.

[0345] The salt valve provided in the present application is provided with a connecting structure 2612 on the float 2610, and a float chamber 26111 is formed above the connecting structure 2612. When the liquid level in the salt tank exceeds the upper limit position of the connecting structure 2612, the air sealed within the float chamber 26111 can provide buoyancy to the float assembly 2600, causing the float assembly 2600 to reach the first position, thereby switching the salt valve to the first sealing state to seal the first channel 1650 and prevent salt water from overflowing.

[0346] Specifically, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, in this embodiment, the float 2610 is a cylindrical structure with an opening at one end. A first cavity 2611 is formed within the float 2610 and communicates with the salt tank via a connecting structure 2612 provided on the wall of the float 2610. Liquid can flow from the salt tank into the first cavity 2611 (during the regeneration and salt absorption process) or from the first cavity 2611 into the salt tank (during the water replenishment process) through this connecting structure 2612. To facilitate demolding of the float 2610, the inner diameter of the first cavity 2611 gradually decreases from bottom to top.

[0347] Float 2610 is made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) material, which has good corrosion resistance and can withstand long-term contact with salt water without corrosion damage. POM is also a non-toxic engineering plastic and will not cause harm to the human body during use.

[0348] 23, 25, and 26, in this embodiment, base 1600 includes a main body 1610 and a fixing portion 1620. One end of fixing portion 1620 is sleeved onto main body 1610, and the two can be fixed together by an interference fit. A first sealing ring 1630 is provided between fixing portion 1620 and main body 1610 to enhance the watertightness of base 1600. In a specific implementation, a first mounting groove 1611 can be provided on the outer wall of main body 1610. During installation, first sealing ring 1630 can be snapped into first mounting groove 1611.

[0349] As shown in Figures 23, 26 and 29, a first channel 140 is provided at the upper end of the fixing portion 1620, wherein an annular sealing ring mounting portion 1621 is provided at the upper end of the fixing portion 1620, and the outer diameter of the second sealing ring 1640 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mounting portion 121. During installation, the second sealing ring 1640 can be interference fit on the sealing ring mounting portion 1621.

[0350] According to some embodiments of the present application, the main body 1610 and the fixing part 1620 can be integrated into one piece to facilitate processing and manufacturing, so that the base 1600 can be suitable for mass production and reduce costs. At the same time, the connecting surface between the main body 1610 and the fixing part 1620 can be eliminated, thereby improving the sealing performance of the base 1600, and there is no need to set a sealing ring between the main body 1610 and the fixing part 1620.

[0351] As shown in Figures 23, 26, and 29, sealing element 2620 includes a float guard 2621 and a valve plug 2622. One end of float guard 2621 is interference-fitted with one end of valve plug 2622. Float guard 2621 defines a communication hole 26212 for connecting first channel 1650 with second channel 2624. A second sealing ring 1640 is sleeved onto valve plug 2622 and is vertically movable relative to second sealing ring 1640. When valve plug 2622 moves upward to a set position (i.e., when float assembly 2600 is in the first position), the lower end of valve plug 2622 contacts and seals against the lower end of second sealing ring 1640. When valve plug 2622 moves downward, the lower end of valve plug 2622 disengages from the lower end of second sealing ring 1640, releasing the seal.

[0352] Specifically, referring to Figures 23, 28 and 29, in this embodiment, the lower end of the valve plug 2622 is provided with a conical sealing surface 26221, and the lower end of the second sealing ring 1640 is provided with a lip 141 that matches the conical sealing surface 26221. When the valve plug 2622 moves upward to the set position, the conical sealing surface 26221 of the valve plug 2622 contacts and cooperates with the lip 141 of the second sealing ring 1640, thereby achieving a better sealing effect.

[0353] According to some embodiments of the present application, similarly, the float guardrail 2621 and the valve plug 2622 can be integrated to facilitate processing and manufacturing, so that the seal 2620 can be suitable for mass production and reduce costs.

[0354] As shown in Figures 23 and 24 , according to some embodiments of the present application, communication structure 2612 includes at least one communication slit, which is provided on float 2610. By configuring communication structure 2612 as a communication slit, the position of its upper limit point can be easily controlled, thereby facilitating control of the volume of float chamber 26111. This structure also facilitates manufacturing. Furthermore, as liquid flows through the communication slit, it disperses the pressure of the liquid flow, reducing resistance and pressure loss as the liquid passes through float 2610.

[0355] As shown in Figures 23 and 24 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the communication structure 2612 includes two vertically arranged communication slits, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the float 2610 (i.e., arranged on opposite sides of the float 2610). Providing multiple communication slits on the float 2610 can increase the water flow rate of the float 2610. Furthermore, evenly distributing the multiple communication slits along the circumference of the float 2610 can balance the water pressure at various locations around the float 2610, making it less likely for the float 2610 to tilt during its vertical movement. This can also indirectly improve the accuracy of the contact between the valve plug 2622 and the second sealing ring 1640.

[0356] According to some embodiments of the present application, the communication structure 2612 may also include three or more communication slits. In specific implementation, the number of the communication slits may be controlled based on factors such as the specifications of the float 2610, the length of the communication slits, and the width of the communication slits.

[0357] As shown in FIG. 23 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the salt valve further includes a protective shell 3600 , which covers the float 2610 . The protective shell 3600 protects the float 2610 and, to a certain extent, guides the float 2610 during its upward and downward movement, preventing it from tilting or tilting at an excessive angle.

[0358] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower end of the protective shell 3600 is sleeved onto the fixing portion 1620 of the base 1600, and the two are fixed together via an interference fit. To allow salt water to enter the first cavity 2611 within the float 2610, or to allow water to enter the salt tank through the first cavity 2611 within the float 2610 during the water replenishment process, the protective shell 3600 is provided with a water-passing structure, such as a hole structure, a groove structure, or a hollow structure.

[0359] As shown in FIG. 23 , according to some embodiments of the present application, a connecting slit is provided vertically, and a guide block 3610 is provided on the inner wall of the protective shell 3600. The guide block 3610 slides in engagement with the connecting slit. As the float 2610 moves up and down, it can move in a straight line, coordinated with the guide block 3610 and the connecting slit, effectively preventing the float 2610 from tilting or rotating. This structure is simple and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, this structure utilizes the connecting slit and the guide block 3610 to configure the float 2610 and the protective shell 3600 into a vertically sliding engagement, eliminating the need for additional structures on the float 2610 and simplifying the structure of the float 2610.

[0360] As shown in Figures 23, 24, and 29, according to some embodiments of the present application, a snap-fit ​​portion 26211 is provided at one end of the seal 2620, which snaps into engagement with the connecting seam. This allows the float 2610 and seal 2620 to be snap-fitted together via the connecting seam, preventing relative rotation between the float 2610 and seal 2620. This eliminates the need for additional structures on the float 2610 to engage with the snap-fit ​​portion 26211, further simplifying the structure of the float 2610.

[0361] Specifically, in this embodiment, the clamping portion 26211 is provided on the float guardrail 2621 of the sealing member 2620 .

[0362] As shown in FIG. 23 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the salt valve further includes a float 4600, which is disposed within the first cavity 2611 and is movable vertically along the first cavity 2611. In the second sealed state, the float assembly 2600 is located in the second position, and the float 4600 is in sealed engagement with the second channel 2624. By disposing the float 4600 within the first cavity 2611, the connection between the first cavity 2611 and the second channel 2624 can be sealed upon completion of salt absorption, preventing air from entering the resin tank. Thus, the salt valve provided by the present application can both seal the salt water flow channel upon completion of water replenishment to prevent salt water from overflowing, and seal the flow channel after completion of salt absorption to prevent air from entering the resin tank, achieving a two-way seal.

[0363] Specifically, in this embodiment, a second mounting groove 26213 is defined within the float guardrail 2621, and a third sealing ring 2623 is located within the second mounting groove 26213. When the float 4600 descends into the float guardrail 2621, the outer surface of the float 4600 contacts the third sealing ring 2623, thereby sealing the second passage 2624. A retaining flange 26214 is also located on the outer side of the second mounting groove 26213. When the float 4600 descends to a set position, the retaining flange 26214 prevents the float 4600 from further downward movement.

[0364] As shown in Figure 23 , according to some embodiments of the present application, ribs 2613 are provided on the inner wall of float 2610. These ribs 2613 serve to strengthen the structural strength of float 2610 and vertically limit the position of float ball 4600. Specifically, in this embodiment, multiple ribs 2613 are vertically provided at the top of first cavity 2611. The ribs 2613 are closely spaced. When float ball 4600 rises to a certain position, the ribs 2613 can prevent the float ball 4600 from further rising.

[0365] According to some embodiments of the present application, the ribs 2613 may also be staggered and arranged at the top of the first cavity 2611 or spaced and arranged at the top of the first cavity 2611 .

[0366] 23 to 29 , a salt valve according to an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail.

[0367] The salt valve provided in the embodiments of the present application includes a base 1600, a float assembly 2600, a protective shell 3600, and a float ball 4600. The float assembly 2600 includes a float 2610 and a seal 2620. One end of the float 2610 is connected to the seal 2620, and the float 2610 and the seal 2620 are vertically movable relative to the base 1600. A first channel 1650 is defined within the base 1600, a first cavity 2611 is defined within the float 2610, and a second channel 2624 is defined within the seal 2620. The first cavity 2611 communicates with the second channel 2624, and the second channel 2624 communicates with the first channel 1650. The float ball 4600 is disposed within the first cavity 2611 and is vertically movable along the first cavity 2611. The float 2610 is provided with two communication slits, which are arranged on opposite sides of the float 2610 . A float cavity 26111 for providing buoyancy to the floating assembly 2600 is formed above the two communication slits of the first cavity 2611 .

[0368] Among them, the base 1600 includes a main body 1610 and a fixed part 1620, one end of the fixed part 1620 is sleeved on the main body 1610, and the two can be fixed by interference fit. The lower end of the protective shell 3600 is sleeved on the fixed part 1620 and is connected and fixed to the fixed part 1620 by interference fit. The inner wall of the protective shell 3600 is provided with a guide block 3610, and the guide block 3610 is slidably fitted with the connecting seam to guide the float 2610 to prevent it from tilting during vertical movement.

[0369] The sealing member 2620 includes a float guardrail 2621 and a valve plug 2622. One end of the float guardrail 2621 is interference-fitted with one end of the valve plug 2622. The float guardrail 2621 is provided with a connecting hole 26212 for connecting the first channel 1650 and the second channel 2624. A sealing ring is provided in the float guardrail 2621. The sealing ring is used to seal with the float 4600 to seal the second channel 2624. The fixing portion 1620 is provided with a second sealing ring 1640. The second sealing ring 1 640 is used to seal with the valve plug 2622 to seal the first channel 1650, and the lower end of the valve plug 2622 is provided with a conical sealing surface 26221, and the lower end of the second sealing ring 1640 is provided with a lip 141 adapted to the conical sealing surface 26221. When the valve plug 2622 moves upward to the set position, the conical sealing surface 26221 of the valve plug 2622 contacts and cooperates with the lip 141 of the second sealing ring 1640 to squeeze and deform the lip 141, thereby achieving a better sealing effect.

[0370] A plurality of ribs 2613 are vertically provided on the top of the first cavity 2611 . When the float 4600 floats up to a certain position, the plurality of ribs 2613 can prevent the float 4600 from continuing to float up.

[0371] During use, the salt valve is placed in the salt tank. During water replenishment, water sequentially flows through the first channel 1650, the second channel 2624, and the first cavity 2611, ultimately entering the salt tank through the connecting slit. When the liquid level in the salt tank exceeds the upper limit of the connecting slit, the air trapped within the float chamber 26111 provides buoyancy to the float assembly 2600, causing it to reach the first position. This forces the float assembly 2600 to switch to the first sealing state, sealing the first channel 1650 and preventing salt water from leaking out. During salt absorption, the salt solution enters the first cavity 2611 through the connecting slit, then sequentially flows through the second channel 2624 and the first channel 1650 into the resin tank, where it exchanges ions with the resin particles, regenerating the resin particles. When the liquid level in the salt tank drops to the set position, the float assembly 2600 moves down to the second position, the float ball 4600 moves downward, and the salt valve switches to the second sealing state. The float ball 4600 engages with the sealing ring, sealing the second channel 2624 and preventing air from entering the resin tank.

[0372] The water softener of the present application includes a salt tank and a resin tank, wherein the salt tank includes a tank body and a salt valve as described in any of the above embodiments, and the resin tank is connected to the first channel 1650 .

[0373] The water softener provided in the present application adopts the salt valve of the above embodiment. Therefore, when in use, the water softener can prevent salt water from overflowing and prevent air from entering the resin tank.

[0374] According to some embodiments of the present application, the highest liquid level of the salt tank is higher than the upper limit position of the communication structure 2612 .

[0375] Specifically, in this embodiment, the highest liquid level in the salt tank is 0-3 cm higher than the upper limit of the communication seam, which can ensure that air is sealed in the float chamber 26111 during water replenishment, thereby providing buoyancy to the float assembly 2600 .

[0376] The salt valve 1700 proposed in this application will be described below with reference to FIG. 30 to FIG. 32 .

[0377] As shown in Figures 30 to 32, the present application proposes a salt valve 1700, which includes a base 1710, a fixing seat 1720, a cover 1730 and a floating assembly 1740. It should be noted that the salt valve 1700 proposed in the present application is used in a water softener, which works by using ion exchange resin to adsorb hardness ions in water. However, as the use time increases, the hardness ions in the resin will gradually increase, resulting in a decrease in its softening ability. At this time, a regeneration process is needed to restore the softening ability of the resin. The regeneration process uses salt water to wash the resin, replace the hardness ions on it, and then discharge it through the drainage system. In this process, the salt valve 1700 plays a role in controlling the flow of salt water, ensuring that the salt water can fully wash the resin without wasting too much salt.

[0378] Specifically, as shown in Figures 30 and 31 , base 1710 is fixed to a salt box, for example, base 1710 can be fixed to the bottom of the salt box. A fixing seat 1720 is sleeved onto the outer wall of base 1710, and a cover 1730 is sleeved onto the outer wall of fixing seat 1720. Cover 1730 is in communication with the salt chamber of the salt box. A floating assembly 1740 is disposed within cover 1730. A first channel 1750 is defined within base 1710 and fixing seat 1720. Floating assembly 1740 is movable within cover 1730 to block first channel 1750 or to provide communication between first channel 1750 and cover 1730. When the water softener needs backwashing, tap water enters first channel 1750, causing float assembly 1740 to rise, connecting first channel 1750 and housing 1730. Tap water then flows into housing 1730 and into the salt chamber, where it mixes with the salt to form saturated brine. The water softener draws the saturated brine from first channel 1750 into the resin layer, causing float assembly 1740 to descend, sealing first channel 1750.

[0379] According to the salt valve 1700 of the present invention, by sleeve-fitting the fixing seat 1720 onto the outer peripheral wall of the base 1710, the fixing seat 1720 and the base 1710 can be quickly plugged in. During the plugging process, the probability of salt particles adhering to the contact surface between the fixing seat 1720 and the base 1710 is reduced, thereby improving the sealing effect between the fixing seat 1720 and the base 1710. This further reduces the corrosion of the internal structure of the salt valve 1700 by salt particles, thereby increasing the service life of the salt valve 1700.

[0380] As shown in FIG31 , in one embodiment of the present application, a first sealing ring 1712 is disposed between the outer peripheral wall of the base 1710 and the inner wall of the fixing seat 1720. First sealing ring 1712 seals the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the base 1710 and the fixing seat 1720, preventing salt water or tap water from leaking from the interface between the base 1710 and the fixing seat 1720. This ensures that salt water or tap water can flow only through the designed channel, ensuring the proper functioning of the salt valve 1700 and also increasing the service life of the salt valve 1700.

[0381] As shown in FIG31 , in one embodiment of the present application, a sealing groove 1711 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the base 1710, and a first sealing ring 1712 is disposed within the sealing groove 1711. In some embodiments, the sealing groove 1711 is not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the present application, the sealing groove 1711 is disposed on the inner wall of the fixing base 1720. Thus, disposing the first sealing ring 1712 within the sealing groove 1711, whether on the outer peripheral wall of the base 1710 or the inner wall of the fixing base 1720, better secures the sealing ring, preventing it from shifting or falling off during operation of the salt valve 1700, thereby ensuring a good sealing effect. Furthermore, the sealing groove 1711 facilitates replacement of the sealing ring. When the sealing ring ages or becomes damaged, it can be easily removed from the sealing groove 1711 and replaced with a new one.

[0382] As shown in FIG31 , in one embodiment of the present application, the base 1710 and the fixing base 1720 are fixedly connected via a latch 1760, which is inserted into one side of the fixing base 1720. This provides a more stable connection between the base 1710 and the fixing base 1720, preventing the base 1710 and the fixing base 1720 from loosening due to vibration or pressure changes during the operation of the salt valve 1700, thereby affecting the normal operation of the salt valve 1700. Furthermore, this connection method facilitates the installation and removal of the base 1710 and the fixing base 1720, thereby improving the maintenance efficiency of the salt valve 1700.

[0383] Latch 1760 can be a small metal or plastic rod with a buckle or handle on one end and a locking mechanism on the other. During installation, first align the base 1710 and the fixing base 1720. Then, insert latch 1760 from one side of the fixing base 1720 into the pre-set hole, pass through the base 1710, and lock it. This securely connects the base 1710 and fixing base 1720. During disassembly, latch 1760 can be unlocked and removed, allowing the base 1710 and fixing base 1720 to be easily separated.

[0384] As shown in Figures 31 and 32, in one embodiment of the present application, a boss 1721 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the fixing seat 1720, and the free end of the cover 1730 abuts against the boss 1721. The boss 1721 limits the axial direction of the cover 1730, preventing it from shifting or rotating during operation of the salt valve 1700. This ensures that the cover 1730 always remains in the correct position and orientation, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the salt valve 1700. If the position or orientation of the cover 1730 shifts, it may affect the flow path within the salt valve 1700, resulting in improper flow of salt water or tap water, and may even cause leakage. Therefore, by providing the boss 1721 to limit the cover 1730, this can effectively prevent this from occurring, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the salt valve 1700.

[0385] As shown in FIG32 , in one embodiment of the present application, the outer peripheral wall of the fixing seat 1720 is provided with at least one rib 1722. Rib 1722 extends along the axis of the fixing seat 1720 and is connected to the end of the fixing seat 1720. The inner wall of the cover 1730 abuts against rib 1722. Rib 1722 forms an interference fit with the cover 1730, limiting the radial position of the cover 1730 and preventing radial movement or offset during operation of the salt valve 1700. This ensures that the cover 1730 remains in the correct position, thereby ensuring the proper functioning of the salt valve 1700. Radially offsetting the position of the cover 1730 could affect the flow path within the salt valve 1700, preventing the normal flow of salt water or tap water, and potentially even causing leakage. Therefore, by providing the rib 1722 to limit the cover body 1730 , this situation can be effectively prevented from occurring, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the salt valve 1700 .

[0386] In addition, in some other embodiments of the present application, the other end of the rib 1722 is connected to the boss 1721. In this way, the rib 1722 can enhance the structural strength of the fixing seat 1720 and the boss 1721, preventing the fixing seat 1720 and the boss 1721 from being deformed or damaged due to pressure changes or vibrations during the operation of the salt valve 1700, thereby further improving the service life of the salt valve 1700.

[0387] As shown in FIG31 , in one embodiment of the present application, a fixing base 1720 includes a mounting section 1713 and a sealing section 1714. The mounting section 1713 is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the base 1710. The sealing section 1714 is connected to the mounting section 1713, and a gap 1715 is formed between the sealing section 1714 and the mounting section 1713. When the floating assembly 1740 blocks the first channel 1750, the floating assembly 1740 is in close contact with the sealing section 1714 and presses the sealing section 1714 toward the gap 1715, so that the sealing section 1714 can be sealed with the floating assembly 1740.

[0388] As shown in FIG31 , in one embodiment of the present application, the outer wall of the sealing section 1714 is covered with a second sealing ring 1716. When the floating assembly 1740 blocks the first channel 1750, the floating assembly 1740 abuts against the second sealing ring 1716. The second sealing ring 1716 can be made of a soft material, such as silicone or rubber, and thus can provide good sealing performance and effectively prevent liquid leakage.

[0389] Furthermore, the second sealing ring 1716 can also act as a buffer, reducing the impact between the floating assembly 1740 and the sealing section 1714, thereby extending the service life of the salt valve 1700. Furthermore, the presence of the second sealing ring 1716 also allows the floating assembly 1740 to move more smoothly, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the salt valve 1700.

[0390] The present application also provides a salt tank, comprising a tank body and the aforementioned salt valve 1700. The tank body is used to store salt, and the salt valve 1700 is disposed within and connected to the tank body. During operation of the salt tank, the salt valve 1700 can automatically open or close as needed to control the inflow and outflow of salt water, thereby ensuring that the salt water concentration in the salt tank remains within an appropriate range.

[0391] When the salt tank is operating, salt valve 1700 is normally closed, preventing the outflow of brine. When brine needs to be added, salt valve 1700 automatically opens, allowing brine to flow out of the salt tank. When the outflow of brine reaches a set value, salt valve 1700 automatically closes, stopping the outflow of brine. Furthermore, salt valve 1700 prevents tap water from flowing directly into the salt tank, preventing dilution of the brine and maintaining the brine concentration.

[0392] The salt box according to the embodiment of the present application includes the salt valve 1700 described above, and thus also has the beneficial effects of the salt valve 1700 described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0393] The present application also provides a drinking fountain, comprising a resin tank and the above-mentioned salt box. The resin tank is used to store resin, and the salt box is connected and communicated with the resin tank to provide salt water to the resin tank.

[0394] The water softener according to the embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned salt box and thus also has the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned salt box, which will not be described in detail here.

[0395] The salt valve 1800 proposed in this application will be described below with reference to FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 .

[0396] As shown in Figures 33 to 35, the present application proposes a salt valve 1800, which includes a base assembly 1810, a cover body 1820 and a floating assembly 1830. It should be noted that the salt valve 1800 proposed in the present application is used in a water softener. The working principle of the water softener is to use ion exchange resin to adsorb hardness ions in water. However, as the use time increases, the hardness ions in the resin will gradually increase, resulting in a decrease in its softening ability. At this time, it is necessary to restore the softening ability of the resin through a regeneration process. The regeneration process uses salt water to wash the resin, replace the hardness ions on it, and then discharge it through the drainage system. In this process, the salt valve 1800 plays a role in controlling the flow of salt water, ensuring that the salt water can fully wash the resin without wasting too much salt.

[0397] It should also be noted that the salt valve 1800 of the present application is placed in a salt tank filled with salt particles. When the water softener requires salt water, tap water flows into the base assembly 1810, causing the float assembly 1830 to float. The float assembly 1830 is provided with a through hole, through which tap water can flow into the float assembly 1830, allowing the float assembly 1830 to float. The cover 1820 is connected to the salt tank, allowing tap water to flow into the salt tank, mix with the salt particles, and form saturated salt water for use in regenerating the resin in the water softener.

[0398] Specifically, as shown in Figures 33 to 35 , a cover 1820 is disposed over a base assembly 1810, and the cover 1820 and the base assembly 1810 form a receiving chamber 1813. A floating assembly 1830 is disposed within the receiving chamber 1813, with one end of the floating assembly 1830 inserted into the base assembly 1810. The floating assembly 1830 is movable relative to the base assembly 1810. The inner surface of the cover 1820 guides the movement of the floating assembly 1830. Furthermore, the height of the cover 1820 is greater than the maximum height of the floating assembly 1830, ensuring sufficient floating space for the floating assembly 120 within the cover 1820. When the cover 1820 and the floating assembly 1830 have a perfect transition fit or a clearance fit, the gap between the cover 1820 and the floating assembly 1830 is relatively small, thereby restricting the radial direction of the floating assembly 1830 by the cover 1820, thereby guiding the floating assembly 1830. In some examples of the present application, the gap can be between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm, for example, 0.23 mm. This ensures that the floating assembly 1830 can follow a predetermined path during floating without deviating from the path. This prevents the floating assembly 1830 from deviating from the path during movement, thereby causing friction with the cover 1820 and causing it to stop floating, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device.

[0399] According to the salt valve 1800 of the embodiment of the present application, a cover 1820 is disposed outside the float assembly 1830, and the inner surface of the cover 1820 can guide the movement of the float assembly 1830. Thus, when the float assembly 1830 floats, the cover 1820 restricts the radial direction of the float assembly 1830, allowing the float assembly 1830 to float along the extension direction of the inner surface of the cover 1820, thereby preventing the float assembly 1830 from moving in the radial direction, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device.

[0400] As shown in Figure 33, in one embodiment of the present application, a floating assembly 1830 includes a floating column 1831 and a floating ball 1832. A floating chamber 1833 is provided within the floating column 1831, which communicates with the accommodating chamber 1813. The cross-sectional dimensions of the floating column 1831 match those of the housing 1820. Thus, the housing 1820 guides the floating column 1831, ensuring that it follows a predetermined path without deviating from its path. This prevents the floating assembly 1830 from deviating from its path during movement, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device. The floating ball 1832 is disposed within the floating chamber 1833 and is movable along the axis of the floating chamber 1833.

[0401] As shown in FIG33 , in one embodiment of the present application, a connecting slit 1834 is formed on the wall of the floating column 1831. The connecting slit 1834 extends along the axis of the floating column 1831, and the floating chamber 1833 is connected to the accommodating chamber 1813 via the connecting slit 1834. This allows the fluid inside the floating column 1831 to flow to the outside of the floating column 1831, balancing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the floating column 1831 and slowing down the speed at which the floating column 1831 floats or descends, thereby making the movement of the floating column 1831 smoother and preventing the floating column 1831 from rapidly floating or descending due to excessive pressure differences, which could damage the floating column 1831.

[0402] In some embodiments of the present application, there may be multiple communication slits 1834, and these multiple communication slits 1834 may be arranged along the circumference of the floating column 1831. The multiple communication slits can accelerate the flow of fluid from the interior of the floating column 1831 to the exterior. In some embodiments of the present application, the communication slits 1834 may be symmetrically arranged along the circumference of the floating column 1831. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the communication slits 1834 is not limited to this. In other embodiments of the present application, the communication slits 1834 may also be asymmetrically arranged along the circumference of the floating column 1831.

[0403] In some embodiments of the present application, to further enhance the guiding function of floating column 1831, a slider (not shown) is provided on the inner wall of housing 1820. The slider is connected to connecting slit 1834 and is slidable along connecting slit 1834. Thus, through the cooperation between the slider and connecting slit 1834, the slider can guide floating column 1831, allowing floating column 1831 to more accurately follow a predetermined path during floating without deviating from the track. This prevents floating column 1831 from deviating from the track during movement, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device.

[0404] As shown in Figures 33 and 35 , in some embodiments of the present application, the bottom end of the floating column 1831 is thicker than the top end along its axis. A connecting slit 1834 extends through the bottom end of the floating column 1831 and to the top end of the floating column 1831. Due to the greater thickness at the bottom end, the center of gravity of the floating column 1831 is lowered, which helps prevent the floating column 1831 from tilting or flipping during movement, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device. Furthermore, since the connecting slit 1834 is defined at the bottom end of the floating column 1831, thickening the bottom end of the floating column 1831 strengthens the structure of the floating column 1831, preventing cracking of the floating column 1831 shell under the impact of water pressure or water flow, which could affect the operating efficiency and lifespan of the salt valve 1800.

[0405] As shown in FIG35 , in some embodiments of the present application, the thickness of the upper end of the floating column 1831 is D2, and the thickness of the lower end of the floating column 1831 is D1. The ratio of D2 to D1 ranges from 0.4 to 0.6. For example, the ratio of the thickness D2 of the upper end of the floating column 1831 to the thickness D1 of the lower end of the floating column 1831 can be 0.5. Because the thickness of the lower end of the floating column 1831 is greater than the thickness of the upper end, the volume of the lower end of the floating column 1831 is greater than the volume of the upper end of the floating column 1831. The lower end of the floating column 1831 can displace more water, increasing the buoyancy of the floating column 1831. Furthermore, because the thickness D1 of the lower end of the floating column is greater than the thickness D2 of the upper end, the bottom of the floating column can withstand greater pressure, thereby improving the pressure resistance of the floating column.

[0406] As shown in Figures 33 and 34 , in some embodiments of the present application, a base assembly 1810 includes a base 1811 and a fixed base 1812. Base 1811 is fixedly connected to the brine tank, with one end of fixed base 1812 sleeved onto base 1811, and a cover 1820 sleeved onto the other end of fixed base 1812. A channel 1814 is defined between base 1811 and fixed base 1812. A float assembly 1830 is movable within cover 1820 to block channel 1814 or connect channel 1814 and cover 1820. When the water softener requires backwashing, tap water enters channel 1814, causing float assembly 1830 to float. The water then enters cover 1820 and flows into the brine chamber, where it mixes with the salt to form saturated brine. The water softener then draws the saturated brine from the channel into the resin layer, causing float assembly 1830 to descend, blocking channel 1814.

[0407] The present application also provides a salt tank, comprising a tank body and the aforementioned salt valve 1800. The tank body is used to store salt, and the salt valve 1800 is disposed within and connected to the tank body. During operation of the salt tank, the salt valve 1800 can automatically open or close as needed to control the inflow and outflow of salt water, thereby ensuring that the salt water concentration in the salt tank remains within an appropriate range.

[0408] The salt box according to the embodiment of the present application includes the salt valve 1800 described above, and thus also has the beneficial effects of the salt valve 1800 described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0409] The present application also provides a drinking fountain, comprising a resin tank and the above-mentioned salt box. The resin tank is used to store resin, and the salt box is connected and communicated with the resin tank to provide salt water to the resin tank.

[0410] The water softener according to the embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned salt box and thus also has the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned salt box, which will not be described in detail here.

[0411] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application and are intended to be encompassed by the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A salt valve, comprising: A seat body, wherein the seat body is provided with a connecting hole and a connecting pipe; a floating assembly, one end of which is plugged into the connecting hole, and the floating assembly is movable relative to the base body so as to move between a stop position and a connecting position; The floating assembly includes a first floating member and a stopper, the stopper being connected to one end of the first floating member, the first floating member being provided with a movement space, the stopper being adapted to seal the connecting hole or to allow the connecting hole to communicate, and the stopper being provided with at least one mating section with a gradually changing diameter; In the communication position, the first floating member seals the first end of the connection hole, and the connection pipe communicates with the movement space through the second end of the connection hole; At the stopping position, the fitting section seals the second end of the connecting hole, and the connecting pipe and the movement space are separated on both sides of the sealing position.

2. The salt valve according to claim 1, further comprising a first sealing member, wherein the first sealing member is embedded in the connecting hole, and the floating assembly is passed through the first sealing member. In the communicating position, the first floating member is in sealing contact with a first end of the first sealing member, and in the stopping position, the stopping member is in sealing contact with a second end of the first sealing member.

3. The salt valve according to claim 2, wherein: A lip is provided at the end of the first sealing member, and the lip is connected to the inner wall of the first sealing member.

4. The salt valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The matching section is a single section and is conical in shape. The matching section is arranged at one end of the stopper.

5. The salt valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The floating assembly further includes a second floating member, which is disposed in the movement space and is movable along the movement space. The second floating member is suitable for blocking or connecting the movement space and the connecting hole.

6. The salt valve according to claim 5, wherein: The floating assembly also includes a stopper, one end of which is connected to the first floating member, and the other end is passed through the connecting hole. A water hole is provided on the stopper, and the water hole connects the movement space and the connecting hole.

7. The salt valve according to claim 6, wherein: The stop seat includes a connecting portion and a tapered portion, the tapered portion is located at one end of the connecting portion, the connecting portion is provided with a receiving groove for the second floating member, the tapered portion is provided with the water hole, and the water hole is communicated with the receiving groove.

8. The salt valve according to claim 7, wherein: The floating assembly further includes a third sealing member. A positioning groove is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove. The third sealing member is embedded in the positioning groove. The third sealing member is suitable for abutting against the second floating member.

9. The salt valve according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: A fixing rib is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove. The fixing rib is provided at the connection between the connecting portion and the tapered portion. The fixing rib is suitable for abutting against the second floating member.

10. The salt valve according to claim 9, wherein The fixing ribs extend along the circumferential direction of the connecting portion to form an annular structure.

11. The salt valve according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: One end of the first floating member is sleeved on the stop seat, and a connecting block is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the stop seat. One side of the connecting block is an inclined surface, and the first floating member is provided with a fixing hole. One end of the first floating member is suitable for moving along the inclined surface so that the connecting block is inserted into the fixing hole.

12. The salt valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The seat body comprises: A base, wherein the base is provided with a water inlet cavity and the connecting pipe; A connecting seat is connected to the base, the connecting seat is provided with the connecting hole, the connecting hole is connected to the connecting pipe through the water inlet cavity, and one end of the floating assembly is located in the water inlet cavity.

13. A salt box comprising: a box body, the box body being used for storing salt; The salt valve according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the salt valve is arranged in the box, the salt valve is connected to the box, and the movement space is communicated with the box.

14. A water softener, comprising: A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin; The salt tank of claim 13, wherein the salt tank is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

15. A salt valve, comprising: A base assembly, wherein the base assembly is provided with a communication hole and a water connection pipe; a floating column, one end of which is plugged into the communication hole, and the floating column is movable relative to the base assembly so as to move between a stop position and a communication position; The floating column includes a float and a floating ball, and the float forms a floating space for the floating ball to float; In the communication position, the floating column seals the first end of the communication hole, and the water receiving pipe communicates with the floating space through the second end of the communication hole; At the stopping position, the floating column seals the second end of the communicating hole, and the water receiving pipe and the floating space are separated on both sides of the sealing position; The float ball is movable along the floating space, and the float ball is suitable for stopping or connecting the floating space and the communicating hole.

16. The salt valve according to claim 15, wherein The floating column further comprises: a movable seat, one end of which is connected to the float, and the other end of which is passed through the communicating hole; a water hole is provided on the movable seat, and the water hole communicates with the floating space and the communicating hole; A stop block is connected to the other end of the movable seat, and at the stop position, the stop block is suitable for stopping the second end of the communicating hole.

17. The salt valve according to claim 16, wherein The movable seat includes a cylindrical portion and a conical portion. The conical portion is located at one end of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is provided with a receiving groove for the float. The conical portion is provided with the water hole, and the water hole is connected to the receiving groove.

18. The salt valve according to claim 17, wherein The floating column further includes a first sealing ring. A positioning groove is provided on the bottom wall of the accommodating groove. The first sealing ring is embedded in the positioning groove. The first sealing ring is suitable for abutting against the floating ball.

19. The salt valve according to claim 17 or 18, wherein A supporting rib is provided on the bottom wall of the accommodating groove. The supporting rib is provided at the connection between the columnar portion and the conical portion. The supporting rib is suitable for abutting against the floating ball.

20. The salt valve according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein: One end of the float is sleeved on the movable seat, and a connecting block is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the movable seat. One side of the connecting block is an inclined surface, and the float is provided with a buckle hole. One end of the float is suitable for moving along the inclined surface so that the connecting block is inserted into the buckle hole.

21. The salt valve according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein: The base assembly comprises: A base, wherein the base is provided with a transition cavity and the water receiving pipe; A fixing seat is connected to the base, the fixing seat is provided with the communicating hole, the communicating hole is connected to the water receiving pipe through the transition cavity, and one end of the floating column is located in the transition cavity.

22. The salt valve according to claim 21, wherein The base assembly further includes a sealing sleeve, which is embedded in the communicating hole, and the floating column passes through the sealing sleeve.

23. The salt valve according to claim 22, wherein The end of the sealing sleeve is provided with a lip edge, and the lip edge is connected to the inner wall of the sealing sleeve. 24 . The salt valve according to claim 15 , further comprising a protective cover connected to the base assembly, wherein the floating column is located in the protective cover and is movable relative to the protective cover.

25. A salt box comprising: a box body, the box body being used for storing salt; The salt valve according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the salt valve is disposed in the housing, the salt valve is connected to the housing, and the floating space is communicated with the housing.

26. A water softener, comprising: A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin; The salt tank of claim 25, wherein the salt tank is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

27. A salt valve, comprising: a base, wherein a first channel is provided in the base; A float assembly, the float assembly comprising a float and a seal, one end of the float being connected to the seal, the float and the seal being vertically movable relative to the base, a first cavity being defined within the float, the float being provided with a communication structure for communicating with the salt tank, the first cavity forming a float cavity above the communication structure, a second channel being defined within the seal, the first cavity communicating with the second channel, and the second channel communicating with the first channel; In the first sealing state, the floating assembly is located at a first position, and the sealing member is in sealing cooperation with the first channel.

28. The salt valve according to claim 27, wherein The communication structure includes at least one communication slit, and the communication slit is provided on the float.

29. The salt valve according to claim 28, wherein The communication structure includes a plurality of communication slits arranged vertically, and the plurality of communication slits are evenly distributed on the float along the circumference. 30 . The salt valve according to claim 28 , further comprising a protective shell, wherein the protective shell covers the float.

31. The salt valve according to claim 30, wherein The communicating slit is arranged vertically, and a guide block is provided on the inner wall of the protective shell. The guide block is slidably matched with the communicating slit.

32. The salt valve according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein One end of the sealing member is provided with a clamping portion, and the clamping portion is clamped and matched with the communicating seam.

33. The salt valve according to any one of claims 27 to 32, further comprising a float, wherein the float is disposed in the first cavity and is vertically movable along the first cavity; In the second sealing state, the floating assembly is located at the second position, and the floating ball is sealed and matched with the second channel.

34. The salt valve according to claim 33, wherein The inner wall of the float is provided with ribs, and the ribs are used to strengthen the structural strength of the float and to limit the vertical position of the float ball.

35. A water softener, comprising: A salt box, comprising a box body and a salt valve according to any one of claims 27 to 34; A resin tank is communicated with the first channel.

36. The water softener according to claim 35, characterized in that The highest liquid level of the salt tank is 0-3 cm higher than the upper limit position of the communication structure.

37. A salt valve comprising: a base, the base being used to be fixed to the salt box; A fixing seat, the fixing seat being sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the base; A cover body, the cover body being sleeved on the fixing seat; A floating component, the floating component is arranged inside the cover; A first channel is provided in the base and the fixing seat, and the floating assembly is movable in the cover to block the first channel or connect the first channel and the cover.

38. The salt valve according to claim 37, wherein A first sealing ring is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the base and the inner wall of the fixing seat.

39. The salt valve according to claim 38, wherein A sealing groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the base or the inner wall of the fixing seat, and the first sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove.

40. The salt valve according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein The base is fixedly connected to the fixing seat via a latch, and the latch is inserted into one side of the fixing seat.

41. The salt valve according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein A boss is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the fixing seat, and the free end of the cover body abuts against the boss.

42. The salt valve according to claim 41, wherein The outer peripheral wall of the fixing seat is provided with at least one convex rib, the convex rib extending along the axial direction of the fixing seat, the convex rib being connected to the end of the fixing seat, and the inner wall of the cover body abutting against the convex rib.

43. The salt valve according to any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein The fixing seat comprises: an installation section, the installation section being sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the base; A sealing section is located in the mounting section, the sealing section is connected to the mounting section, and a gap exists between the sealing section and the mounting section, and the sealing section is used to seal with the floating assembly.

44. The salt valve according to claim 43, wherein The outer wall of the sealing section is covered with a second sealing ring. When the floating assembly blocks the first channel, the floating assembly abuts against the second sealing ring.

45. A salt box comprising: a box body, the box body being used for storing salt; The salt valve according to any one of claims 37 to 44, wherein the salt valve is disposed in the housing and connected to the housing.

46. ​​A water softener, comprising: A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin; A salt box, wherein the salt box is the salt box as claimed in claim 45, and the salt box is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

47. A salt valve comprising: Base assembly; A cover body, the cover body is disposed on the base assembly, and the cover body and the base assembly form a receiving cavity; A floating component is arranged in the accommodating cavity, one end of the floating component is inserted in the base component, the floating component is movable relative to the base component, and the inner surface of the cover body is suitable for guiding the movement of the floating component.

48. The salt valve according to claim 47, wherein The floating assembly includes: A floating column is provided in the accommodating cavity. A floating cavity is provided in the floating column. The floating cavity is communicated with the accommodating cavity. The cross-sectional size of the floating column is the same as the cross-sectional size of the cover body. Inch phase adaptation; A float is provided in the floating cavity and is movable in the axial direction of the floating cavity.

49. The salt valve according to claim 48, wherein A communication slit is formed on the wall surface of the floating column. The communication slit extends along the axis direction of the floating column. The floating cavity is connected to the accommodating cavity through the communication slit.

50. The salt valve of claim 49, wherein There are multiple communicating slits, and the multiple communicating slits are arranged along the circumference of the floating column.

51. The salt valve according to claim 49 or 50, wherein A slider is provided on the inner wall of the cover body, and the slider is slidable along the connecting slit.

52. The salt valve according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein In the axial direction of the floating column, the thickness of the bottom end of the floating column is greater than the thickness of the upper end, and the connecting seam passes through the bottom end of the floating column and extends to the upper end of the floating column.

53. The salt valve according to claim 52, wherein The ratio of the thickness of the upper end of the floating column to the thickness of the bottom end of the floating column is in a range of 0.4-0.

6.

54. The salt valve according to any one of claims 46 to 53, wherein The base assembly comprises: a base, the base being adapted to be fixedly connected to the salt box; A fixing seat, one end of which is sleeved on the base, and the cover is sleeved on the other end of the fixing seat.

55. A salt box comprising: a box body, the box body being used for storing salt; The salt valve according to any one of claims 47 to 54, wherein the salt valve is disposed in the housing and connected to the housing.

56. A water softener, comprising: A resin tank, the resin tank being used to store resin; The salt tank of claim 55, wherein the salt tank is connected to and communicates with the resin tank to provide brine to the resin tank.

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