Washing device and water softener thereof

Abstract

A washing apparatus and a water softener thereof. The water softener comprises: a housing body (10). The housing body (10) is provided with a first connection port (111), a second connection port (112), a washing water inlet (121), a washing water outlet (122), a first flow channel (131), and a second flow channel (132); the first flow channel (131) is connected to the washing water inlet (121) and the first connection port (111); the second flow channel (132) is connected to the second connection port (112) and the washing water outlet (122); the washing water inlet (121) is configured to receive washing water carrying residual heat; the first connection port (111) is configured to deliver the washing water to a heat exchanger (300); the second connection port (112) is configured to allow the washing water to return from the heat exchanger (300); and the washing water outlet (122) is configured to discharge the washing water.

Description

Washing equipment and its water softener

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411219942.9, filed on August 30, 2024, entitled "Washing Equipment and Water Softener Thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422140609.0, filed on August 30, 2024, entitled "Washing Equipment and Water Softener Thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a washing device and its water softener. Background Technology

[0005] Dishwashers and other washing equipment typically use tap water. Over time, the calcium and magnesium ions in tap water can form limescale, which adheres to the internal pipes, spray arms, and heating elements of the washing equipment, affecting its efficiency and lifespan. In addition, minerals may deposit on the dishes during the washing process, causing spots on the surface and affecting the washing effect. Therefore, washing equipment is usually equipped with a water softener to improve its lifespan and cleaning effect.

[0006] As the popularity of washing equipment gradually increases, it has become a common appliance in many family kitchens. The demand for its functions and performance is also constantly increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the water circuit of washing equipment to meet the diverse functional requirements and performance improvement of washing equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One objective of this application is to provide a water softener that simplifies the water circuit design of washing equipment.

[0008] Another object of this application is to provide a washing device, including the aforementioned water softener.

[0009] According to an embodiment of this application, a water softener includes a shell body. The shell body is provided with a first interface, a second interface, a washing water inlet, a washing water outlet, a first flow channel, and a second flow channel. The first flow channel connects the washing water inlet and the first interface, and the second flow channel connects the second interface and the washing water outlet. The washing water inlet is used to receive washing water with residual heat. The first interface is used to input washing water into a heat exchanger. The second interface is used for the washing water to flow back from the heat exchanger. The washing water outlet is used to discharge washing water.

[0010] According to the embodiments of this application, the water softener is provided with a first flow channel for inputting washing water to the heat exchanger and a second flow channel for washing water return. The water softener serves as an auxiliary water circuit component for washing water heat exchange, thereby assisting in the energy recovery of the washing water. This avoids the need to add pipelines, as well as the support and fixing structures of the pipelines, for washing water heat exchange, thereby reducing the number of leakage points and improving the reliability of the washing equipment.

[0011] In addition, the water softener according to the above embodiments of this application may also have the following additional technical features:

[0012] In some embodiments, the shell body includes a main body portion and a flow channel plate, the flow channel plate being disposed at the upper end of the shell body, the first flow channel being disposed in the main body portion and / or the flow channel plate, and the second flow channel being disposed in the main body portion and / or the flow channel plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are disposed on the flow channel plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first interface and the second interface are disposed on the flow channel plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the washing water inlet and the washing water outlet are located on the main body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flow channel plate has a first through hole that extends through the flow channel plate along its thickness direction and connects the first flow channel and the washing water inlet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flow channel plate has a second through hole that extends through the flow channel plate along its thickness direction and connects the second flow channel and the washing water outlet.

[0018] In some embodiments, the housing body is provided with a third interface, a fourth interface, a third flow channel and a fourth flow channel, and the water softener further includes a water pump, the water pump is disposed in the housing body, the third flow channel connects the third interface and the water pump, and the fourth flow channel connects the fourth interface and the water pump.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first interface, the second interface, the third interface, and the fourth interface are arranged side by side on the same side of the shell body.

[0020] In some embodiments, the shell body includes a resin cavity, and the first flow channel, the second flow channel, the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are disposed on the same side of the resin cavity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fourth flow channel is connected to the outlet of the water pump, and at least a portion of the fourth flow channel is disposed between the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0022] The washing device according to an embodiment of this application includes: a water tank, the aforementioned water softener and heat exchanger, wherein the water tank is provided with a water storage space; the heat exchanger is provided with a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that cooperate in heat exchange, wherein the first heat exchange channel is connected to the water storage space to form a loop, and the second heat exchange channel is connected to the first interface and the second interface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is disposed in the water tank, and the water tank has an installation groove for accommodating the heat exchanger, with the heat exchanger disposed in the installation groove.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lower end of the water tank is provided with a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being connected to the first flow channel and the second opening being connected to the second flow channel.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first opening aligns vertically with the first interface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second opening and the second interface are aligned vertically.

[0027] The washing equipment according to the embodiments of this application makes full use of the space of the water softener, simplifies the water circuit design, and improves the reliability of the washing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of this application, showing the flow direction of the washing water.

[0030] Figure 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a water softener according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the water tank and water softener of the washing equipment according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the water tank according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Reference numerals: Water softener 100, shell body 10, first interface 111, second interface 112, third interface 113, fourth interface 114, washing water inlet 121, washing water outlet 122, water outlet interface 123, first flow channel 131, second flow channel 132, third flow channel 133, fourth flow channel 134, main body 141, first channel 1411, second channel 1412, flow channel plate 142, first through hole 1421, second through hole 1422, third through hole 1423, resin chamber 150, water pump 20, water tank 200, water storage space 210, mounting groove 220, first opening 231, second opening 232, third opening 233, fourth opening 234, heat exchanger 300. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the water softener 100 according to an embodiment of this application can be used in washing equipment. The water softener 100 includes a shell body 10, which is provided with a first interface 111, a second interface 112, a washing water inlet 121, a washing water outlet 122, a first flow channel 131, and a second flow channel 132. The first flow channel 131 connects the washing water inlet 121 and the first interface 111, and the second flow channel 132 connects the second interface 112 and the washing water outlet 122. The washing water inlet 121 is used to receive washing water with residual heat, the first interface 111 is used to input washing water into the heat exchanger 300, the second interface 112 is used for the washing water to flow back from the heat exchanger 300, and the washing water outlet 122 is used to discharge washing water.

[0037] It should be noted that the washing water in this embodiment refers to the wastewater with residual heat after the washing equipment completes the washing process. Typically, the washing equipment receives water multiple times during washing, and some washing processes require heating the water to improve the washing effect. After the washing process is completed, the washing water is discharged directly into the sewer. It is understandable that the washing water temperature is usually higher than room temperature and contains residual heat when discharged; if it is discharged directly into the sewer, it results in energy waste.

[0038] Specifically, the water softener 100 in this application embodiment can be connected to the inner tank of the washing equipment and the heat exchanger 300 respectively. For example, the first interface 111 and the second interface 112 can be connected to the heat exchanger 300, and the washing water inlet 121 can be connected to the inner tank. Water with residual heat can be guided to the heat exchanger 300 through the water softener 100. After the heat exchange is completed, it is returned through the water softener 100 and discharged to the sewer.

[0039] The washing equipment may also include a water tank 200, which may have a water storage space 210. A heat exchanger 300 may be connected to the water tank 200 and may exchange heat with the water in the water storage space 210 to increase the initial temperature of the water in the water storage space 210, thereby realizing the recovery and reuse of heat from the washing water and reducing the energy consumption required for subsequent water heating.

[0040] For example, referring to Figure 2, the arrows indicate the flow direction of the washing water. The washing water inlet 121 can be connected to the inner tank. The washing water containing residual heat enters the first flow channel 131 from the washing water inlet 121 and enters the heat exchanger 300 through the first interface 111. The heat exchanger 300 can be provided with a first heat exchange flow channel and a second heat exchange flow channel that cooperate in heat exchange. The first heat exchange flow channel can be connected to the water in the water storage space 210 to form a loop. The second heat exchange flow channel can be connected to the first interface 111 and the second interface 112. That is to say, the washing water containing residual heat enters the second heat exchange flow channel from the first interface 111 and exchanges heat with the water in the first heat exchange flow channel, thereby preheating the water in the water tank 200. After the heat exchange is completed, the washing water flows back to the water softener 100 from the second interface 112 and flows through the second flow channel 132 and is discharged to the sewer from the washing water outlet 122.

[0041] According to the embodiments of this application, the water softener 100 is provided with a washing water inlet 121 and a washing water outlet 122, which facilitates the connection and discharge of washing water. The water softener 100 is also provided with a first interface 111 and a second interface 112, which connects the water softener 100 to the heat exchanger 300. The water softener 100 is provided with a flow channel for the inlet and outlet of washing water, so that the water softener 100 can be used as an auxiliary water circuit component for washing water heat exchange. It can be used without changing the existing structural layout of the washing equipment. By designing the structure of the water softener 100, the energy recovery of washing water can be realized, avoiding the need to add pipelines, as well as the support and fixing of pipelines, etc., for washing water heat exchange, reducing the number of leakage points and improving the reliability of the washing equipment.

[0042] Both the wash water inlet 121 and the wash water outlet 122 can be connected to the inner tank. For example, the washing equipment may also include a wash pump, which drives wash water through the water softener 100 into the heat exchanger 300. After heat exchange, the wash water flows back to the inner tank through the wash water outlet 122 and is discharged into the sewer. The wash water inlet 121 and the wash water outlet 122 can be located on the same side wall of the water softener 100, which reduces the number of pipes and facilitates the installation of the water softener 100.

[0043] Furthermore, the first interface 111 and the second interface 112 may be located on the first side wall of the shell body 10, and the washing water inlet 121 and the washing water outlet 122 may be located on the second side wall of the shell body 10. The first side wall and the second side wall are different side walls of the shell body 10. For example, the first interface 111 and the second interface 112 may be located on the upper side wall of the shell body 10 to facilitate the connection of the water softener 100 to the heat exchanger 300, and the washing water inlet 121 and the washing water outlet 122 may be located on the peripheral wall of the shell body 10 to facilitate the connection of the washing water inlet 121 and the washing water outlet 122 to the inner tank.

[0044] In addition, the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132 can be located at different positions on the shell body 10. For example, the first flow channel 131 can be located at the upper end of the shell body 10, or at the middle of the shell body 10, or at the lower end of the shell body 10; the second flow channel 132 can be located at the upper end of the shell body 10, or at the middle of the shell body 10, or at the lower end of the shell body 10. The specific location can be adjusted as needed to make full use of the space inside the water softener 100.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments of this application, the shell body 10 includes a main body portion 141 and a flow channel plate 142, with the flow channel plate 142 disposed at the upper end of the shell body 10. Specifically, the flow channel plate 142 may be disposed above the main body portion 141. A first flow channel 131 may be disposed on the main body portion 141 and / or the flow channel plate 142, and a second flow channel 132 may be disposed on the main body portion 141 and / or the flow channel plate 142. Specifically, the first flow channel 131 may be located in the main body 141; or, the first flow channel 131 may be located in the flow channel plate 142; or, the first flow channel 131 may pass through the main body 141 and the first flow channel plate 131; the second flow channel 132 may be located in the main body 141; or, the second flow channel 132 may be located in the flow channel plate 142; or, the second flow channel 132 may pass through the main body 141 and the flow channel plate 142. The specific arrangement can be adjusted according to the structure of the washing equipment to make full use of the space of the water softener 100 and make the structure of the washing equipment compact.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments of this application, the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132 are disposed on the flow channel plate 142, which can shorten the flow path of the washing water, reduce energy loss, and improve heat recovery efficiency.

[0047] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments of this application, the first interface 111 and the second interface 112 can be located on the flow channel plate 142. That is, the first interface 111 and the second interface 112 are located at the upper end of the shell body 10, which facilitates the connection and assembly of the water softener 100 and the heat exchanger 300. The heat exchanger 300 can be connected to the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132 of the water softener 100 through the first interface 111 and the second interface 112, which facilitates the connection between the heat exchanger 300 and the water circuit of the inner tank, simplifies the pipeline connection structure of the washing equipment, and reduces leakage points.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments of this application, the washing water inlet 121 and the washing water outlet 122 are located in the main body 141 to facilitate the inlet and outlet of the water softener 100 for washing water. Exemplarily, the washing water inlet 121 and the washing water outlet 122 can be connected to the water cup in the inner tank. By locating the washing water inlet 121 and the washing water outlet 122 in the main body 141, it is convenient for the water softener 100 to connect to the water cup, optimizing the flow path of the washing equipment and making the structure of the washing equipment more compact.

[0049] Specifically, the residual heat washing water in the inner tank can enter the water softener 100 from the main body 141, be guided by the flow channel plate 142 to the first interface 111, and then enter the heat exchanger 300. After heat exchange, it flows back to the water softener 100 from the second interface 112, is guided by the flow channel plate 142 to the washing water outlet 122, and then flows back to the inner tank. The first interface 111 and the second interface 112 are integrated into the flow channel plate 142, facilitating the connection of the water softener 100 to the heat exchanger 300. The washing water inlet 121 and the washing water outlet 122 are located in the main body 141, facilitating the connection of the water softener 100 to the inner tank. The water softener 100 integrates the flow channels for inputting washing water to the heat exchanger 300 and the flow channels for discharging washing water, avoiding the need to add pipelines for washing water heat exchange. It also optimizes the interface of the water softener 100's pipeline, making it easier to connect the heat exchanger 300, the inner tank and the water softener 100, and making the structure of the washing equipment compact.

[0050] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, in some embodiments of this application, the water softener 100 may also be provided with a resin chamber 150 and a water outlet 123 for supplying water to the inner tank. The resin chamber 150 can soften the water, and the water outlet 123 can be connected to the inner tank. The water softened by the resin chamber 150 is introduced into the inner tank through the water outlet 123 to reduce the deposition of calcium and magnesium ions in the water inside the tableware and washing equipment, and to protect the water pipes and spray system of the washing equipment.

[0051] The washing water inlet 121, washing water outlet 122, and water outlet interface 123 can all be located on the same side wall of the water softener 100 to facilitate the connection between the water softener 100 and the inner tank, optimize the piping of the washing equipment, reduce the number of pipes, and improve the reliability of the washing equipment.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments of this application, the flow channel plate 142 has a first through hole 1421, which penetrates the flow channel plate 142 along its thickness direction and connects the first flow channel 131 and the washing water inlet 121. As described above, the first flow channel 131 can be located on the flow channel plate 142 to shorten the flow path of the washing water and reduce heat loss during flow. The washing water inlet 121 can be located on the main body 141 to facilitate connection between the water softener 100 and the inner tank. The first through hole 1421 connects the first flow channel 131 and the washing water inlet 121, optimizing the flow path within the water softener 100 and improving the space utilization of the water softener 100.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments of this application, the flow channel plate 142 has a second through hole 1422, which penetrates the flow channel plate 142 along its thickness direction and connects the second flow channel 132 and the washing water outlet 122. As described above, the second flow channel 132 can be disposed on the flow channel plate 142, the washing water outlet 122 can be disposed on the main body 141, and the second through hole 1422 can connect the second flow channel 132 and the washing water outlet 122, thus optimizing the flow path within the water softener 100 and improving the space utilization of the water softener 100.

[0054] Specifically, the waste heat-carrying washing water first enters the main body 141 through the washing water inlet 121, then enters the first flow channel 131 on the flow channel plate 142 through the first through hole 1421, and then enters the heat exchanger 300 through the first interface 111. After heat exchange is completed, the washing water flows back from the second interface 112 to the second flow channel 132 on the flow channel plate 142, then enters the main body 141 through the second through hole 1422, and is discharged through the washing water outlet 122 of the main body 141.

[0055] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments of this application, the shell body 10 is provided with a third interface 113, a fourth interface 114, a third flow channel 133 and a fourth flow channel 134, and the water softener 100 also includes a water pump 20, which is disposed in the shell body 10. The third flow channel 133 connects the third interface 113 and the water pump 20, and the fourth flow channel 134 connects the fourth interface 114 and the water pump 20.

[0056] For example, the housing body 10 may be provided with a mounting base for mounting the water pump 20, and the water pump 20 may be positioned on the mounting base.

[0057] Specifically, one of the third interface 113 and the fourth interface 114 can be a water inlet and the other a water outlet; one of the third flow channel 133 and the fourth flow channel 134 can be a water inlet flow channel and the other a water outlet flow channel. In conjunction with the above, the waste heat of the washing water can be used to exchange heat with the water in the water tank 200 to achieve energy recovery of the washing water. The third flow channel 133 and the fourth flow channel 134 can work together to guide the water in the water tank 200 to the heat exchanger 300 for heat exchange with the washing water. At this time, the water softener 100 acts as a water circuit board. By integrating the third flow channel 133 and the fourth flow channel 134 into the water softener 100, the water circuit of the washing equipment is optimized, facilitating the entry of water from the water tank 200 into the heat exchanger 300 for heat exchange. This avoids the need for additional piping, as well as the support and fixing structures for the piping, reducing leakage points and improving the reliability of the washing equipment.

[0058] The water tank 200 may include a water storage space 210, and the heat exchanger 300 may include a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel for heat exchange coordination. The water pump 20 can be used to connect the water storage space 210, the third channel 133, the fourth channel 134, and the first heat exchange channel into a loop. The second heat exchange channel connects the first interface 111 and the second interface 112. Washing water containing waste heat enters the second heat exchange channel from the first interface and exits from the second interface. In other words, the first heat exchange channel is a cold water channel, and the second heat exchange channel is a hot water channel. During the heat exchange process, the water in the first heat exchange channel can absorb heat from the water in the second heat exchange channel, realizing the recovery and reuse of heat from the washing wastewater and reducing the energy consumption required for subsequent water heating.

[0059] Taking the third interface 113 as the inlet and the fourth interface 114 as the outlet as an example, the water pump 20 can drive the water flow in the third flow channel 133 and the fourth flow channel 134. Specifically, the water pump 20 can have an inlet and an outlet. The third flow channel 133 can be connected to the inlet of the water pump 20, and the fourth flow channel 134 can be connected to the outlet of the water pump 20. When the water pump 20 is working, the water in the water storage space 210 enters the third flow channel 133 from the third interface 113, enters the inlet of the water pump 20, and leaves the water pump 20 from the outlet and enters the fourth flow channel 134. Then, it enters the first heat exchange flow channel through the fourth interface 114 to exchange heat with the water in the second heat exchange flow channel, thereby preheating the water in the water tank 200.

[0060] In addition, the outlet of the first heat exchange channel can be connected to the water storage space 210 of the water tank 200. That is to say, the third channel 133 and the fourth channel 134 can form part of the cold water circulation channel. When the water pump 20 is working, it drives the water flow to circulate, so that the cold water can exchange heat with the washing water with residual heat through the heat exchanger 300, thereby raising the initial temperature of the water in the water tank 200. When the water pump 20 is turned on, it drives the water flow in the third channel 133 and the fourth channel 134 to realize the cold water circulation in the water tank 200. At this time, the water softener 100 acts as a water circuit board. When the water pump 20 is turned off, the water flow in the third channel 133 and the fourth channel 134 is still.

[0061] By integrating the third flow channel 133 and the fourth flow channel 134 into the water softener 100, and connecting the water pump 20 to the third flow channel 133 and the fourth flow channel 134, it is convenient to realize the circulation of water in the water tank 200 through the water softener 100. The water softener 100 acts as a water circuit board, optimizes the pipeline connection structure, and facilitates the compact design of the washing equipment.

[0062] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments of this application, the third flow channel 133 may be disposed between the main body 141 and the flow channel plate 142, and the main body 141 may be provided with a first channel 1411. The first channel 1411 extends in the vertical direction and connects the third flow channel 133 and the inlet of the water pump 20, making full use of the space inside the water softener 100 and improving the space utilization rate of the washing equipment.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments of this application, the fourth flow channel 134 is provided on the flow channel plate 142, and the flow channel plate 142 is provided with a third through hole 1423, which connects to the fourth flow channel 134. The main body 141 is provided with a second channel 1412, which extends in the vertical direction and is opposite to and connected to the third through hole 1423 in the vertical direction. The second channel 1412 can connect to the outlet of the water pump 20, making full use of the space inside the water softener 100 and improving the space utilization rate of the washing equipment.

[0064] In addition, the water pump 20 can be connected to the side wall of the main body 141, which simplifies the connection structure of the water pump 20 and makes the structure of the water softener 100 more compact.

[0065] In some embodiments of this application, the first interface 111, the second interface 112, the third interface 113 and the fourth interface 114 are arranged side by side on the same side of the shell body 10 to optimize the heat exchange flow path and facilitate the connection between the water softener 100 and the water tank 200 and the heat exchanger 300.

[0066] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the shell body 10 further includes a resin cavity 150, with a first flow channel 131, a second flow channel 132, a third flow channel 133, and a fourth flow channel 134 located on the same side of the resin cavity 150. Specifically, the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132 are for inputting washing water with residual heat into the heat exchanger 300 and for discharging washing water, respectively. The third flow channel 133 and the fourth flow channel 134 are for circulating flow channels to achieve heat exchange between the water in the water tank 200 and the washing water. In other words, the first flow channel 131, the second flow channel 132, the third flow channel 133, and the fourth flow channel 134 work together to recover and reuse the heat of the washing water, reducing the energy consumption required for subsequent water heating. By arranging the first flow channel 131, the second flow channel 132, the third flow channel 133, and the fourth flow channel 134 on the same side, the heat exchange flow path is optimized, the length of the heat exchange flow path is shortened, the energy recovery efficiency is improved, and the compact design of the washing equipment is facilitated.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments of this application, the fourth flow channel 134 connects to the outlet of the water pump 20, and at least a portion of the fourth flow channel 134 is disposed between the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132. Specifically, a portion of the fourth flow channel 134 may be disposed between the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132, or the entire fourth flow channel 134 may be disposed between the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132. As described above, the washing water containing residual heat enters the heat exchanger 300 from the first flow channel 131. After heat exchange, it flows back to the water softener 100 and is discharged from the second flow channel 132. It is understood that the temperature of the washing water in the first flow channel 131 is higher than the temperature of the washing water in the second flow channel 132. By disposing at least a portion of the fourth flow channel 134 between the first flow channel 131 and the second flow channel 132, the influence of the second flow channel 132 on the first flow channel 131 can be reduced, heat loss can be reduced, heat exchange efficiency can be improved, and the space of the water softener 100 can be fully utilized.

[0068] This application also provides a washing device, which may include a water tank 200, a heat exchanger 300, and the aforementioned water softener 100. The water tank 200 has a water storage space 210. Exemplarily, a resin chamber 150 can communicate with the water storage space 210, allowing water softened by the resin chamber 150 to enter the water storage space 210 of the water tank 200. The softened water entering the water tank 200 can be stored there, facilitating a stable water flow to the inner tank and allowing it to enter the heat exchanger 300 for preheating, thus recovering waste heat from the washing water. The heat exchanger 300 has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that cooperate in heat exchange. The first heat exchange channel is connected to the water storage space 210 to form a loop, and the second heat exchange channel is connected to a first interface 111 and a second interface 112. Specifically, the water in the first heat exchange channel can absorb heat from the water in the second heat exchange channel, realizing the recovery and reuse of heat from the washing wastewater and reducing the energy consumption required for subsequent water heating.

[0069] The heat exchanger 300 may be located inside the water tank 200; or the heat exchanger 300 and the water tank 200 may be separate structures.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments of this application, the heat exchanger 300 is disposed in the water tank 200, and the water tank 200 is provided with an installation groove 220 for accommodating the heat exchanger 300. The heat exchanger 300 is disposed in the installation groove 220, making full use of the space inside the water tank 200, so that the structure of the washing equipment is compact. At the same time, placing the heat exchanger 300 in the water tank 200 does not change the bottom structural layout of the washing equipment. By setting the aforementioned water softener 100, the waste heat of the washing water can be recovered, saving installation space.

[0071] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the lower end of the water tank 200 is provided with a first opening 231 and a second opening 232. The first opening 231 is connected to the first flow channel 131, and the second opening 232 is connected to the second flow channel 132. The first opening 231 is connected to the first interface 111 vertically, and the second opening 232 is connected to the second interface 112 vertically.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, the lower end of the water tank 200 may also be provided with a third opening 233 and a fourth opening 234. The third opening 233 can be connected to the third flow channel 133, and the fourth opening 234 can be connected to the fourth flow channel 134. The third opening 233 and the third interface 113 are connected vertically, and the fourth opening 234 and the fourth interface 114 are connected vertically.

[0073] In summary, the water softener 100 can soften water quality and, by connecting to the water tank 200 through multiple interfaces, can recover waste heat from the washing water without changing the layout of the washing equipment. Furthermore, the water softener integrates multiple flow channels, which can reduce the need for additional piping, as well as the structure for supporting and fixing the piping, to exchange heat for the washing water, thereby reducing the number of leakage points and improving the reliability of the washing equipment.

[0074] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0075] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0076] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0078] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0079] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A water softener for a washing device, the water softener comprising a shell body, the shell body having a first interface, a second interface, a washing water inlet, a washing water outlet, a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the first flow channel connecting the washing water inlet and the first interface, the second flow channel connecting the second interface and the washing water outlet, the washing water inlet for receiving washing water with residual heat, the first interface for inputting washing water into a heat exchanger, the second interface for the washing water to flow back from the heat exchanger, and the washing water outlet for discharging washing water.

2. The water softener of the washing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The shell body includes a main body and a flow channel plate. The flow channel plate is disposed at the upper end of the shell body. The first flow channel is disposed in the main body and / or the flow channel plate, and the second flow channel is disposed in the main body and / or the flow channel plate.

3. The water softener of the washing equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The first flow channel and the second flow channel are disposed on the flow channel plate; And / or, the first interface and the second interface are located on the flow channel plate.

4. The water softener of the washing equipment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The washing water inlet and the washing water outlet are located in the main body.

5. The water softener of the washing equipment according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The flow channel plate has a first through hole, which penetrates the flow channel plate along the thickness direction and connects the first flow channel and the washing water inlet. And / or, the flow channel plate has a second through hole that extends through the flow channel plate along its thickness direction and connects the second flow channel and the washing water outlet.

6. The water softener of the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The shell body is provided with a third interface, a fourth interface, a third flow channel, and a fourth flow channel. The water softener also includes a water pump, which is located in the housing body. The third flow channel connects the third interface and the water pump, and the fourth flow channel connects the fourth interface and the water pump.

7. The water softener of the washing equipment according to claim 6, wherein, The first interface, the second interface, the third interface, and the fourth interface are arranged side by side on the same side of the shell body.

8. The water softener of the washing equipment according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The shell body includes a resin cavity, and the first flow channel, the second flow channel, the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are located on the same side of the resin cavity; And / or, the fourth flow channel is connected to the outlet of the water pump, and at least a portion of the fourth flow channel is located between the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

9. A washing device, wherein, include: Water tank, wherein the water tank is provided with a water storage space; The water softener according to any one of claims 1-8; The heat exchanger is provided with a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are configured for heat exchange. The first heat exchange channel is connected to the water storage space to form a loop, and the second heat exchange channel is connected to the first interface and the second interface.

10. The washing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The heat exchanger is located in the water tank, and the water tank has an installation slot for accommodating the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is located in the installation slot.

11. The washing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The water tank is provided with a first opening and a second opening at the lower end. The first opening is connected to the first flow channel, and the second opening is connected to the second flow channel. The first opening is connected to the first interface in the vertical direction, and the second opening is connected to the second interface in the vertical direction.

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