CN105461028A - Water softener and water supply method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a water softener and a water supply method for the water softener. The water softener includes a water storage bucket and a water softening module, the water storage bucket is configured to provide part or all of the water to the outside when the water is used; the water softener module is configured to: when the water is used, when the water storage bucket When the first TDS index of the water is greater than the preset first TDS threshold, the production of soft water is started, and water is supplied to the outside together with the water storage tank. In the state of using water, the water softener of the present invention first uses the soft water in the water storage tank to supply water to the outside. When the water storage tank supplies water to the outside, it will also be filled with tap water. When the TDS of the water in the water storage tank exceeds a certain threshold, the soft water will be activated. The module makes it enter the working cycle, and uses its produced water as supplementary water to supply water together with the water in the water storage tank. It can be seen that the present invention can provide users with sufficient water as much as possible while ensuring the water quality.

Description

Water softener and water supply method of water softener

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of water treatment, in particular to a water softener and a water supply method for the water softener.

Background technique

Large numbers of the world's population live in countries with severe shortages of sanitary drinking water. A high percentage of these people live in rural and remote areas where few municipal drinking water treatment plants exist. People have to depend directly on surface water sources such as wells, ponds and rivers. Water from these sources can contain high levels of dissolved salts on the order of 500-3000 ppm, making the water unsuitable for drinking purposes. Water with a salt content in the order of 500-1500 ppm has an unpleasant taste, and water with a salt content in excess of 1500 ppm is often referred to as "brackish water" and is relatively unpalatable. Some water softeners are available to treat the water from these sources so that the water from these sources will contain dissolved salts on the order of less than 500 ppm.

However, after the existing water softening equipment produces water for a period of time, it needs to perform regeneration treatment to improve its soft water performance. When the existing water softening equipment performs regeneration treatment, the water production needs to be interrupted, that is to say, the existing water softening equipment cannot Continuous water production is carried out, so that uninterrupted water supply cannot be realized.

Contents of the invention

An object of the first aspect of the present invention is to provide a water softener capable of realizing uninterrupted water supply for at least one defect of the water softener in the prior art.

A further object of the first aspect of the present invention is to ensure the quality of effluent water as much as possible.

Another further object of the first aspect of the present invention is to make the salt removal rate of the water softener adjustable.

The second aspect of the present invention is to provide a water softener water supply method, so that the water softener can supply water continuously.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a water softener, including a water storage tank and a water softening module, wherein,

The water storage bucket is configured to: provide part or all of the water to the outside when the water is used;

The soft water module is configured to: in the state of using water, and when the first hardness index of the water in the water storage tank is greater than the preset first TDS (full name in English: Total dissolved solids, Chinese translation: total dissolved solids) threshold , start to produce soft water, so as to supply water to the outside together with the water storage tank.

Optionally, the water softening module is further configured to: in a non-water consumption state and start when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, soften the water from the water storage tank and circulate it back into the water storage tank , to circulate and soften the water in the storage tank.

Optionally, the water softening module is further configured to: when the water in the water storage tank is circulated and softened in the non-water consumption state, when the second TDS index of the water in the water storage tank is less than the preset second TDS threshold, Stop softening the water in the storage bucket.

Optionally, the water softener also includes:

The first conductivity sensor is arranged in the middle of the water storage bucket, and the first TDS index is obtained by detecting the first conductivity sensor; and/or

The second conductivity sensor is arranged at the circulating water outlet of the water storage bucket when the water in the water storage bucket is circulated and softened, and the second TDS index is obtained by detection of the second conductivity sensor.

Optionally, the second TDS threshold is equal to the first TDS threshold.

Optionally, the water softener also includes:

an inlet water main for providing water to said storage tank and water softener module; and

A first electronically controlled three-way valve, which has a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first inlet and outlet, the first inlet communicates with the water inlet main pipe, and the first outlet communicates with the soft water inlet of the soft water module connected, the first inlet and outlet are connected to the circulating water outlet of the water storage bucket, and the first electronically controlled three-way valve is configured to:

In the state of using water, connect the first inlet and the first inlet and outlet;

In the state of using water, if the water softening module is activated to produce soft water, the first inlet and the first outlet are connected while the first inlet and the first inlet and outlet are connected.

Optionally, the water softener also includes:

The water pump is arranged on the pipeline between the water outlet of the water storage bucket and the water production port of the soft water module, and the water pump is configured to:

In the non-water consumption state, and when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, it is turned on to pump the water in the water storage tank from its circulating water outlet to the softening water module for softening, and Make the softened water circulate back into the water storage bucket from the water production port of the soft water module through the water outlet of the water storage bucket; shut down when the second TDS index of the water at the water circulation outlet of the water storage bucket is less than the second TDS threshold , to stop pumping the water in the storage bucket into the water softener module;

The first electronically controlled three-way valve is further configured to: connect the first inlet and outlet with the first outlet when the water pump is turned on.

Optionally, the water softening module is a capacitive deionization module, which is further configured to:

When starting to produce soft water, if the soft water TDS index of the produced water is greater than the soft water TDS threshold, the regeneration process will be started;

The water pump is further configured to: shut down when the water softening module starts regeneration;

The first electronically controlled three-way valve is further configured to connect the first inlet and the first outlet when the water softening module starts the regeneration process.

Optionally, the water softener also includes:

The third conductivity sensor is arranged on the produced water outlet pipe of the water softening module, and the soft water TDS index is detected by the third conductivity sensor.

Optionally, the water softener also includes:

A water outlet main pipe configured to supply water to the outside, communicated with the water outlet of the water storage tank, and controllably communicated with the water production port of the soft water module;

Concentrated drainage pipeline configured to discharge the concentrated water generated when the soft water module is regenerated; and

The second electronically controlled three-way valve has a second inlet, a second outlet and a concentrated discharge port, the second inlet communicates with the water production port of the soft water module, and the second outlet is respectively connected to the water pump through a pipeline. The water outlet of the water storage bucket is connected to the water outlet main pipe, the concentrated discharge port is connected to the concentrated discharge pipeline, and the second electronically controlled three-way valve is configured as follows:

When the soft water module is performing regeneration treatment, the second inlet and the concentrated discharge port are connected;

When the soft water module produces soft water, the second inlet and the second outlet are connected.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a water softener water supply method, the water softener includes a water storage bucket and a water softener module, the water supply method includes:

Judging whether the water softener is in the state of using water and whether the first TDS index of the water in the water storage tank is greater than the preset first TDS threshold, when the water softener is in the state of using water and the first TDS index is greater than the first When the TDS threshold is reached, the water softening module is started to produce water, so as to supply water together with the water storage tank.

Optionally, when the water softener is in a non-water consumption state and the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, the water softener module is activated, and the water from the water storage bucket is softened and then circulated back into the water storage bucket to The water in the storage tank is circulated and softened.

Optionally, when the water softener is in a non-water consumption state and the second TDS index of the water in the water storage tank is less than a preset second TDS threshold, the softening of the water in the water storage tank is stopped.

Optionally, the first TDS indicator is obtained by detecting a first conductivity sensor disposed in the middle of the water storage tank; and/or

The second TDS index is obtained by detection by a second conductivity sensor disposed at the circulating water outlet of the water storage bucket when the water in the water storage bucket is circulated and softened.

Optionally, the second TDS threshold is equal to the first TDS threshold.

Optionally, the water softening module is a capacitive deionization module, and the water supply method further includes:

When the soft water module is started to produce soft water, if the soft water TDS index of the produced water is greater than the soft water TDS threshold, the regeneration process is started;

The soft water TDS index is obtained by detection by a third conductivity sensor arranged on the produced water outlet pipe of the soft water module.

The water softener of the present invention has a water storage bucket, which can store tap water in advance, and soften the water therein by using the water softener module. When in the state of using water, the water softener of the present invention first uses the soft water in the water storage tank to supply water to the outside, and the water storage tank will also fill it with tap water while supplying water to the outside. When the TDS (full name in English: Total dissolved solids, Chinese Translation: When the total amount of dissolved solids) exceeds a certain threshold, start the soft water module to make it enter the working cycle, and use its water as supplementary water to supply water together with the water in the water storage tank. It can be seen that the present invention can provide users with sufficient water as much as possible while ensuring the water quality.

Further, when the present invention is not using water, if the TDS of the water in the water storage tank exceeds a certain threshold, the water softening module is activated to enter a working cycle, so as to circulate and soften the water in the water storage tank to provide users with sufficient Backup soft water.

In the present invention, the water in the water storage bucket can be used by the user all the time, truly realizing uninterrupted water supply.

Further, since the water softening module in the water softener of the present invention is a capacitive deionization module, the water softening performance is significantly improved.

Those skilled in the art will be more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention according to the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings designate the same or similar parts or parts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic flow chart of a water supply method of a water softener in a state of using water according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a water supply method for a water softener in a non-water state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

detailed description

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water softener includes a water softener module 120 and a water storage tank 130 . The water storage bucket 130 is configured to provide part or all of the water to the outside in the state of water use (ie, the water softener supplies water to the outside). The soft water module 120 is configured to start producing soft water and supply water together with the water storage tank 130 when the first TDS index of the water in the water storage tank 130 is greater than a preset first TDS threshold in the state of water consumption. That is to say, in the embodiment of the present invention, in the state of using water, the water storage tank 130 will always supply water to the outside; and the soft water module 120 will be greater than the preset first TDS threshold when the first TDS index of the water in the water storage tank 130 , start to produce soft water, and supply water together with the water storage tank 130 as water supplement. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention can provide users with sufficient water as much as possible while ensuring the water quality.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the TDS index of water can be obtained by detecting the conductivity of water. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the water softener may further include a first conductivity sensor 131 disposed in the middle of the water storage bucket 130 . The first TDS index is obtained by detection by the first conductivity sensor 131 . The first TDS threshold can be set by the user, that is, the user sets the TDS threshold according to the salt removal rate set by the user. That is to say, in the embodiment of the present invention, the salt removal rate can be adjusted through the TDS threshold. In the standby state, usually the water in the water storage bucket 130 is soft water, and its water quality is within the TDS range acceptable to users. At this time, only the water storage bucket 130 can supply water to the outside. As the water consumption increases, when the detected first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, it indicates that only half of the soft water remains in the water storage bucket 130 at this time. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the detected first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, the water softener can send out prompt signals such as sound, light, electricity, etc., indicating that there is only half a bucket of qualified soft water left in the water storage tank 130, To remind users to arrange water use reasonably. If the user chooses to continue to use water, the soft water module 120 of the water softener starts to produce soft water, and supplies water together with the water storage bucket 130 . If the user chooses to stop using water, the water softener enters a non-water use state (that is, the water softener does not supply water to the outside).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the water softening module 120 can be further configured to activate when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold in the non-water consumption state, and circulate the softened water from the water storage tank 130 Return to the water storage bucket 130 to circulate and soften the water in the water storage bucket 130. That is, in the non-water consumption state, and when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, the water in the water storage bucket 130 flows out from the circulating water outlet, enters the soft water module 120 through the soft water inlet, and is softened. After that, it flows out from the water production port of the soft water module 120 , and circulates back to the water storage bucket 130 from the circulating water inlet through the pipeline.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the water softening module 120 can be further configured to circulate and soften the water in the water storage tank 130 in the non-water consumption state, when the second TDS index of the water in the water storage tank 130 is less than the preset first When the TDS threshold is reached, the softening of the water in the water storage bucket 130 is stopped.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the water softener may further include a second conductivity sensor 132, which is disposed at the circulating water outlet of the water storage tank 130 when the water in the water storage tank 130 is circulated and softened. The second conductivity sensor 132 can be used to obtain a second TDS indicator. Since the TDS of the water at the water circulation outlet of the water storage bucket 130 is generally not less than the TDS of the water at the water circulation inlet when the water in the water storage bucket 130 is circulated and softened, when the second TDS index is less than the second TDS threshold , which means that the water in the entire water storage bucket 130 is soft water. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second TDS threshold may be equal to the first TDS threshold. In this way, when the user sets the TDS threshold of the water supply of the water softener, he only needs to set one threshold, which is convenient for operation. In an alternative embodiment, the second TDS threshold may also be unequal to the first TDS threshold. In this way, when the user sets the TDS threshold of the water supplied by the water softener, the two thresholds can be set separately.

In some embodiments of the present invention, in the state of non-water use, when there is no water in the water storage tank 130 or the water is not full due to the initial use, water stoppage or other reasons, the water storage tank 130 can be drained first. After the water storage is full, judge whether the first TDS index of the water in the water storage bucket 130 is greater than the first TDS threshold, and start the water softening module 120 when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, The softened water from the water storage tank is circulated back to the water storage tank 130, so as to circulate and soften the water therein.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the water softening module 120 may be a capacitive deionization module, also called a CDI module. The working cycle of the capacitive deionization module may include a water production process and a regeneration process. During the water production process, an external forward voltage is applied between the two electrodes of the capacitive deionization module to form an electrostatic field, so that the electric ions in the water entering the channel between the two electrodes are under the action of the electrostatic field It is forced to move to the electrode with the opposite charge; and in the regeneration process, an external reverse voltage is applied between the two electrodes to form an electrostatic field, so that the charged ions adsorbed on each electrode are in the electrostatic field Under the action, it gradually leaves the corresponding electrode and enters the channel between the two electrodes to be carried away by the water entering the channel between the two electrodes. In order to enable the capacitive deionization module to realize the above-mentioned work cycle, the water softener in the embodiment of the present invention also includes an AC/DC power converter (not shown in the figure), so as to provide DC power to the capacitive deionization module, and can change the power provided by it. The polarity of the direct current is used to ensure that the capacitive deionization module realizes its water production process and regeneration process. In one embodiment, the AC/DC power converter is connected to one terminal of the capacitive deionization module, and the electrode adsorption voltage is lower than 1.5V, and the other terminal of the capacitive deionization module is grounded.

In order to realize that the water softening module 120 automatically enters the regeneration process from the water production process after starting, in some embodiments, the water softening module 120 can be further configured to start the process if the soft water TDS index of the produced water is greater than the soft water TDS threshold when starting to produce soft water. Regeneration processing, entering the regeneration process of the working cycle of the soft water module. Correspondingly, the water softener in the embodiment of the present invention may further include a third conductivity sensor 121 installed on the produced water outlet pipe of the water softening module 120 to detect the softened water to obtain the soft water TDS index. In the present invention, in the state of using water, when the soft water module 120 performs regeneration treatment, the water storage tank 130 alone supplies water to the outside.

In some embodiments, if the quality of the incoming water is poor, the water softener of the embodiment of the present invention may further include a filtering device (not shown in the figure), which is arranged on the pipeline upstream of the soft water module 120, so as to prevent the incoming water from entering the soft water module. 120 of water is filtered. In one embodiment, the filtering accuracy of the filtering device may be about 5 μm.

In some optional specific embodiments of the present invention, the water softener may further include a water inlet main pipe 101 for providing water for the water storage tank 130 and the water softener module 120 . During the water supply process of the water softener of the present invention, as the water in the water storage bucket 130 flows outward, at the same time, water will also enter the water storage bucket 130 from the water inlet main pipe 101 . The water source for the soft water module 120 to supply water also comes from the main water inlet pipe 101 . In some embodiments, the main water inlet pipe 101 communicates with the water inlet of the water storage tank 130 and the soft water inlet of the soft water module 120 respectively. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the water inlet of the water storage bucket 130 may be the same as its circulating water outlet, and the water outlet of the water storage bucket 130 may be the same as its circulating water inlet. That is, in the state of using water, the water in the water storage bucket 130 flows out from its circulating water inlet to supply water to the outside, while the water from the water inlet main pipe 101 flows into the water storage bucket 130 through the circulating water outlet of the water storage bucket 130; Next, when the water softening module 120 circulates and softens the water in the water storage bucket 130, the water in the water storage bucket 130 flows out through the circulating water outlet, and then flows into the soft water module 120 for softening, and the softened water is circulated back to storage through the circulating water inlet. Bucket 130.

In one embodiment, the water inlet or circulating water outlet of the water storage bucket 130 can be set on the top of the water storage bucket 130 body; the water outlet or circulating water inlet of the water storage bucket 130 can be set at the bottom of the water storage bucket 130 body, As shown in Figure 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the main water inlet pipe 101 can communicate with the circulating water outlet of the water storage tank 130 and the soft water inlet of the soft water module 120 respectively through the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 . Referring to FIG. 1 , the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 has a first inlet A, a first outlet B, and a first inlet and outlet C, wherein the first inlet A communicates with the main water inlet 101 , and the first outlet B communicates with the soft water module 120 The soft water inlet is connected, and the first inlet and outlet C is connected with the circulating water outlet of the water storage bucket 130 .

In some embodiments, the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 can be configured to connect the first inlet A and the first inlet and outlet C in the state of water use; so that water can flow into the water storage bucket 130 from the main water inlet pipe 101 middle. In the state of using water, if the soft water module 120 is activated to produce soft water, the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 will also connect the first inlet A and the first outlet B while connecting the first inlet A and the first inlet and outlet C. In this way, part of the water from the water inlet main pipe 101 flows into the water storage bucket 130 , and the rest flows into the soft water module 120 .

When the water in the water storage bucket 130 is circulated and softened, in order to realize the circulation process, in some embodiments, a water pump 105 can be provided on the circulating water path, so that the water in the water storage bucket 130 can flow out from the circulating water outlet, And after being softened by the water softening module 120 , it flows into the water storage bucket 130 from the circulating water inlet of the water storage bucket 130 (that is, the water outlet of the water storage bucket). In a further embodiment, the water pump 105 can be configured to be turned on when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold in the non-water consumption state, so as to circulate the water in the water storage tank 130 from its water outlet pumped into the soft water module 120 for softening, and the softened water is circulated back to the water storage bucket 130 from the water production port of the soft water module 120 through the water outlet of the water storage bucket 130; When the second TDS index is less than the second TDS threshold, it is turned off, so as to stop pumping the water in the water storage bucket 130 into the soft water module 120 . At this time, the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is further configured to: when the water pump 105 is turned on, connect the first inlet and outlet C and the first outlet B to form a water flow path.

In some embodiments, the water pump 105 may be disposed on the pipeline between the water outlet of the water storage tank 130 (ie, the circulating water inlet) and the water production inlet of the soft water module 120 . In an alternative embodiment. The water pump 105 can also be installed between the first inlet and outlet C of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 of the circulating water outlet of the water storage tank 130 or between the first outlet B of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 and the soft water inlet of the soft water module 120 on the pipeline between them. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the water storage tank 130 and the water pump 105 can be replaced by the water storage tank or the pressure tank of the RO machine.

In some embodiments, when the soft water module 120 is performing the regeneration process, it will suspend the softening of the water in the water storage tank 130. sewage. At this time, the water pump 105 is further configured to shut down when the water softening module 120 starts the regeneration process; meanwhile, the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is further configured to: connect the first inlet A and the first outlet when the water softening module 120 starts the regeneration process b.

In a further embodiment, the water softener may further include a main water outlet pipe 106 , a concentrated drainage pipe 104 and a second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 . Wherein, the main water outlet pipe 106 is configured to supply water to the outside, communicates with the water outlet of the water storage bucket 130 , and is controllably communicated with the water production port of the soft water module 120 through the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 . The end of the water outlet main pipe 106 can directly install a water tap or a water outlet switch. The concentrated discharge pipeline 104 is used to discharge the concentrated water (ie, the ion concentration in the water is relatively high) generated when the soft water module 120 is regenerated. The second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 has a second inlet D, a second outlet F, and a concentrated discharge port E. The second inlet D communicates with the water production port of the soft water module 120. The water outlet of the bucket 130 communicates with the water outlet main pipe 106 , and the concentrated discharge port E communicates with the concentrated discharge pipeline 104 . The second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 can be configured to: when the soft water module 120 is performing regeneration treatment, connect the second inlet D and the concentrated discharge port E; when the soft water module 120 produces soft water, connect the second inlet D and the second Exit F.

In one embodiment, a sterilizing device, such as an ultraviolet sterilizing device or an ozone sterilizing device, may be installed on the water output pipe of the soft water module 120, so that the water produced from the water softening module 120 can be directly consumed.

In the embodiment of the present invention, after the water softener receives the water supply command and does not receive the water supply stop command, it is judged that the water outlet main pipe 106 is supplying water to the outside, that is, the water softener is in the state of using water; after the water softener receives the water supply stop command And when the water supply instruction is not received and when the water supply instruction is not received when the water supply instruction is not received for the first time, it is judged that the water outlet main pipe 106 does not supply water to the outside, that is, the water softener is in a non-water supply state.

An embodiment of the present invention also provides a water supply method for a water softener, including: judging whether the water softener is in a state of using water and whether the first TDS index of the water in the water storage tank 130 is greater than a preset first TDS threshold, when the When the water softener is in the state of using water and the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, the water softener module 120 is activated to produce water, so as to supply water together with the water storage tank 130 .

In a further embodiment, when the water softener is not using water and the second TDS index of the water in the water storage bucket 130 is less than the preset second TDS threshold, the softening of the water in the water storage bucket 130 is stopped.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the water supply method can start the water softener module 120 when the first TDS index of the water in the water storage tank 130 is greater than the first TDS threshold, and at the same time or later determine whether the water softener is in the state of using water, and further Make the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 and the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 conduct/close their corresponding ports according to their working conditions to form corresponding flow paths, and cooperate with closing/opening the water pump 105 to realize soft water The module 120 supplies water together with the water storage bucket 130 or the water softening module 120 circulates and softens the water in the water storage bucket 130 .

In some other embodiments of the present invention, it may first be judged whether the water softener is in the state of using water, and then judge whether the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, and when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, the water softener module 120 is turned on, And further according to the working state of the water softener, the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 and the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 are turned on/off their corresponding ports to form corresponding flow paths, and cooperate to close/open the water pump 105, In order to realize that the water softening module 120 supplies water together with the water storage bucket 130 or the water softening module 120 circulates and softens the water in the water storage bucket 130 .

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to simultaneously determine whether the water softener is in the state of water use and whether the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold. When the water softener is in the state of water use and the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, Open the soft water module 120, and connect the first inlet A and the first inlet and outlet C, the first inlet A and the first outlet B of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102, and connect the first inlet A and the first outlet B of the second electrically controlled three-way valve 103. Two inlets D and a second outlet F, so that the water softener module 120 and the water storage tank 130 together supply water to the outside; when the water softener is in a non-water state and the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, the water softener module 120 is turned on, and the conduction The first inlet and outlet C and the first outlet B of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 are connected to the second inlet D and the second outlet F of the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103, and the water pump 105 is turned on, so that the water softening module 120 The water in the water storage bucket 130 is circulated and softened.

The water supply method of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below by taking the water softener of the embodiment of the present invention in different working states (water use state or non-water use state).

Fig. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a water supply method for a water softener in a state of using water according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, in the state of using water, the water supply method of the water softener in the embodiment of the present invention includes:

Step S202: Determine whether the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold. The first TDS index here refers to the TDS index of the water in the water storage bucket 130 , and in a preferred embodiment, the first TDS index is the TDS index of the water in the middle of the water storage bucket 130 .

In the embodiment of the present invention, the TDS index of water can be obtained by detecting the conductivity of water. Then, the first TDS index can be obtained by detecting the first conductivity sensor 131 disposed in the middle of the water storage bucket 130 . The first TDS threshold can be set by the user, that is, the user sets the TDS threshold according to the salt removal rate set by the user.

When the first TDS index is not greater than the first TDS threshold, step S204 is performed: the water storage bucket supplies water to the outside alone. That is, at this moment, all the water in the water outlet main pipe 106 comes from the water storage bucket 130, and the water softening module 120 is not activated. In this working state, the first inlet A of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is connected to the first inlet and outlet C, the first inlet A is not connected to the first outlet B, and the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 The second inlet D is not connected to the second outlet F, and the water pump 105 does not work.

When the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, step S206 is performed: the water softening module supplies water together with the water storage tank.

In the water supply method of the embodiment of the present invention, in the state of using water, the water storage tank 130 has been supplying water to the outside; and the soft water module 120 starts when the first TDS index of the water in the water storage tank 130 is greater than the preset first TDS threshold. Soft water is produced and supplied together with the water storage tank 130 as supplementary water.

In this working state, the first inlet A of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is connected to the first inlet and outlet C, the first inlet A is connected to the first outlet B, and the first inlet A of the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 is connected. The second inlet D is connected to the second outlet F, the water pump 105 is not working, and the water in the water outlet pipe 106 comes from the water storage tank 130 and the water produced by the soft water module 120 .

In the embodiment of the present invention, the water softening module 120 may be a capacitive deionization module, also called a CDI module. The working cycle of the capacitive deionization module may include a water production process and a regeneration process. During the water production process, an external forward voltage is applied between the two electrodes of the capacitive deionization module to form an electrostatic field, so that the electric ions in the water entering the channel between the two electrodes are under the action of the electrostatic field It is forced to move to the electrode with the opposite charge; and in the regeneration process, an external reverse voltage is applied between the two electrodes to form an electrostatic field, so that the charged ions adsorbed on each electrode are in the electrostatic field Under the action, it gradually leaves the corresponding electrode and enters the channel between the two electrodes to be carried away by the water entering the channel between the two electrodes. In order to enable the capacitive deionization module to realize the above-mentioned work cycle, the water softener in the embodiment of the present invention also includes an AC/DC power converter (not shown in the figure), so as to provide DC power to the capacitive deionization module, and can change the power provided by it. The polarity of the direct current is used to ensure that the capacitive deionization module realizes its water production process and regeneration process. In one embodiment, the AC/DC power converter is connected to one terminal of the capacitive deionization module, and the electrode adsorption voltage is lower than 1.5V, and the other terminal of the capacitive deionization module is grounded.

In some embodiments, in order to realize that the soft water module 120 automatically enters the regeneration process from the water production process after starting, after step S206 is executed, the soft water TDS index of the water produced by the soft water module 120 is detected, and step S208 is performed: judging the soft water Whether the TDS index is greater than the soft water TDS threshold.

The soft water TDS index here can be obtained by detecting the third conductivity sensor 121 arranged on the produced water outlet pipe of the soft water module 120 .

If the soft water TDS index is not greater than the soft water TDS threshold, continue to execute step S206, so that the soft water module 120 and the water storage tank 130 supply water together; Step S210 is executed: the soft water module performs regeneration treatment.

During the regeneration process, the first inlet A of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is connected to the first outlet B, and the second inlet D of the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 is connected to the rich discharge port E to utilize The water from the water main 101 regenerates the soft water module 120 .

In the present invention, in the state of using water, when the soft water module 120 performs regeneration treatment, the water storage tank 130 alone supplies water to the outside.

After the regeneration treatment, step S212 is executed: discharge the concentrated water after the regeneration treatment from the concentrated drainage pipeline 104 .

The basis for judging the completion of the regeneration process may be, for example, that the soft water TDS index is less than the preset TDS threshold, or the regeneration process has been executed for a set time, etc. These judgment bases are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be repeated here.

In the embodiment of the present invention, after step S212 is executed, step S206 is executed cyclically: enabling the water softening module 120 and the water storage bucket 130 to supply water to the outside together. In the present invention, when using the water softening module 120 and the water storage tank 130 to supply water together, after the water softening module 120 is turned on, its working cycle includes a water softening process and a regeneration process. When it is in the regeneration process, the water storage tank 130 supplies water to the outside temporarily, and then enters the soft water process after the regeneration process is completed.

Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a water supply method for a water softener in a non-water state according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, in the non-water state, the water supply method of the water softener in the embodiment of the present invention includes:

Step S302: Determine whether the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold. Similar to step S202 , the first TDS index is preferably detected by the first conductivity sensor 131 disposed in the middle of the water storage bucket 130 .

When the first TDS index is not greater than the first TDS threshold, the water softener is in a standby state. At this time, the first inlet A of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is connected to the first inlet and outlet C, the first inlet A is not connected to the first outlet B, the water in the water storage bucket 130 is soft water, and the water pump 105 is not connected. Work. The soft water module 120 is inactive, neither producing soft water nor performing regeneration.

When the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, perform step S304: use the water softening module to circulate and soften the water in the water storage tank. At this time, the water outlet main pipe 106 is not conducting; the first inlet A of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is not conducting with the first outlet B, the first inlet A and the first inlet and outlet C are not conducting, and the first inlet The outlet C is connected to the first outlet B; the second inlet D of the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 is connected to the second outlet F, and the water pump 105 works to make the water in the water storage bucket 130 flow out from the circulating water outlet, and pass through the soft water The water inlet enters into the soft water module 120 , and after being softened, flows out from the water production port of the soft water module 120 , and circulates back to the water storage bucket 130 from the circulating water inlet through the pipeline.

In one embodiment, when the water softening module 120 starts to be used, the water in the water softening module 120 can be discharged from the concentrated drainage pipeline 104 first. That is, the first inlet A of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is first connected to the first outlet B, and the second inlet D of the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 is connected to the concentrated discharge port E to connect the soft water module The water in 120 is discharged from the concentrated drain line 104 . Afterwards, the first inlet A of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 is disconnected from the first outlet B, and the second inlet D of the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 is disconnected from the rich discharge port E, and then execute Step S304.

After step S304 is started, step S306 can be executed: determining whether the second TDS index is smaller than the second TDS threshold. In one embodiment, the second TDS index is detected by the second conductivity sensor 132 disposed at the circulation outlet of the water storage bucket 130 when the water in the storage bucket 130 is circulated and softened.

When the second TDS index is not less than the second TDS threshold, continue to execute step S304, using the water softening module 120 to circulate and soften the water in the water storage bucket 130 .

When the second TDS index is less than the second TDS threshold, step S308 is executed: the water softening module 120 stops softening the water in the water storage bucket 130 . At this time, the first inlet and outlet C of the first electronically controlled three-way valve 102 can be disconnected from the first outlet B, and the second inlet D of the second electronically controlled three-way valve 103 can be disconnected from the second outlet F. Water pump 105 does not work.

Since the TDS of the water at the water circulation outlet of the water storage bucket 130 is generally not less than the TDS of the water at the water circulation inlet when the water in the water storage bucket 103 is circulated and softened, when the second TDS index is less than the second TDS threshold , which means that the water in the entire water storage bucket 130 is soft water. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second TDS threshold may be equal to the first TDS threshold. In this way, when the user sets the TDS threshold of the water supply of the water softener, he only needs to set one threshold, which is convenient for operation. In an alternative embodiment, the second TDS threshold may also be unequal to the first TDS threshold. In this way, when the user sets the TDS threshold of the water supplied by the water softener, the two thresholds can be set separately.

In some embodiments of the present invention, in the state of non-water use, when there is no water in the water storage tank 130 or the water is not full due to the initial use, water stoppage or other reasons, the water storage tank 130 can be drained first. After the water storage is full, judge whether the first TDS index of the water in the water storage bucket 130 is greater than the first TDS threshold, and start the water softening module 120 when the first TDS index is greater than the first TDS threshold, The water from the water storage bucket 130 is softened and then circulated back into the water storage bucket 130, so as to circulate and soften the water therein.

Those skilled in the art can understand that, in the process of using the soft water module 120 to circulate and soften the water in the water storage tank 130, it can also be similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, that is, after the soft water module 120 is started, its working cycle Also includes water softening process and regeneration process. When it is in the water softening process, the water in the water storage tank 130 is circulated and softened; and when it is in the regeneration process, the water in the water storage tank 130 is temporarily softened, and after the regeneration process is completed, it enters the circulation softening water process.

So far, those skilled in the art should appreciate that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention can still be used. Many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the invention are directly identified or derived from the content. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims (16)

1. a water softening device, comprises water butt and soft water module, it is characterized in that,

Described water butt is configured to: with under water state, outwards provide part or all of water;

Described soft water block configuration becomes: with under water state, and when a TDS index of the water in described water butt is greater than a default TDS threshold value, starts production soft water, outwards to supply water together with described water butt.

2. water softening device according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described soft water module is configured to further: under non-water state, and starts when a described TDS index is greater than a described TDS threshold value, will return in water butt from the water softening Posterior circle in water butt, to carry out cyclic softening to the water in water butt.

3. water softening device according to claim 2, is characterized in that,

Described soft water module is configured to further: under non-water state, when carrying out cyclic softening to the water in water butt, when the 2nd TDS index of the water in water butt is less than the 2nd default TDS threshold value, stops softening the water in water butt.

4. water softening device according to claim 3, characterized by further comprising:

First conductivity sensor, is arranged in the middle part of described water butt, and a described TDS index is detected by described first conductivity sensor and obtains; And/or

Second conductivity sensor, is arranged on the circulating outlet place of water butt when carrying out cyclic softening to the water in described water butt, and described 2nd TDS index is detected by described second conductivity sensor and obtains.

5. water softening device according to claim 4, is characterized in that,

Described 2nd TDS threshold value is equal with a described TDS threshold value.

6. water softening device according to claim 4, characterized by further comprising:

Water inlet manifold, for providing with water for described water butt and soft water module; With

First Electrocontrolled tee valve, it has the first import, the first outlet and first is imported and exported, described first import is communicated with described water inlet manifold, described first outlet is communicated with the soft water water-in of described soft water module, described first import and export are communicated with the circulating outlet of described water butt, and described first Electrocontrolled tee valve is configured to:

With under water state, the first import described in conducting and described first is imported and exported;

With under water state, if start soft water module to produce soft water, then while the first import described in conducting and described first import and export, described in conducting, the first import and described first exports.

7. water softening device according to claim 6, characterized by further comprising:

Water pump, be arranged on the pipeline between the water outlet of described water butt and the product mouth of a river of described soft water module, described water pump is configured to:

Under non-water state, and open when a described TDS index is greater than a described TDS threshold value, soften so that the water in described water butt is pumped to described soft water module from its circulating outlet, and make softening after the water outlet of water from the product mouth of a river of soft water module via water butt loop back described water butt; Until close down when the 2nd TDS index of the water at the circulating outlet place of water butt is less than described 2nd TDS threshold value, to stop the water in water butt to pump in soft water module;

First Electrocontrolled tee valve is configured to further: while water pump is opened, and the first import and export described in conducting export with described first.

8. water softening device according to claim 7, is characterized in that,

Described soft water module is capacitive deionization module, and it is configured to further:

When starting production soft water, if the soft water TDS index of producing water is greater than soft water TDS threshold value, then start manipulation of regeneration;

Described water pump is configured to further: close down when described soft water module starts manipulation of regeneration;

Described first Electrocontrolled tee valve is configured to further: when described soft water module starts manipulation of regeneration, described in conducting, the first import and described first exports.

9. water softening device according to claim 8, characterized by further comprising:

3rd conductivity sensor, the product water being arranged on described soft water module goes out on pipe, and described soft water TDS index is detected by described 3rd conductivity sensor and obtains.

10. water softening device according to claim 8, characterized by further comprising:

Outfall sewer, is configured to outside water supply, and it is communicated with the water outlet of described water butt, and is controllably communicated with the product mouth of a river of described soft water module;

Dense row pipeline, is configured to the concentrated water drainage of generation when described soft water module being carried out to manipulation of regeneration to go out; And

Second Electrocontrolled tee valve, it has the second import, the second outlet and dense row's mouth, described second import is communicated with the product mouth of a river of described soft water module, described second outlet utilizes pipeline to be communicated with described outfall sewer with the water outlet of described water butt respectively via described water pump, described dense row's mouth is communicated with described dense row pipeline, and described second Electrocontrolled tee valve is configured to:

When described soft water module carries out manipulation of regeneration, the second import described in conducting and described dense row's mouth;

When described soft water module produces soft water, the second import described in conducting and described second exports.

The water supply method of 11. 1 kinds of water softening devices, described water softening device comprises water butt and soft water module, and described water supply method comprises:

Judge whether described water softening device is in and whether be greater than a default TDS threshold value by a TDS index of the water under water state and in described water butt, when described water softening device be in under water state and a TDS index is greater than a TDS threshold value time, start described soft water module and carry out product water, outwards to supply water together with described water butt.

12. water supply method according to claim 11, is characterized in that,

When described water softening device is under non-water state and a described TDS index is greater than a TDS threshold value, starts described soft water module, will return in water butt from the water softening Posterior circle in water butt, to carry out cyclic softening to the water in water butt.

13. water supply method according to claim 12, is characterized in that,

When described water softening device is under non-water state and the 2nd TDS index of water in described water butt is less than the 2nd default TDS threshold value, stop softening the water in water butt.

14. water supply method according to claim 13, is characterized in that,

A described TDS index is detected by the first conductivity sensor be arranged in the middle part of described water butt and obtains; And/or

Described 2nd TDS index by be arranged on cyclic softening carries out to the water in water butt time described water butt the second conductivity sensor of circulating outlet detect and obtain.

15. water supply method according to claim 14, is characterized in that,

Described 2nd TDS threshold value is equal with a described TDS threshold value.

16. water supply method according to claim 14, is characterized in that,

Described soft water module is capacitive deionization module, and described water supply method comprises further:

When starting soft water module and producing soft water, if the soft water TDS index of producing water is greater than soft water TDS threshold value, then start manipulation of regeneration; Wherein

The 3rd conductivity sensor that described soft water TDS index is gone out on pipe by the product water being arranged on described soft water module detects and obtains.