CN218954192U - Multi-way valve and water softener - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to a multiple unit valve and water softener, the multiple unit valve includes: the valve body comprises a valve body and a valve core accommodated in the valve body; a driving member; the transmission assembly is in transmission connection with the driving piece and the valve core and is provided with a plurality of sub-positioning features which are arranged at intervals, and one or a plurality of sub-positioning features form a group of positioning features; the first detection module is arranged on one side of the driving wheel and is used for identifying positioning features to acquire the rotating position of the valve core. According to the multi-way valve, the sub-positioning features can be flexibly divided into a plurality of groups of positioning features according to the arrangement of different stations, each group of positioning features comprises different numbers of sub-positioning features, and the first detection module can identify the positioning features to acquire the rotation angle of the driving wheel, so that the accurate positioning of the valve core is realized.

Description

Multi-way valve and water softener

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of water treatment, in particular to a multi-way valve and a water softener.

Background

At present, a tap water source used in a city is usually collected from underground water, but the underground water usually contains angular calcium ions and magnesium ions, so that the water is easy to scale in the use process, and further electric appliances are damaged, hard water is softened, the hardness of drinking water is reduced, lithiasis can be effectively prevented, heart and kidney burdens are relieved, and the health of people is benefited, so that a water softener capable of softening the hard water is used more and more frequently in life. The water softener generally exchanges functional ions on the resin with calcium and magnesium ions in water, so that redundant calcium and magnesium ions in the water are adsorbed, and the purpose of removing scale is achieved.

The multi-way valve is used as one of important parts in the water softener and comprises a movable valve plate and a fixed valve plate which can rotate relatively, and the rotating angle of the movable valve plate relative to the fixed valve plate is controlled to form waterways with different flow directions, so that the multi-way valve has different stations for regeneration, forward washing, backwashing and the like. With further upgrading and improving of the water softener, stations of the multi-way valve are increased, so that higher requirements on positioning accuracy of the movable valve plate are provided.

Disclosure of Invention

The utility model provides a multi-way valve and water softener to the not enough problem of positioning accuracy of multi-way valve.

According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a multiway valve comprising:

the valve body comprises a valve body and a valve core accommodated in the valve body;

a driving member;

the transmission assembly is in transmission connection with the driving piece and the valve core, the transmission assembly is provided with a plurality of sub-positioning features which are arranged at intervals, and one or more of the sub-positioning features form a group of positioning features; and

the first detection module is arranged on one side of the transmission assembly and is used for identifying the positioning feature to acquire the rotating position of the valve core.

In one embodiment, the drive assembly includes a drive wheel on which the sub-locating features are circumferentially spaced apart.

In one embodiment, all of the sub-positioning features are equally spaced along the circumference of the drive wheel.

In one embodiment, a first identification rib circumferentially surrounding the central axis of the driving wheel is arranged on one side end face of the driving wheel in a protruding mode, and the sub-positioning feature is formed on the first identification rib.

In one embodiment, the sub-positioning feature is a notch formed in the first identifier.

In one embodiment, the first detection module includes a first transmitting unit and a first receiving unit that are disposed at intervals, the first transmitting unit is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the first receiving unit, and the first identification rib extends into or is far away from between the first transmitting unit and the first receiving unit, so as to block or allow the first detection signal to reach the first receiving unit.

In one embodiment, the first detection signal is a detection beam.

In one embodiment, the transmission assembly is provided with a second identification rib;

the multi-way valve further comprises a second detection module, wherein the second detection module is used for identifying the second identification rib so as to obtain the rotating position of the valve core.

In one embodiment, the second identification rib is located on the driving wheel, and in the radial direction of the driving wheel, the second identification rib is located on one side of the first identification rib.

In one embodiment, the second detection module includes a second transmitting unit and a second receiving unit that are disposed at intervals, the second transmitting unit is configured to transmit a second detection signal to the second receiving unit, and the second identification rib may extend into or away from between the second transmitting unit and the second receiving unit to block or allow the second detection signal to reach the second receiving unit.

In one embodiment, the second detection signal is a detection beam.

In one embodiment, the transmission assembly comprises a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel, the first transmission wheel is arranged on the output shaft of the driving piece, and the second transmission wheel is fixedly connected with the valve core and meshed with the first transmission wheel;

the sub-indexing feature is formed in the second drive wheel.

According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a water softener including the above-described multiple valve.

According to the multi-way valve, the sub-positioning features can be flexibly divided into a plurality of groups of positioning features according to the number and the arrangement mode of the stations, each group of positioning features comprises the same or different numbers of sub-positioning features, and the first detection module can identify the positioning features to acquire the rotating position of the valve core, so that the accurate positioning of the valve core is realized.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multiway valve according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the valve body of the multiway valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portion of the valve body shown in FIG. 2;

fig. 4 is a schematic structural view of a second driving wheel according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 5 is an assembly schematic diagram of a first detection module, a second detection module and a circuit board according to an embodiment of the present application.

Reference numerals illustrate:

100. a multiway valve; 20. a valve body; 21. a valve body; 22. a valve core; 23. a movable valve plate; 24. a fixed valve plate; 25. a mounting plate; 26. a driving member; 27. a transmission assembly; 272. a first driving wheel; 274. a second driving wheel; 2741. a first identification rib; 2741a, child positioning features; 2743. a second identification rib; 281. a first detection module; 2812. a first emitting unit; 2814. a first receiving unit; 283. a second detection module; 2832. a second transmitting unit; 2834. a second receiving unit; 285. a circuit board; 29. a control box assembly; 292. a control box bracket; 294. controlling the box cover; 296. a seal ring; 40. a jet device; 60. and a bypass valve.

Detailed Description

In order to make the above objects, features and advantages of the present application more comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. This application is, however, susceptible of embodiment in many other forms than those described herein and similar modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the application, and therefore the application is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, are merely for convenience in describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element being referred to must have a particular orientation, be configured and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present application.

Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like, are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first" or "a second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless explicitly defined otherwise.

In this application, unless specifically stated and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "secured," and the like are to be construed broadly, and may be, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally formed; can be mechanically or electrically connected; either directly or indirectly, through intermediaries, or both, may be in communication with each other or in interaction with each other, unless expressly defined otherwise. The specific meaning of the terms in this application will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art as the case may be.

In this application, unless expressly stated or limited otherwise, a first feature "up" or "down" a second feature may be the first and second features in direct contact, or the first and second features in indirect contact via an intervening medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "over" and "on" a second feature may be a first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is level higher than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "below" and "beneath" the second feature may be the first feature being directly under or obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is less level than the second feature.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "fixed" or "disposed" on another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and the like are used herein for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be the only embodiment.

Embodiments of the present application provide a water softener (not shown), which can remove calcium and magnesium ions in raw water through an ion exchange resin, thereby reducing water hardness to provide soft water with a low calcium and magnesium ion content for users.

Referring to fig. 1, the water softener includes an integrated waterway in which a multi-way valve 100 for controlling a flow direction of water is provided, and a water softener and a salt supplier connected to the integrated waterway. Specifically, the multi-way valve 100 includes a valve body 20, an ejector 40, and a bypass valve 60, one end of the valve body 20 is connected to the water softener, the other end of the valve body 20 is connected to one end of the ejector 40, and the other end of the ejector 40 communicates with a raw water inlet through the bypass valve 60. In this way, raw water flowing in from the raw water inlet may enter the valve body 20 through the bypass valve 60 and the ejector 40, and the valve body 20 may be switched between different stations to change the flow direction of water flow, thereby enabling different operations of the water softener.

The structure of the multiple-way valve 100 in the present application will be described with reference to a water softener as an example. The following examples are given by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present application. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the multiple-way valve 100 may be used in other applications where it is desired to change the flow of water or liquid, without limitation.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the valve body 20 includes a valve body 21, a valve body 22, a movable valve plate 23, a fixed valve plate 24, and a mounting plate 25. The valve body 21 is a hollow shell structure with one end open, the valve core 22, the movable valve plate 23 and the fixed valve plate 24 are all accommodated in the valve body 21, the fixed valve plate 24 is positioned at the closed end of the valve body 21, the movable valve plate 23 is laminated on one side of the fixed valve plate 24 facing the opening of the valve body 21, one end of the valve core 22 is fixedly connected with one side of the movable valve plate 23 away from the fixed valve plate 24, and the other end of the valve core 22 extends out of the opening end of the valve body 21. The mounting plate 25 has a substantially rectangular plate-like structure, and the mounting plate 25 is fitted over one end of the valve body 21 near the opening thereof.

The multiplex valve 100 also includes a controller (not shown), a driver 26, and a transmission assembly 27. The driving member 26 is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting plate 25 of the valve main body 20 in the length direction, the driving member 26 may be formed of a driving structure capable of outputting torque, such as a direct current motor, an alternating current motor, a stepping motor, etc., and the controller is communicatively connected to the driving member 26. The transmission assembly 27 is in transmission connection with the driving piece 26 and the valve core 22, and under the control of the controller, the transmission assembly 27 drives the valve core 22 to rotate around the axis of the transmission assembly under the drive of the driving piece 26, so that the movable valve plate 23 is driven to rotate relative to the fixed valve plate 24. The drive assembly 27 may include one or more of a reduction gear set, a chain, a belt, which may include different types of gears such as spur gears, planetary gears, staggered gears, and the like. It will be appreciated that the mounting location of the driver 26 is not limited thereto and may be separate from the valve body 20 and mounted elsewhere.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, in order to accurately position the valve core 22, the transmission assembly 27 of the present application includes a transmission wheel, where the transmission wheel has a plurality of sub-positioning features 2741a arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction, one or more of the sub-positioning features 2741a form a set of positioning features, and multiple sets of positioning features may be formed on the transmission wheel. The multi-way valve 100 further includes a first detection module 281, the first detection module 281 being disposed on one side of the drive wheel and in communication with the controller for identifying a positioning feature to obtain a rotational position of the spool 22. It will be appreciated that the drive wheel is provided with a sufficient number of sub-positioning features 2741a so that its minimum positioning resolution meets all positioning requirements.

In this way, the sub-positioning features 2741a can be flexibly divided into multiple groups of positioning features according to the number and arrangement mode of the stations, each group of positioning features comprises the same or different number of sub-positioning features 2741a, and the first detection module 281 can identify the positioning features to obtain the rotation angle of the driving wheel, so that the accurate positioning of the valve core 22 is realized.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the drive assembly 27 may comprise one or more of a chain, belt, rack, etc., on which the plurality of sub-locating features 2741a may be spaced, one or more of the sub-locating features 2741a forming a set of locating features, and thus a plurality of sets of locating features may be formed on the drive element. Depending on the configuration and shape of the transmission elements described above, the specific configuration and location of the sub-locating features 2741 may be set as desired to meet the identification requirements of the first detection module 281.

For example, in one embodiment, the multiplex valve 100 has a first station, a second station, a third station, a fourth station, and a fifth station, and the drive wheel has 100 sub-positioning features 2741a thereon, with each 20 sub-positioning features 2741a being arranged in a clockwise direction as one positioning feature. When the driven wheel continues to rotate until the first detection module 281 again recognizes 20 sub-positioning features 2741a, the controller can determine that the multi-way valve 100 is in a third station, and so on, and can realize positioning of the multi-way valve 100.

In the following embodiment, as shown in fig. 3 to 5, the transmission assembly 27 includes a first transmission wheel 272 and a second transmission wheel 274, the first transmission wheel 272 is mounted on the output shaft of the driving member 26, and the second transmission wheel 274 is fixedly connected to the spool 22 and is engaged with the first transmission wheel 272. The driving member 26 drives the first driving wheel 272 to rotate, so as to drive the second driving wheel 274 to rotate, and finally, the valve core 22 drives the movable valve plate 23 to rotate relative to the fixed valve plate 24. The positioning feature is disposed on the second driving wheel 274, and the first detection module 281 can detect the positioning feature to obtain the real-time angle of the second driving wheel 274, thereby obtaining the real-time angle of the spool 22. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the locating feature may also be provided on the first drive wheel 272.

As a preferred embodiment, all the sub-positioning features 2741a are equally spaced circumferentially, so that when the number of stations of the spool 22 needs to be adjusted, only the number of sub-positioning features 2741a in each set of positioning features need to be redefined, without changing the number of original sub-positioning features 2741 a.

Specifically, a first identification rib 2741 surrounding the central axis of the second transmission wheel 274 in the circumferential direction is convexly arranged on one side end surface of the second transmission wheel 274, a sub-positioning feature 2741a is formed on the first identification rib 2741, and the sub-positioning feature 2741a is a notch formed on the first identification rib 2741. The first detection module 281 includes a first transmitting unit 2812 and a first receiving unit 2814 that are disposed at intervals, the first transmitting unit 2812 is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the first receiving unit 2814, and the first identification rib 2741 extends into or away from between the first transmitting unit 2812 and the first receiving unit 2814 to block or allow the first detection signal to reach the first receiving unit 2814.

As such, when the area of the first recognition rib 2741 where the sub-positioning feature 2741a is not provided passes through the gap between the first transmitting unit 2812 and the first receiving unit 2814, the detection signal emitted from the first transmitting unit 2812 is blocked by the first recognition rib 2741 and cannot reach the first receiving unit 2814. When one sub-positioning feature 2741a passes through the gap between the first transmitting unit 2812 and the first receiving unit 2814, the first detection signal transmitted by the first transmitting unit 2812 can pass through the sub-positioning feature 2741a to reach the first receiving unit 2814, so that the output signal of the first receiving unit 2814 changes, and the controller can determine the rotation angle of the second transmission wheel 274 according to the number of changes.

In some embodiments, the first detection module 281 is a correlation photoelectric switch module, and the first detection signal is a detection beam. In the existing multiway valve, the positioning of the valve core is generally realized by matching a magnet with a Hall element. However, because the magnetic fields of the magnets have individual differences, and the strength of the magnetic fields is fluctuated due to the influence of temperature, when the on-off switching of the Hall element is caused, the distance between the magnets and the Hall element is not constant, and the number of the magnets and the Hall element is increased along with the increase of the stations of the multi-way valve, so that the positioning accuracy of the valve core is obviously influenced. In this application, the first detection module 281 is a correlation photoelectric switch module, which is not affected by the environment such as temperature, and thus has high positioning accuracy.

In other embodiments, the first detection module 281 may also be a tact switch module, a micro switch module, or the like, and the structure of the sub-positioning feature 2741a is also set according to the detection principle of the first detection module 281.

In some embodiments, the end surface of the second transmission wheel 274, on which the first identification rib 2741 is provided, is further provided with a second identification rib 2743, and the second identification rib 2743 is located on one side of the first identification rib 2741 in the radial direction of the second transmission wheel 274. The multi-way valve 100 further includes a second detection module 283, where the second detection module 283 is configured to identify the second identifying rib 2743 to obtain the rotation angle of the valve core 22.

It will be appreciated that the second identifying rib 2743 is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the second identifying rib 2743 may be disposed on one or more of the drive members of the drive assembly 27 including a chain, belt, rack, etc.

Specifically, the second detection module 283 includes a second transmitting unit 2832 and a second receiving unit 2834 that are disposed at intervals, the second transmitting unit 2832 is configured to transmit a second detection signal to the second receiving unit 2834, and the second identifying rib 2743 may extend into or away from between the second transmitting unit 2832 and the second receiving unit 2834 to block or allow the second detection signal to reach the second receiving unit 2834.

As such, when the second recognition rib 2743 does not pass through the gap between the first transmitting unit 2812 and the first receiving unit 2814, the detection signal emitted from the second transmitting unit 2832 may reach the second receiving unit 2834. When the second recognition rib 2743 passes through the gap between the first transmitting unit 2812 and the first receiving unit 2814, the second detection signal emitted by the second transmitting unit 2832 is blocked by the second recognition rib 2743 and cannot reach the second receiving unit 2834, so that the output signal of the second receiving unit 2834 changes, and the controller can determine the rotation angle of the second driving wheel 274 according to the change.

In some embodiments, the second detection module 283 is a correlation photoelectric switch module, and the second detection signal is a detection beam. In other embodiments, the second detection module 283 may be a tact switch module, a micro switch module, etc., and the structure of the second recognition rib 2743 is also set according to the detection principle of the first detection module 281.

In some embodiments, referring again to fig. 1, the first detection module 281 and the second detection module 283 are integrated on the same circuit board 285, and the multi-way valve 100 further includes a control box assembly 29 for housing the first detection module 281 and the second detection module 283. The control box assembly 29 is mounted at the open end of the valve body 21 and comprises a control box support 292, a control box cover 294 and a sealing ring 296, wherein the control box support 292 and the control box cover 294 are mutually buckled, and a gap between the control box support 292 and the control box cover 294 is sealed through the sealing ring 296, so that water in the external environment is isolated.

The control box assembly 29 has a first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber disposed adjacent to and independent of each other. The transmission assembly 27 is accommodated in the first accommodating cavity, the circuit board 285 is accommodated in the second accommodating cavity, and the first transmitting unit 2812, the first receiving unit 2814, the second transmitting unit 2832 and the second receiving unit 2834 extend into the first accommodating cavity so as to detect the rotation angle of the second transmission wheel 274.

In this way, the first detection module 281 and the second detection module 283 can be partially accommodated in the second accommodating cavity and isolated from the transmission assembly 27 located in the first accommodating cavity, so that the first detection module 281 and the second detection module 283 can be effectively prevented from being damaged by water erosion leaked from the transmission assembly 27 in the rotating process, and the service life of the multi-way valve 100 is prolonged. Also, when the multiplex valve 100 is in normal use, the control box assembly 29 is positioned on top of the valve body 21 in the direction of gravity, so that water in the valve body 21 does not flow back into the second receiving chamber.

The detection principle of the rotational position of the spool 22 of the embodiment of the present application is as follows:

when the second driving wheel 274 starts to rotate until a certain angle, the second recognition rib 2743 enters the detection gap of the second detection module 283, the second detection signal emitted by the second emission unit 2832 is blocked by the second recognition rib 2743 and cannot reach the second receiving unit 2834, so that the second receiving unit 2834 generates a power-off action, and the controller detects that the second receiving unit 2834 generates the power-off action to confirm that the second driving wheel 274 enters the 0 position.

The second transmission wheel 274 continues to rotate, all the sub-positioning features 2741a of one positioning feature of the first identification rib 2741 sequentially enter a detection gap of the first detection module 281, a detection signal emitted by the first emitting unit 2812 of the first detection module 281 intermittently passes through the detection gap to reach the first receiving unit 2814, so that the first receiving unit 2812 intermittently generates power-on actions, and when the number of the power-on actions is equal to the number of the sub-positioning features 2741a in the positioning features, the controller judges that the second transmission wheel 274 enters a number 1 position.

According to the related procedure, if the multi-way valve 100 needs to work at the position No. 1, the power of the driving piece 26 is immediately cut off, and the second driving wheel 274, the valve core 22 and the movable valve plate 23 are all stopped at the position No. 1 to connect the corresponding waterway. If no work is required in the 1 st position, the driving member 26 continues to work until the second transmission wheel 274 rotates to the next position, all the sub-positioning features 2741a of the other positioning feature of the first recognition rib 2741 sequentially enter the detection gap of the first detection module 281, and the first receiving unit 2812 intermittently generates an energizing action. It will be appreciated that by repeating the above steps, the corresponding stations can be found to switch on different waterways. When the second detection module 283 re-detects the 0 position, it indicates that the second driving wheel 274 completes one rotation period.

The multi-way valve 100 and the water softener provided with the same can be defined to form different numbers of positioning features by arranging a plurality of sub-positioning features 2741a on the driving wheel, so as to meet different positioning requirements of the valve core 22. When the number of stations of the multiplex valve 100 needs to be changed, only the number of positioning features 2741a in the positioning features need to be redefined, and the hardware structure of the multiplex valve 100 does not need to be redesigned.

The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined, and all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are not described for brevity of description, however, as long as there is no contradiction between the combinations of the technical features, they should be considered as the scope of the description.

The above examples only represent a few embodiments of the present application, which are described in more detail and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It should be noted that it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements could be made without departing from the spirit of the present application, which would be within the scope of the present application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present application is to be determined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (13)

1. A multiway valve, comprising:

a valve body (20) comprising a valve body (21) and a valve core (22) accommodated in the valve body (21);

a driving member (26);

a transmission assembly (27) drivingly connected to the driver (26) and the spool (22), the transmission assembly (27) having a plurality of spaced apart sub-positioning features (2741 a), one or more of the sub-positioning features (2741 a) forming a set of positioning features; and

the first detection module (281) is arranged on one side of the transmission assembly (27), and the first detection module (281) is used for identifying the positioning feature so as to acquire the rotating position of the valve core (22).

2. A multiway valve according to claim 1, wherein the drive assembly (27) comprises a drive wheel, the sub-positioning features (2741 a) being circumferentially spaced on the drive wheel.

3. A multiway valve according to claim 2, wherein all sub-positioning features (2741 a) are equally spaced along the circumference of the drive wheel.

4. A multiway valve according to claim 2, wherein one side end face of the drive wheel is provided with a first identification rib (2741) protruding circumferentially around its central axis, said sub-positioning feature (2741 a) being formed in said first identification rib (2741).

5. The multiway valve of claim 4, wherein the child positioning feature (2741 a) is a notch cut into the first identifying rib (2741).

6. The multiway valve of claim 5, wherein the first detection module (281) comprises a first transmitting unit (2812) and a first receiving unit (2814) arranged at intervals, the first transmitting unit (2812) is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the first receiving unit (2814), and the first identification rib (2741) extends into or away from between the first transmitting unit (2812) and the first receiving unit (2814) to block or allow the first detection signal to reach the first receiving unit (2814).

7. The multiway valve of claim 6, wherein the first detection signal is a detection beam.

8. A multiway valve according to claim 4, characterized in that the transmission assembly (27) is provided with a second identification rib (2743);

the multi-way valve further comprises a second detection module (283), wherein the second detection module (283) is used for identifying the second identification rib (2743) so as to acquire the rotating position of the valve core (22).

9. A multiway valve according to claim 8, wherein the second identifying rib (2743) is located on the drive wheel, and in the radial direction of the drive wheel, the second identifying rib (2743) is located on one side of the first identifying rib (2741).

10. The multiway valve of claim 8, wherein the second detection module (283) comprises a second transmitting unit (2832) and a second receiving unit (2834) arranged at intervals, the second transmitting unit (2832) is configured to transmit a second detection signal to the second receiving unit (2834), and the second identification rib (2743) can extend into or away from between the second transmitting unit (2832) and the second receiving unit (2834) to block or allow the second detection signal to reach the second receiving unit (2834).

11. The multiway valve of claim 10, wherein the second detection signal is a detection beam.

12. The multiway valve according to claim 2, wherein the transmission assembly (27) comprises a first transmission wheel (272) and a second transmission wheel (274), the first transmission wheel (272) being mounted to the output shaft of the driving member (26), the second transmission wheel (274) being fixedly connected to the valve core (22) and being meshed with the first transmission wheel (272);

the sub-positioning feature (2741 a) is formed in the second drive wheel (274).

13. A water softener comprising a multiple valve according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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