JP2014133197A - Water softening apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water softening apparatus capable of extending exchanging cycles of ion exchange resins.SOLUTION: The provided water softening apparatus includes, for the purpose of executing an antioxidant operation of preventing the oxidation of a cation exchange resin, a reducing liquid tank capable of stocking a reductant solution, a connection flow channel linking the reducing liquid tank and a water softening tank, and a pump configured on the connection flow channel. The antioxidant operation is executed by assuming, as one condition, that a water softening operation is not being executed, whereas a state where the cation exchange resin within the water softening tank is immersed within the reductant solution can be realized by introducing, into the water softening tank, the reductant solution within the reducing liquid tank.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water softening device that softens a liquid using an ion exchange resin.

  Conventionally, water softening devices have been widely used mainly to suppress the adhesion of scales in industrial facilities and the like, but in recent years, tap water and well water have been softened so that soft water can be used even in general households. Water softening devices for household use are being marketed. This water softener for home use is similar to that for industrial use, and has a water softener filled with an ion exchange resin. In the water softener, positive ions such as calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in tap water and the like are contained. In this configuration, the ions are replaced with sodium ions to soften the water.

When such a water softening device continues the water softening treatment by passing tap water or well water, etc., the water softening ability of the ion exchange resin gradually decreases, and finally the water softening treatment becomes impossible. . Therefore, this type of water softening device is configured to be able to perform a regeneration treatment using salt water (sodium chloride aqueous solution) in order to recover the water softening ability of the ion exchange resin. That is, since calcium ions, magnesium ions, and the like adsorbed on the ion exchange resin are replaced by sodium ions contained in the salt water by the regeneration treatment, the ion exchange resin after the replacement is again soft water against tap water and the like. Can be processed.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of a water softening device having such a regeneration processing function.

  As described above, the ion exchange resin can recover the water softening ability by regenerating with salt water even if the water softening ability is reduced by performing the water softening treatment. In addition, it becomes difficult to recover the water softening ability by the regeneration treatment. Therefore, the lifetime (for example, 3 years) of the ion exchange resin used for a home water softening device is usually set with a predetermined period from the start of use as a guide. That is, when the existing ion exchange resin reaches the end of its life, it is difficult to expect a certain water softening ability, and therefore, it is preferable to replace the ion exchange resin with a new ion exchange resin.

JP 2010-247098 A

  However, in this kind of water softening device, there was a complaint that the replacement time of the existing ion exchange resin came earlier than the preset design life.

  This defect is caused by a difference between the test environment for calculating the design life and the actual use environment. In other words, in the test environment, attention is paid to the time of use of the water softening device for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the test, and a life calculation method based mainly on the flow rate of the liquid that passes through the ion exchange resin is employed. In other words, in the test environment, only deterioration during use of the water softening device is a factor for calculating the lifetime of the ion exchange resin.

  On the other hand, in an actual use environment, there are times when the water softening device is used and times when it is not used. More specifically, the water softening device normally maintains a state in which liquid such as tap water is stored in the water softener when the tap water or the like is not supplied to the water softener. That is, when the water softener is not used, the ion exchange resin is immersed in tap water or the like stored in the water softener and is exposed to oxygen or chlorine contained in the water. For this reason, in this type of water softener, in a situation where soft water is not supplied to showers, currants, etc., that is, a situation where a water softener is not used, the ion exchange resin depends on components contained in the water in the water softener Oxidation was promoted, and as a result, deterioration of the ion exchange resin was progressing. As described above, in an actual use environment, both deterioration during use of the water softening device and deterioration when not in use are factors that shorten the life of the ion exchange resin.

  According to the above, in the actual use environment, the life of the ion-exchange resin is shortened not only by deterioration when the water softening device is used, but also when it is not used. At an early stage, the existing ion exchange resin had to be replaced, which was unsatisfactory for consumers.

  In view of the conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a water softening device capable of extending an ion exchange resin exchange cycle.

  The invention according to claim 1, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problem, has a water softening treatment tank in which an ion exchange resin is incorporated, and performs a water softening operation in which a liquid is passed through the water softening treatment tank and softened. A water softening device capable of implementing a reducing liquid tank for storing a reducing agent solution, a connection flow path connecting the reduction liquid tank and the water softening treatment tank, and a connection flow path One condition is that the water softening operation is not performed, and the pump is driven to move the reducing agent solution in the reducing solution tank to the water softening treatment tank side. The water softening device is characterized in that an oxidation preventing operation is performed in which water is retained in the water softening treatment tank.

  The water softening device of the present invention has a reducing liquid tank for storing a reducing agent solution, and the reducing liquid tank and the water softening treatment tank are connected by a connection flow path, and the reducing agent is placed in the water softening treatment tank. Since the solution can be supplied, the ion exchange resin in the tank can be immersed in the reducing agent solution. That is, in the present invention, if necessary, an ion exchange resin can be immersed in a reducing agent solution to prevent oxidation of the resin.

  Further, in the invention described in claim 1, an antioxidant operation in which the reducing agent solution in the reducing liquid tank is introduced into the water softening treatment tank and retained is performed on the condition that the water softening operation is not performed. Therefore, there is no possibility that the ion exchange resin in the water softening treatment tank is oxidized in a state where the water softening device is not used as in the prior art. That is, in the present invention, under the situation where the water softening operation is not performed, the ion exchange resin is immersed in the reducing agent solution, and deterioration due to oxidation does not occur. As a result, the life of the ion exchange resin is shortened mainly due to the normal deterioration in the water softening operation, so that the ion exchange resin can be used until a time closer to the design life. As a result, in the present invention, the ion exchange resin exchange cycle can be prolonged as compared with the conventional one. That is, according to the water softening device of the present invention, since the lifetime of the ion exchange resin is substantially longer than that of the conventional one, the running cost of the consumer can be reduced.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the connection flow path is provided with a flow regulating means for preventing the liquid introduced into the water softening treatment tank from flowing out to the reducing liquid tank side. The water softening device according to claim 2.

  According to such a configuration, the reducing agent solution unintentionally introduced into the water softening treatment tank during the antioxidant operation by the flow regulating means is transferred to the reducing liquid tank side via the connection channel. Since it can be prevented from flowing out, it is possible to more effectively prevent the ion exchange resin built in the water softening treatment tank from being deteriorated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the connection channel, an outward flow channel in which liquid flows from the reducing liquid tank side to the water softening treatment tank side, and a return flow from the water softening treatment tank side to the reducing liquid tank side. 3. The water softening device according to claim 1, wherein the water softening device has a side flow path, a pump is disposed in the forward flow path, and a flow regulating means is disposed in the return flow path.

  According to such a configuration, the reducing agent solution sent into the water softening tank can be returned to the reducing liquid tank side by the return side flow path, and therefore the reducing agent solution can be recycled. That is, it is not necessary to throw away the reducing agent solution every time the antioxidant operation is performed, so that the burden on the running cost of the consumer can be reduced. Further, in the present invention, since the flow restricting means is provided in the return side flow path, there is no possibility that the liquid in the water softening treatment tank flows into the reducing liquid tank side unintentionally.

  The invention according to claim 4 is provided with a control device, and the control device is provided with a time measuring means capable of measuring time, and further conditions for performing the antioxidant operation are constant after the water softening operation is completed. The water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the time elapses and / or the case has entered a predetermined time zone.

  According to such a configuration, since the antioxidant operation can be performed at a time when the water softening operation is hardly performed, the deterioration of the ion exchange resin due to oxidation can be reasonably performed without impairing the function of the water softening device main body. Can be prevented.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that when the conditions for carrying out the antioxidation operation are satisfied, after the preparatory operation for draining the liquid in the water softening treatment tank is carried out, the operation proceeds to the antioxidation operation. Item 5. The water softening device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

  According to this configuration, since the reducing agent solution is charged after the water softening treatment tank is emptied, the ion exchange resin incorporated in the water softening treatment tank can be effectively prevented from being oxidized. That is, since the reducing agent solution introduced into the water softening treatment tank is not diluted with soft water or the like, the effect of preventing oxidation is high.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the reducing agent solution is allowed to flow from the reducing liquid tank to the water softening treatment tank side in the oxidation preventing operation, an exhaust path capable of discharging the gas in the water softening treatment tank is formed. In addition, the water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an air supply path for supplying gas to the reducing liquid tank is formed.

  According to such a configuration, an exhaust path through which gas is discharged and an air supply path through which gas is supplied are formed along with the execution of the oxidation prevention operation. Therefore, when the reducing agent solution is moved, the resistance by the gas Almost never occurs. That is, according to the present invention, the reducing agent solution can be moved smoothly.

  In the invention according to claim 7, the reducing agent solution staying in the water softening treatment tank is discharged by a post-reduction operation performed at a predetermined timing. The water reducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the discharged reducing agent solution is returned to the reducing liquid tank side or drained to the outside.

  According to such a configuration, the reducing agent solution introduced into the water softening treatment tank can be returned to the reducing solution tank side by the post-reduction operation, so that the reducing agent solution can be recycled. That is, the burden on the running cost of the consumer can be reduced. Further, when the reducing agent solution is sufficiently recycled, etc., it can be discharged to the outside by the post-reduction operation. That is, the water softening device of the present invention is highly usable.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the post-reduction operation, when the used reducing agent solution is allowed to flow from the water softening treatment tank to the reducing liquid tank side, an exhaust path capable of discharging the gas on the reducing liquid tank side is provided. The water softening device according to claim 7, wherein an air supply path for supplying gas to the water softening treatment tank is formed.

  According to such a configuration, an exhaust path through which the gas is discharged and an air supply path through which the gas is supplied are formed as the post-reduction operation is performed. Therefore, when the reducing agent solution is moved, the resistance by the gas Almost never occurs. That is, according to the present invention, the reducing agent solution can be moved smoothly.

  The invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that a water tank for reclaimed water capable of storing reclaimed water for regenerating the ion exchange resin is connected to the water softening tank through a predetermined flow path. It is a water softening device in any one of 1-8.

  According to such a configuration, since the water softening treatment tank is connected to the reclaimed water tank storing reclaimed water for regenerating the ion exchange resin through the predetermined flow path, when the water softening ability becomes poor, Recovery of the water softening ability of the exchange resin can be achieved.

  The water softening device of the present invention performs an antioxidation operation in which a reducing agent solution stored in a reducing liquid tank is introduced and retained in a water softening treatment tank containing an ion exchange resin via a connection channel. Therefore, there is no problem that the ion exchange resin deteriorates due to oxidation when the water softening operation is not performed as in the prior art.

It is an operation principle figure showing a water softening device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is an operation principle figure which shows the flow of the liquid of the state in which the water softening operation was implemented in the water softening apparatus of FIG. It is an operation principle figure which shows the flow of the liquid of the state by which the regeneration operation was implemented in the water softening apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement at the time of implementing oxidation prevention driving | operation in the water softening apparatus of FIG. It is an operation principle figure which shows the flow of the liquid of the state in which the preparatory operation was implemented in the water softening apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is an operation principle diagram showing a liquid flow in a state where a reducing liquid charging operation is performed in the water softening device of FIG. 1. It is an operation principle figure which shows the flow of the liquid of the state in which the return operation was implemented in the water softening apparatus of FIG. It is an operation principle figure which shows the flow of the liquid of the state in which drainage operation was implemented in the water softening apparatus of FIG. It is an operation | movement principle figure which shows the modification of a water softening apparatus. FIG. 10 is an operation principle diagram showing a liquid flow in a state where a preparatory operation is performed in the water softening device of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an operation principle diagram showing a liquid flow in a state where a reducing liquid charging operation is performed in the water softening device of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an operation principle diagram showing a liquid flow in a state where a returning operation is performed in the water softening device of FIG. 9. It is an operation principle figure which shows the flow of the liquid of the state in which drainage operation was implemented in the water softening apparatus of FIG.

Hereinafter, the water softening device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The water softening device 1 of this embodiment is a device for softening water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) such as a water supply or a well and supplying the softened water (hereinafter also simply referred to as soft water) to the outside. is there.

As shown in FIG. 1, the water softening device 1 is a main component constituting a water softener 2 having a built-in cation exchange resin and water for regenerating the cation exchange resin (salt water). A tank 3 and a reducing liquid tank 5 capable of storing a reducing agent solution that prevents acidification of the cation exchange resin are provided. The water softening device 1 has, as main basic operations, a water softening operation for softening water (decrease in hardness) using a cation exchange resin, and a regeneration operation for recovering the water softening ability of the cation exchange resin. Further, as a characteristic operation, an anti-oxidation operation for preventing the oxidation of the cation exchange resin can be performed. That is, in the water softening device 1 of the present embodiment, the water softener 2, the reclaimed water tank 3, and the reducing liquid tank 5 are composed of the water softening water system 30, the regenerated water system 45, and the antioxidant water system 60. Are connected by various pipes that form
The water softening device 1 includes a control device 21 that receives signals from various devices and controls operations of the various devices.

First, main components of the water softening device 1 will be described.
The water softener 2 has a water softening tank (water softening treatment tank) 10 that can store liquid, and a column filled with a cation exchange resin is built in the water softening tank 10. The water softener 2 supplies liquid (fresh water, salt water, reducing agent solution, etc.) into the water softening tank 10 through a filter (hereinafter referred to as an upper filter) 15 from a water inlet provided above the water softening tank 10. By introducing it, it is possible to supply liquid over a wide range. That is, in the water softener 2, since the liquid introduced from the water inlet can be diffused without being locally biased, the liquid can be softened efficiently. Then, the softened liquid, specifically, the softened water (soft water) is discharged from the outlet through the filter 16 (hereinafter referred to as a lower filter) provided below the water softening tank 10. And leaked.

  The tank for reclaimed water 3 is a part for producing salt water as reclaimed water for regenerating the cation exchange resin, and enables the storage unit 19 for storing water supplied from a water supply source and the arrangement of salt as a regenerant. And a regenerative agent placement unit 20. More specifically, the reclaimed water tank 3 has a structure in which the storage unit 19 and the regenerant placement unit 20 communicate with each other through a filter, and only the liquid can pass through the filter. That is, when a solid salt is placed in the regenerant placement portion 20, it cannot pass through the filter until the salt is dissolved in a liquid such as water. Therefore, in the reclaimed water tank 3 of this embodiment, the water supplied to the storage unit 19 passes through the filter and dissolves the solid salt disposed in the regenerant disposing unit 20 to produce salt water as reclaimed water. It is a mechanism to be done.

  In addition, the storage unit 19 is provided with a water injection port 23, a discharge port 24, and an overflow discharge port 25 communicating with the outside. That is, in the storage unit 19, water supplied from a water supply source is introduced through the water injection port 23, and water (fresh water) stored in the storage unit 19 or generated regenerated water is discharged through the discharge port 24. The Moreover, when the water supplied to the storage part 19 becomes a water level above a certain level for some reason, the water can be discharged from the overflow outlet 25 to the outside. That is, the storage unit 19 can make a smooth flow of fresh water or reclaimed water by the water injection port 23 and the discharge port 24, and the inside of the storage unit 19 becomes an abnormal liquid level by the overflow discharge port 25. However, the liquid level is suppressed to a predetermined level or less, and the fresh water or the reclaimed water does not flow backward from the water injection port 23 upstream.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the air inlet 26 is provided in the upper part side of the storage part 19, and supply of air from the exterior is possible. More specifically, the air inlet 26 has a check valve structure, and is attached so as to allow passage of only air from the outside to the inside of the reservoir 19. That is, the air inlet 26 does not allow the gas inside the reservoir 19 to pass outward.
In addition, although the several electrode D is distribute | arranged so that the liquid level in an inside can be managed in the storage part 19, since it is the same as that of well-known, description is abbreviate | omitted.

The reducing liquid tank 5 is a part for storing a reducing agent solution for regenerating the cation exchange resin, and generally has a capacity of liquid that can be stored in the water softener 2 (a state in which a column is built in the water softening tank 10). (Capacity of the liquid that can be stored in 1). The reducing liquid tank 5 is provided with a charging port (not shown) communicating with the outside at a predetermined position. The input port has a structure that can be closed by a lid or the like, and can be used as a replenishment path for replenishing the reducing agent into the reducing liquid tank 5 by opening the lid or the like. .
In the present embodiment, as the reducing agent that generates the reducing agent solution, a reducing agent that includes components that can be used for food additives is employed. That is, in this embodiment, as a reducing agent, ascorbic acid that works as a vitamin C of nutrients, calcium sulfite that is used to prevent oxidation and discoloration of vegetables, etc. Alum etc. are used.

Next, each running water system of the water softening device 1 will be described.
As described above, the flowing water system of the water softening device 1 includes the softened flowing water system 30, the regenerated flowing water system 45, and the antioxidant flowing water system 60.

  The water softening water system 30 introduces water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) into the water softener 2, and supplies the water softened by the water softener 2 to consumers through a water supply terminal such as a currant or shower. It is a flow path to supply. The softened running water system 30 includes a water inlet pipe 32, a water outlet pipe 33, a bypass pipe 34, and a first drain pipe 35.

  The water intake pipe 32 is a pipe for introducing water supplied mainly from a water supply source to the water softener 2. A water inlet valve 38 employing a known electromagnetic valve is provided in the middle of the water inlet pipe 32.

  The water discharge pipe 33 is a pipe for bringing the water softened mainly by the water softener 2 to the water supply terminal. In the middle of the water discharge pipe 33, a water discharge valve 39 employing a known electromagnetic valve is provided.

  The bypass pipe 34 is a pipe connecting the water inlet pipe 32 and the water outlet pipe 33 and functions as a flow path that bypasses the water softener 2. More specifically, the connecting portion on the inlet pipe 32 side of the bypass pipe 34 is upstream of the inlet valve 38, and the connecting section on the outlet pipe 33 side of the bypass pipe 34 is downstream of the outlet valve 39. . In the middle of the bypass pipe 34, a bypass valve 40 employing a known electromagnetic valve is provided.

  The first drain pipe 35 is a pipe branched from the midway of the water inlet pipe 32 and connected to a second drain pipe 50 described later. The first drain pipe 35 is mainly drainage generated by the regeneration operation (recycled water or water that has passed through the water softener 2). ), Etc., function as a flow path used when discharging to the outside. In the middle of the first drain pipe 35, a drain-side flow rate adjustment valve 41 employing a known flow rate adjustment valve is provided.

  The regenerated water system 45 introduces water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) into the reclaimed water tank 3 and supplies the water (fresh water) or regenerated water generated as needed to the water softener 2. It is piping. The regeneration flowing water system 45 has a branch water inlet pipe 46, an intermediate pipe 48, and a second drain pipe 50.

  The branch water intake pipe 46 is a pipe branched from a position upstream of the bypass pipe 34 in the middle of the water intake pipe 32, and a flow path for introducing water supplied from a water supply source into the reclaimed water tank 3. Function as. A supplementary electromagnetic valve 47 is provided in the middle of the branch water inlet pipe 46.

  The intermediate pipe 48 is a pipe connecting the reclaimed water tank 3 and the water softener 2. More specifically, the intermediate pipe 48 forms a flow path that connects the discharge port 24 of the reclaimed water tank 3 and the water inlet of the water softener 2. That is, the intermediate pipe 48 is a pipe for guiding fresh water or reclaimed water discharged from the reclaimed water tank 3 to the water softener 2. In the middle of the intermediate pipe 48, a regeneration side valve 49 employing a known electromagnetic valve is provided.

  The second drain pipe 50 is a pipe branched from an intermediate position of the intermediate pipe 48 and functions mainly as a flow path for draining fresh water or reclaimed water discharged from the reclaimed water tank 3. And in the middle of the 2nd drain pipe 50, the 3rd drain pipe 67 mentioned below and the 1st drain pipe 35 are connected from the upper stream side, respectively. In other words, the second drain pipe 50 is also a merging channel where waste water drained through the first drain pipe 35 and waste water drained through the third drain pipe 67 merge. In addition, the second drain pipe 50 is provided with a drain side valve 51 that employs a known electromagnetic valve in the middle of the second drain pipe 50 and upstream of the connection portion of the third drain pipe 67.

  The antioxidant running water system 60 is a flow path that enables the reducing agent solution stored in the reducing solution tank 5 to circulate between the water softener 2 and the reducing agent solution is removed from the reducing solution tank 5. A forward-side flow path (connection flow path) 61 that flows toward the water softener 2 and a return-side flow path (connection flow path) 62 that flows the reducing agent solution introduced into the water softener 2 toward the reducing liquid tank 5 are provided. ing.

  The forward flow path 61 is a flow formed by arranging the forward pipe 63 connected below the reducing liquid tank 5 so as to connect the reducing liquid tank 5 and the water intake pipe 32 of the water softening flow system 30. Since it is a road, a part of the flow path is carried by the water intake pipe 32. Further, a pump 64 is provided in the middle of the outward flow path 61. That is, when the pump 64 is driven in the forward flow path 61, the reducing agent solution sucked out from the reducing solution tank 5 flows and guides the reducing agent solution to the water softener 2.

The return side flow path 62 is configured by a return pipe 65, and the return pipe 65 is arranged to connect the upper side of the reducing liquid tank 5 and the lower side of the water softener 2. Further, an electromagnetic valve 66 (hereinafter simply referred to as a three-way valve) 66 having three ports is provided in the middle of the return side flow path 62. In addition to the return pipe 65, a third drain pipe 67 is connected to the three-way valve (distribution restricting means) 66. If necessary, the water softener 2 side and the reducing liquid tank 5 side communicate with each other. (Hereinafter referred to as the return posture), the water softener 2 side and the drainage side are communicated (hereinafter referred to as the drainage posture), or the reducing liquid tank 5 side and the drainage side are communicated (hereinafter referred to as the air supply posture). The function to do is provided.
The third drain pipe 67 is a flow path that communicates with the second drain pipe 50.

Next, the basic operation of the water softening device 1 of this embodiment will be described.
As described above, in the water softening device 1 of the present embodiment, as a basic operation, a water softening operation for softening water, a regeneration operation for recovering the water softening ability of the cation exchange resin, and other regeneration operations. Although it is set as the structure which can perform the washing | cleaning driving | operation etc. after a driving | operation, below, it demonstrates paying attention only to a water softening driving | operation and a regeneration driving | operation.

(Softening operation)
As described above, the water softening operation reduces the hardness of water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) to soften the water, and the softened water (soft water) is externally supplied via a water supply terminal (not shown). This is a supply operation. More specifically, when a water supply terminal or the like is operated to generate a soft water discharge request, as shown in FIG. 2, the water inlet valve 38 and the water outlet valve 39 are opened, and the water supplied from the water supply source is soft water. Guide to vessel 2 side. That is, water is introduced into the water softener 2 from the upper water inlet through the water inlet pipe 32. The water introduced into the water softener 2 passed through the cation exchange resin layer from the top to the bottom, and at the same time, calcium ions, magnesium ions, etc. contained in the water were adsorbed on the cation exchange resin. Replaced with sodium ion. That is, the water introduced into the water softener 2 is softened while moving downward. And the water softened flows out from the water outlet below the water softener 2 to the water discharge pipe 33 side, passes through the water discharge pipe 33, and is discharged to the outside through a water supply terminal or the like.

(Regeneration operation)
In the regeneration operation, as described above, the regenerant is dissolved in water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) to generate regenerated water, and the regenerated water softens the cation exchange resin in the water softener 2. It is an action that restores ability. Specifically, if a regeneration operation request occurs due to a predetermined time set in advance or a user's operation, etc., first, as shown in FIG. The water to be sent is guided into the reclaimed water tank 3. Here, the reclaimed water tank 3 is maintained in a state in which water is not stored, that is, an empty state, except for operations related to the regenerating operation. That is, the reclaimed water tank 3 is empty at the time when the regeneration operation is requested.

  When water is introduced into the empty reclaimed water tank 3, the liquid level in the tank 3 exceeds a predetermined liquid level (a level that exceeds the filter between the storage unit 19 and the regenerant placement unit 20. It continues to be supplied until the liquid level is reached. That is, the refill water electromagnetic valve 47 is maintained in the open state until the liquid level in the reclaimed water tank 3 indicates a predetermined liquid level. In this way, when the liquid level in the reclaimed water tank 3 reaches a predetermined liquid level, the water replenishing electromagnetic valve 47 is closed, and the system stands by for a certain period of time. Then, in the reclaimed water tank 3, reclaimed water having a predetermined salt concentration (for example, 10% salt concentration) is generated.

When the reclaimed water is generated, the reclaim side valve 49 is opened and the opening of the drain side flow rate adjustment valve 41 is opened to a predetermined degree, and the reclaimed water stored in the reclaimed water tank 3 is supplied to the water softener 2 side by its head pressure. Spill into. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the reclaimed water is guided to the water softener 2 through the intermediate pipe 48 and flows into the interior from the water outlet located below the water softener 2. Then, first, the soft water already stored in the water softener 2 is pushed out from the upper water inlet to the water inlet 32 side, and then the water softener 2 is gradually filled with reclaimed water. At this time, calcium ions, magnesium ions and the like adsorbed on the cation exchange resin are replaced with sodium ions in the reclaimed water, so that the water softening ability of the cation exchange resin is restored. In this way, the reclaimed water in which sodium ions are reduced flows out from the water inlet to the water inlet 32 as in the case of the extruded soft water. Then, the soft water and the reclaimed water that have flowed out to the water inlet pipe 32 immediately flow into the first drain pipe 35 and are drained to the outside through the third drain pipe 67.
In addition, after this operation | movement, although the washing | cleaning operation | movement which wash | cleans the salt adhering to piping etc. is implemented, as above-mentioned, concrete description is abbreviate | omitted.

Then, the characteristic operation | movement of the water softening apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
As described above, the water softening device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to perform an antioxidant operation for preventing oxidation of the cation exchange resin as a characteristic operation.

(Antioxidation operation)
As described above, the oxidation prevention operation is performed in a state where the cation exchange resin built in the water softening tank 10 is immersed in a reducing agent solution so that the cation exchange resin built in the water softening tank 10 is not deteriorated. Thus, the cation exchange resin is prevented from being oxidized. Specifically, this is an operation mode that is carried out on the condition that a certain time (for example, 5 to 30 minutes) has elapsed since the end of the previous water softening operation (including the trial operation at the initial stage of installation).
The control device 21 is equipped with a timer (time measuring means), and time is measured by the timer.
Hereinafter, it will be described in detail according to the flowchart of FIG.

When the above conditions are satisfied and the antioxidant operation is started, a preparatory operation is first executed as shown in FIG. 4 (step 1).
In the preparation operation, the soft water stored in the water softener 2 is drained to the outside. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the three-way valve 66 is switched to the drainage posture, the drainage path of the water softener 2 is formed, and the regeneration side valve 49 provided in the intermediate pipe 48 is opened. The air supply path of the water softener 2 is formed. Then, the soft water in the water softener 2 is drained to the outside from the third drain pipe 67 and the second drain pipe 50 that form the drainage path, and at the same time, the air inlet 26 that forms the air supply path, and the recycled water tank 3. And air flows into the water softener 2 from the intermediate pipe 48.

That is, in the preparatory operation, the inside of the water softener 2 is communicated with the outside through the air inlet 26, and the soft water in the water softener 2 is drained in that state. By doing so, the soft water in the water softener 2 is easily replaced by air and drained. And if the soft water in the water softener 2 is drained completely, the water softener 2 will be in the state filled with air. Thus, when the soft water in the water softener 2 is completely replaced by air, the posture of the three-way valve 66 in the draining posture is switched and the regeneration side valve 49 is closed, and the process proceeds to Step 2 in FIG. Perform the operation.
In addition, since the soft water in the water softener 2 is drained within a pre-measured time, in the present embodiment, when a certain time has elapsed after the start of the preparatory operation, the operation proceeds to the reducing liquid charging operation.

  In the reducing liquid charging operation, the reducing agent solution in the reducing liquid tank 5 is supplied to the water softener 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the three-way valve 66 is switched to the air supply posture, the air supply path of the reducing liquid tank 5 is formed, and the drain side valve 51 is opened, so that the water softener Two exhaust paths are formed. Then, the pump 64 provided in the forward flow path 61 is driven to form a water flow in the forward flow path 61. As a result, in the reducing liquid tank 5, the reducing agent solution flows out to the forward flow path 61 and a part of the return pipe 65, the third drain pipe 67, and the second drain pipe 50 that form the air supply path. Air flows from a part of the air. Then, when the reducing agent solution that has passed through the forward flow path 61 is introduced into the interior from the water inlet disposed above the water softener 2, the second drain pipe 50 that forms the exhaust path is associated therewith. The air in the water softener 2 is discharged to the outside.

As described above, in the reducing liquid introduction operation, an exhaust path communicating with the water softener 2 and an air supply path communicating with the reducing liquid tank 5 are formed, so that the reducing agent solution in the reducing liquid tank 5 is replaced with air. Further, the air in the water softener 2 is replaced with the reducing agent solution. As a result, the reducing agent solution in the reducing solution tank 5 is discharged by replacement with air, and the reducing agent solution is introduced into the water softener 2. When the reducing agent solution in the reducing solution tank 5 is completely discharged, the water softener 2 is filled with the reducing agent solution. Thus, when the air in the water softener 2 is completely replaced with the reducing agent solution, the driving of the pump 64 is stopped and the posture of the three-way valve 66 in the air supply posture is switched, and the drain side valve 51 is closed. Then, the water softener 2 is left in a state filled with the reducing agent solution (hereinafter also referred to as a reducing solution immersion state) until a predetermined condition is satisfied.
In addition, since the reducing agent solution in the reducing liquid tank 5 is discharged by the pump 64 within a pre-measured time, in the present embodiment, if a certain time elapses after the reducing liquid charging operation is started, The reducing liquid charging operation is terminated.

  In the reducing solution immersion state, the state in which the cation exchange resin incorporated in the water softener 2 is immersed in the reducing agent solution is maintained. That is, the cation exchange resin in the reducing solution immersion state is in a state where oxidation is prevented by the reducing agent solution. And in this embodiment, in order to expect the further antioxidant effect, all the valves which may make the inside of the water softener 2 and the exterior communicate are made into the closed state or the state which does not communicate with the exterior. Specifically, the drain side flow rate adjustment valve 41 provided in the first drain pipe and the drain side valve 51 provided in the second drain pipe 50 are controlled to be closed, and the three-way valve 66 is connected to any port. Is also controlled to a posture (fully closed) that does not communicate with the piping. Thus, after shifting to the reducing solution immersion state, the cation exchange resin is maintained in the state of being immersed in the reducing agent solution until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  By the way, conventionally, when the cation exchange resin is oxidized by exposure to air such as when the water softening device is not used, an organic substance is generated, and as a result, the soft water may be colored. For example, some cation exchange resins are composed of a sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene polymer. When the cation exchange resin is oxidized, a low molecular organic compound (TOC) is produced. Therefore, when the water softening device is used after the TOC is generated, there is a problem that soft water colored by the TOC is supplied to the customer. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the water softening device 1 is not used, the cation exchange resin is maintained in a state of being immersed in the reducing agent solution. As a result, since the generation of TOC from the cation exchange resin is prevented, the problem that the soft water supplied to the consumer is colored can be prevented.

  If another operation request such as a water softening operation or a regeneration operation is generated in the reducing liquid immersion state (step 4 in FIG. 4), the acid prevention operation is terminated to meet the request. That is, when another operation request is generated, the process proceeds to step 5 in FIG. 4 and the reducing liquid draining operation is performed in order to end the acid prevention operation. Then, the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 is discharged by the reducing liquid discharge operation (post-reduction operation).

  Here, in this embodiment, either the returning operation or the draining operation is performed as the reducing liquid discharging operation. Then, the operation returns to the reducing liquid discharging operation, and the returning operation is performed when the reducing agent solution is used less frequently or when a certain period of time has not elapsed since the reducing agent was introduced into the reducing solution tank 5. Is given priority. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the above-described conditions are not satisfied in step 6 of FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step 7 and a return operation is performed.

  The returning operation is an operation for returning the reducing agent solution discharged from the water softener 2 into the reducing solution tank 5 again. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the drain side flow rate adjustment valve 41 is opened to a predetermined opening to secure an air supply path communicating with the water softener 2 and an exhaust path communicating with the reducing liquid tank 5. Meanwhile, the three-way valve 66 is controlled to the return posture. Then, the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 flows out toward the reducing solution tank 5, and air flows into the water softener 2 from the air inlet 26, the reclaimed water tank 3, and the intermediate pipe 48. To do. That is, the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 is replaced with air.

  Then, when the reducing agent solution that has flowed out of the water softener 2 flows into the reducing liquid tank 5 through the return-side flow path 62, a forward pipe 63 that forms an exhaust path, a part of the inlet pipe 32, the first Air in the reducing solution tank 5 flows out from the drain pipe 35 and a part of the second drain pipe 50. That is, the air in the reducing liquid tank 5 is replaced with the reducing agent solution.

Thus, when the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 is completely discharged, the posture of the three-way valve 66 is switched, and the drain side flow rate adjustment valve 41 is controlled to be closed, and the operation is shifted to another requested operation. (Step 8 in FIG. 4).
In addition, since the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 is discharged within a pre-measured time, in this embodiment, when a certain time elapses after the return operation is started, the operation proceeds to another operation.

  On the other hand, in step 6 of FIG. 4, when the reducing agent solution is used frequently or when a certain period of time has elapsed since the introduction of the reducing agent (when a predetermined condition is satisfied), step 9 is performed. Transition to the drainage operation.

The draining operation is an operation of draining the reducing agent solution discharged from the water softener 2 to the outside of the water softening device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the regeneration side valve 49 is opened, and the three-way valve 66 is controlled to the drainage posture while ensuring an air supply path communicating with the water softener 2. Then, the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 flows to the third drain pipe 67 side and is drained to the outside, and from the air inlet 26, the reclaimed water tank 3, and the intermediate pipe 48 that form the air supply path. Then, air flows into the water softener 2. That is, the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 is drained to the outside, and the water softener 2 is replaced with air. Thus, when the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 is completely discharged, the posture of the three-way valve 66 is switched, and the regeneration side valve 49 is controlled to be closed, and the operation is shifted to another requested operation (FIG. 4 step 8).
In addition, since the reducing agent solution in the water softener 2 is discharged within a pre-measured time, in this embodiment, when a certain time elapses after the drainage operation is started, the operation proceeds to another operation.

  In addition, after the reducing agent solution is discharged to the outside by the drainage operation, the inside of the reducing solution tank 5 is filled with air, that is, a state in which no liquid exists, so that the water softening operation or the like is not performed. A water supply operation for supplying water to the reducing solution tank 5 is performed at a predetermined timing such as.

As described above, the water softening device 1 of the present embodiment can introduce the reducing agent solution from which the reducing agent is eluted into the water softener 2 at the timing when the water softening operation is not performed, and the cation Since the exchange resin can be immersed in the reducing agent solution, the cation exchange resin is prevented from being oxidized and no desorption component is generated. At the same time, in the water softening device 1 of the present embodiment, the cation exchange resin does not deteriorate due to oxidation when the device 1 is not used, as in the conventional case. As a result, the life of the cation exchange resin can be brought close to the design life, so that the exchange cycle of the cation exchange resin can be prolonged. Along with this, it is possible to greatly reduce the burden on the running cost of the consumer.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the return operation of the reducing liquid discharge operation is performed, the reducing agent solution thrown into the water softener 2 can be recycled. Therefore, the running cost due to the addition of the function of the antioxidant operation is increased. Can be suppressed.

In the above-described embodiment, the water softening device 1 including the acid-preventing water flow system 60 including the two channels of the forward-side channel 61 and the return-side channel 62 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, The water softening device 70 provided with the acid prevention water flow system 71 comprised only by the path may be sufficient.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the water softening device 70 has a connection channel 72 that connects the water softener 2 and the reducing solution tank 5, and a three-way valve (distribution restriction) is connected to the connection channel 72. Means) 73 and a pump 74 are provided. A drainage side pipe 75 communicating with the second drainage pipe 50 is connected to one port of the three-way valve 73. The reducing liquid tank 5 is connected to a piping (air pipe) 78 for air circulation. The air pipe 78 is provided with an air valve 79 so that the inside of the reducing liquid tank 5 can be sealed.

According to such a configuration, during the preparatory operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the three-way valve 73 is set to the draining posture and the regeneration side valve 49 is opened, so that the same effect as in the above embodiment is expected. be able to.
At the time of the reducing liquid charging operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the three-way valve 73 is set to the return posture, the drain side flow rate adjusting valve 41 is opened to a predetermined opening degree, and the air valve 79 is further opened. If 74 is rotated in a predetermined rotation direction, the same action as in the above embodiment can be expected.
When the reducing liquid is discharged and returned, as shown in FIG. 12, the three-way valve 73 is set to the return posture, the regeneration side valve 49 is opened, and the air valve 79 is further opened. The same action as in the above embodiment can be expected by rotating in a direction opposite to that during the reducing liquid charging operation.
As shown in FIG. 13, when the reducing liquid discharge operation is performed, the three-way valve 73 is set to the draining posture and the regeneration side valve 49 is opened, so that the same effect as the above embodiment is expected. can do.

  In the said embodiment, although the structure which performed the transition of each operation | movement in oxidation prevention driving | operation based on the preset time was shown, this invention is not limited to this, Based on the flow volume of the actually moving liquid It may be configured to perform each operation transition. For example, in order to complete such a configuration, a configuration in which a flow rate sensor or the like is provided for the connection flow paths 61, 62, and 72 can be given.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the antioxidant operation is performed on the condition that the water softening operation is not performed for a certain period of time is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a predetermined time zone set in advance If the water softening operation is not performed for a certain period of time (for example, from 0:00 am to 6:00 am), the configuration may be such that the antioxidant operation is performed. According to such a configuration, even if a situation occurs in which the water softening operation is not performed for a certain period in a time zone other than the determined time zone, the antioxidant operation is not performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the return operation and the drain operation are selectively performed in the reducing liquid discharge operation has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one of the operations is performed. It may be a configuration.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration of the water softening device 1 including the reclaimed water tank 3 and capable of performing the regenerating operation is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and does not have the reclaimed water tank 3 and the regeneration operation. The structure of the water softening device that cannot be used may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,70 Water softening device 2 Water softener 3 Reclaimed water tank 5 Reducing liquid tank 10 Water softening tank (water softening treatment tank)
21 Control Device 26 Air Inlet 60 Antioxidant Flowing Water System 61 Outward Flow Channel (Connection Flow Channel)
62 Return channel (connection channel)
63 Outward piping 64, 74 Pump 65 Return piping 66, 73 Three-way valve (distribution restricting means)
72 Connection flow path

Claims (9)

A water softening apparatus that has a water softening treatment tank in which an ion exchange resin is incorporated, and can perform a water softening operation in which a liquid is passed through the water softening treatment tank to soften the water,
A reducing liquid tank for storing the reducing agent solution, a connecting flow path connecting between the reducing liquid tank and the water softening tank, and a pump provided on the connecting flow path,
One condition is that the water softening operation is not carried out, and the pump is driven to move the reducing agent solution in the reducing liquid tank to the water softening tank, and the reducing agent solution is moved in the water softening tank. A water softening device characterized in that an anti-oxidation operation for retention is performed.   The water softening according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection flow path is provided with a flow regulating means for preventing the liquid introduced into the water softening treatment tank from flowing out toward the reducing liquid tank. apparatus. The connection flow path has a forward flow path through which liquid flows from the reducing liquid tank side to the water softening treatment tank side, and a return flow path from the water softening treatment tank side to the reducing liquid tank side,
The water softening device according to claim 2, wherein a pump is disposed in the forward flow path, and a flow regulating means is disposed in the return flow path. Provided with a control device, the control device is provided with a time measuring means capable of measuring time,
The further conditions under which the antioxidant operation is carried out are when a certain period of time has elapsed since the end of the water softening operation and / or when entering a predetermined time zone. 4. The water softening device according to any one of 3.   When the conditions for carrying out the oxidation prevention operation are satisfied, after the preparatory operation for draining the liquid in the water softening treatment tank is carried out, the operation proceeds to the reducing liquid injection operation for introducing the reducing agent solution into the water softening treatment tank. The water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   In the antioxidant operation, when the reducing agent solution is flowed from the reducing solution tank to the water softening treatment tank side, an exhaust path capable of discharging the gas in the water softening treatment tank is formed, and the gas is supplied to the reducing solution tank. The water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an air supply path for supplying air is formed.   The reducing agent solution retained in the water softening tank is discharged by a post-reduction operation performed at a predetermined timing. In the post-reduction operation, the reducing agent solution discharged from the water softening tank is reduced. The water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water softening device is returned to the liquid tank side or drained to the outside.   In the post-reduction operation, when the used reducing agent solution is allowed to flow from the water softening treatment tank to the reducing liquid tank side, an exhaust path capable of discharging the gas on the reducing liquid tank side is formed, and the water softening treatment tank The water softening device according to claim 7, wherein an air supply path for supplying gas is formed.   The water softening treatment tank is connected with a tank for reclaimed water capable of storing reclaimed water for regenerating the ion exchange resin through a predetermined flow path. Water softener.

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