JP2015080775A - Ion exchange apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion exchange apparatus that can reduce the amount of water discharged from a pressure tank for the purpose of discharging the retained water.SOLUTION: Provided is an ion exchange apparatus (1) including a pressure tank (2) for housing an ion exchange resin bed (211), circulation means (3) and circulation control means (510), in which it is characterized in that: the circulation control means (510) is configured so as to start a regeneration mode instead of starting a washing mode when a washing start condition is satisfied during the duration when a moving-up renewable condition is satisfied; the washing start condition is set so as not to start the washing mode during a predetermined duration immediately after the shift to a water treatment mode; the regeneration start condition is that an integrated water in-take amount (Q) is at least a water in-take possible amount or more; the integrated water in-take amount is the total amount of the raw water flowed through the pressure tank (2) during the water treatment mode executed after the finish of the regeneration mode of the last time; and the moving-up renewable condition is that the integrated water in-take amount (Q) is at least a moving-up renewable water in-take amount or more.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion exchange device such as a water softening device.

  In recent years, the characteristics and effectiveness of soft water have attracted attention as water for domestic use and processing water in the food manufacturing industry, and ion exchange devices for producing soft water (so-called soft water softening devices) have begun to spread. . An ion exchange apparatus for producing soft water adsorbs and removes hardness components (calcium ions and magnesium ions) contained in raw water such as tap water with a cation exchange resin to produce soft water that is treated water. The ion exchange device includes an ion exchange resin bed and a pressure tank into which a liquid such as raw water is introduced.

  In an ion exchange device, the flow path is switched between a water treatment mode for producing treated water by introducing raw water into the pressure tank, and regeneration for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed by introducing regenerated liquid into the pressure tank. There is known a mode that can be switched between a mode and a cleaning mode in which the inside of the pressure tank is cleaned by introducing cleaning water into the pressure tank (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this water treatment mode, when the water flow is not performed for a long time, the stagnant water is present in the pressure tank for a long time, so that various germs are easily propagated.

  Therefore, in order to ensure safe treated water suitable for drinking, Patent Document 1 discloses that the time for stopping the flow of raw water or soft water in the water flow channel in the water treatment mode (circulation stop time) is not longer than a predetermined time. Describes an ion exchange device for starting a cleaning mode. The predetermined time is, for example, 12 hours. In the washing mode, the stagnant water is replaced with new water (newly introduced raw water) in the pressure tank, and propagation of germs is suppressed. In addition, the ion exchange device described in Patent Document 1 starts the regeneration mode when the integrated flow rate of treated water (or raw water), that is, the amount of collected water exceeds a predetermined amount in order to recover the ion exchange capacity lost in the water treatment mode. Let In the regeneration mode, the ion exchange device described in Patent Document 1 regenerates the ion exchange resin bed by introducing a regeneration solution into the pressure tank, and then introduces raw water into the pressure tank to complete the regeneration.

JP 2001-246376 A

  The cleaning mode is started when the distribution stop time exceeds a predetermined time. The distribution stop time is reset not only when treated water is produced in the water treatment mode, but also when the transition to the cleaning mode or the regeneration mode is performed. For this reason, the cleaning mode is not started immediately after the end of the regeneration mode. Specifically, even when the state where the treated water is not consumed at the demand point from the end of the regeneration mode (that is, the state where the treated water is not manufactured) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 12 hours) in that state. The cleaning mode is not started unless the time elapses.

  On the other hand, the regeneration mode is started when the integrated flow rate of the treated water exceeds a predetermined amount. Since the integrated flow rate of treated water is closely related to the water consumption behavior at the demand point, the start time of the regeneration mode is indefinite. For this reason, the regeneration mode may be started immediately after the end of the cleaning mode. Specifically, in a state where the integrated flow rate of the treated water is close to a predetermined amount (that is, a state where the remaining ion exchange capacity is reduced), the treated water is not manufactured, and a predetermined time has elapsed in that state. Assume that the cleaning mode is started. Then, when the treated water is manufactured following the end of the cleaning mode, the treated water integrated flow rate may immediately exceed a predetermined amount, and the regeneration mode may be started.

  The cleaning mode and the regeneration mode are common in that the stagnant water in the pressure tank is replaced with fresh water. That is, when the transition to the regeneration mode is performed, the transition to the cleaning mode is also substantially performed. As described above, the cleaning mode is not started immediately after the end of the regeneration mode, but the regeneration mode may be started immediately after the end of the cleaning mode. When the regeneration mode is started immediately after the end of the cleaning mode, the staying water is discharged twice in a short time even though the previous cleaning mode is substantially unnecessary. As a result, raw water such as tap water is consumed wastefully, leading to an increase in water bills.

  Then, the objective of this invention is providing the ion exchange apparatus which can reduce the amount of water discharged | emitted from a pressure tank in order to discharge | emit stagnant water.

  An ion exchange apparatus according to the present invention includes a pressure tank in which an ion exchange resin bed is accommodated, a water treatment mode for producing treated water from the raw water when raw water is introduced into the pressure tank, and a regenerated liquid in the pressure tank. The ion exchange resin bed is regenerated by introducing, and then the regeneration water is discharged from the pressure tank by introducing wash water into the pressure tank, and the wash water is introduced into the pressure tank. When the cleaning start condition is satisfied, the water treatment mode is shifted to the cleaning mode, and the regeneration start condition is satisfied. A distribution system for shifting the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode and starting the water treatment mode when the cleaning mode or the regeneration mode ends. And the cleaning water is the raw water or the treated water, and the flow control means is configured to perform the cleaning when the cleaning start condition is satisfied while the pre-recyclable condition is satisfied. The regeneration mode is configured to start instead of starting the mode, and the cleaning start condition is set so as not to start the cleaning mode for a predetermined time immediately after the transition to the water treatment mode. The regeneration start condition is that the accumulated water sampling amount is equal to or greater than the possible water sampling amount, and the integrated water sampling amount flows through the pressure tank in the water treatment mode that is executed after the previous regeneration mode ends. In addition, the total amount of the raw water is set, and the amount of water that can be collected is set according to the capacity of the ion-exchange resin bed that can be recovered by regeneration. And that water is accelerated renewable adopted water above, wherein the accelerated renewable adopted water is the a small amount than the water sampling possible amount.

  In the ion exchange apparatus, the cleaning start condition is that a flow stop time is equal to or longer than a first set time set as the predetermined time, and the flow stop time is the pressure of the raw water in the water treatment mode. This is the time when the tank is not continuously distributed.

  In the ion exchange apparatus, the cleaning start condition is that a maximum residence time is equal to or longer than a second set time set as the predetermined time, and the maximum residence time is the pressure of the portion of the residence water. It is the residence time of the part that exists for the longest time in the tank.

  The ion exchange apparatus according to the present invention can reduce the amount of water discharged from the pressure tank in order to discharge stagnant water.

It is a whole block diagram of the water softening apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a state transition diagram which shows the process in the operation mode and each operation mode of the water softening apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the open / close state of the process control valve in each process. It is a functional block diagram concerning control of the water softening device of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the switching timing of a normal driving mode. It is a figure explaining the switching timing of the operation mode including the case where the transfer to regeneration mode is carried forward. It is a flowchart which shows the switching control of the operation mode in the water softening apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control which determines that the present apparatus state became the washing | cleaning timing based on distribution stop time in the water softening apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which concerns on control of the water softening apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the some fraction which divided | segmented the amount of stagnant water of a pressure tank. It is a figure explaining a mode that water retains in a pressure tank about the case where a plurality of fractions are seven. It is a flowchart which shows the switching control of the operation mode in the water softening apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control which determines that the present apparatus state became the washing | cleaning timing based on the maximum residence time in the water softening apparatus of 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a water softening apparatus 1 as a first embodiment of an ion exchange apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the water softening device of the first embodiment. The hard water softening device 1 generates soft water by replacing hardness components contained in raw water such as tap water with sodium ions or potassium ions. The hard water softening device 1 is used for the purpose of supplying soft water to various demands such as drinking water to demand areas. Soft water that is safe for human bodies without breeding of various bacteria (for example, tap water quality standards related to the number of general bacteria) In order to supply (satisfactory soft water), it has a function of replacing the accumulated water in the apparatus with fresh water. The water softening device 1 is connected to residential buildings such as houses and condominiums, customer collection facilities such as hotels and public baths, and water-using equipment such as food processing devices and cleaning devices.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water softening apparatus 1 of the present embodiment mainly includes a pressure tank 2, a process control valve 3 as a flow means, a salt water tank 4, and a valve control unit 510 as a flow control means. And a control device 5.

  The pressure tank 2 includes a pressure tank body 21 and a lid member 22. The pressure tank main body 21 is a bottomed cylindrical body having an opening at the top, and accommodates an ion exchange resin bed 211 made of cation exchange resin beads as a treatment material. The lid member 22 closes the opening at the top of the pressure tank body 21. The process control valve 3 is integrally attached to the lid member 22. Details of the pressure tank 2 will be described later.

  As will be described in detail later, the process control valve 3 lowers the raw water W1 by collecting the raw water W1 to the top screen 241 of the pressure tank 2 while collecting the raw water W1 on the bottom screen 242 in relation to sampling and regeneration. A flow of water (raw water W1, soft water W2) in the water treatment process ST1 for producing the soft water W2 as the treated water by generating a flow; while distributing the salt water W4 as the regenerating liquid to the top screen 241 of the pressure tank 2 The flow of the salt water W4 in the first regeneration process ST4 that generates a downward flow of the salt water W4 by collecting at the bottom screen 242 and regenerates the entire ion exchange resin bed 211; and the salt water W4 in the pressure tank 2 While the liquid is distributed to the bottom screen 242, the upward flow of the salt water W 4 is generated by collecting the liquid on the intermediate screen 243, and the ion exchange resin bed 21. A valve capable of switching the flow of salt water W4 in the second regeneration process ST6 to reproduce the lower part of.

  The salt water tank 4 stores salt water W4 as a regenerating liquid for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed 211. In the water softening device 1 using cation exchange resin beads, sodium chloride and potassium chloride aqueous solutions can be used as the regenerating solution. Details of the salt water tank 4 will be described later.

  The pressure tank 2 will be further described. The lid member 22 includes a first lid channel 221, a second lid channel 222, and a third lid channel 223 that supply and discharge fluid. Each of these lid flow paths 221, 222, and 223 is connected to various lines constituting the process control valve 3 as described later. “Line” is a general term for lines capable of flowing fluid such as flow paths, paths, and pipelines.

  In the pressure tank 2, a top screen 241 for preventing the resin beads from flowing out is provided on the lower surface side of the lid member 22 and on the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211. The top screen 241 has a large number of apertures smaller than the resin beads (the same applies to the bottom screen 242 and the intermediate screen 243 described later). The first lid channel 221 communicates with the inside of the pressure tank 2 via the top screen 241. The water distribution position and the water collection position by the top screen 241 are set near the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211. The top screen 241 functions as a top liquid distribution unit provided at the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211 and a top liquid collection unit provided at the top of the ion exchange resin bed 211.

  In the pressure tank 2, a first liquid collection and distribution pipe 231 that extends to the vicinity of the bottom of the pressure tank body 21 is connected to the second lid channel 222. A bottom screen 242 that prevents the resin beads from flowing out is provided at the lower end of the first liquid collection and distribution tube 231. The first liquid collection / delivery pipe 231 communicates with the second lid flow path 222. The water distribution position and the water collection position by the bottom screen 242 are set near the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211. The bottom screen 242 functions as a bottom liquid distribution unit provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211 and a bottom liquid collection unit provided at the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211.

  In the pressure tank 2, a second liquid collection and distribution pipe 232 extending to the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the depth direction of the ion exchange resin bed 211 is connected to the third lid flow path 223. An intermediate screen 243 that prevents the resin beads from flowing out is provided at the lower end of the second liquid collection and distribution tube 232. The second liquid collection and distribution tube 232 communicates with the third lid channel 223. The water collection position by the intermediate screen 243 is set near the intermediate part in the depth direction of the ion exchange resin bed 211. That is, the intermediate screen 243 is provided in the intermediate portion in the depth direction of the ion exchange resin bed 211. The intermediate part screen 243 functions as an intermediate part liquid collecting part provided in an intermediate part in the depth direction of the ion exchange resin bed 211.

  The inner diameter of the second collection and distribution pipe 232 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the first collection and distribution pipe 231. The axial centers of the first collection and distribution pipe 231 and the second collection and distribution pipe 232 are both set coaxially with the axial center of the pressure tank 2. That is, the first collection / distribution pipe 231 and the second collection / distribution pipe 232 form a double pipe structure in which the first collection / distribution pipe 231 is set as an inner pipe and the second collection / distribution pipe 232 is set as an outer pipe. The pressure tank 2 is attached.

  A raw water line L <b> 1 is connected to the first lid channel 221 through a process control valve 3. A soft water line L2 is connected to the second lid channel 222 via the process control valve 3. A fifth drain line L55 is connected to the third lid channel 223. The fifth drain line L55 is connected to the connection part J51 of the first drain line L51 inside the process control valve 3. The raw water line L1, the soft water line L2, and the first drainage line L51 extend to the outside of the process control valve 3. That is, each of the raw water line L 1, the soft water line L 2, and the first drainage line L 51 is provided inside the process control valve 3, and the remaining part is provided outside the process control valve 3.

  Although details will be described later, the control device 5 receives signals from a raw water flow meter 61, a salt water flow meter 62, and the like, which will be described later, and controls the process control valve 3 based on the input signals and the like.

  The raw water line L1 is connected to a raw water supply source such as a main water main, and a raw water pressure of, for example, 0.15 to 0.74 MPa is constantly applied. The raw water of the present embodiment is tap water, and the raw water line L1 and the soft water line L2 outside the process control valve 3 are constituted by a water supply pipe. The soft water line L2 is connected to a water supply valve 6 provided at a demand point (for example, various taps provided in a kitchen, a washroom, a bathroom, a ball tap provided in a tank of a flush toilet, etc.). . When the water supply valve 6 is opened at the demand point, the soft water is usually supplied from the soft water line L2 as will be described in detail later.

  The process control valve 3 includes various lines, valves, and the like therein, and functions as a cleaning unit that cleans the inside of the pressure tank 2. Specifically, the process control valve 3 includes a raw water line L1, a soft water line L2, a dilution water line L3, a first salt water line L41, a second salt water line L42, and a third salt water line L43 as lines. The fourth saltwater line L44, the first drainage line L51, the second drainage line L52, the third drainage line L53, the fourth drainage line L54, the fifth drainage line L55, and the bypass line L6 are provided.

  A part of the raw water line L1 on the first lid channel 221 side also functions as a fifth salt water line L45. A part of the soft water line L2 on the second lid flow path 222 side also functions as the sixth salt water line L46. Raw water line L1, part of soft water line L2 (sixth salt water line L46 described later), part of fourth salt water line L44 (part between connecting part J21 and connecting part J42 in fourth salt water line L44), The three drainage lines L53, the second drainage line L52, and the first drainage line L51 function as cleaning means.

  The process control valve 3 is a raw water flow valve 311, a soft water flow valve 312, a bypass valve 313, an ejector valve 314, a third drain valve 315, a second drain valve 316, and a first drain valve as valves. A valve 317, a salt water valve 318, a first constant flow valve 322, and a second constant flow valve 34 are provided. The process control valve 3 includes an ejector strainer 321, an ejector 323, a first orifice 324, a second orifice 325, and a soft water strainer 33.

  In the raw water line L1, the raw water flow meter 61, the connection part J11, the raw water flow valve 311, the connection part J12, and the connection part J13 are sequentially provided from the supply side of the raw water W1 toward the first lid channel 221. Are provided. The part between the connection part J12 and the 1st cover flow path 221 in the raw | natural water line L1 functions also as the 5th salt water line L45. The raw water flow meter 61 is provided outside the process control valve 3.

  The raw water flow meter 61 can detect the presence or absence of water flow in the pressure tank 2 by a flow pulse of the raw water W1, and functions as a flow detection unit. The raw water flow meter 61 can detect the inflow water amount or the outflow water amount of the pressure tank 2 by the flow rate pulse of the raw water W1, and also functions as a water amount detection unit. The flow detection signal and the water amount detection signal from the raw water flow meter 61 are input to the control device 5. The raw water flow meter 61 is a flow sensor configured to be able to detect an instantaneous flow rate and an integrated flow rate. For example, a tangential flow rate sensor or an axial flow rate sensor can be used. In addition, since the raw | natural water flowmeter 61 in this embodiment should just detect the presence or absence of water distribution, it can replace with a flow sensor and can also employ | adopt the flow switch which outputs a contact signal on / off.

  The soft water line L2 is provided with a connection portion J21, a soft water strainer 33, a soft water flow valve 312 and a connection portion J22 in order from the second lid flow path 222 toward the supply destination of the soft water W2. The portion of the soft water line L2 between the second lid flow path 222 and the connection portion J21 also functions as the sixth salt water line L46. The soft water strainer 33 captures contaminants (crushed pieces of resin beads, dust, etc.) in the soft water W2 flowing through the soft water line L2 from the second lid flow path 222 toward the supply destination of the soft water W2.

  The dilution water line L3 is connected to the connection portion J11 of the raw water line L1 at its upstream end, and is connected to the primary side of the ejector 323 at its downstream end. In the dilution water line L3, an ejector strainer 321, a first constant flow valve 322, and an ejector 323 are provided in order from the upstream side (connection portion J11 side) to the downstream side (ejector 323 side).

  The ejector strainer 321 removes suspended substances contained in the dilution water composed of the raw water W1, and prevents the first constant flow valve 322 and the ejector 323 from being clogged. The first constant flow valve 322 adjusts the dilution water supplied to the ejector 323 to a predetermined flow rate. The ejector 323 is connected to the downstream end of the first salt water line L41 on the discharge side of the nozzle portion. The ejector 323 is configured to be capable of sucking salt water W4 (for example, a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride) from the salt water tank 4 using a negative pressure generated when dilution water (raw water W1) is discharged from the nozzle portion. ing. In the ejector 323, the salt water W4 from the salt water tank 4 is diluted to a predetermined concentration (for example, 8 to 12% by weight) with dilution water (raw water W1).

  The bypass line L6 connects the connection part J11 and the connection part J22. That is, the bypass line L6 connects the raw water line L1 and the soft water line L2.

  The regenerating liquid supply line is a line connecting the pressure tank 2 and the salt water tank (regenerating liquid tank) 4. In the first embodiment, two regeneration liquid supply lines are formed. The first regenerated liquid supply line includes a first salt water line L41, a second salt water line L42, a third salt water line L43, and a fifth salt water line L45 (part of the raw water line L1). The second regeneration liquid supply line is composed of a first salt water line L41, a second salt water line L42, a fourth salt water line L44, and a sixth salt water line L46 (a part of the soft water line L2).

  One end of the first salt water line L41 is disposed in the salt water tank 4. The other end portion of the first salt water line L41 is connected to the nozzle portion of the ejector 323. The first salt water line L41 is provided with a salt water flow meter 62 and a salt water valve 318 in order from the salt water tank 4 toward the ejector 323.

  The salt water flow meter 62 is provided outside the process control valve 3. The salt water flow meter 62 detects the flow rate of the salt water W4 flowing through the first salt water line L41 or the raw water W1 as makeup water. A detection signal from the salt water flow meter 62 is input to the control device 5. The salt water flow meter 62 is a flow sensor configured to be able to detect a bidirectional instantaneous flow rate and an integrated flow rate. For example, a tangential flow rate sensor, an axial flow rate sensor, a Karman vortex flow rate sensor, or the like can be used. it can.

  The upstream end portion of the third salt water line L43 and the upstream end portion of the fourth salt water line L44 are connected at the connection portion J41. The second salt water line L42 connects the secondary side of the ejector 323 and the connection portion J41.

  The downstream end of the third salt water line L43 is connected to the fifth salt water line L45 (raw water line L1) at the connection portion J12. A first orifice 324 is provided in the middle of the third salt water line L43. The downstream end of the fourth salt water line L44 is connected to the sixth salt water line L46 (soft water line L2) at the connection portion J21. The fourth salt water line L44 is provided with a second orifice 325 and an ejector valve 314 in order from the upstream side to the downstream side. In the second regeneration process ST6 and the second extrusion process ST7, which will be described later, the first orifice 324 and the second orifice 325 are used to supply the salt water W4 that is the regeneration solution or the raw water W1 that is the extrusion water to the second lid channel 222 and the first lid. This is for evenly distributing the flow paths 221.

  Various drainage water W5 is discharged from the downstream end of the first drainage line L51. The upstream end of the first drain line L51 is connected to the downstream end of the second drain line L52 and the downstream end of the fifth drain line L55 at the connection J51. The upstream end of the second drain line L52 is connected to the downstream end of the third drain line L53 and the downstream end of the fourth drain line L54 at the connection J52. The upstream end of the third drainage line L53 is connected to the fourth saltwater line L44 at the connection J42. The upstream end of the fourth drainage line L54 is connected to the raw water line L1 (fifth brine line L45) at the connection J13. The upstream end of the fifth drain line L55 is connected to the third lid channel 223.

  A second constant flow valve 34 is provided in the middle of the second drainage line L52. The second constant flow valve 34 adjusts the flow rate of the drainage W5 discharged from the pressure tank 2 and flowing through the second drainage line L52 to a predetermined range. A first drain valve 317 is provided in the middle of the third drain line L53. A third drain valve 315 is provided in the middle of the fourth drain line L54. A second drain valve 316 is provided in the middle of the fifth drain line L55.

  In the process control valve 3, the various valves 311 to 318 can employ various operating mechanisms and valve structures. Specifically, a lift type or diaphragm type channel opening / closing valve operated by a cam mechanism, a slide piston type channel opening / closing valve operated by a link mechanism, and the like are suitable.

  Next, the salt water tank 4 will be described. The salt water tank 4 includes a salt water tank body 41, a salt water well 42, and a salt water plate 44. The salt water tank main body 41 has a bottomed shape with an open top. The salt water well 42 has a cylindrical shape and is disposed inside the salt water tank main body 41. The salt water plate 44 divides the salt water storage part (lower part) and the storage part (upper part) of the regenerated salt 43 (for example, granular or pellet sodium chloride) into the upper and lower sides outside the salt water well 42. It consists of a plate.

  A salt water line arrangement space 46 is formed inside the salt water tank body 41 and inside the salt water well 42. In the salt water line arrangement space 46, an upstream end of the first salt water line L41 is arranged. A communication hole 45 is provided in the lower side wall of the salt water well 42. The communication hole 45 communicates between the salt water reservoir and the salt water line arrangement space 46. Therefore, the salt water W4 or makeup water can freely flow between the salt water storage section and the salt water line arrangement space 46.

  Next, the operation mode of the water softening device 1 and the process executed in the operation mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing an operation mode of the water softening device of the first embodiment and a process in each operation mode. The water softening apparatus 1 introduces, as an operation mode, a water treatment mode for producing soft water W2 as treated water from the raw water W1 when the raw water W1 is introduced into the pressure tank 2, and a salt water W4 as a regenerated liquid into the pressure tank 2. Thus, the ion exchange resin bed 211 is regenerated, and then the raw water W1 as the washing water is introduced into the pressure tank 2 to discharge the regenerated liquid from the pressure tank 2, and the raw water as the washing water into the pressure tank 2 There are a cleaning mode in which the inside of the pressure tank 2 is cleaned by introducing W1, a water replenishing mode in which the raw water W1 is supplied to the salt water tank 4, and a standby mode in which no fluid is introduced into the pressure tank 2. The flow of fluid in the processes executed between these operation modes and in the operation modes is controlled by the process control valve 3 as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process control valve 3 switches each operation mode and switches the process in each of these operation modes. Each operation mode is switched based on a predetermined transition condition (event). In FIG. 2, the arrows described between the operation modes indicate events E1 to E6.

The process control valve 3 performs the following processes ST1 to ST10 in each operation mode while switching the flow path.
[ST1] Water treatment process (water softening process) for passing raw water W1 from the top to the bottom with respect to the entire ion exchange resin bed 211
[ST2] Strainer cleaning process for backwashing the soft water strainer 33 [ST3] Backwashing process for passing raw water W1 as the cleaning water from the bottom to the top with respect to the entire ion exchange resin bed 211 [ST4] Salt water as the regenerating solution First regeneration process for passing W4 from the top to the bottom with respect to the entire ion-exchange resin bed 211 [ST5] First to pass the raw water W1 as the extrusion water from the top to the bottom with respect to the entire ion-exchange resin bed 211 Extrusion process [ST6] A second regeneration process in which salt water W4 as a regeneration liquid is passed from the top to the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211 and from the bottom to the bottom of the ion exchange resin bed 211. [ST7] The raw water W1 as the extruded water is passed from the top to the bottom with respect to the upper part of the ion exchange resin bed 211, and the ion exchange resin bed 21 The second extrusion process [ST8] which passes from the bottom to the top of the lower part of the raw water W1 as the washing water (rinsing water) is passed from the top to the bottom with respect to the entire ion exchange resin bed 211, Rinsing process for washing the inside (ion exchange resin bed 211) [ST9] Replenishment process for supplying raw water W1 to the salt water tank 4 [ST10] Raw water W1 as washing water (rinsing water) is supplied to the entire ion exchange resin bed 211 The stagnant water discharge process [ST11] that waits for the supply of the wash water that passes from the top to the bottom and cleans the inside of the pressure tank 2 (ion exchange resin bed 211)

  In the water treatment mode, the water treatment process ST1 is executed or the execution of the water treatment process ST1 is on standby. In the regeneration mode, seven processes ST2 to ST9 from the strainer cleaning process ST2 to the water replenishment process ST9 are executed in order. In the cleaning mode, the stagnant water discharge process ST10 is executed. In the standby mode, the standby process ST11 is executed.

  Event E1 indicates a case where the operation mode shifts from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode. When the playback mode start condition (playback start condition) is satisfied, an event E1 occurs. The reproduction start condition will be described later. Event E2 indicates a case where the operation mode shifts from the regeneration mode to the water treatment mode. When all the seven processes ST2-ST9 are completed in the reproduction mode, an event E2 occurs.

  Event E3 indicates a case where the operation mode shifts from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode. When the cleaning mode start condition (cleaning start condition) is satisfied, an event E3 occurs. The cleaning start conditions will be described later. Event E4 indicates a case where the operation mode shifts from the cleaning mode to the water treatment mode. When the accumulated water discharge process S10 ends in the cleaning mode, an event E4 occurs.

  Event E5 indicates a case where the operation mode shifts from the cleaning mode to the standby mode. When the start condition of the standby mode (standby start condition) is satisfied, event E5 occurs. The standby start condition will be described later. Event E6 indicates a case where the operation mode shifts from the standby mode to the cleaning mode. When the end condition of the standby mode (standby end condition) is satisfied, event E6 occurs. The standby end condition will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an open / close state of the process control valve 3 in each process. The opening and closing of the valves 311 to 318 in the process control valve 3 is controlled by the control device 5 for each of the processes ST1 to ST10 as shown in FIG. As a result, in the pressure tank 2, a fluid flow is generated for each of the processes ST1 to ST10, or no fluid flow is generated. In the regeneration mode, a strainer cleaning process ST2 for back cleaning the soft water strainer 33 is provided before the reverse cleaning process ST3. This strainer cleaning process ST2 is not shown in FIG. 2 but is shown only in FIG. 3 for convenience of explanation. Further, a regeneration standby process (not shown) for waiting for the supply of the salt water W4 is provided between the strainer cleaning process ST2 and the back cleaning process ST3.

  Next, main control (operation) of the water softening device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. Hereinafter, in the present specification, discharging the stagnant water in the pressure tank 2 out of the system under a predetermined condition is also referred to as “performing stagnant water discharge” as appropriate. In each process ST2 to ST11 except for the water treatment process ST1, the bypass valve 313 is opened. Therefore, when the water supply valve 6 is opened at the demand point in the processes ST2 to ST11, the raw water W1 introduced into the raw water line L1 flows from the connecting part J12 to the bypass line L6, and is connected to the soft water line via the connecting part J22. It is discharged from L2. That is, tap water or the like that has not been softened is discharged from the soft water line L2 as it is without passing through the pressure tank 2 and is sent to the demand point.

(Water treatment mode)
In the water treatment mode, when the water supply valve 6 provided in the demand point (for example, various taps provided in the kitchen, washroom, bathroom, etc., ball tap provided in the tank of the flush toilet, etc.) is opened, Water treatment process ST1 is performed. When the water treatment process ST1 is executed, soft water W2 is produced. On the other hand, when the water supply valve 6 is closed, the water treatment process ST1 is not executed. In this case, the soft water W2 is not manufactured.

[Water treatment mode: Water treatment process ST1]
In the water treatment mode, each of the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 is set to the open / closed state shown in ST1 of FIG. 3 by a command signal from the control device 5. When the water treatment process ST1 is performed by opening the water supply valve 6 at the demand point, the raw water W1 is supplied to the inside of the pressure tank main body 21 via the raw water line L1 and the first lid channel 221 and Water is distributed from the screen 241. The raw water W1 distributed from the top screen 241 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow. In the process, the hardness component of the raw water W1 is replaced with sodium ions, and the raw water W1 is softened.

  The treated water (soft water W <b> 2) that has passed through the ion exchange resin bed 211 is collected on the bottom screen 242 at the bottom of the pressure tank 2. Thereafter, the soft water W2 is discharged from the soft water line L2 via the first collection and distribution pipe 231 and the second lid channel 222.

[Playback mode]
In the regeneration mode, the strainer cleaning process ST <b> 2 to the water replenishment process ST <b> 9 are sequentially performed in order to recover the hardness component removal capability (ion exchange capacity) of the ion exchange resin bed 211 (see FIG. 2). The execution of these processes requires raw water W1. As described above, a raw water pressure of 0.15 to 0.74 MPa is constantly applied to the raw water line L1. Therefore, the raw water W1 is supplied to the raw water line L1 regardless of the operation of the water supply valve 6 at the demand point. Of these processes, the reverse cleaning process ST3 is well known as disclosed in the patent literature and the like, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Reproduction start condition]
As described above, when the regeneration start condition is satisfied, the operation mode shifts from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode. The regeneration start condition is that the integrated water sampling amount is equal to or greater than the water sampling possible amount. The integrated water sampling amount is the total amount of the raw water W1 that has flowed through the pressure tank 2 in the water treatment mode that is executed after the previous regeneration mode ends. The total amount of the raw water W1 can be detected by the raw water flow meter 61. The amount of water that can be collected is set according to the capacity of the ion exchange resin bed that can be recovered by regeneration. That is, the possible amount of water sampling is set as the total amount of raw water W1 that can be introduced into the pressure tank 2 before the ion exchange resin bed 211 can no longer replace the hardness component, or the amount of water smaller than this total amount.

[Regeneration mode: Strainer cleaning process ST2]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST2 in FIG. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing through the raw water line L1 is the raw water line L1, the connecting portion J11, the bypass line L6, the connecting portion J22, the soft water line L2, the soft water strainer 33, the connecting portion J21, the fourth salt water line L44, the connecting portion J42, It is discharged out of the system through the third drainage line L53, the second drainage line L52, and the first drainage line L51. In this process, the soft water strainer 33 is back-washed by the raw water W1 flowing through the soft water strainer 33 from the secondary side to the primary side, and contaminants captured by the soft water strainer 33 are discharged out of the system together with the raw water W1. .

[Reproduction mode: first reproduction process ST4]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / close state shown in ST4 of FIG. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing upstream from the connection portion J11 in the raw water line L1 is supplied to the primary side of the ejector 323 via the dilution water line L3 as the dilution water of the salt water W4. At this time, the suspended substances in the raw water W1 are removed by the ejector strainer 321. The flow rate of the raw water W1 is adjusted to a predetermined range by the first constant flow valve 322.

  In the ejector 323, a negative pressure is generated on the discharge side of the nozzle portion (reference number omitted) by the passage of the raw water W1, and the first salt water line L41 also has a negative pressure. As a result, the saturated salt water W4 in the salt water tank 4 is sucked into the ejector 323 via the first salt water line L41. In the ejector 323, the saturated salt water W4 is diluted to a predetermined concentration using the raw water W1 as dilution water, and salt water W4 as a regenerating solution is prepared. The prepared salt water W4 passes through the second salt water line L42, the third salt water line L43, the fifth salt water line L45 (a part of the raw water line L1), and the first lid channel 221 to the inside of the pressure tank body 21. And water is distributed from the top screen 241.

  The salt water W4 distributed from the top screen 241 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow, and regenerates the entire ion exchange resin bed 211 in the process. The regenerated liquid (salt water W 4) that has passed through the ion exchange resin bed 211 is collected on the bottom screen 242 at the bottom of the pressure tank 2. The used salt water W4 includes the first collection and distribution pipe 231, the second lid flow path 222, the soft water line L2, the connection portion J21, the fourth salt water line L44, the connection portion J42, the third drainage line L53, and the second drainage line L52. And it is discharged out of the system via the first drainage line L51.

The first regeneration process ST4 is so-called cocurrent regeneration. In this co-current regeneration, when the supply capacity of the salt water W4, which is the regeneration liquid, reaches the set regenerant amount (= regeneration level × ion exchange resin bed capacity), the process ends and the process proceeds to the first extrusion process ST5. . The amount of the regenerant, the concentration of the regenerated liquid, the specific gravity of the regenerated liquid, and the supply capacity of the regenerated liquid have the following relationship.
Regenerant amount = concentration of regenerated solution x specific gravity of regenerated solution x supply capacity of regenerated solution (1)

[Regeneration mode: first extrusion process ST5]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST5 in FIG. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing upstream from the connection portion J11 in the raw water line L1 is supplied to the primary side of the ejector 323 through the dilution water line L3 as the extruded water. The raw water W1 that has passed through the ejector 323 passes through the second salt water line L42, the third salt water line L43, the fifth salt water line L45 (a part of the raw water line L1), and the first lid channel 221, and the pressure tank body 21 , And water is distributed from the top screen 241.

  The raw water W1 as the extrusion water distributed from the top screen 241 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow while extruding the salt water W4 as the regeneration solution supplied in advance, and then continues to the ion exchange resin bed 211. Play. The regenerated liquid (salt water W4) and the extruded water (raw water W1) that have passed through the ion exchange resin bed 211 are collected on the bottom screen 242 at the bottom of the pressure tank 2. The used salt water W4 and raw water W1 are the first collection and distribution pipe 231, the second lid flow path 222, the soft water line L2, the connection portion J21, the fourth salt water line L44, the connection portion J42, the third drainage line L53, the second. It is discharged out of the system through the drainage line L52 and the first drainage line L51.

[Reproduction mode: second reproduction process ST6]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST6 in FIG. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing upstream from the connection portion J11 in the raw water line L1 is supplied to the primary side of the ejector 323 via the dilution water line L3 as the dilution water of the salt water W4.

  The salt water W4 prepared in the ejector 323 is supplied to the pressure tank main body via the second salt water line L42, the third salt water line L43, the fifth salt water line L45 (a part of the raw water line L1), and the first lid channel 221. 21 and supplied from the top screen 241.

  The salt water W4 distributed from the top screen 241 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow, and regenerates the upper part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the process. The regenerated liquid (salt water W4) that has passed through the upper part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 is collected on the intermediate screen 243 at the intermediate part in the depth direction of the pressure tank 2. The used salt water W4 is discharged out of the system through the second collection and distribution pipe 232, the third lid channel 223, the fifth drainage line L55, the connecting portion J55, and the first drainage line L51.

  Further, the salt water W4 prepared in the ejector 323 is diverted from the connection portion J41 of the second salt water line L42, and the fourth salt water line L44, the sixth salt water line L46 (part of the soft water line L2), and the second lid channel. The water is supplied to the inside of the pressure tank main body 21 through 222, and is distributed from the bottom screen 242 through the first liquid collection and distribution pipe 231.

  The salt water W4 distributed from the bottom screen 242 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in an upward flow, and regenerates the lower part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the process. The regenerated liquid (salt water W4) that has passed through the lower part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 is collected on the intermediate screen 243 at the intermediate part in the depth direction of the pressure tank 2. The used salt water W4 is discharged out of the system through the second collection and distribution pipe 232, the third lid channel 223, the fifth drainage line L55, the connecting portion J55, and the first drainage line L51.

  The second regeneration process ST6 is so-called split flow regeneration in which partial cocurrent regeneration and partial countercurrent regeneration are performed simultaneously. In the partial countercurrent regeneration, the lower part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 that is difficult to be regenerated in the first regeneration process ST4 is efficiently regenerated. In the second regeneration process ST6, the flow below the ion exchange resin bed 211 is suppressed by the downward flow of the salt water W4 as the regeneration liquid. When the supply capacity of the salt water W4, which is the regenerating liquid, reaches the set amount of the regenerating agent, the process ends and the process proceeds to the second extrusion process ST7. The relationship between the amount of the regenerant, the concentration of the regenerating solution, the specific gravity of the regenerating solution, and the supply capacity of the regenerating solution is as shown by the above-described equation (1).

[Regeneration mode: second extrusion process ST7]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST7 in FIG. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing upstream from the connection portion J11 in the raw water line L1 is supplied to the primary side of the ejector 323 through the dilution water line L3 as the extruded water. The raw water W1 that has passed through the ejector 323 is supplied as extrusion water to the primary side of the ejector 323 via the dilution water line L3. The raw water W1 that has passed through the ejector 323 passes through the second salt water line L42, the third salt water line L43, the fifth salt water line L45 (a part of the raw water line L1), and the first lid channel 221, and the pressure tank body 21 , And water is distributed from the top screen 241.

  The raw water W1 as the extrusion water distributed from the top screen 241 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow while extruding the salt water W4 as the regeneration solution supplied in advance, and then continues to the ion exchange resin bed 211. Play the top of. The regenerated liquid (salt water W4) and the extruded water (raw water W1) that have passed through the upper portion of the ion exchange resin bed 211 are collected on the intermediate screen 243 at the intermediate portion in the depth direction of the pressure tank 2. The used salt water W4 and raw water W1 are discharged out of the system through the second collection and distribution pipe 232, the third lid channel 223, the fifth drain line L55, the connecting portion J55, and the first drain line L51.

  The raw water W1 that has passed through the ejector 323 is diverted from the connection portion J41 of the second salt water line L42, and the fourth salt water line L44, the sixth salt water line L46 (a part of the soft water line L2), and the second lid channel 222. Is supplied to the inside of the pressure tank main body 21, and is distributed from the bottom screen 242 through the first liquid collection and distribution pipe 231.

  The raw water W1 as the extrusion water distributed from the bottom screen 242 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in an upward flow while extruding the salt water W4 as the regeneration solution supplied in advance, and then continues to the ion exchange resin bed 211. Play the bottom of. The regenerated liquid (salt water W4) and the extruded water (raw water W1) that have passed through the lower part of the ion exchange resin bed 211 are collected on the intermediate screen 243 at the intermediate portion in the depth direction of the pressure tank 2. The used salt water W4 and raw water W1 are discharged out of the system through the second collection and distribution pipe 232, the third lid channel 223, the fifth drain line L55, the connecting portion J55, and the first drain line L51. In the regeneration mode described above, the salt water W4 as the regeneration liquid and the raw water W1 as the extrusion water also function as washing water for washing the inside of the pressure tank 2.

[Reproduction mode: Rinse process ST8]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / close state indicated by ST8 in FIG. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing through the raw water line L1 is supplied to the inside of the pressure tank body 21 via the raw water line L1 and the first lid channel 221 and distributed from the top screen 241. The raw water W1 distributed from the top screen 241 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow and is softened.
The soft water W <b> 2 that has passed through the ion exchange resin bed 211 is collected on the bottom screen 242 at the bottom of the pressure tank 2. Thereafter, the soft water W2 passes through the first collection and distribution pipe 231, the second lid channel 222, the sixth salt water line L46, the fourth salt water line L44, the third drain line L53, the second drain line L52, and the first drain line L51. Then, it is discharged out of the system as drainage W5.

[Regeneration mode: replenishment process ST9]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to the open / close state shown in ST9 of FIG. As a result, the raw water W1 flowing upstream from the connection portion J11 in the raw water line L1 is supplied to the primary side of the ejector 323 via the dilution water line L3 as make-up water. The makeup water from the ejector 323 is supplied into the salt water tank 4 via the first salt water line L41.

[Washing mode]
In the cleaning mode, the stagnant water discharge process ST10 is executed to discharge the stagnant water in the pressure tank 2 and clean the ion exchange resin bed 211. The raw water W1 is required to execute the stagnant water discharge process ST10. As described above, a raw water pressure of 0.15 to 0.74 MPa is constantly applied to the raw water line L1. Therefore, the raw water W1 is supplied to the raw water line L1 regardless of the operation of the water supply valve 6 at the demand point.

[Cleaning start conditions]
As described above, when the cleaning start condition is satisfied, the operation mode shifts from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode. The cleaning start condition is that the distribution stop time TR is equal to or longer than the first set time TRS set as the predetermined time. The circulation stop time TR is a time during which the raw water W1 does not continuously pass through the pressure tank 2 in the water treatment mode. The distribution stop time TR can be calculated based on the presence or absence of a flow rate detection signal from the raw water flow meter 61.

  When the operation mode shifts to the water treatment mode, the regeneration mode or the cleaning mode is executed prior to the shift to the water treatment mode. In the regeneration mode and the cleaning mode, the raw water W1 is introduced into the pressure tank 2, whereby the accumulated water is replaced with fresh water (newly introduced raw water W1). The cleaning mode (retained water discharge process ST10) will be described later in detail. The raw water W1 is introduced until the end of the regeneration mode and the cleaning mode. The end of the regeneration mode and the cleaning mode are substantially equal at the start of the water treatment mode. For this reason, the distribution stop time TR is reset to zero at the start of the water treatment mode. That is, the cleaning start condition is set so that the cleaning mode is not started for a predetermined time (first set time TRS) immediately after the transition to the water treatment mode. The distribution stop time TR is reset to zero when there is a flow rate detection signal from the raw water flow meter 61 when the distribution stop time TR is being measured in the water treatment mode.

[Washing mode: stagnant water discharge process ST10]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST10 in FIG. The open / close state in the accumulated water discharge process ST10 is the same as the open / close state in the rinse process ST8. For this reason, in the stagnant water discharge process ST10, processing similar to the rinse process ST8 is performed. The stagnant water discharge process ST10 is provided to replace the stagnant water with fresh water in order to discharge the proliferated bacteria and maintain the quality of treated water suitable for drinking.

  The tap water is sterilized with chlorine to prevent bacterial contamination. However, if the tap water stays in the pressure tank 2 for a long time, the sterilizing power of chlorine is lost, and various germs are easily propagated. Specifically, since the resin beads of the ion exchange resin bed 211 are organic, if the chlorine is in contact with the resin beads for a long time, oxidative decomposition of the resin beads due to reaction with chlorine occurs. Then, the degradation product of the resin beads becomes a nutrient source for germs in an environment where chlorine has disappeared, and the germs propagate on the surface of the resin. A corresponding amount of water is required for discharging the germs adhering to the surface of the resin. For this reason, the amount of raw water W1 introduced in the stagnant water discharge process ST10 is set to be several times the amount of raw water W1 introduced in the rinse process ST8. For example, the execution time of the stagnant water discharge process ST10 is set to 15 minutes, and the execution time of the rinse process ST8 is set to 5 minutes. Here, the raw water W1 functions as cleaning water for cleaning the inside of the pressure tank 2 (ion exchange resin bed 211). The raw water W1 distributed from the top screen 241 passes through the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a downward flow and is softened. The soft water W2 that has passed through the ion exchange resin bed 211 is discharged out of the system as drainage W5.

When the water softening device 1 is used for home use, the staying water discharge process ST10 is specifically performed as follows. The valve control unit 510 sets the linear velocity of the raw water W1 (washing water) in the ion exchange resin bed 211 in a range of 5 to 60 m / h. The linear velocity of the cleaning water is set by adjusting the flow rate of the waste water W5 discharged from the pressure tank 2 to a predetermined range by the second constant flow valve 34 incorporated in the process control valve 3 as a cleaning means. As another configuration, for example, the linear velocity can be set to a desired range by using the first drain valve 317 as a proportional control valve and adjusting its opening degree. The linear velocity of the raw water W1 (washing water) is obtained by dividing the flow rate of the raw water W1 by the cross-sectional area of the ion exchange resin bed 211, and is expressed by the following equation.
Linear velocity [m / h] = flow rate [m ³ / h] ÷ cross-sectional area [m ² ] (2)

  Further, the valve control unit 510 sets the amount of the raw water W1 with respect to the ion exchange resin bed 211 to be large when the first set time TRS is long, and to be set to be small when the first set time TRS is short. For example, when the first set time TRS is set to 6 to 24 hours, the valve control unit 510 sets the amount of raw water W1 (wash water) with respect to the ion exchange resin bed 211 in the range of 6 to 12 BV. Since the flow rate of the waste water W5 is defined by the second constant flow valve 34 or the like, the amount of the washing water is set by changing the execution time of the stagnant water discharge process ST8.

  Further, as the washing water, treated water (soft water W2) can be used instead of the raw water W1. In this case, the hard water softening device 1 includes a treated water tank that stores treated water produced in the pressure tank 2, and treated water as cleaning water is supplied from the treated water tank. In this case, the removal capability of the ion exchange resin bed 211 is not reduced by the passage of the washing water. Furthermore, water containing chlorine can be used as the washing water. In this case, the valve control unit 510 performs the stagnant water discharge process ST8 by the process control valve 3 so that a chlorine amount of at least 0.5 mg Cl / LR is brought into contact with the unit resin amount of the ion exchange resin bed 211. Control the time. The chlorine may be residual chlorine originally contained in the raw water W1, or a chlorine agent such as sodium hypochlorite added separately to the raw water W1.

(Standby mode)
The standby mode is a mode for waiting for execution of the accumulated water discharge process S9 in the cleaning mode. The standby mode is executed until the state is canceled when it is determined that the washing water cannot be secured.

[Standby start condition]
As described above, when the standby start condition is satisfied, the operation mode shifts from the cleaning mode to the standby mode. The standby start condition is that the flow of the raw water W1 in the raw water line L1 is stopped in the cleaning mode. In this case, the execution of the stagnant water discharge process S9 is interrupted and the standby mode is started. As an example in which the standby start condition is satisfied, for example, a case where a water break occurs can be cited.

[Standby termination condition]
As described above, when the standby end condition is satisfied, the operation mode shifts from the standby mode to the cleaning mode. The standby end condition is that the raw water W1 is circulated in the raw water line L1 in the standby mode. As an example in which the standby end condition is satisfied, for example, a case where water outage is restored can be cited.

[Standby mode: Standby process ST10]
In response to a command signal from the control device 5, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are set to an open / closed state indicated by ST10 in FIG. As a result, the flow path of the raw water W1 flowing through the raw water line L1 is formed so as to pass through the connection portion J11, the bypass line L6, the connection portion J22, and the soft water line L2.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the function which concerns on control of the water softening apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram relating to the control of the water softening device 1 of the first embodiment.

  The control device 5 controls each part in the water softening device 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 5 is electrically connected to the process control valve 3. The control device 5 is electrically connected to the raw water flow meter 61 and the salt water flow meter 62 in the hard water softening device 1, and a flow detection signal and a water amount detection signal from the raw water flow meter 61 and a flow signal from the salt water flow meter 62. Receive.

  The control device 5 includes a cleaning timing determination unit 501, a distribution stop time calculation unit 502, a distribution stop time determination unit 503, a regeneration timing determination unit 506, an internal clock unit 507, an advance regeneration determination unit 508, and a distribution control. A valve control unit 510 as a means and a memory unit 520 are included.

  The cleaning timing determination unit 501 determines whether or not the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1. The cleaning timing TIM1 is a timing at which the operation mode is shifted from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode among the operation mode switching timings defined by the events E1 to E6. The cleaning timing determination unit 501 satisfies the cleaning start condition when the distribution stop time determination unit 503 determines that the distribution stop time TR calculated by the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 has reached the first set time TRS. In the case (when step ST204 in FIG. 8 is YES), it is determined that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1.

  The distribution stop time calculation unit 502 is a timer that measures the time until the current apparatus state reaches the cleaning timing TIM1, and is based on the distribution state detected by the raw water flow meter 61 (distribution detection unit) in the water treatment mode. Then, distribution stop time TR is calculated (timed). Specifically, the circulation stop time calculation unit 502 determines that “no water circulation is detected” when a state in which no flow rate pulse input from the raw water flow meter 61 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), The stop time TR is started (see steps ST202 to ST203 in FIG. 7). On the contrary, the circulation stop time calculation unit 502 determines that “there is a water circulation” when the state where the flow pulse input from the raw water flow meter 61 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and until then. The measured distribution stop time TR is reset (see steps ST206 to ST207 in FIG. 7). In addition, the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 resets the distribution stop time TR that has been counted until then when returning from the cleaning mode to the water treatment mode regardless of the operation mode before the transition to the cleaning mode.

  The distribution stop time determination unit 503 reads the first set time TRS from the memory unit 520, and determines whether the distribution stop time TR calculated by the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 has reached the first set time TRS. (See step ST204 in FIG. 7). The first set time TRS is a threshold value of the flow stop time TR, and the number of general bacteria in the pressure tank 2 exceeds 100 CFU / mL, which is the upper limit of the tap water quality standard due to stagnation of water. It is an allowable time that can be avoided. That is, the first set time TRS is set in consideration of the upper limit threshold of the stop time at which the soft water W2 having a safe quality can be obtained for a human body suitable for drinking, and is set to 6 to 24 hours, for example.

  The reproduction timing determination unit 506 determines whether or not the current device state is the reproduction timing TIM2. The regeneration timing TIM2 is a timing at which the operation mode is shifted from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode among the operation mode switching timings defined by the events E1 to E6. When the regeneration start condition is satisfied when the integrated water collection amount becomes equal to or greater than the water withdrawal possible amount, the regeneration timing determination unit 506 determines that the current apparatus state has reached the regeneration timing TIM2, and sends a regeneration start signal to the valve control unit 510. Output to.

  The internal clock unit 507 is a so-called calendar clock and has a clock function for marking the current date and time (current time). The internal clock of the internal clock unit 507 stores the latest clock information (year / month / day / hour / minute / day of the week).

  The advance reproduction determination unit 508 determines whether or not the current apparatus state satisfies the advance reproduction enabling condition. The condition for allowing regenerative advancement is that the above-mentioned integrated water collection amount is equal to or greater than the amount of water that can be regenerated reproducibly. The amount of water that can be recycled in advance is an amount that is smaller than the amount of water that can be collected. The regeneratable water collection amount is set to 90% of the water collection amount, for example. In FIG. 5, the amount of water that can be collected is the amount of treated water that can be collected between the previous regeneration timing TIM2 and the next regeneration timing TIM2. The advance recyclable water sampling amount is the amount of treated water sampled between the previous regeneration timing TIM2 and the preliminary regeneration possible timing TIM3. It is possible to advance the transition to the regeneration mode in the section between the advance regeneration possible timing TIM3 and the next regeneration timing TIM2, that is, in the section where the integrated water collection amount is not less than the advance regeneration possible water collection amount and less than the water withdrawal possible amount. It has become.

  The valve control unit 510 controls the process control valve 3 so as to switch the water treatment mode, the regeneration mode, and the cleaning mode at the operation mode switching timing based on a predetermined transition condition. The operation mode switching timing includes a cleaning timing TIM1 for shifting from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode, and a regeneration timing TIM2 for shifting from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode. The valve control unit 510 shifts from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode when the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1, and shifts from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode when the current apparatus state is the regeneration timing TIM2. Next, the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 are controlled.

  As described above, the cleaning timing determination unit 501 determines that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1 when it is determined that the distribution stop time TR has reached the first set time TRS. Then, the valve control unit 510 controls each of the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 so as to shift from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode based on the determination result by the cleaning timing determination unit 501.

  In addition, as described above, the regeneration timing determination unit 506 determines that the current apparatus state has reached the regeneration timing TIM2 when the regeneration start condition is satisfied when the integrated water collection amount becomes equal to or greater than the water withdrawal possible amount, and the regeneration timing TIM2 is determined. A start signal is output to the valve control unit 510. The valve control unit 510 receives the regeneration start signal from the regeneration timing determination unit 506 and controls the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 so as to shift from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode.

  Further, the valve control unit 510 is configured to start the regeneration mode instead of starting the cleaning mode when the cleaning start condition is satisfied while the advance regeneration possible condition is satisfied. Specifically, the valve control unit 510 determines whether or not the process control valve is in a state where the current apparatus state becomes the cleaning timing TIM1 within a range where the integrated water collection amount is a reproducible water intake amount that is higher than the reproducible water intake amount and less than the water intake amount. By controlling the three valves 311 to 318, the operation mode is shifted from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode without shifting the operation mode from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode.

  The memory unit 520 stores a control program and various data necessary for controlling the water softening device 1. Specifically, the memory unit 520 includes a control program for operating various operation modes of the water softening device 1, various calculated values (for example, the circulation stop time TR, the integrated water sampling amount Q), and various set values (for example, the first setting). The time TRS, the amount of water that can be collected, and the amount of water that can be recycled in advance are stored.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, switching of the operation mode will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the switching timing of the normal operation mode. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the change in the integrated water sampling amount Q in time series. The 0% water amount Q0 indicates a state in which the water collection mode is changed from the regeneration mode and the integrated water collection amount Q is reset to zero, and corresponds to the apparatus state at the water treatment timing TIM0. The water treatment timing TIM0 indicates the operation mode switching timing when the water treatment mode is started. The 100% water amount Q100 indicates a state in which the integrated water sampling amount Q reaches the water sampling possible amount and the state is shifted from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode, and corresponds to the apparatus state at the regeneration timing TIM2. The 90% water amount Q90 indicates a state in which the integrated water collection amount Q has reached the reproducible water reclaimable amount (90% of the water retrievable amount) in the water treatment mode, and corresponds to the apparatus state in which the renewable reproducible timing TIM3 is generated. doing. The transition to the regeneration mode can be advanced after the interval in which the integrated water collection amount Q is from 90% water amount Q90 to 100% water amount Q100, that is, after the occurrence of the advance regeneration possible timing TIM3.

  The 25% water amount Q25 indicates an apparatus state in which the first cleaning timing TIM1 occurs. In other words, the 25% water amount Q25 is a state when the flow of the treated water is stopped when the integrated water supply amount Q is counted to 25% of the possible water intake amount, and the flow stop time TR reaches the first set time TRS. It is. The 70% water amount Q70 indicates an apparatus state in which the second cleaning timing TIM1 occurs. That is, the 70% water amount Q70 is a state when the flow of the treated water is stopped when the integrated water supply amount Q is counted up to 70% of the possible water intake amount, and the distribution stop time TR reaches the first set time TRS. It is. As apparent from FIG. 5, in the state of the 25% water amount Q25 and the 70% water amount Q70, the advance regeneration possible timing TIM3 has not yet occurred. Therefore, when the cleaning timing TIM1 occurs, the advance transition to the regeneration mode is not performed and the water treatment mode is shifted to the cleaning mode according to the normal control operation.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the switching timing of the operation mode including the case where the transition to the regeneration mode is carried forward. In FIG. 5, all the cleaning timings TIM1 are before the occurrence of the advance regeneration possible timing TIM3. On the other hand, in FIG. 6, one cleaning timing TIM1 is before the occurrence of the advance regeneration possible timing TIM3, and the other cleaning timing TIM1 is after the occurrence of the advance regeneration possible timing TIM3.

  In FIG. 6, in the state of 0% water amount Q0, 25% water amount Q25, and 90% water amount Q90, water treatment timing TIM0, first cleaning timing TIM1 and advance regeneration possible timing TIM3 are generated, respectively, as in FIG. ing. The 95% water amount Q95 indicates an apparatus state in which the second cleaning timing TIM1 occurs. That is, the 95% water amount Q95 is a state when the flow of the treated water is stopped when the accumulated water supply amount Q is counted up to 95% of the water sampleable amount, and the flow stop time TR reaches the first set time TRS. It is. When the cleaning timing TIM1 occurs after the occurrence of the advance regeneration possible timing TIM3, that is, in the section where the integrated water intake Q is from 90% water volume Q90 to 100% water volume Q100, the operation mode is regenerated from the water treatment mode instead of the cleaning mode. Enter mode. That is, the second cleaning timing TIM1 is replaced with the regeneration timing TIM2. When the transition to the reproduction mode is performed, the distribution stop time TR is finally reset to zero. As a result, the transition to the cleaning mode is canceled once. Further, when the regeneration mode ends, the integrated water sampling amount Q is reset to zero, and the operation mode is shifted to the water treatment mode. Therefore, when the advance transition to the regeneration mode is performed, the regeneration timing TIM2 at the 100% water amount Q100 does not occur.

  Next, control for moving forward to the reproduction mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing operation mode switching control in the water softening apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. At the start of this flowchart, the operation mode is maintained in the water treatment mode (execution of the water treatment process ST1).

  The internal clock unit 507 always keeps the current time. The operation of the internal clock unit 507 is started when the control device 5 is turned on. The date and time adjustment of the internal clock unit 507 is performed via an operation panel provided in the control device 5. The raw water flow meter 61 always detects the flow rate of the raw water W1 passing through the raw water line L1. For this reason, the integrated water sampling amount Q is always calculated.

  In step ST101, the cleaning timing determination unit 501 determines whether or not the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1 based on the cleaning start condition. If it is determined that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1 (YES), the process proceeds to step ST102. When it is determined that the current apparatus state is not the cleaning timing TIM1 (NO), the process proceeds to step ST109 described later.

  In step ST <b> 102, the advance regeneration determination unit 508 determines whether or not the current apparatus state satisfies the advance regeneration possible condition based on a comparison between the integrated water withdrawal amount Q and the possible water withdrawal amount. Here, when the process proceeds to step ST102, the current apparatus state is the first timing TIM1. Therefore, based on the determination in step ST102, it is determined whether to change the transition to the cleaning mode to the transition to the regeneration mode or to maintain the transition to the cleaning mode as it is. If the accumulated water intake Q is equal to or higher than the reclaimable water intake and the current device condition satisfies the prerecyclable conditions (YES), the transition to the regeneration mode is performed without executing the cleaning mode. In order to carry forward, the process proceeds to step ST103. When the integrated water collection amount is less than the reproducible water collection amount, and the current apparatus state does not satisfy the reproducible reconditioning condition (NO), in order to execute the cleaning mode as it is, the process is step ST106. Proceed to

  In step ST103, the valve control unit 510 shifts the operation mode of the process control valve 3 from the water treatment mode to the regeneration mode. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the strainer cleaning process ST2, the back cleaning process ST3, the first regeneration process ST4, the first extrusion process ST5, the second regeneration process ST6, the second extrusion process ST7, the rinse process ST8, and the water replenishment Process ST9 is performed in order.

  In step ST104, the distribution stop time calculating unit 502 resets the measured distribution stop time TR to zero, and the control device 5 resets the integrated water sampling amount Q to zero. In step ST105, the valve control unit 510 returns the operation mode of the process control valve 3 from the regeneration mode to the water treatment mode. Thereby, water treatment process ST1 is performed and the process of this flowchart is complete | finished (it returns to step ST101).

  In step ST106 (NO in step ST104), the valve control unit 510 shifts the operation mode of the process control valve 3 from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the stagnant water discharge process ST10 is executed. When the accumulated water discharge process ST10 ends, the process proceeds to step ST107 (event E4 in FIG. 2 occurs).

  In step ST107, the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 resets the measured distribution stop time TR to zero. In step ST108, the valve control unit 510 returns the operation mode of the process control valve 3 from the cleaning mode to the water treatment mode. Thereby, water treatment process ST1 is performed.

  In step ST109, the reproduction timing determination unit 506 determines whether or not the current device state is the reproduction timing TIM2 based on the reproduction start condition. If it is determined that the current device state is the playback timing TIM2 (YES), the process proceeds to step ST103. If it is determined that the current device state is not the reproduction timing TIM2 (NO), the process returns to step ST101.

  Next, the determination operation of the cleaning timing TIM1 in step ST101 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating control for determining that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1 based on the circulation stop time TR in the water softening apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The determination of the cleaning timing TIM1 in the first embodiment is performed based on the presence or absence of water circulation in the pressure tank 2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in step ST201, the distribution stop time determination unit 503 reads the first set time TRS from the memory unit 520. In step ST <b> 202, the circulation stop time calculation unit 502 determines the stop of water circulation to the pressure tank 2 based on the distribution state detected by the raw water flow meter 61. That is, the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 determines that “no water distribution is detected” when a state in which there is no flow rate pulse input (distribution detection signal) from the raw water flow meter 61 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). The process proceeds to step ST203. Here, the predetermined time is a time for confirming that water is not used at the demand point. On the other hand, when the state where there is no flow rate pulse input from the raw water flow meter 61 does not continue for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step ST109 in FIG. 7 in order to determine whether or not the regeneration timing TIM2 has been reached.

  In step ST203, the distribution stop time calculating unit 502 starts calculating (counting) the distribution stop time TR. In subsequent step ST204, distribution stop time determination section 503 determines whether distribution stop time TR calculated by distribution stop time calculation section 502 has reached first set time TRS read in step ST201. When the distribution stop time TR reaches the first set time TRS (YES), there is a possibility that the number of general bacteria in the pressure tank 2 may exceed the tap water quality standard upper limit due to the retention of water, so the process goes to step ST205. move on. On the other hand, when the distribution stop time TR does not reach the first set time TRS (NO), the number of general bacteria in the pressure tank 2 is not likely to exceed the tap water quality standard upper limit, so the process proceeds to step ST206. .

  In step ST205, since the distribution stop time TR has reached the first set time TRS, the process proceeds to step ST102 in FIG. 7 assuming that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1.

  In step ST <b> 206 (NO in step ST <b> 204), the circulation stop time calculation unit 502 determines the resumption of water circulation to the pressure tank 2 based on the circulation state detected by the raw water flow meter 61. That is, the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 determines that “there is water distribution detected” when a state in which there is a flow pulse input (distribution detection signal) from the raw water flow meter 61 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). The process proceeds to step ST207. Here, the predetermined time is a time for confirming that water is used at the demand point. On the other hand, when the state in which there is a flow pulse input from the raw water flow meter 61 does not continue for a predetermined time, the process returns to step ST204.

  In step ST207, the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 resets the distribution stop time TR, which has been counted so far, to zero. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step ST109.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the water softening apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8 to 10. The overall configuration of the water softening device 1 according to the second embodiment is also the same as the overall configuration of the water softening device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same (or equivalent) structure as 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. The description of the first embodiment is appropriately applied to points that are not particularly described in the second embodiment.

  The cleaning start condition in the second embodiment is different from the cleaning start condition in the first embodiment. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, a control device 5A is provided instead of the control device 5 in the first embodiment. These are the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  The cleaning start condition in the second embodiment is that the maximum residence time is equal to or longer than the second set time set as the predetermined time. The maximum residence time is the residence time of the portion that stays in the pressure tank 2 for the longest period in the portion of the residence water.

  The maximum residence time varies as follows, for example. In the water treatment mode, when the sampling of the pressure tank 2 is carried out so that the entire capacity of the pressure tank 2 is replaced with the fresh water (that is, when the amount of water collected at one time exceeds the total capacity), or in the cleaning mode or regeneration. When the entire capacity of the pressure tank 2 is replaced with the fresh water by the transition to the mode, the maximum residence time becomes zero. Here, the total capacity of the pressure tank 2 is the total amount of water that can stay in the pressure tank 2 (for example, the amount of retained water that is the sum of the volume of the gap between the resin beads and the volume of the free board that is not filled with resin). pointing. When water sampling of less than the full capacity of the pressure tank 2 is repeatedly performed in the water treatment mode, the maximum residence time does not return to zero but repeatedly increases and decreases. In the following, specific means for specifying the maximum residence time will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram relating to the control of the water softening device 1 of the second embodiment. The control device 5A in the second embodiment includes a cleaning timing determination unit 501, a residence time calculation unit 504, a residence time determination unit 505, a regeneration timing determination unit 506, an internal clock unit 507, and an advance time zone determination unit 508. A rewriting unit 509, a valve control unit 510, and a memory unit 520. In the control device 5A, the control device 5 according to the first embodiment includes the distribution stop time calculation unit 502 and the distribution stop time determination unit 503. Instead, the residence time calculation unit 504 and the residence time determination A section 505 and a rewrite section 509.

  The cleaning timing determination unit 501 determines the cleaning start condition by determining that the maximum residence time TT calculated by the residence time calculation unit 504 (described later) has reached the second set time TTS by the residence time determination unit 505 (described later). Is satisfied (when step ST407 in FIG. 13 is YES), it is determined that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1.

  The residence time calculation unit 504 calculates (clocks) the maximum residence time TT of water located inside the pressure tank 2 based on the water amount data detected by the raw water flow meter 61 in the water treatment mode. Here, the water located inside the pressure tank 2 means the raw water W1 and the soft water W2 existing as the staying water inside the pressure tank 2.

Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining a plurality of fractions _KA 1 _{~KA N} obtained by dividing the accumulated amount of water pressure tank 2. In order to calculate the maximum residence time TT, specifically, the amount of retained water in the pressure tank 2 is divided into _N fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N. Here, the amount of retained water in the pressure tank 2 is L. The N fraction _KA 1 _{~KA N} is from the upper side toward the lower _side, a KA 1 ~KA _N. The volume of each fraction KA _{1 to} KA _N is L / N. The water flow direction is a direction from the upper side toward the lower side.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which water stays in the pressure tank 2 in the case where the plurality of fractions are _seven of KA ₁ to KA ₇ . The residence time calculation unit 504 replaces a plurality of fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N obtained by dividing the amount of retained water in the pressure tank 2 with replacement with fresh water (raw water W 1) for each of the fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N. The residence time Ti is calculated from the difference between the time and the current time. Furthermore, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates a maximum residence time TT that is the maximum value among the plurality of residence times Ti by comparing the plurality of residence times Ti with each other.

  Under such conditions, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates the inflow water amount (water amount data) of the pressure tank 2 based on the flow rate pulse input from the raw water flow meter 61. In addition, a flow sensor can also be provided in the soft water line L2, and in this case, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates the amount of outflow water from the pressure tank 2.

The residence time calculating unit 504, when the water flows into the pressure tank 2 is stopped, in the N fraction KA ₁ ~KA _N in the pressure tank 2, by the following equation (3), of all fractions The number X of the inflowing water amount is calculated.
X = inflow water amount / (L / N) (3)
X is an integer of 0 <X <N. Therefore, in the calculation result of Expression (3), X is rounded down to the nearest decimal point so that only the number of fractions whose total amount is replaced with fresh water is counted for each of the fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N.

Here, by the fresh water is passed through from the upper side of the pressure tank 2, the X number of fractions KA ₁ ~KA _N from the upper side, the standing water in the pressure tank 2 is replaced sequentially fresh water become. Rewriting unit 509 to be described later, the target has been X number of fractions KA ₁ ~KA _{N-substituted} with fresh water, the replacement time of each fraction stored in the memory unit 520 to be described later, is rewritten to the current time. Then, each time fresh water is passed through the pressure tank 2, the rewriting unit 509 rewrites the replacement time replaced with fresh water for each of the fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N to the current time. Further, the water that was present inside the pressure tank 2 before the fresh water is passed is slid downward and moved, and is rewritten to the replacement time before the movement in the destination fraction. The operation of rewriting the replacement time in the fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N is repeatedly performed.

Further, the rewriting unit 509, regardless of the operating mode of the pre-wash mode transition, when returning from the cleaning mode to the water treatment mode, the substituted time in all fractions KA ₁ ~KA _N stored in the memory unit 520 Rewrite to the end time of the cleaning mode. As a result, the replacement time in the plurality of fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N is rewritten to the end time of the cleaning mode, so that the residence time calculation unit 504 can calculate the residence time Ti using the end time of the cleaning mode as a starting point. it can.

In order to further facilitate understanding, as shown in FIG. 10, a case where there are _seven fractions KA ₁ to KA ₇ obtained by dividing the amount of retained water in the pressure tank 2 will be described. First, it is assumed that the cleaning mode is executed at time T0. In the accumulated water discharge process or the rinse process, fresh water (for example, the above-described 6 to 12 BV washing water) exceeding the amount of accumulated water (capacity L) is passed through the pressure tank 2. Thereby, all the stagnant water in the pressure tank 2 is replaced with fresh water. Here, the rewriting unit 509 rewrites the replacement time to the current time T0 (the end time of the cleaning mode) for all of the fractions KA _{1 to} KA ₇ stored in the memory unit 520 described later.

Next, at time T1, a small amount of soft water W2 that does not change the amount of accumulated water is used, and fresh water (volume (3/7) of fractions KA _{1 to} KA ₃ from the upper side of pressure tank 2 is used. ) Let L) be passed through. Here, the rewriting unit 509 rewrites the replacement times of the fractions KA _{1 to} KA ₃ replaced with fresh water among the replacement times for each fraction stored in the memory unit 520 described later to the current time T1. On the other hand, the rewriting unit 509 does not rewrite the replacement time for the fractions KA _{4 to} KA ₇ that have not been replaced with fresh water, and retains the already stored time T 0.

Next, at time T2, a small amount of soft water W2 that does not change the amount of accumulated water is used, and fresh water (capacity (2/7) of fractions KA ₁ and KA ₂ from the upper side of pressure tank 2 is used. ) Let L) be passed through. At time T2, the water was located in fractions _KA 1 _{~KA 3} at time T1, with moving in fraction _KA 3 _{~KA 5,} located in fractions KA ₄ and KA ₅ at time T1 The water that had been transferred has moved to fractions KA ₆ to KA ₇ . Here, the rewrite unit 509 rewrites the replacement time of the fractions KA ₁ and KA ₂ stored in the memory unit 520 described later to the current time T2. Further, the rewriting unit 509 replaces the replacement time of the staying water moved to fractions KA _{3 to} KA ₅ stored in the memory unit 520 described later with time T1 (replacement time before the movement), and fractions KA ₆ to KA ₆ . And the replacement time of the staying water that has moved to KA ₇ is held at time T0 (replacement time before the movement).

Next, at time T3, a small amount of soft water W2 that does not change the amount of accumulated water is used, and fresh water (capacity (2/7) for two fractions KA ₁ and KA ₂ from above the pressure tank 2 ) Let L) be passed through. At time T3, together with water which was located in fractions _KA 3 _{~KA 5} at time T2 is moving into fractions _KA 5 _{~KA 7,} located in the fractions KA ₁ and KA ₂ at time T2 Water has moved to fractions KA ₃ and KA ₄ . Here, the rewriting unit 509 rewrites the replacement time of the fractions KA ₁ and KA ₂ stored in the memory unit 520 described later to the current time T3. Further, the rewriting unit 509 replaces the replacement time of the staying water moved to the fractions KA ₃ and KA ₄ stored in the memory unit 520 described later with time T2 (replacement time before the movement), and the memory unit 520 described later. The replacement time of the staying water that has moved to the fractions KA _{5 to} KA ₇ stored in (1) is replaced with the time T1 (the replacement time before the movement). The operation of rewriting the replacement time in the fractions KA _{1 to} KA ₇ is repeatedly performed.

In this state, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates the residence time Ti based on the difference between the replacement time and the current time in each of the plurality of fractions KA _{1 to} KA ₇ . Furthermore, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates a maximum residence time TT that is the maximum value among the plurality of residence times Ti.

  The residence time determination unit 505 reads a predetermined second set time TTS from the memory unit 520 and determines whether the maximum residence time TT calculated by the residence time calculation unit 504 has reached the second set time TTS. (Refer to step ST407 in FIG. 13). This second set time TTS is a threshold value for the maximum residence time TT. Due to the residence of water, the number of general bacteria in the pressure tank 2 exceeds the upper limit of 100 CFU / mL of the tap water quality standard, and the odor and color are attached to the soft water W2. It is time that can be avoided. That is, the second set time TTS is set in consideration of the upper limit threshold of the maximum residence time TT that can obtain soft water W2 having a safe quality for a human body suitable for drinking, and is set to, for example, 6 to 24 hours. The

  Then, the valve control unit 510 controls each of the valves 311 to 318 of the process control valve 3 so that the operation mode shifts from the water treatment mode to the cleaning mode based on the determination result by the cleaning timing determination unit 501.

The memory unit 520 stores a control program and various data necessary for controlling the water softening device 1. Specifically, the memory unit 520, a control program for operating the various operating modes of the water softener 1, various calculated values (e.g., the residence time of multiple fractions _KA 1 _{~KA N} Ti, the maximum residence time TT), various set values (e.g., the second set time TTS, water sampling can amount, and accelerated renewable adopted water) Further, the memory unit 520 stores the replacement time of water in multiple fractions _KA 1 _{~KA N.} The replacement time of water stored in the memory unit 520 is rewritten by the rewriting unit 509 for each of the plurality of fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N.

  Next, control for moving forward to the reproduction mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing operation mode switching control in the water softening apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. At the start of this flowchart, the operation mode is maintained in the water treatment mode (execution of the water treatment process ST1).

  In the second embodiment, operations other than steps ST304 and ST307 in FIG. 12 are the same as the control operation of FIG. 7 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, for the explanation of the control operation of steps ST301 to ST306, ST308 to ST309, ST311 and ST312 in the second embodiment in FIG. 12, steps ST101 to ST103, ST105 to ST106, ST108 in the first embodiment in FIG. The description of the control operation of ST109 is incorporated, and the description is omitted.

In step ST304 and ST307 shown in FIG. 12, the rewriting part 509, at the end of the cleaning mode, it rewrites the replacement time for each stored in the memory unit 520 Fraction _KA 1 _{~KA N} the end time of the cleaning mode. Thereby, the replacement time in a plurality of fractions KA ₁ ~KA _N is rewritten to the end time of the cleaning mode, the residence time calculation unit 504, starting from the end time of the washing mode, the accumulated water in the pressure tank 2 The residence time Ti can be calculated. Moreover, in step ST304, the integrated water intake Q is reset to zero.

  Next, the process of determining the cleaning timing TIM1 in step ST301 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control for determining that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1 based on the maximum residence time TT in the water softening apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. The determination of the cleaning timing TIM1 in the second embodiment is performed based on the maximum residence time TT of water located inside the pressure tank 2.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, in step ST401, the residence time determination unit 505 reads the second set time TTS from the memory unit 520. In step ST <b> 402, the residence time calculation unit 504 determines the start of water entering the pressure tank 2 based on the flow state detected by the raw water flow meter 61. That is, the residence time calculation unit 504 determines that “there is water flow detection” when a state in which there is a flow pulse input (flow detection signal) from the raw water flow meter 61 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), The process proceeds to step ST403. Here, the predetermined time is a time for confirming that water is used at the demand point. On the other hand, when the state where there is a flow pulse input from the raw water flow meter 61 does not continue for a predetermined time, the process repeats step ST402.

  In step ST403, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates the inflow water amount (water amount data) of the pressure tank 2 based on the flow rate pulse input (water amount detection signal) from the raw water flow meter 61. In step ST <b> 404, the residence time calculation unit 504 determines stoppage of water entering the pressure tank 2 based on the flow state detected by the raw water flow meter 61. That is, the residence time calculation unit 504 determines that “no water flow is detected” when a state in which there is no flow rate pulse input (flow detection signal) from the raw water flow meter 61 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). The calculation of the inflow water amount is finished, and the process proceeds to step ST405. Here, the predetermined time is a time for confirming that water is not used at the demand point. On the other hand, when the state where there is no flow rate pulse input from the raw water flow meter 61 does not continue for a predetermined time, the process returns to step ST403 and continues to calculate the inflow water amount.

In step ST405, the rewriting unit 509 rewrites the replacement time in the fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N stored in the memory unit 520 based on the obtained water amount data. In step ST406, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates the maximum residence time TT. Specifically, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates the residence time Ti based on the difference between the replacement time and the current time in each of the plurality of fractions KA _{1 to} KA _N (see FIG. 10 and the like). Furthermore, the residence time calculation unit 504 calculates a maximum residence time TT by comparing a plurality of residence times Ti with each other.

  In step ST407, the residence time determination unit 505 determines whether or not the maximum residence time TT calculated by the residence time calculation unit 504 has reached the second set time TTS read in step ST401. When the maximum residence time TT reaches the second set time TTS (YES), the number of general bacteria in the pressure tank 2 may exceed the tap water quality standard upper limit due to the residence of water, so the process goes to step ST408. move on. On the other hand, when the maximum residence time TT has not reached the second set time TTS (NO), the number of general bacteria in the pressure tank 2 is not likely to exceed the tap water quality standard upper limit. Proceed to ST309.

  In step ST408, since the residence time TT has reached the second set time TTS, the process proceeds to step ST302 in FIG. 12 assuming that the current apparatus state is the cleaning timing TIM1.

  The water softening device 1 according to the present embodiment has the following effects by having the above-described configuration.

(1) The ion exchange device (hard water softening device 1) according to the first and second embodiments includes a pressure tank (2), a flow means (process control valve 3), a flow control means (valve control unit 510), It is equipped with. The distribution control means is configured to start the regeneration mode instead of starting the cleaning mode when the cleaning start condition is satisfied while the advance regeneration enabling condition is satisfied. The cleaning start condition is set so that the cleaning mode is not started for a predetermined time immediately after the transition to the water treatment mode. The regeneration start condition is that the integrated water sampling amount (Q) is equal to or greater than the water sampling possible amount. The integrated water sampling amount (Q) is the total amount of raw water that has flowed through the pressure tank in the water treatment mode that is executed after the previous regeneration mode is completed. The amount of water that can be collected is set according to the capacity of the ion exchange resin bed that can be recovered by regeneration. The condition for enabling renewal is that the accumulated water intake is greater than or equal to the reproducible water reproducible. The amount of water that can be recycled in advance is smaller than the amount of water that can be collected.

  In the ion exchange apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, when the cleaning start condition is satisfied while the advance regeneration possible condition is satisfied, the regeneration mode is started instead of starting the cleaning mode. That is, when the integrated water sampling amount Q is approaching the water sampling possible amount (that is, when the ion exchange resin removal capacity is low), the current apparatus state requires execution of the cleaning mode (cleaning). At the timing, the regeneration mode is started instead of starting the cleaning mode. Here, since the washing mode and the regeneration mode are common in that the accumulated water in the pressure tank is replaced with fresh water, the transition to the regeneration mode was also substantially performed by the transition to the regeneration mode. become. That is, in the ion exchange apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, the regeneration mode is also used as the cleaning mode by advancing the regeneration mode start timing (regeneration timing), and the transition to the cleaning mode is appropriately omitted. . Further, since the start time (regeneration timing) of the regeneration mode is advanced only while the advance regeneration possible condition is satisfied, the frequency of transition to the regeneration mode, that is, the increase in the amount of drainage during regeneration is also suppressed.

  For this reason, the ion exchange apparatus according to the first and second embodiments can reduce the amount of water discharged from the pressure tank in order to discharge the accumulated water.

(2) In the ion exchange apparatus according to the first embodiment, the cleaning start condition is that the circulation stop time (TR) is equal to or longer than the first set time (TRS) set as the predetermined time. The distribution stop time is a time during which raw water is not continuously flowing through the pressure tank in the water treatment mode.

  The increase in the circulation stop time means that the retention of the accumulated water in the pressure tank is prolonged because the treated water is not manufactured. According to the ion exchange device according to the first embodiment, when the circulation stop time exceeds the first set time, the accumulated water is replaced with newly introduced raw water by starting the cleaning mode or the regeneration mode.

  For this reason, the ion exchange device according to the first embodiment can constantly provide sanitary treated water.

(3) In the ion exchange apparatus according to the second embodiment, the cleaning start condition is that the maximum residence time (TT) is equal to or longer than the second set time (TTS) set as the predetermined time. The maximum residence time is the residence time of the portion of the residence water that exists for the longest time in the pressure tank.

  The increase in the maximum residence time indicates a situation in which the amount of treated water produced is small compared to the capacity of the pressure tank, and replacement of the retained water hardly occurs despite the fact that the treated water is produced. According to the ion exchange apparatus according to the second embodiment, when the maximum residence time exceeds the second set time, the residence water is replaced with newly introduced raw water by starting the cleaning mode or the regeneration mode.

  For this reason, the ion exchange device according to the second embodiment can constantly provide sanitary treated water.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented with a various form, without being limited to embodiment mentioned above.

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the reclaimable water volume is set to 90% of the water volume that can be collected, but if it is smaller than the water volume that can be collected, it is set to another water volume. Also good. However, in order to avoid regeneration in a state where the ion-exchange resin removal capability is not fully utilized, the reproducible water collection amount is set to a water amount in the range of 80 to 98% of the water collection amount. It is preferable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning means for cleaning the inside of the pressure tank 2 includes various lines (raw water line L1, part of the soft water line L2, each drain line L51, L52, L53, part of the salt water line L44, etc.) and the process control valve 3 for opening and closing various lines have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The cleaning means may be a cleaning device that can supply the cleaning liquid into the pressure tank 2.

  In the above-described embodiment, the regeneration process is described as a two-stage regeneration process including a first regeneration process and a second regeneration process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the regeneration process may be a cocurrent regeneration, a countercurrent regeneration, or a split flow regeneration in which the regeneration solution is passed through in one step.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the raw | natural water flowmeter 61 was provided in the raw | natural water line L1 as a distribution | circulation detection part and a water quantity detection part, it is not restrict | limited to this. For example, a soft water flow meter may be provided in the soft water line L2 as the flow detection unit and the water amount detection unit, or a soft water flow switch may be provided as the flow detection unit.

1 Water softener (ion exchanger)
2 Pressure tank 3 Process control valve (distribution means)
211 Ion exchange resin bed 510 Valve control unit (distribution control means)
TIM1 cleaning timing TIM2 regeneration timing TR distribution stop time TRS 1st set time TT maximum residence time TTS 2nd set time Q Integrated water intake W1 Raw water (wash water)
W2 Soft water (treated water)
W4 Brine (regenerated liquid)

Claims (3)

A pressure tank containing an ion exchange resin bed;
When raw water is introduced into the pressure tank, a water treatment mode in which treated water is produced from the raw water, and the ion exchange resin bed is regenerated by introducing a regenerated liquid into the pressure tank, and then the wash water is introduced into the pressure tank. A circulation mode having a regeneration mode in which the regeneration liquid is discharged from the pressure tank by introducing the water, and a cleaning mode in which the accumulated water remaining in the pressure tank is discharged by introducing the washing water into the pressure tank. Means,
When the cleaning start condition is satisfied, the water treatment mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. When the regeneration start condition is satisfied, the water treatment mode is shifted to the regeneration mode. When the cleaning mode or the regeneration mode is completed, the water treatment mode is shifted to the water mode. Distribution control means for starting the processing mode,
The washing water is the raw water or the treated water,
The flow control means is configured to start the regeneration mode instead of starting the cleaning mode when the cleaning start condition is satisfied while the advance regeneration possible condition is satisfied,
The cleaning start condition is set so as not to start the cleaning mode for a predetermined time immediately after the transition to the water treatment mode,
The regeneration start condition is that the integrated water sampling amount is equal to or greater than the water sampling possible amount, and the integrated water sampling amount flows through the pressure tank in the water treatment mode that is executed after the previous regeneration mode ends. It is the total amount of raw water, and the amount of water that can be collected is set according to the capacity of the ion exchange resin bed that can be recovered by regeneration,
The advance renewable condition is that the integrated water collection amount is equal to or higher than the reproducible water collection amount, and the advance renewable water collection amount is an amount smaller than the water reproducible amount. The washing start condition is that the distribution stop time is not less than a first set time set as the predetermined time,
The ion exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulation stop time is a time during which the raw water is not continuously flowing through the pressure tank in the water treatment mode. The cleaning start condition is that the maximum residence time is equal to or longer than a second set time set as the predetermined time,
2. The ion exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum residence time is a residence time of a portion of the staying water that is present for a longest time in the pressure tank.

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