KR102592788B1 - A method for performing regeneration of softener - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a method of performing regeneration of a water softener including a timer 1110, a cold water tank 200, and a hot water tank 400. (a) provided in the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400, respectively. The flow rates flowing into the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 measured through the flow sensors 130 and 330 are checked in real time, and the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 are measured through the timer 1110. ) Checking in real time the elapsed time from the time when the last playback was performed (S100); (b) first information D1, which is information measured from the flow sensor 130 provided in the cold water tank 200, confirmed in real time in step (a); Second information D2, which is information measured from the flow sensor 330 provided in the hot water tank 400; and third information D3, which is information about the elapsed time from the last playback time confirmed by the timer 1100; transmitting to the control unit 1100 (S200); and (c) the control unit 1100 performing playback using the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) (S300); Provides a method of performing regeneration of a water softener, including.

Description

{A method for performing regeneration of softener}

The present invention relates to a method of performing regeneration of a water softener, and specifically, to a method of performing regeneration of a water softener using both time information and flow rate information in relation to the regeneration of a cold water tank and a hot water tank.

Tap water (hereinafter referred to as “hard water”) contains a large amount of chlorine ions during the purification process, and when it passes through old pipes or when the raw tap water itself is severely contaminated, it contains iron, zinc, lead, mercury, etc., which are harmful to the human body. Contains various heavy metal ions.

These heavy metal ions, in particular, can combine with the fatty acids of soap to create metallic foreign substances, which can cause allergies or skin aging when in contact with the skin.

To prevent this, hard water is passed through strong acidic cations such as sodium ions (Na+), and calcium ions (Ca2+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+), which are hardness components, are exchanged with sodium ions (Na+), thereby reducing calcium, which is a hardness component. Soft water from which ions (Ca2+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) have been removed can be produced, and many homes use water softeners to convert hard water into soft water.

In order to exchange calcium ions (Ca2+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+), which are hardness components, with sodium ions (Na+), the water softener is equipped with an ion resin tank that stores water containing sodium ions (Na+), and the ions The resin tank consists of a hot water tank and a cold water tank.

At this time, when the user continues to use the soft water stored in the hot water tank and the cold water tank, the sodium ions (Na+) in the hot water tank and the cold water tank are continuously consumed, so sodium is added to the hot water tank and the cold water tank at regular intervals. It is necessary to replenish ions (Na+).

For this purpose, the water softener is provided with a regeneration tank, generates regenerated water containing sodium ions (Na+) in the regeneration container, and then supplies the regenerated water to the hot water tank and the cold water tank to replenish the sodium ions (Na+). .

Specifically, a basket is provided within the regeneration tank, and the basket contains a regenerant. Raw water flowing into the regeneration tank dissolves the regenerant, thereby generating recycled water.

Meanwhile, in the prior art, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1995-232165, a water softener is disclosed that accurately calculates the total amount of raw water softened in the water softening container through a constant flow valve and informs the user of the time to perform regeneration through a notification means. there is.

In this way, the prior art only notifies the user of the timing of regeneration through the amount of soft water used, and is not a structure in which regeneration is actually performed. Moreover, if the user does not use the water softener for a long time, the water softener does not regenerate at all. Therefore, salt grains are adsorbed on the ion exchange resin of the hot water tank and cold water tank in the water softener, ultimately causing a fatal problem in which the hot water tank and cold water tank of the water softener cannot function.

Accordingly, regeneration is not only performed based on the user's soft water usage, but is also performed even when the user does not use the water softener for a long period of time. Ultimately, there is a very high need for a technology that can stably supply soft water to the user. am.

(Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Publication No. 1995-232165

(Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0129112

The present invention was created to solve the above problems.

Specifically, we would like to propose a method that can provide stable soft water to users by considering both the user's soft water usage amount and the user's water softener usage time.

In addition, we would like to propose a structure that can effectively regenerate cold water tanks and hot water tanks by organically connecting various fluid sources and demand sources without adopting a multi-way valve.

One embodiment of the present invention to solve the above problem is a method of performing regeneration of a water softener including a timer 1110, a cold water tank 200, and a hot water tank 400, comprising: (a) the cold water tank The flow rates flowing into the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400, respectively measured through the flow sensors 130 and 330 provided in the hot water tank 200 and 400, are checked in real time, and the timer Checking in real time the elapsed time from the time when the last regeneration of the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 was performed through (1110) (S100); (b) first information (D1), which is information measured from the flow sensor 130 provided in the cold water tank 200, confirmed in real time in step (a); Second information D2, which is information measured from the flow sensor 330 provided in the hot water tank 400; and third information D3, which is information about the elapsed time from the last playback time confirmed by the timer 1100; transmitting all to the control unit 1100 (S200); and (c) the control unit 1100 performing playback using the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) (S300); Provides a method of performing regeneration of a water softener, including.

In addition, in step (c), first to third reference values (T1, T2, T3), which are reference values for the first to third information (D1, D2, D3), are preset in the control unit 1100, respectively. is input, and if any one of the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) exceeds the corresponding reference value (T1, T2, T3), the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 It is desirable to perform regeneration by supplying regeneration water.

In addition, after regeneration water is supplied to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 in step (c) and regeneration is completed, (d) the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) is reset. and storing information about the time when playback was completed in the control unit 1100 through the timer 1110 (S400); It is desirable to further include.

In addition, it is preferable that the first and second reference values are 600L, and the third reference value is 8 days.

In addition, step (c) includes a first process of performing regeneration by supplying regeneration water to the cold water tank 200; and a second process of performing regeneration by supplying regenerated water to the hot water tank 400; It is preferable that the remaining processes are performed after either the first process or the second process is performed first and completed.

Additionally, it is preferable that the first process is performed before the second process.

In addition, in step (c), while regeneration water is supplied to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 and regeneration is performed, cold water softened water and hot water softened water are supplied from the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400. It is desirable to block the discharge.

In addition, the water softener includes a regeneration passage 500 communicating with the cold water intake unit 100; And a connector ( 600); is preferably included.

In addition, the water softener includes the cold water intake unit 100; The cold water tank 200 receives cold water from the cold water inlet 100, exchanges some of it to discharge water, and supplies the other part to the regeneration flow path 500 as cold water for regeneration; Hot water intake unit 300; The hot water tank 400 receives hot water from the hot water intake unit 300, performs ion exchange, and discharges hot water; The regeneration bin (700); A cold water drain (800) whose one end is connected to the cold water tank (200) and the other end is connected to a drain (820); a hot water drain (900) with one end connected to the hot water tank (400) and the other end connected to the drain (820); A cold water valve 190 located in the cold water inlet 100; A hot water valve 390 located in the hot water intake unit 300; A regeneration supply valve 590 located in the regeneration flow path 500; A cold water rinse valve (890) located in the cold water drain (800); and a hot water rinse valve 990 located in the hot water drain 900, wherein in step (a), the cold water valve 190 and the hot water valve 390 are opened, and the regeneration supply valve 590 is opened. , it is preferable that the cold water and warm water are supplied to the user by closing the cold water rinse valve 890 and the hot water rinse valve 990.

In addition, in the cold water tank 200 during the step (c), the cold water valve 190 is closed and the cold water rinse valve 890 is opened, so that regeneration water is supplied from the regeneration tank 700 to the cold water tank ( 200, regeneration is performed, and during step (c), the hot water tank 400 is closed, and the hot water rinse valve 990 is opened, thereby regenerating the regeneration tank 700. ) It is preferable that regeneration water is supplied to the hot water tank 400 to perform regeneration.

The present invention sets the soft water usage measured by the flow sensor and the time for which regeneration is compulsorily performed by the timer as the standard for performing regeneration, taking into account both the user's soft water usage and the user's water softener usage cycle. Regeneration of the tank can be performed.

Through this, if the user frequently uses the water softener and the amount of soft water used is large, regeneration is performed based on the value measured by the flow sensor, and if the user does not frequently use the water softener, regeneration is performed compulsorily by the timer and control unit. Since regeneration is performed, soft water containing appropriate sodium ions can always be provided in the cold water tank and the hot water tank, regardless of the user's frequency of use of the water softener.

Accordingly, soft water having a predetermined hardness can be stably provided to users, which has the effect of increasing consumers' reliability of the water softener.

1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a water softener according to the present invention.
Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the water softener according to the present invention, with the upper and lower covers removed and the frame and some connecting parts omitted for illustration purposes. As can be seen in the coordinate system, Figure 2 is It is a perspective view viewed from the front lower side, and Figure 3 is a perspective view viewed from the rear upper side.
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a connector of a water softener according to the present invention.
Figure 5a is a diagram schematically showing the flow path of a water softener according to the present invention.
Figure 5b is a diagram schematically showing a flow path through which cold water for regeneration is supplied (steps C11 and C21 below) in the water softener according to the present invention.
Figure 5c is a diagram schematically showing a flow path (step C13 below) for supplying reclaimed water to a cold water tank in the water softener according to the present invention.
Figure 5d is a diagram schematically showing a flow path (step C24 below) for supplying reclaimed water to a hot water tank in the water softener according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the operating mode of the water softener according to the present invention and the operation of the valve accordingly.
Figure 7 is a block diagram for explaining a method of performing regeneration of a water softener according to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining a method of performing regeneration of a water softener according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, “cold water” and “hot water” refer to fluids individually supplied to the water softener from the cold water faucet and the hot water faucet, respectively.

“Recycled water” refers to a fluid in which recycling blocks, which may be salt, for example, are dissolved to supply ions to the ion exchange resin. When “reclaimed water” is supplied to a cold water tank, it is referred to as “cold water regenerated water,” and when supplied to a hot water tank, it is referred to as “hot water regenerated water.”

“Cold water for recycling” means cold water supplied to generate recycled water.

1. Description of water softener

Hereinafter, a water softener according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

Figure 1 shows the exterior of a water softener according to the present invention, showing an upper cover 1010 and a lower cover 1020. For explanation purposes, the upper cover 1010 is shown transparently.

The recycle bin 700 is located on the inner upper part of the upper cover 1010, and the filter cover 221 of the cold water tank 200 and the filter cover 421 of the hot water tank 400 are located at the bottom of the recycle bin 700. The upper cover 1010 is removed to replace the filter or fill the recycling container 700 with a recycling block (not shown).

A control panel 1011 is located inside the upper cover 1010. The control panel 1011 includes a notification window that displays the number of playbacks, and an input unit for inputting current time settings, playback settings, care mode, and manual playback.

The lower cover 1020 protects the inner flow path.

A performance display unit 1021, a playback display unit 1022, and a battery display unit 1023 may be located on the lower cover 1020.

2 and 3 show a water softener with the upper cover 1010 and lower cover 1020 removed. For explanation purposes, the frame and connecting parts for fixing each part to the frame are omitted.

Figure 4 shows the connector 600, and Figure 5 schematically shows the flow path. In Figures 2 and 3, the tube to which each part is connected is omitted, but the connection method can be confirmed by referring to the description below and Figure 5.

Hereinafter, a water softener according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

1.1 Cold water inlet (100)

The water softener according to the present invention includes a cold water inlet 100, a cold water tank 200, a hot water inlet 300, a hot water tank 400, a regeneration passage 500, a connector 600, a regeneration tank 700, It includes a cold water drain (800) and a hot water drain (900).

The cold water intake unit 100 is located at the bottom of the water softener and is connected to a cold water tap (not shown) to supply cold water, which is raw water, to the water softener. It includes a cold water inlet 110, a pressure reducing valve 120, a flow sensor 130, and a cold water valve 190.

The cold water inlet 110 is connected to the cold water inlet to receive cold water. The supplied cold water passes through the pressure reducing valve 120, the pressure is reduced, and the flow rate of the supplied cold water is confirmed by the flow sensor 130.

The cold water valve 190 is provided between the cold water inlet 110 and the cold water inlet passage 210 and controls whether cold water flows in. The cold water valve 190 is controlled according to the operating mode, and details will be described later.

1.2 Cold water tank (200)

The cold water tank 200 serves to soften the cold water supplied from the cold water intake unit 100 and supply it to the regeneration tank 700 as cold water for discharge or recycling. It includes a cold water inlet flow path 210, a filter unit 220, a cold water ion exchange resin 230, and a cold water outlet 240.

The cold water inlet flow path 210 is connected to the cold water inlet 110, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is provided in the center of the cold water tank 200 and is filled with cold water ion exchange resin 230 to surround it. It can be. Cold water flowing in through the cold water intake flow path 210 rises.

The filter unit 220 is located at the end of the cold water inlet flow path 210, and the cold water supplied through the cold water inlet flow path 210 is filtered in the filter part 220. The user can replace the filter by opening the filter cover 221 of the cold water tank 200.

The cold water that has passed through the filter unit 220 flows radially outward and then descends, or is supplied as cold water for regeneration through the cold water inlet for regeneration 510, which is a tube (see FIG. 5). Some flows to the cold water reclaimed water outlet 640 containing another tube, but does not flow to the connector 600 due to the check valve 645, but only maintains the hydraulic pressure in the flow path.

The cold water that flows radially outward through the filter unit 220 and then passes through the cold water ion exchange resin 230 and descends is softened by the ion exchange action. The softened cold water is discharged to the user through the cold water outlet 240.

1.3 Hot water inlet (300)

The hot water intake unit 300 is located at the bottom of the water softener and is connected to a hot water tap (not shown) to supply hot water, which is raw water, to the water softener. It includes a hot water inlet 310, a pressure reducing valve 320, a flow sensor 330, and a hot water valve 390.

Likewise, the hot water inlet 310 is connected to the hot water tap to receive hot water, the supplied hot water passes through the pressure reducing valve 320, the pressure is reduced, and the flow rate of the supplied hot water is confirmed by the flow rate sensor 330.

The hot water valve 390 is provided between the hot water inlet 310 and the hot water inlet flow path 410 and controls whether hot water flows in.

1.4 Hot water tank (400)

The hot water tank 400 serves to soften the hot water supplied from the hot water intake unit 300 and discharge it. Unlike the cold water tank 200, hot water is not supplied to the regeneration tank 700. It includes a hot water inlet flow path 410, a filter unit 420, a hot water ion exchange resin unit 430, and a hot water outlet 440.

The hot water intake flow path 410 is connected to the hot water intake unit 310, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, is provided in the center of the hot water tank 400 and is filled with hot water ion exchange resin 430 to surround it. It can be. The hot water flowing in through the hot water intake flow path 410 rises.

A filter unit 420 is located at the end of the hot water intake flow path 410, and hot water supplied through the hot water intake flow path 410 is filtered in the filter unit 420. The user can replace the filter by opening the filter cover 421 of the hot water tank 400.

The hot water that has passed through the filter unit 420 flows radially outward and then descends, but unlike the cold water tank 200, it is not supplied to the regeneration passage 500. Some flows into the hot water reclaimed water outlet 660 including the tube, but does not flow to the connector 600 due to the check valve 665, but only maintains hydraulic pressure within the flow path.

The hot water that flows radially outward through the filter unit 420 and then passes through the hot water ion exchange resin 430 and descends is softened by the ion exchange action. Softened hot water is discharged to the user through the hot water outlet 440.

1.5 Renewable Euros (500)

The recycling passage 500 serves to supply cold water supplied through the cold water intake unit 100 and the cold water tank 200 to the recycling tank 700 through the connector 600 as cold water for recycling to generate recycled water. It includes a regeneration cold water inlet 510, a flow temperature sensor 520, a connector inlet 530, and a regeneration supply valve 590.

One end of the regeneration cold water inlet 510 is connected to the cold water tank 200 by a tube, and the other end is connected to the connector inlet 530 by another tube.

A regeneration supply valve 590 and a flow temperature sensor 520 are provided in the cold water inlet 510 for regeneration. The regeneration supply valve 590 is controlled according to the operating mode, details of which will be described later. The flow rate and temperature of cold water for regeneration sensed by the flow rate temperature sensor 520 can be used to determine the number of regeneration and regeneration time.

1.6 Connector(600)

The connector 600 supplies cold water for recycling supplied from the recycling passage 500 to the recycling tank 700, and delivers the reclaimed water generated in the recycling tank 700 to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400. It plays a role. The inlet channel 610, the cold water regeneration water outlet channel 640 and the check valve 645 provided therein, the hot water regeneration water outlet channel 660 and the check valve 665 provided therein, and the regeneration tank 700 are in communication with each other. Includes regeneration tank flow path (680).

The water inlet 610 is connected to the connector inlet 530, and cold water for recycling is supplied to the regeneration tank 700 through it.

A regeneration tank 700 is connected to one end of the cold water regeneration water outlet channel 640 and the other end is connected to the cold water tank 200. In normal times, the passage from the check valve 645 to the cold water tank 200 in the cold water regeneration water outlet 640 is filled with cold water to maintain a constant hydraulic pressure. As described above, cold water is not delivered to the regeneration tank 700 due to the check valve 645. During regeneration, cold water regeneration water is supplied from the regeneration tank 700 to the cold water tank 200 through the cold water regeneration water outlet 640.

Likewise, the regeneration tank 700 is connected to one end of the hot water reclaimed water outlet path 660 and the other end is connected to the hot water tank 400. In normal times, the flow path from the check valve 665 to the hot water tank 400 in the hot water reclaimed water outlet path 660 is filled with hot water, so a constant hydraulic pressure is maintained, and the hot water is delivered to the reclaimed water tank 700 due to the check valve 665. It doesn't work. During regeneration, hot water regeneration water is supplied from the regeneration tank 700 to the hot water tank 400 through the hot water regeneration water outlet 660.

Normally (i.e., (B) soft water mode, described later), cold water passes through the filter unit 220 and is filled up to the check valve 645 of the cold water regeneration water outlet 640, and hot water passes through the filter unit 420 and is filled with hot water. The check valve 665 of the reclaimed water outlet 660 is filled. In the water softener according to the present invention, the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 have a structure that can communicate through the cold water reclaimed water outlet 640 and the hot water reclaimed water outlet 660, using check valves 645 and 665. This prevents mixing in normal times. As will be described later, due to the check valves 645 and 665, recycled water generated in one recycling tank 700 can be supplied to both the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400.

One end of the regeneration tank flow path 680 is connected to the regeneration container 700, and the other end is connected to all three flow paths, namely the inlet channel 610, the cold water regeneration water outlet channel 640, and the hot water regeneration water outlet channel 660. . When supplying cold water for regeneration, the cold water for recycling passes through the water inlet 610 and the regeneration conduit passage 680, and in the drawing, the cold water for regeneration flows upward within the regeneration conduit passage 680. On the other hand, cold water regeneration water passes through the regeneration tank flow path 680 and the cold water regeneration water outlet conduit 640, and hot water regeneration water passes through the regeneration container flow path 680 and the hot water regeneration water outlet conduit 660, and in the drawing, the regeneration container flow path 680 ) flows downward within.

1.7 Recycling bin (700)

The recycling tank 700 receives cold water for recycling from the connector 600 and generates recycling water.

The recycling bin 700 may be filled with recycling blocks (not shown). When the cold water for regeneration passes through the cold water inlet 110, the cold water inlet flow path 210, the filter unit 220, the cold water inlet for regeneration 510, and the water inlet 610 and is supplied to the regeneration tank 700, it is recycled. As the melting block (not shown) melts, recycled water is generated.

Here, the cold water regeneration water and the hot water regeneration water are the same regeneration water generated in the regeneration tank 700 and are divided depending on whether it is supplied to the cold water tank 200 or the hot water tank 400. That is, some of the reclaimed water generated in the regeneration tank 700 is supplied to the cold water tank 200 through the cold water reclaimed water outlet 640 of the connector 600. At this time, the supplied reclaimed water is cold water reclaimed water, and the other portion is supplied through the connector 600. It is supplied to the hot water tank 400 through the hot water reclaimed water outlet 660 of 600, and the reclaimed water supplied at this time is hot water reclaimed water. Generally, cold reclaimed water is first supplied to the cold water tank 200, and then hot reclaimed water is supplied to the hot water tank 400.

When cold water regeneration water flows into the cold water tank 200, it is supplied to the cold water ion exchange resin 230 to regenerate the ions of the cold water ion exchange resin 230.

Likewise, when hot water regeneration water flows into the hot water tank 400, it is supplied to the hot water ion exchange resin 430, thereby regenerating the ions of the hot water ion exchange resin 430.

In addition, the lower end of the regeneration tank 700 may be connected to the drain 820 by a tube so that the recycled water or rinsed water that overflows from the regeneration tank 700 is discharged through the drain 820, which will be described later. there is.

1.8 Cold water drain (800)

The cold water drain 800 serves to drain water rinsing the cold water tank 200. It includes a cold water rinse outlet 810, a drain 820, and a cold water rinse valve 890.

One end of the cold water rinse outlet 810 is connected to the cold water tank 200 by a tube, the other end is connected to the drain 820 by another tube, and a cold water rinse valve 890 is provided. The drain 820 communicates to the outside of the water softener.

1.9 Hot water drain (900)

The hot water drain 900 serves to drain water rinsing the hot water tank 400 through the drain 820. It includes a hot water rinse outlet 910 and a hot water rinse valve 990.

Likewise, one end of the hot water rinse outlet 910 is connected to the hot water tank 400 by a tube, the other end is connected to the drain 820 by another tube, and a hot water rinse valve 990 is provided.

2. Description of the operating modes of the water softener

The operating mode of the water softener according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The operating mode of the water softener according to the present invention can be divided into (A) raw water mode, (B) soft water mode, (C) regeneration mode, and (D) regeneration tank rinse mode.

Each mode can be implemented through control of five valves, that is, the cold water valve 190, the hot water valve 390, the regeneration supply valve 590, the cold water rinse valve 890, and the hot water rinse valve 990. Conventional water softeners generally used a single multi-way valve including a ceramic disc, but due to the nature of water softeners operating in a humid environment, malfunctions were frequent, which became the main cause of water leaks or defects. The present invention provides 5 The operating mode was implemented by dividing the valves.

It is preferable that the cold water valve 190, hot water valve 390, regeneration supply valve 590, cold water rinse valve 890, and hot water rinse valve 990 are all latch valves, but other types of electronically controllable valves may be used. Of course, valves are also possible.

(A) Raw water mode is an operating mode when the user uses raw water rather than soft water, and detailed explanations are omitted.

2.1 Training mode

(B) Soft water mode is when the user uses soft water, opens the cold water valve 190 and the hot water valve 390, and opens the regeneration supply valve 590, cold water rinse valve 890, and hot water rinse valve 990. It is implemented by closing .

Since the cold water valve 190 is open and the regeneration supply valve 590 is closed, the cold water supplied through the cold water inlet 110 does not flow to the regeneration passage 500 after passing through the filter unit 220 and cold water ions It passes through the exchange resin (230) and is softened.

Since the cold water rinse valve 890 is closed, the softened cold water is not discharged to the drain 820, but is discharged through the cold water outlet 240 as much as the user wants.

The same goes for hot water.

2.2 Play mode

(C) In the regeneration mode, when the ions of the cold water ion exchange resin 230 in the cold water tank 200 and the hot water ion exchange resin 430 in the hot water tank 400 decrease and it is difficult to produce soft water, regeneration water is supplied to each. This is a mode that regenerates resin. Cold water for regeneration is supplied to the regeneration tank 700 to generate regeneration water, and is then supplied to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 as cold water regeneration water and hot water regeneration water, respectively.

2.2-1 How to perform playback

(C) The time to start the regeneration mode may be set based on the total flow rate of soft water used by the user, and/or may be set based on the time from the time when the regeneration mode was last performed.

For example, if the user used softened cold water or hot water in excess of the standard flow rate of a total of 600 liters, (C) regeneration mode may be performed. The amount of soft water used can be confirmed through the flow sensor 130 on the cold water side and the flow sensor 330 on the hot water side. If either cold water or hot water exceeds the standard flow rate, it is desirable to regenerate both the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400. This is to prevent the (C) regeneration mode from being used too frequently, which takes about an hour and prevents the user from using the water softener, and to manage the ion exchange resin on the cold and hot water sides in an integrated manner.

At the same time, if 8 days have passed since the last time the playback mode was performed, (C) playback mode can be performed even if the flow rate used by the user does not exceed the standard flow rate. This is to prepare for cases where the flow meter is defective or the function of the ion exchange resin naturally decreases over time.

To explain in more detail the timing of starting the regeneration mode, referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a method of performing regeneration of a water softener according to the present invention.

The water softener includes a timer 1110, a cold water tank 200, a hot water tank 400, a regeneration tank 700, and a control unit 1100. At this time, the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 are supplied with reclaimed water from the reclaimer 700, and the operation of the valve for this will be described later.

The cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 are each equipped with flow rate sensors 130 and 330, and through the flow rate sensors 130 and 330, the amount of cold water softened and discharged from the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank are measured. The amount of warm water discharged from (400) can be measured in real time.

At this time, the amount of cold water and the amount of warm water measured by the flow sensors 130 and 330 respectively mean the total amount of cold water and the total amount of hot water used cumulatively by the user, respectively.

In addition, the timer 1110 provided in the water softener checks in real time the elapsed time from the time when the last regeneration was performed, which means the elapsed time from the time when the last regeneration was performed to the present.

At this time, first information (D1), which is information about the amount of cold water and soft water discharged, measured from the flow rate sensor 130 provided in the cold water tank 200, and hot water measured from the flow rate sensor 330 provided in the hot water tank 400. The second information (D2), which is information about the soft water discharge amount, and the third information (D3), which is information about the elapsed time from the last playback time confirmed by the timer 1110, are all transmitted to the control unit 1100 in real time. .

Meanwhile, in the control unit 1100, first to third reference values (T1, T2, T3), which are values set in advance by the manager, are set, and the first reference value (T1) is a value corresponding to the first information (D1). , the second reference value (T2) is a value corresponding to the second information (D2), and the third reference value (T3) is a value corresponding to the third information (D3).

At this time, the first to third reference values (T1, T2, T3) can be changed by an administrator with certain authority, and it is desirable to prevent users from easily changing them arbitrarily.

This means that when the user arbitrarily changes the first to third reference values (T1, T2, T3), soft water with a hardness not desired by the user is supplied, or the regeneration cycle is made too long, and the soft water performance deteriorates. This is to prevent

Meanwhile, the control unit 1100 performs a process of comparing the pre-input first to third reference values (T1, T2, T3) and the corresponding first to third information (D1, D2, D3), respectively. If any one of the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) exceeds the corresponding reference value (T1, T2, T3), the reproduction process is started.

Meanwhile, the first and second reference values (T1, T2), which are reference values for the amount of cold water and hot water softened, can be set to 600L, and the third reference value (T3), which is a reference value for elapsed time, can be set to 8 days. there is.

Based on the above set value, for a specific example, in winter, the user's usage of warm water may be relatively higher than that of cold water, and accordingly, the cumulative usage of warm water may reach 600L earlier than the cumulative usage of cold water. You can.

At this time, if either the accumulated cold water softened water usage or the warm water accumulated usage reaches 600L first, the regeneration process begins.

However, even if the cumulative use of both cold and warm water does not reach 600L because the user normally uses more cold water and hot water than soft water, if 8 days have passed since the last regeneration performance time, mandatory It is formed so that the regeneration process is carried out.

As such, the method of performing regeneration of a water softener according to the present invention starts the regeneration process by considering the amount of soft water used by the user and additionally considering the time elapsed from the most recent regeneration time.

As mentioned above, if the flow meter is defective or malfunctions, the first information (D1) and the second information (D2) cannot be properly transmitted to the control unit 1100, and thus playback does not occur for a long time. , This is to prevent the deterioration of the regenerative function by adsorbing salt grains to the ion exchange resin.

Meanwhile, the first reference value (T1) and the second reference value (T2) may be formed to be the same, but the use rate of hot or cold water may be different for each user, so the first reference value (T1) and the second reference value Of course, (T2) may be formed differently to reflect the user's state.

For a more specific description, referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of performing regeneration of a water softener according to the present invention.

The method for performing regeneration of a water softener according to the present invention is (a) the cold water tank 200 and the hot water measured through the flow rate sensors 130 and 330 provided in the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400, respectively. Checking the flow rate flowing into the tank 400 in real time, and checking in real time the elapsed time from the time when the last regeneration of the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 was performed through the timer 1110. Step (S100); (b) first information (D1), which is information measured from the flow sensor 130 provided in the cold water tank 200, confirmed in real time in step (a); Second information D2, which is information measured from the flow sensor 330 provided in the hot water tank 400; and third information D3, which is information about the elapsed time from the last playback time confirmed by the timer 1100; transmitting all to the control unit 1100 (S200); and (c) the control unit 1100 performing playback using the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) (S300); Includes.

Specifically, in step (c), first to third reference values (T1, T2, T3), which are reference values for the first to third information (D1, D2, D3), are provided to the control unit 1100, respectively. It is input in advance, and when any one of the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) exceeds the corresponding reference value (T1, T2, T3), the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 Regeneration is performed by supplying regeneration water to the .

In addition, after regeneration water is supplied to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 in step (c) and regeneration is completed, (d) the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) is reset. and storing information about the time when playback was completed in the control unit 1100 through the timer 1110 (S400); It further includes.

At this time, step (c) includes a first process of performing regeneration by supplying regeneration water to the cold water tank 200; and a second process of performing regeneration by supplying regenerated water to the hot water tank 400; Further comprising, after either the first process or the second process is performed and completed first, the remaining processes are performed.

That is, the first process and the second process are performed alternately, and it is preferable that the first process is performed before the second process.

Additionally, the operations of the valve for the first process and the second process will be described later.

2.2-2 Regeneration method of cold water tank and hot water tank

(C) The regeneration mode is divided into (C1) cold water tank regeneration mode and (C2) hot water tank regeneration mode.

(C1) The cold water tank regeneration mode will be explained first. It consists of (C11) a cold water supply step for regeneration, (C12) a dissolution step, (C13) a regeneration step, and (C14) a rinse step.

(C11) The cold water supply stage for regeneration is generally started by changing from the normally operated (B) soft water mode. For this purpose, the regeneration supply valve is operated in (B) soft water mode where the cold water valve 190 and the hot water valve 390 are open and the regeneration supply valve 590, cold water rinse valve 890, and hot water rinse valve 990 are closed. Only (590) is open. Now, the cold water supplied through the cold water inlet 110 flows toward the cold water inlet 510 for regeneration due to the opening of the regeneration supply valve 590 after passing through the filter unit 220, and the connector inlet 530 ), passing through the water intake passage 610 and the recycling tank flow path 680, is supplied to the recycling container 700. The amount of cold water for recycling supplied to the recycling tank 700 is confirmed by the flow rate temperature sensor 520.

When the amount of cold water for regeneration confirmed by the flow rate temperature sensor 520 reaches a predetermined amount (i.e., the capacity of the regeneration tank 700), the process proceeds to the dissolution step (C12). It begins by closing the open regeneration supply valve 590. Since the regeneration supply valve 590 and the cold water rinse valve 890 are both closed and the pressure is maintained, the regeneration water generated in the regeneration tank 700 does not flow into the cold water tank 200 and has time to dissolve. Since the hot water rinse valve 990 is also closed, it does not flow into the hot water tank 400. The dissolution time may be determined differently depending on the temperature, flow rate, etc. of the cold water for regeneration.

When the dissolution time has elapsed, proceed to the regeneration step (C13). It starts by closing the open cold water valve 190 and opening the closed cold water rinse valve 890. Due to the opening of the cold water rinse valve 890, the pressure on the cold water tank 200 is lowered and the reclaimed water (i.e., cold water reclaimed water) passes through the reclaimed water passage 680, the cold water reclaimed water outlet 640, and the filter unit 220. Cold water is supplied to the ion exchange resin 230 at a constant rate during the regeneration time. The supplied cold water regeneration water regenerates the cold water ion exchange resin 230, passes through the cold water rinse outlet 810, and is discharged to the outside through the drain 820. This is preferably done for a playing time of about 20 minutes, but the time can vary.

When the playback time has elapsed, proceed to the rinse step (C14). It starts by opening the closed cold water valve 190. Cold water is received from the cold water inlet 110, and enters the cold water ion exchange resin 230 through the filter unit 220 to rinse it. Afterwards, due to the opened cold water rinse valve 890, the cold water passes through the cold water rinse outlet passage 810 and is discharged to the outside through the drain 820. It is desirable to do this for about 3 minutes, but the time can vary.

(C2) The hot water tank regeneration mode will be explained first. It consists of (C21) supply of cold water for regeneration, (C22) dissolution step, (C23) hot water air removal step, (C24) regeneration step, and (C25) rinse step. Compared to the (C1) cold water tank regeneration mode, the difference is that (C23) a hot water air removal step is added.

(C21) The cold water supply step for regeneration is generally performed after the (C14) rinse step. In the (C14) rinse step where the cold water valve 190, hot water valve 290, and cold water rinse valve 890 are open and the regeneration supply valve 590 and hot water rinse valve 990 are closed, the regeneration supply valve It begins by opening 590 and closing cold water rinse valve 890.

The (C22) dissolution step is the same as the (C12) dissolution step. When the amount of cold water for regeneration confirmed by the flow temperature sensor 520 reaches a predetermined amount, the process proceeds to the dissolution step (C22). It begins by closing the open regeneration supply valve 590, and has a dissolution time in which the regeneration block (not shown) melts. Likewise, the dissolution time may be determined differently depending on the temperature, flow rate, etc. of the cold water for regeneration.

Once the dissolution time has elapsed, proceed to the hot water air removal step (C23). Unlike (C1) cold water tank regeneration mode, (C2) hot water tank regeneration mode requires air removal. In the case of the cold water tank 200, some of the cold water is supplied to the regeneration tank 700 through the recycling passage 500, whereas the hot water tank 400 does not have such a passage, so it is effective to remove air and supply reclaimed water. am. For this purpose, the hot water rinse valve 990 is opened for about 10 seconds. In this case, the air in the hot water tank 400 and related flow paths is discharged to the outside through the drain 820.

Meanwhile, since dissolution may continue in the regeneration tank 700 even during the (C23) hot water air removal step, it is desirable that the time for the (C22) dissolution step take into account the time of the (C23) hot water air removal step. In other words, the (C23) hot water air removal step is performed simultaneously with the (C22) dissolution step, but the (C23) hot water air removal step is performed when the predetermined hot water air removal time remains among the predetermined dissolution times. For example, if the (C23) hot water air removal step is performed for 10 seconds, the (C23) hot water air removal step starts when 10 seconds remain in the dissolution time in the (C22) dissolution step.

Now, proceed to the playback step (C24). It starts by closing the open hot water valve 390 and opening the closed hot water rinse valve 990. (C13) As in the regeneration step, the hot water regeneration water is supplied to the hot water ion exchange resin 430 through the regeneration tank flow path 680, the hot water regeneration water outlet channel 665, and the filter unit 420. ) is regenerated, and then passes through the hot water rinse outlet 910 and is discharged to the outside through the drain 820. This is preferably done for a playing time of about 20 minutes, but the time can vary.

When the playback time has elapsed, proceed to the rinse step (C25). It starts by opening the closed hot water valve 390. (C14) As in the rinsing step, hot water is received from the hot water inlet 310, enters the hot water ion exchange resin 430 through the filter unit 420, and rinses it. Afterwards, due to the open hot water rinse valve 990, the hot water passes through the hot water rinse outlet 910 and is discharged to the outside through the drain 820. It is desirable to do this for about 3 minutes, but the time can vary.

In this way, when both the (C1) cold water tank regeneration mode and (C2) hot water tank regeneration mode are performed, the (D) regeneration container rinse mode is performed to rinse the regeneration container 700.

2.3 Recycling bin rinse mode

(D) Recycling bin rinse mode, (D1) cold water supply step for rinsing. It includes (D2) a recycle bin drain step, (D3) a cold water rinse step, and (D4) a hot water rinse step.

(D1) The cold water supply step for rinsing is a step in which cold water is supplied for cleaning the regeneration container 700 in a state in which all recycling blocks (not shown) located in the regeneration container 700 are dissolved. (C2) When the hot water tank regeneration mode is completed, the cold water valve 190, hot water valve 290, and hot water rinse valve 990 are opened, and the regeneration supply valve 590 and cold water rinse valve 890 are closed. The open hot water rinse valve 990 is closed and the closed regeneration supply valve 590 is opened. Accordingly, the cold water supplied through the cold water inlet 110 flows toward the cold water inlet 510 for regeneration due to the opening of the regeneration supply valve 590 after passing through the filter unit 220, and flows toward the connector inlet. It passes through 530 and the water inlet 610 and is supplied to the recycling bin 700. At this time, the flow rate supplied is sufficient to fill only part of the regeneration tank 700. For example, if 1.5 liters were supplied in steps (C11) to (C12), only 0.5 liters may be supplied in step (D11).

Next, (D12) the recycle bin drain step is performed. The open cold water valve 190 and the regeneration supply valve 590 are closed, and the closed cold water rinse valve 890 is opened to drain the remaining water in the regeneration tank 700.

Next, (D13) a cold water rinse step is performed. In the step of rinsing the cold water tank 200, the closed cold water valve 190 is opened to allow cold water to flow into the cold water tank 200, and then rinsed and drained.

Next, (D14) a hot water rinse step is performed. In the step of rinsing the hot water tank 400, the closed hot water valve 390 is opened to allow hot water to flow into the hot water tank 400, and then rinsed and drained.

When both the (C) regeneration mode and (D) regeneration tank rinse mode are performed, ions are supplied to the cold water ion exchange resin 230 and the hot water ion exchange resin 430, and the regeneration container 700 and the cold water tank 200 ) and the hot water tank 400 have all been rinsed and are ready to supply soft water to the user again.

Now, return to (B) training mode. To this end, when the hot water rinse valve 990 that was opened in step (D14) is closed, only the cold water valve 190 and the hot water valve 390 remain open as in the (B) soft water mode.

Above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and reproduce the present invention, but these are merely illustrative examples, and various modifications and equivalent alternatives can be made by those skilled in the art from the embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated that embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the patent claims.

100: Cold water inlet
110: Cold water inlet
120: pressure reducing valve
130: flow sensor
190: cold water valve
200: cold water tank
210: Cold water inlet flow path
220: Filter unit
221: Filter cover
230: Cold water ion exchange resin
240: cold water outlet
300: Hot water intake part
310: Hot water inlet
320: pressure reducing valve
330: flow sensor
390: hot water valve
400: hot water tank
410: Hot water inlet flow path
420: Filter unit
421: Filter cover
430: Hot water ion exchange resin
440: Hot water outlet
500: Play Euro
510: Cold water inlet for regeneration
520: Flow temperature sensor
530: Connector inlet
590: Regenerative supply valve
600: connector
610: Inlet
640: Cold water reclaimed water outlet
645: Check valve
660: Hot water reclaimed water outlet
665: check valve
680: Recycling bin flow path
700: Recycling bin
800: Cold water drain
810: Cold water rinse outlet
820: drain
890: Cold water rinse valve
900: hot water drain
910: Hot water rinse outlet
990: Hot water rinse valve
1010: Top cover
1011: Control panel
1020: Lower cover
1021: Performance display unit
1022: Playing display
1023: Battery indicator
1100: Control unit
1110: Timer

Claims (10)

A method of performing regeneration of a water softener including a timer (1110), a cold water tank (200), and a hot water tank (400), comprising:
(a) The flow rates flowing into the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 measured in real time through the flow rate sensors 130 and 330 provided in the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400, respectively. Checking each and checking in real time the elapsed time from the time when the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 were last regenerated through the timer 1110 (S100);
(b) first information (D1), which is information measured from the flow sensor 130 provided in the cold water tank 200, confirmed in real time in step (a); Second information D2, which is information measured from the flow sensor 330 provided in the hot water tank 400; and third information (D3), which is information about the elapsed time from the last playback time confirmed by the timer 1110; transmitting all to the control unit 1100 (S200); and
(c) the control unit 1100 performs playback using the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) (S300),
In step (c),
In the control unit 1100, first to third reference values (T1, T2, T3), which are reference values for the first to third information (D1, D2, D3), are respectively input in advance, and the first to third When any one of the three pieces of information (D1, D2, D3) exceeds the corresponding reference value (T1, T2, T3), regeneration is performed by supplying regeneration water to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400.
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
delete According to claim 1,
After regeneration is completed by supplying regeneration water to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 in step (c),
(d) the first to third information (D1, D2, D3) is reset and information on the time when playback is completed is stored in the control unit 1100 through the timer 1110 (S400); Containing more,
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
According to claim 1,
The first and second reference values are 600L, and the third reference value is 8 days,
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
According to claim 1,
In step (c),
A first process of performing regeneration by supplying regeneration water to the cold water tank 200; and
A second process of performing regeneration by supplying regenerated water to the hot water tank 400; It further includes,
After either the first process or the second process is performed and completed first, the remaining processes are performed,
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
According to claim 5,
The first process is performed before the second process,
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
According to claim 1,
In step (c), while regeneration water is supplied to the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400 and regeneration is performed, cold water soft water and hot water soft water are discharged from the cold water tank 200 and the hot water tank 400. Being blocked,
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
According to claim 7,
The water softener,
A regeneration flow path (500) communicating with the cold water intake unit (100); and
A connector 600 that receives cold water for recycling from the regeneration passage 500 and supplies it to the regeneration tank 700, and receives regeneration water from the regeneration tank 700 and delivers it to the cold water tank 200 or the hot water tank 400. ); Including,
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
According to claim 8,
The water softener,
The cold water intake unit 100;
The cold water tank (200) receives cold water from the cold water intake unit (100), exchanges some of it to discharge water, and supplies the other part to the regeneration flow path (500) as cold water for regeneration;
Hot water intake unit 300;
The hot water tank 400 receives hot water from the hot water intake unit 300, performs ion exchange, and discharges hot water;
The regeneration bin (700);
A cold water drain (800) whose one end is connected to the cold water tank (200) and the other end is connected to a drain (820);
a hot water drain (900) with one end connected to the hot water tank (400) and the other end connected to the drain (820);
A cold water valve 190 located in the cold water inlet 100;
A hot water valve 390 located in the hot water intake unit 300;
A regeneration supply valve 590 located in the regeneration flow passage 500;
A cold water rinse valve (890) located in the cold water drain (800); and
It further includes a hot water rinse valve (990) located in the hot water drain (900),
In step (a),
By opening the cold water valve 190 and hot water valve 390 and closing the regeneration supply valve 590, cold water rinse valve 890, and hot water rinse valve 990, the cold water soft water and hot water soft water are supplied to the user. felled,
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.
According to clause 9,
During step (c), the cold water tank 200,
When the cold water valve 190 is closed and the cold water rinse valve 890 is open, regeneration water is supplied from the regeneration tank 700 to the cold water tank 200 to perform regeneration,
During step (c), the hot water tank 400,
When the hot water valve 390 is closed and the hot water rinse valve 990 is open, regeneration water is supplied from the regeneration tank 700 to the hot water tank 400 to perform regeneration.
How to perform regeneration of a water softener.

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