KR20080100322A - Water softener - Google Patents

Abstract

A water softener is provided to enable a user to easily select one of a soft water mode, a direct water mode, a revival mode and an intermittent mode. A water softener comprises the followings: a tank part(700) including the first and second soft water tanks(710,720) in which ion-exchange resin is filled and a recycling tank(730) in which and recycled material is filled; a main body(250) supporting the tank part and controlling switching among a soft water mode, a direct water mode, a revival mode and an intermittent mode; and a supplying part(100) including the second angle valves directly coupled with cold/hot water pipes, the first and the second elbows penetrating through the main body, and the first and second L-shaped connection pipes which connects the angle valves and the elbows.

Description

Water softener

The present invention relates to a water softener, and more specifically, it is convenient to use as it provides various special modes for user convenience along with four basic modes of soft water mode, direct water mode, regeneration mode, and intermittent mode. The water softener can be directly connected to the hot / cold water pipe, eliminating the use of nails and screws that damage the wall, and the water softener can be stably fixed to maintain a constant distance from the wall even if the cold / hot water pipe's degree of protrusion is different. It is about.

Living water used in our daily life can be divided into soft water (hard water) and hard water (硬水). Among these, soft water such as distilled water, which is called sweet water, is relatively pure and low in hardness due to its main components of hydrogen (H ₂ ) and oxygen (O ₂ ), while calcium ion (Ca ²⁺ ) is used for hard water such as ground water called hard water It contains hardness components such as magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ) and gives hardness and stiffness.

At present, tap water supplied to consumers in most homes and businesses is hard water containing a large amount of hardness, and causes chlorine (Cl) used in the purification process, as well as environmental pollution and condensation processes due to old pipes. As a result, heavy metal ions such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg) are contained. Therefore, it is not fatal to humans, but it is known to cause foreign substances by combining with fatty acids of soap, promoting skin aging or causing skin diseases such as atopy.

As a result, water softeners have been introduced that can change hard water such as tap water into relatively soft soft water, and have become the most common way to obtain high quality living water simply and easily.

In general, water softeners are softened by replacing calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) and magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ) with sodium ions (Na ⁺ ) in hard water. For this action, soft water is used as ion-exchange resin of special high molecular compound, which is mainly composed of sodium (Na), which is a calcium ion (Ca ²⁺ ) in water when it comes into contact with hard water. Instead of adsorbing and magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ), it releases sodium ions (Na ⁺ ). Therefore, a conventional water softener uses a soft water tank filled with an ion exchange resin as an essential component, and hard water is passed therethrough to obtain soft water.

On the other hand, if the softening is repeated, the sodium ion (Na ⁺ ) of the ion exchange resin is exhausted and the softening ability is lowered. Therefore, the ion exchange resin needs to be regenerated. For this action, softeners use regenerated materials of ion-exchange resins, such as salts, which release sodium ions (Na ⁺ ) in aqueous solutions. Therefore, a normal water softener is further provided with a regeneration tank filled with regeneration material and connected to a soft water tank. When hard water is supplied thereto, regeneration water such as salt water containing sodium ions (Na ⁺ ) is generated, and the regeneration water is a soft water tank. The ion exchange resin is regenerated and discharged in the form of regenerated waste water.

1 is a block diagram of a general water softener, which corresponds to a cold / hot water softener provided to a user by changing cold / hot hard water, such as tap water, to cold / hot soft water according to its temperature. Ham means 'cold / hot water softener', and 'cold / hot hard water' such as tap water supplied to soft water is called 'cold / hot raw water'.

As can be seen, a general water softener is provided with valves V1 to V7 including first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14, first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24, and a plurality of conduits 31 to 38. Is done.

Among them, the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 are filled with ion exchange resins, and the first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24 are filled with regeneration materials.

The plurality of pipes 31 to 38 may include first and second soft water tank supply pipes 31 and 32 for supplying cold / hot raw water to the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14, and first and second water pipes. The first and second soft water tank discharge pipes 33 and 34 for discharging the liquid in the soft water tanks 12 and 14, for example, cold / hot soft water and regeneration wastewater, and the first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24. Regeneration water generated in the first and second regeneration tank supply pipe (35, 36) and the first and second regeneration tank (22, 24) for supplying cold / hot raw water to the first and second soft water tank ( 12 and 14 may be divided into first and second regeneration tank discharge lines 37 and 38. At this time, the first and second soft water tank supply pipes 31 and 32 and the first and second regeneration tank supply pipes 35 and 36 are connected to cold / hot water pipes pre-mounted in the consumer.

In addition, the plurality of valves (V1 to V7) are installed in the first and second soft water tank supply lines (31, 32), and the first and second valves (V1, V2) for controlling cold and hot raw water, and the first and second valves. A third valve V3 installed to connect the second soft water tank discharge pipes 33 and 34 to control the cold / hot soft water and the regeneration waste water discharged therefrom; and the first and second regeneration tank supply pipes 35, 36 and 5 valves (V4, V5) installed in the 36 and the first and second regeneration tank discharge lines (37, 38) for regulating the cold and hot water, and the first and second soft water tank ( 12 and 14 may be divided into sixth and seventh valves V6 and V7 that control the regenerative water. At this time, the third valve (V3) is usually used to control the mixing ratio of the cold / hot raw water based on the connection degree of the first and second soft water tank discharge pipe (33, 34).

Therefore, when cold / hot raw water is supplied to the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 by opening the first and second valves V1 and V2, cold / hot soft water is generated by ion exchange of the ion exchange resin. When the third valve V3 is opened, it is discharged to the outside. When the ion exchange resin needs to be regenerated due to repeated softening, regeneration water is generated by supplying cold / hot raw water to the first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24 by opening the fourth and fifth valves V4 and V5. When the sixth and seventh valves V6 and V7 are opened and delivered to the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14, the ion exchange resin is regenerated, and the regeneration waste water is opened when the third valve V3 is opened. It is discharged to the outside.

However, the general water softener described above has some disadvantages.

As one of them, the method of using the water softener, especially the method of regenerating the ion exchange resin, is too complicated and requires a long time even if a skilled worker is used, and the user has to manually operate a plurality of valves (V1 to V7) every time. Due to this, there are many cases where the user feels uncomfortable to use the water softener, and there is a great possibility of malfunction or failure due to immaturity of operation when the method of use is not fully understood.

In addition, the general water softener does not have any concrete method for accurately determining the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin, and thus it is completely dependent on the user's subjective feeling or the approximate calculation of the period. As a result, unnecessarily frequent regeneration causes waste of regeneration materials, and vice versa, and the regeneration time is often missed, which greatly reduces the performance and life of the ion exchange resin.

In addition, the general water softener is constantly stored in the first and second soft water tanks (12, 14) of a constant amount of cold / hot soft water, so the temperature changes such as cooling or warming over time, such as shower Even if the temperature of the cold / hot soft water is fixed by opening the third valve V3 so as to be suitable for the purpose, it can be rapidly changed during use. This causes the user to experience the risk of burns due to sudden hot water as well as the discomfort caused by cold water.

That is, the general water softener can induce sufficient contact between the cold / hot raw water and the ion exchange resin as the storage capacity of the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 increases, and more effective softening action can be expected. Accordingly, the storage capacity of the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 is usually several tens of liters, and a certain amount of cold / hot soft water is always stored therein. However, when the water softener is not used for a long time, the cold / hot soft water stored in the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 may be cooled or warmed. In this state, the user may change the temperature of the third valve V3. When opened, the cold / hot soft water stored in the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 is discharged for a while. Therefore, the user opens and fixes the third valve V3 based on the corresponding temperature, but when all the cold / hot soft water stored in the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 are exhausted, it is applied to newly supplied cold / hot raw water from the outside. By the cold / warm soft water is discharged, which may be relatively high or low temperature compared to the cold / hot soft water whose temperature is controlled by the third valve (V3). Therefore, the user may suddenly experience a hot or cold temperature change during the use of cold / hot soft water, and may feel uncomfortable as well as the risk of burns, and waste water resources unnecessarily to reach the desired temperature. Of course, this may shorten the regeneration cycle of the ion exchange resin and reduce the life of the water softener.

In addition, a general water softener is fixed to a bathroom wall of a home or a business by nails or screws, and the first and second regeneration tank supply pipes 35 and 36 including the first and second soft water tank supply pipes 31 and 32. Denotes a manner in which the respective tubes are connected to the cold / hot water pipes. As an example, a general water softener introduced in Korean Patent Application Nos. 20-1997-0000006, 10-1999-0000032, 20-2006-0017022, etc. is used to fix a bracket to a wall with nails or screws. After showing the form to be mounted here, the wall damage is inevitable in the process of fixing the bracket, taking into account that the installation place of the water softener is damp bathroom has the disadvantage of increasing the possibility of leakage through the damaged wall.

Accordingly, in order to avoid the use of nails, screws or brackets through Korean application Nos. 20-1999-0000020, 20-1999-0000002, 20-2004-0009315, the wall surface is directly fixed to the cold / hot water pipe. Water softeners are also introduced. However, since cold and hot water pipes provided in general homes and businesses have different protrusions, it is difficult to be stably fixed such as irregularity between the water softener and the wall surface, and the water softener is inclined over time or cold / hot due to the eccentric load. Leaks such as leaks occur at the connection part of the water pipes, and smooth cold / hot water supply is impossible. Therefore, additional measures are essential, such as cutting or extending the cold / hot water pipes, which results in difficulty in installation and workability.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems.

Specifically, the present invention is a water softener that can be used easily by anyone of all ages, because the method of use is very simple, and it is possible to accurately determine the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin, as well as to perform the regeneration more simply and conveniently, The purpose of the present invention is to quickly and precisely control and discharge hot / cold water or cold / hot water, and to provide a specific method for maximizing user convenience in other use and management. In addition, another object of the present invention is directly fixed to the cold / hot water pipes provided in bathrooms, such as homes and businesses do not use nails or screws that damage the wall, stable fixing and smooth even if the length of the cold / hot water pipes are different It is to provide a water softener capable of supplying cold / hot water, cold / hot water and cold / hot soft water.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a soft water mode for discharging cold / original soft water by ion exchange resin by supplying cold / hot raw water through a cold / hot water pipe, cold / hot water as it is. A water softener for performing a direct water mode for discharging direct water, a regeneration mode for generating regeneration water by regenerating materials and discharging regeneration wastewater according to regeneration of the ion exchange resin, and an intermittent mode for regulating the supply of cold / hot water. A tank unit including first and second soft water tanks filled with an ion exchange resin and a regeneration tank filled with the regeneration material; A main body part supporting the tank part and controlling switching of the soft water mode, the direct water mode, the regeneration mode, and the intermittent mode by supplying the cold / raw raw water; First and second angle valves directly connected to the cold / hot water pipes to supply the cold / hot raw water, first and second elbows fixed through the main body, and the first and second angle valves and the first And a supply part including first and second L-shaped connecting pipes connecting the second elbows; It provides a water softener including the cold / original soft water, the cold / hot direct water, and the discharge portion discharged the regeneration waste water.

The first and second angle valves may include a first end directly connected to the cold / hot water pipe, a second end extending in a straight forward direction, and a third perpendicular to the first end and the second. The first and second elbows having one end and the other end perpendicular thereto, wherein the first and second L-shaped connecting pipes are formed of the first and second angle valves. And one end slidingly coupled to the third end and the other end sliding perpendicular to the other ends of the first and second elbows. The first and second L-shaped connecting pipes further include first and second communication holes penetrating in a long hole shape toward the sliding direction, wherein the first and second elbows are fixed and the And a support bar coupled to the main body, the support bar connecting the first and second angle valves. It is characterized in that it further comprises a control shaft through which the fixing frame is rotatably fixed to the support bar to penetrate the fixing frame.

In addition, the support bar further comprises a reinforcing rib provided along the longitudinal direction, the discharge portion is coupled to the main body portion, the first connection port through which the regeneration waste water and the regeneration water is inserted through the main body portion, A frame cover having second and third connection ports through which the cold / hot soft water and the cold / hot direct water are transferred; The frame cover is tightly coupled to the rear surface of the frame cover, and has a discharge port communicating with the first connection port, a power receiving port communicating with the second connection port, and a shower head tube communicating with the third connection port. In this case, in particular, the upper surface of the faucet is characterized in that the obliquely downward, the faucet is characterized in that it has a slit-shaped discharge port, the faucet further comprises a discharge rib surrounding the discharge port surroundings do. The first and second elbows may be fixed to the lower end of the frame bottom, and include first and second guide ends provided on the frame bottom. And first and second guide grooves provided in the first and second angle valves so as to be slid guided by the first and second guide ends, respectively.

In addition, the main body transfers the cold / hot raw water to the first and second soft water tanks in the soft water mode, and transmits the cold / hot soft water of the first and second soft water tanks to the discharge unit, and in the direct water mode. The cold / hot raw water is delivered to the discharge unit, and the cold or hot raw water is transferred to the regeneration tank in the regeneration mode while the regeneration water of the regeneration tank is transferred to the first and second soft water tanks. And first and second valve assemblies which transfer the regeneration wastewater of the second soft water tank to the discharge unit, and regulate the supply of the cold / hot raw water in the intermittent mode, wherein the first valve assembly includes: The cold / hot raw water is supplied to the first and second soft water tanks in the soft water mode, the cold / hot raw water is supplied to the second valve assembly in the direct water mode, and the ash Delivering the cold or hot raw water to the regeneration tank in the fresh mode, while transferring the regeneration water of the regeneration tank to the first and second soft water tanks, intermittent supply of the cold / hot raw water in the intermittent mode, The second valve assembly transfers the cold / hot soft water of the first and second soft water tanks to the discharge unit in the soft water mode, and the cold / hot raw water of the cold / hot raw water of the first valve assembly in the direct water mode. Direct water is delivered to the discharge unit, and the recycle wastewater of the first and second soft water tanks is transferred to the discharge unit in the regeneration mode.

In addition, the main body portion, and the cover plate for supporting the tank; A middle plate in close contact with a rear surface of the cover plate; And a bottom case in which the first and second valve assemblies are accommodated, the side surfaces being in close contact with the rear edge of the middle play and the bottom surfaces through which the other ends of the first and second elbows are inserted. The main body portion is a tank plate sealing the rear surface of the tank portion and in close contact with the upper surface of the cover plate; And a bottom plate in close contact with the bottom of the middle plate in the bottom case, wherein the tank plate includes first and second tank holes connected to the first and second soft water tanks and connected to the regeneration tank. Third and fourth tank holes, first and second discharge holes connected to the first and second soft water tanks, and the middle plate includes first and second middle holes connected to the first and second supply holes, Third to fifth middle holes connected to the first to third connecting holes, respectively, a plurality of first and second disk holes arranged in a circular manner pass through the first and third middle holes, and the first and second middle holes and the First to third tank holes communicate with at least one selected from the plurality of first disk holes, and the third to fifth middle holes, the fourth tank holes, and the first and second discharge holes. 2nd And a plurality of cover holes communicating with at least one selected from among the disk holes and communicating with at least one selected from among the plurality of first and second disk holes.

At this time, the tank plate is further characterized in that the fifth through-hole communicating with at least one of the second disk holes through the at least one selected from the plurality of cover holes and connected to the regeneration tank further penetrated, The first valve assembly may include: a first fixed disk in close contact with a rear surface of the middle plate and having a plurality of first fixing holes penetrated in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of selected first disk holes; A first rotating disk which is in close contact with the rear surface of the first fixed disk and has at least one first rotating flow path that connects two or more selected ones of the plurality of first fixing holes for each mode by the rotation. The second valve assembly may include: a second fixing disk in close contact with a rear surface of the middle plate and having a plurality of second fixing holes penetrated in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of selected second disk holes; And a second rotating disk having at least one second rotating flow path which is in close contact with the rear surface of the second fixed disk, and has at least one second rotating flow path connecting two or more selected ones of the plurality of second fixing holes to each mode by the rotation. It is characterized by. The method may further include a drain mode in which the regeneration water in the regeneration tank is forcibly discharged to the discharge port by the rotation of the second rotating disk.

In addition, the tank unit is characterized in that the first and second through holes for connecting the first and second tank holes to the upper end of the first and second soft water tank further penetrated, between the middle plate and the cover plate, the The first and second middle holes and the first to third tank holes may be disposed between the cover plate and the middle plate and between the tank plate and the cover plate, respectively, through at least one selected from the plurality of cover holes. The third through fifth middle holes, the fourth tank holes, and the first and second discharge holes through at least one of the plurality of cover holes. And a plurality of flow paths connected to one or more selected ones of the two disk holes and connecting one or more selected ones of the plurality of first and second disk holes to each other. At least one first distribution channel connecting the at least one selected from among the plurality of first disk holes to the at least one selected from among the plurality of first fixing holes, between the middle plate and the first fixed disk. And at least one second distribution channel between the middle plate and the second fixed disk to connect one or more selected ones of the plurality of second disk holes to one or more selected ones of the plurality of second fixed holes. It is characterized by.

The apparatus may further include first and second check valves installed in the first and second discharge holes, and when the raw water flows in through the third tank hole, the regeneration water flows out through the fourth tank hole. And further comprising a regeneration water generating pipe connecting the third and fourth tank holes in the regeneration tank, wherein the third and fourth check valves are installed in the third and fourth tank holes. Characterized in that. The tank plate may further include a fifth tank hole connected to at least one selected from among the plurality of first disk holes, a sixth tank hole connected to the eighth middle hole, and a seventh tank hole connected to the ninth middle hole. And a switching valve for controlling the fifth tank hole or connecting the fifth tank hole to one or both of the sixth tank hole and the seventh tank hole by a user's operation. do.

As described above, the water softener according to the present invention has an advantage of easily selecting and using four basic modes of training mode, direct water mode, regeneration mode, and intermittent mode. Therefore, anyone can use it conveniently and safely.

In addition, the present invention is a unique special mode, it is possible to obtain the life extension effect and the optimum softening efficiency for the ion exchange resin of the first and second soft water tank through the cold / hot conversion mode, the user through the automatic regeneration mode It can play automatically at the right time without any intervention, which greatly reduces time and effort. In addition, the temperature control mode allows the user to use the water at the desired temperature accurately and quickly.The flow control mode allows the automatic control of the water type and discharge flow rate, and the drain mode enables the regeneration tank to be opened. There is an advantage in that the safety can be eliminated by removing the possible effluent of regeneration water. In addition, the shower mode is more convenient because it provides the cold / hot soft water and the cold / hot water of the optimum temperature based on the user's body temperature.

In addition, the water softener according to the present invention can be stably fixed to a wall of a home or a business where cold / hot water pipes are provided without nails, screws, or other brackets, and in particular, even if the degree of protrusion of the cold / hot water pipes is different from the wall surface. It can be maintained, and thus the smooth supply of cold / hot water is an advantage that can be supplied. In addition, the outer case of the water softener according to the present invention has the advantage of providing a beautiful appearance and at the same time effectively protect the water softener.

2 is a block diagram showing a water softener according to the present invention.

As shown, the water softener according to the present invention may be divided into supply and discharge parts 100 and 200, a main body part 250, a tank part 700, and a control part 1000, and a plurality of other pipe lines W1 to W14. Equipped)

First, the supply unit 100 is directly connected to a cold / hot water pipe that is pre-equipped in a bathroom wall of a home or a business, and is supplied with cold / hot water from the outside for the first time. Represents a unique coupling structure that can be fixed from the wall at regular intervals.

Next, the discharge unit 200 is a part for discharging various liquids in the water softener to the outside, together with the water outlet 224 and the shower head 227 for providing the user with cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water. Optionally equipped with a switching valve (900) for final control of the discharge of cold / hot soft water and cold / hot direct water or through any one or more of the water outlet 224, the shower head 227, and Provide a separate, independent discharge path for the discharge of regeneration water. At this time, in the actual configuration of the water softener according to the present invention, the supply unit 100 and the discharge unit 200 can be implemented to be functionally separated in one device structure, the switching valve 900 is the supply unit 100 and the discharge unit It may be mounted in a separate position from the 200.

Next, the main body 250 includes all the liquids in the water softener including the cold / hot raw water supplied through the supply unit 100, such as cold / hot soft water, cold / hot direct water as it is, regeneration water, and regeneration wastewater. As a part for directly controlling the path and the interruption and discharge, it includes a first and second valve assembly (350, 450) for this.

Next, the tank unit 700 is a portion in which the liquid is substantially changed in the water softener, two first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 filled with ion exchange resin, and one regeneration tank filled with regeneration material. And cold / hot soft water is discharged when the cold / hot raw water is supplied to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, respectively, and when cold or hot raw water is supplied to the regeneration tank 730, the regeneration water is discharged. When the regeneration water is supplied to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, the regeneration wastewater is discharged.

Next, the control unit 1000 controls the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 to determine and adjust all operation modes of the water softener according to the user's intention. The control unit 1010 includes a logic operation circuit 1010 having a predetermined algorithm. In addition, an input unit 1012, such as a button for inputting a user's instruction, and a display unit 1014, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device) for displaying various data, are also provided. The measuring unit 280, the temperature sensor (Th) for measuring the temperature of the cold / hot soft water and cold / hot direct water, and the infrared sensor 1020 for detecting the body temperature of the user close to the water softener.

Subsequently, looking at the plurality of pipe lines (W1 to W14) provided in the water softener according to the present invention, by connecting the external cold / hot water pipes to the first valve assembly 350 to remove the cold / hot raw water of the cold / hot water pipes The first valve assembly (1) by connecting the first and second raw water supply lines (W1, W2) to the first valve assembly 350 and the first valve assembly 350 to the first and second soft water tanks (710,720). First and second tank supply pipes (W3, W4) and the first valve assembly 350 to transfer the cold / hot raw water of 350 to the first and second soft water tank (710, 720) to the regeneration tank (730) The first valve assembly 350 is connected by connecting the regeneration water supply line W5 which transfers the cold or warm raw water of the first valve assembly 350 to the regeneration tank 730 by connecting the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 to each other. First and second raw water delivery pipe (W6, W7) for transferring the cold / hot raw water of the) to the second valve assembly 450, and the regeneration tank (730) First and second regeneration water pipes W8 and W9 for connecting the first and second softening tanks 710 and 720 to the regeneration water of the regeneration tank 730 to the first and second softening tanks 710 and 720; By connecting the first and second softening tanks 710 and 720 to the second valve assembly 450, the liquids of the first and second softening tanks 710 and 720, such as cold / hot soft water and regeneration wastewater, are transferred to the second valve assembly 450. By connecting the first and second tank discharge lines W10 and W11 and the second valve assembly 450 to the switching valve 900 to be transmitted, cold / hot soft water or cold / hot water of the second valve assembly 450 is connected. First discharge pipe (W12) for transmitting the to the switching valve 900, the second discharge pipe (W13) for discharging the regeneration waste water or regeneration water drawn out from the second valve assembly 450, and the regeneration tank (730) ) Is connected to the second valve assembly 450 so as to supply the regeneration water of the regeneration tank 730 to the second valve assembly 450 (W14). It includes. In this case, the measuring unit 280 is installed in the first and second raw water supply pipes W1 and W2 to detect the supply flow rate of the cold / hot raw water, and the temperature sensor Th is installed in the first discharge pipe W12. Detects the temperature of cold / hot soft water and cold / hot direct water.

On the other hand, based on the above description it can be seen that each part of the water softener except for the control unit 1000 is connected to the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 through a plurality of pipe lines W1 to W14. Accordingly, the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 properly connect these pipe lines W1 to W14 to adjust the progress path, interruption, and discharge of all liquids in the water softener, thereby operating all the operation modes of the water softener. Be sure to

In this case, the water softener according to the present invention provides four basic modes and six special modes.

First, the four basic modes are the most basic functions: ① soft water mode for discharging cold / hot soft water according to the supply of cold / hot water, ② direct water mode for discharging cold / hot direct water as cold / hot raw water, direct water mode, and recycled materials. ③ Regeneration mode to generate regenerated water and discharge regenerated waste water according to regeneration of ion exchange resin. ④ Control mode to supply and discharge regenerated waste water including cold / hot raw water, cold / hot soft water, cold / hot water. Is it. In this case, 'cold / hot direct water' refers to 'cold / hot hard water' provided from the softener and is distinguished from 'cold / hot raw water' supplied from the outside for convenience.

And for each of them ① cold / hot raw water of the first and second raw water supply pipe (W1, W2) in the soft water mode is the first and second tank supply pipe (W3, W4) by the first valve assembly (350) The cold and warm soft water of the first and second tank discharge pipes (W10, W11) is supplied to the first and second soft water tank (710, 720), and discharged from the first and second soft water tank (710, 720) through the second The valve assembly 450 is discharged to the water outlet 224 and the shower head 227 through the first discharge line W12 and the switching valve 900. In addition, ② in the direct water mode, the cold / hot raw water of the first and second raw water supply pipes W1 and W2 is connected to the second and second raw water supply pipes W6 and W7 by the first valve assembly 350. The valve assembly 450 is delivered to the valve assembly 450 and finally discharged to the water outlet 224 and the shower head 227 through the first discharge line W12 and the switching valve 900 by the second valve assembly 450. In addition, in the regeneration mode, cold or warm raw water of the first or second raw water supply pipes W1 and W2 is supplied to the regeneration tank 730 through the regeneration water supply pipe W5 by the first valve assembly 350, Regeneration water generated in the regeneration tank 730 is supplied to the first and second soft water tanks (710, 720) through the first and second regeneration water pipe (W8, W9), from the first and second soft water tanks (710, 720) The recycled wastewater of the first and second tank discharge lines W10 and W11 discharged is finally discharged to the outside through the second discharge line W13 by the second valve assembly 450. Finally, in the intermittent mode (4), the cold / hot raw water of the first and second raw water supply lines (W1, W2) is intermittently supplied by the first valve assembly 350.

As can be seen through this, the first valve assembly 350 receives the cold / hot raw water of the first and second raw water supply pipes W1 and W2 from the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, the regeneration tank 730, The second valve assembly 450 serves as a 'supply control' to supply or control one of the second valve assembly 450, the second valve assembly 450 is the first and second raw water delivery pipe (W6, W7) or the first and second Discharge the cold / hot raw water or the cold / hot soft water delivered through the tank discharge pipe lines (W10, W11) to the first discharge pipe (W12), or the first and second tank discharge pipe lines (W10, W11) or the drain pipe ( W14) plays a role of 'emission control' for discharging the recycled wastewater or regenerated water that has been delivered through the second discharge pipe (W13).

Subsequently, the six special modes are unique operations provided by the water softener according to the present invention to provide convenience to the user, and are performed by the controller 1000 and are based on the four basic modes.

That is, these six special modes switch the cold / hot raw water supplied to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 based on the actual amount of cold / hot soft water to control the water efficiency of the ion exchange resin evenly. ⑤ It detects the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin based on the cold / hot conversion mode and the actual amount of cold / hot soft water, and automatically regenerates the regeneration mode. ⑦ The temperature control mode that adjusts the mixing ratio of cold / hot based on the temperature of cold and hot water directly to the user's desired temperature and the intermittent mode is automatically switched from the soft water mode or the direct water mode according to the user's intention. ⑧ flow rate control mode for controlling the discharge of cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water, and forcibly discharging the remaining regenerated water in the regeneration tank 730 to lower the internal pressure to replenish, replenish, ⑨ Drain mode that eliminates rising and rising that may appear when opening the regeneration tank 730 for replacement, and detects the user's body temperature to determine the temperature of cold / hot soft water and cold / hot direct water at the most appropriate temperature for the shower. It is the shower mode that decides and discharges.

And for each of these, ⑤ in the cold / hot conversion mode, the control unit 1000 is the ion exchange resin of each of the first and second soft water tank (710, 720) based on the supply amount of the cold / hot raw water that is the measurement result of the measuring unit 280 The first valve assembly 350 converts the cold / hot raw water of the first and second raw water supply pipes W1 and W2 into each other during the soft water mode. Transfer to the first and second tank supply lines (W3, W4). In addition, in the automatic regeneration mode, the controller 1000 determines the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin based on the supply amount of cold / hot raw water, which is the measurement result of the measuring unit 280, and when the regeneration time arrives, the first and second valve assemblies are installed. 350, 450 automatically proceeds to the playback mode. In addition, in the temperature control mode ⑦, the control unit 1000 compares the user set temperature with the temperature of the cold / hot soft water and the cold / hot direct water, which are the measurement results of the temperature sensor Th, and if there is a difference, the second valve assembly 450 ) Indicates the degree of communication between the first and second tank discharge lines (W10, W11) and the first discharge line (W12) in the soft water mode, and the first and second raw water delivery lines (W6, W7) in the direct water mode. The degree of communication of the first discharge pipe (W12) is adjusted to discharge cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water according to the desired temperature. In addition, in the flow rate control mode, the control unit 1000 compares the user's set flow rate with the supply amount of cold / hot water, which is the measurement result of the measuring unit 280, and if they match, switches from the soft water mode or the direct water mode to the intermittent mode. The discharge flow rate of cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water discharged to the light bulb 224 or the shower head 227 is adjusted. Further, in the drain mode ⑨, the control unit 1000 causes the second valve assembly 450 to communicate the drain pipe line W14 and the second discharge pipe line W13 to forcibly drain the residual regeneration water in the regeneration tank 730 to the outside. do. Finally, in the shower mode, the control unit 1000 senses the user's body temperature near the water softener using the infrared sensor 1020, and uses the temperature control mode according to the preset value to cool / heat the temperature suitable for the shower. Drain direct or cold / hot water.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings mentioned separately, based on Figure 2 looks at a preferred example of the water softener according to the present invention. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements performing the same role as the previously described parts, and thus redundant descriptions are omitted. However, the above-mentioned liquid flow paths are referred to as 'pipes' for the sake of convenience, but each of them may represent a separate 'pipe' shape, or may have an appropriately defined 'euro' or various other shapes in the water softener. It is also possible to share some or all of the coffins or euros, which are discussed in detail.

3 and 4 are respectively a perspective view of the water softener according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the shape of the front face toward the user, Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the shape of the back of the opposite side. In addition, Figure 5 and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively, Figure 5 is a view looking down from the front of the disassembled state of the water softener, Figure 6 is a view looking up from the lower front of the disassembled state of the water softener. . In this case, for convenience, the control unit 1000 and the final exterior case are omitted, which will be described in detail.

As shown, the water softener according to the present invention can be divided into upper and lower tanks 700 and the main body 250, and the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200 are mounted on the rear of the main body 250.

First, look at the supply and discharge unit (100,200) first.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200, FIG. 8 is a rear view thereof, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 8.

As shown, the supply unit 100 is a first and second angle valve (110,130) that is directly fixed to the cold / hot water pipe (110, 130) and the first and second elbows (one end of each of which is inserted into the back of the main body 250) ( elbow: 150, 160 is connected to the first and second L-shaped connectors (170, 180), respectively.

The dual first and second angle valves 110 and 120 are first and second valve bodies 112 and 132 connected to the cold / hot water pipes via the first and second nipples 120 and 140, respectively, and are inserted therethrough. And first and second valve shafts 124 and 144 that open and close the cold / hot water pipe through rotation.

For the sake of convenience, the first and second angle valves 110 and 120 may be divided into parts, and the first valve body 112 of the first angle valve 110 may have a first-first end 114 that faces a cold water pipe, and a first side opposite thereto. T-shaped first to third ends 118 are vertically connected at the mid-point of the -2 end 116, of which the first nipple 120 is coupled to the cold water pipe The first valve nut 122 is fastened to the first 1-2 end 116. In addition, a first valve shaft 124 is screwed through the first valve nut 122 to insert the first valve disk 125 mounted at one end into the first valve body 112 and the first valve nut 122. The first handle 126 is coupled to the other end of the first valve shaft 124 exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the first valve disc 125 including the first valve shaft 124 is moved forward and backward in the first valve body 112 by the rotation of the first handle 126, so that the first and third ends 1-1 and 1-3 are disposed. Cold water flows from the first-first end 114 to the first-third end 118 by sealing or opening the first valve seat 113, which is the point of communication of 114 and 118, relative to the cold water pipe. Enforce the on / off. The second valve body 132 of the second angle valve 130 also has a second point 2-3 at an intermediate point of the second-first end 134 facing the water pipe, and the second-second end 136 opposite thereto. The end 138 has a T-shape connected vertically, of which the second nipple 140 coupled to the water pipe is tightly coupled to the second-first end 134, and the second-second end 136 The second valve nut 142 is fastened. In addition, a second valve shaft 144 is screwed through the second valve nut 142 to insert the second valve disk 145 mounted at one end into the second valve body 132, and the second valve nut ( The second handle 146 is coupled to the other end of the second valve shaft 145 exposed to the outside. Accordingly, by the rotation of the second handle 146, the second valve disc 145 including the second valve shaft 144 is moved backward and backward in the second valve body 132 so that the end portions 2-1 and 2-3 are closed. A second valve seat (not shown), which is the point of communication of 134, 138, is sealed or opened relative to the on water pipe, thereby transferring on from the 2-1st end 134 to the 2nd-3rd end 138. Enforce the enemy on / off.

At this time, the first 1-3 end 118 of the first valve body 112 and the second 2-3 end 138 of the second valve body 132 face each other, the first and second angle valves (110, 130) A gap between the first and second valve bodies 112 and 132 may be fixed by the support bars 149 to fix the facing states of the first and second end parts 118 and 138.

In addition, the first and second elbows 150 and 160 having one ends 152 and 162 inserted into the rear surface of the main body 250 are L-shaped with the other ends 154 and 164 facing the front, respectively. A separate fixing frame 169 is coupled to the back of the main body 250 so that the second elbows 150 and 160 may be more closely fixed to the main body 250, and the first and second elbows 150 and 160 are fixed frames. And can be fixed to 169. Hereinafter, for convenience, one ends 152 and 162 of the first and second elbows 150 and 160 inserted into the back of the main body 250 are referred to as first and second supply ports 152 and 162, respectively.

In addition, both ends of the first L-shaped connecting pipe 170 are slidably inserted into the first 1-3 end 118 of the first angle valve 110 and the other end 154 of the first elbow 150 so that the first angle valve ( 110 and the first elbow 150, and the second L-shaped connector 180 at the second end 138 of the second angle valve 130 and the other end 164 of the second elbow 160. Both ends of the) are slidingly inserted to connect the second angle valve 130 and the second elbow 160. At this time, the first and second supply of the first and second elbows 150 and 160 are respectively provided at the ends of the first and second L-shaped connecting pipes 170 and 180 inserted into the other ends 154 and 164 of the first and second elbows 150 and 160, respectively. First and second communication holes 174 and 184 corresponding to the spheres 152 and 162 are penetrated in the form of long holes along the insertion direction, and both ends of the first and second L-shaped connecting pipes 170 and 180. At least one O-ring is interposed to enhance the airtightness.

Accordingly, the heights of the first and second elbows 150 and 152 including the first and second L-shaped connecting pipes 170 and 180 are fixed by the first and second angle valves 110 and 130 directly connected to the cold / hot water pipes. On the other hand, the first and second L-shaped connecting pipe (170, 180) is able to move to some extent from the first and second angle valve (110, 130), the first and second elbows (150, 152) are the first and second A certain amount of forward reversal is possible from the two L-shaped connectors 70 and 180. Therefore, the water softener according to the present invention always adjusts the degree of insertion of the first and second L-shaped connecting pipes 170 and 180 and the first and second elbows 150 and 160 even if the protruding degree of the cold / hot water pipe differs from place to place. It can maintain a constant interval. In addition, the first and second communication holes 174 and 184 of the first and second L-shaped connecting pipes 170 and 180, respectively, despite the change of position due to sliding insertion, respectively, the first and second elbows 150 and 160 of the first and second elbows 150 and 160, respectively. Since it shows the shape of the long hole that can be in stable communication with the supply port (152,162) to enable the supply of smooth cold / hot raw water, if the first handle 126 is rotated in the open direction cold water is the first 1-3 It is transmitted to the first supply port 152 of the first elbow 150 through the first communication hole 174 of the end 118 and the first L-shaped connecting pipe 170, and opens the second handle 146. Direction, the raw water is turned to the second supply port 162 of the second elbow 160 through the second communication hole 184 of the 2-3 end 138 and the second L-shaped connecting pipe 180. Delivered.

In this case, it is preferable to finely adjust the insertion degree between the first and second L-shaped connecting pipe (170,180) and the first and second elbows (150,160) and at the same time separate adjustment shaft ( 190 may be mobilized, for example, the end of the adjustment shaft 192 exposed to the front of the support bar 149 while screwing through the fixing frame 169 with its tip rotatably fitted to the support bar 149. It can be shown that the control handle 192 mounted on. As a result, between the first and second L-shaped connectors 170 and 180 and the first and second elbows 150 and 160 by rotating the adjusting handle 192 such that the fixing frame 169 moves away from or close to the support bar 149. Fine adjustment of the degree of insertion and can be fixed to the adjustment state. On the other hand, the support bar 149 acts as an axis for moving the entire water softener to move away from or near the wall substantially, it is preferable to provide a reinforcing rib 149a along the longitudinal direction to increase the strength.

Next, the discharge unit 200 represents a frame shape coupled to the back of the main body 250, wherein the discharge waste water and the discharge port 222 is discharged and the cold / hot soft water and the cold / hot direct water is provided to the user A power outlet 224 and a showerhead tube 226 are provided. In this case, the showerhead tube 226 is connected to the showerhead (see 227 of FIG. 2) through a tube or the like, but is not shown for convenience.

That is, the discharge portion 200 of the water softener according to the present invention, as shown in the drawing, the first to third connector 212,214, 216 is protruded upwardly and the second connector 214 in close contact with the back thereof Up and down assembly of the frame bottom 220 in which the outlet 224 and the shower head tube 226 protrude downward while completing the faucet 224 communicating with the first and third connecting ports 212 and 216 respectively. Can be made. In this case, the power outlet 224 may form a slit discharge port (see 225 of FIG. 6) to provide a user with cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water in the form of a stream of a predetermined width, respectively, Slant downward to induce a drop of water naturally when splashing. In addition, a discharge rib (see 225c in FIG. 6) having a predetermined length may be projected downward along the edge of the discharge port 225 of the power outlet 224 to concentrate the discharge angles of the cold / hot soft water and the cold / hot direct water. In addition, 228a and 228b of the first and second guides 6 project downward from the rear surface of the frame bottom 220, and from the upper surfaces of the first and second angle valves 112 and 132 of the supply unit 100, respectively. And second guide grooves 128 and 148 so that the first and second guide ends 228a and 228b can be slidably inserted, respectively. The combination of the first and second angle valves 110 and 130 It is supported on the back of the main body 250 more stably, it can guide the insertion of the first and second elbows (150, 160) to the first and second L-shaped connecting pipe (170, 180).

Subsequently, the main body 250 will be described.

The main body 250 of the water softener according to the present invention accommodates the temperature sensors Th including the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 and the measuring unit 280 and is provided on the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200. It is a part that is fixed to support the tank unit 700, and with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 which are exploded perspective views of the main body unit 250. 10 is a view looking down the decomposition state of the main body 250 from a higher front than this, and FIG. 11 is a view looking up the decomposition state of the main body 250 from a lower front than this.

As shown, the main body 250 includes a cover plate 650 on which the tank part 700 is seated, a middle plate 550 in close contact with the rear surface of the cover plate 650, and a part of a rear surface of the middle plate 550. The bottom plate 540 is in close contact and the bottom case 260 having an upper surface of the enclosure shape to be coupled closely along the edge of the middle plate 550, the double bottom case 260 and the middle plate The first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450, the measuring unit 280, and the temperature sensor Th are accommodated therein, and the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200 are fixedly installed on the bottom of the bottom case 260. .

For the detailed configuration of these body portion 250, reference is made to the drawings mentioned separately from the above-described drawings of FIG.

First, the bottom case 260 has a housing shape formed of a side surface 262 and a bottom surface 264, and the first to fifth through holes 266, 268, 270, 272 and 274 penetrate the double bottom surface 264. In this case, first and second supply holes 152 and 162 of the supply part 100 coupled to the bottom case 260 are inserted into the first and second through holes 266 and 268, respectively, and the third to fifth through holes ( First through third connection ports 212, 214, and 216 of the discharge unit 200 coupled to the bottom case 260 are inserted into the 270, 272, and 274, respectively (see FIGS. 7 to 9).

In addition, the bottom bracket 260 is mounted with a sensor bracket 278 for supporting the temperature sensor (Th) is tightly fixed to the back of the middle plate (550).

In addition, the measurement unit 280 is mounted in the bottom case 260, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

At this time, the measuring unit 280 measures the flow rate of the cold / hot raw water delivered from the first and second supply ports (152, 162) of the supply unit 100, and at the same time the middle plate (described below) A portion to be transmitted to the first and second middle holes of 550, preferably serves as a pressure reducing valve for constantly depressurizing the supply flow rate of cold / hot raw water (see FIGS. 7 to 9).

The measuring unit 280 for this purpose is the main body housing 282 and the first and second inlet pipe (284, 294) protruding downward from the rear surface and the first and second outlet pipe (290, 300) protruding upward from the upper surface The cover housing 320 covers the side surface. In this case, the first and second inlet pipes 284 and 294 are connected to the first and second supply ports 152 and 162 of the supply unit 100 via the first and second through holes 266 and 268 of the bottom case 260, The first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300 are inserted through the first and second middle holes of the middle plate 550 (see FIGS. 7 to 9 and 11).

In the main body housing 282, a first decompression space 286 and a first flow rate measurement space 288 connecting the first inlet pipe 284 and the first outlet pipe 290 are defined to communicate with each other. The second decompression space 296 and the second flow rate measurement space 298 connecting the second inlet pipe 294 and the second outlet pipe 300 are defined to communicate with each other. 286 and 296 are equipped with first and second pressure reducing valves (not shown) using diaphragms made of flexible membranes such as rubber, respectively, and the first and second flow rate measuring spaces. 288 and 298 follow a flow of liquid from first and second inlet pipes 284 and 294 to first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300 with at least one first and second magnets 304 and 314 attached thereto, respectively. Rotating first and second impellers 302,312 are mounted. In addition, the cover housing 320 may correspond to the first and second flow rate measuring spaces 288 and 298, respectively, through the proximity of the first and second magnets 304 and 314 attached to the first and second impellers 302 and 312. First and second counters 322 and 324 which count the rotational speed of the first and second impellers 302 and 312 are attached.

Therefore, when the raw water delivered to the first inlet pipe 284 through the first supply port 152 of the supply unit 100 is optionally cold raw water, it is the first decompression space 286 and the first pressure of the measuring unit 280 The hot water supplied to the second inlet pipe 294 through the second supply port 162 of the supply unit 100 after passing through the flow rate measuring space 288 in turn is supplied to the second outlet port 290. The decompression space 296 and the second flow rate measurement space 298 are sequentially passed to the second water outlet pipe 300. During this process, the supply flow rates of the cold and hot raw water can be measured based on the rotation speeds of the first and second impellers 302 and 312, which are counting results of the first and second counters 322 and 324. Through the depressurization of each valve, it is possible to uniformly control the supply flow rate of cold / hot raw water. For reference, although the difference in the specific shape, the detailed principle of the measurement unit 280 that can control the flow rate of the cold / hot raw water and the flow rate measurement is described in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2004-50984, 10-2004-15194 and the like.

10 and 11, first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 are mounted on the bottom case 260.

13 is an exploded perspective view of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 and includes first and second motors 354 and 454 having first and second rotational axes 352 and 452, respectively, and the first and second motors. First and second main gears 356 and 456 coupled to and rotated by the rotation shafts 352 and 452, first and second auxiliary gears 358 and 458 engaged with the first and second main gears 356 and 456, and the first And first and second rotating flanges 360 and 460 coupled to the second auxiliary gears 358 and 458 and rotated together with a plurality of first and second display grooves t1 and t2 along the edge thereof. First and second cycles with only the first and second rotary shafts 366 and 466 coupled upright to the center of the first and second auxiliary gears 358 and 458 and the first and second rotary shafts 366 and 466 exposed on their upper surfaces. First and second rotatably covering and receiving the first and second rotating flanges 360, 460, including the gears 356, 456 and the first and second auxiliary gears 358, 458. The display grooves t1 and t2 of the first and second rotary flanges 360 and 460 are identified by being fixed to the second gear covers 362 and 462 and the rear surfaces of the first and second gear covers 362 and 462, respectively. 2 The first and second optical sensors 364 and 464 for detecting the degree of rotation of the auxiliary gears 358 and 458, and the first and second ball bearings with their centers fixedly fixed to the first and second rotary shafts 366 and 466. The first and second disk brackets 370 and 470 seated on the first and second gear covers 362 and 462 via 368 and 468, and are tightly fixed to the upper surfaces of the first and second disk brackets 370 and 470 to rotate together. The first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 and the first and second fixed disks 390 and 490, which are in close contact with the upper surfaces of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480, but are not rotated together and are tightly fixed to the rear surface of the middle plate 550. ).

In this case, preferably, the first and second fixed disks 372 and 472 protrude upward from the first and second disk brackets 370 and 470, respectively, and the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 respectively, respectively. It is preferable to provide a plurality of first and second fixing grooves 382 and 482 into which the second fixing ends 372 and 472 are fitted, thereby preventing idling.

In addition, as will be described in detail in the corresponding part, the first and second fixed disks 390 and 490 are respectively fixed in close contact with the rear surface of the middle plate 550 with a plurality of first and second disk holes penetrating therethrough. At least one first and second rotary flow paths are provided on the upper surfaces of the second rotating disks 380 and 480 to communicate the first and second disk holes of the first and second fixed disks 390 and 490 with a predetermined rule, respectively, by rotation.

14 and 15 are a plan view and a rear view of the middle plate 550, respectively, and FIG. 14 shows an upper surface closely attached to the cover plate 650, and FIG. 15 shows a rear surface facing the bottom case 260. Bars are upside down.

At this time, the middle plate 550 is largely divided into three regions, a flow path region K in which the bottom plate 540 is in close contact, a circular first disk region L in which the first fixed disk 390 is in close contact, and This is the circular second disk region M in which the second fixed disk 490 is in close contact, and there is an outer region that does not belong anywhere else. The cylindrical first and second partitions 551a and 551b which surround the edges of the first and second disk regions L and M protrude downwardly from the rear surface of the middle plate 550 at a predetermined height, respectively. The first and second fixed disks 390 and 490 are accommodated and fixed therein, and at the same time, the central axis of the first and second fixed disks 380 and 480 is prevented from being distorted.

In the middle plate 550, the first and second middle holes 552 and 556, the seventh to ninth middle holes 568, 572 and 576, and the temperature sensor hole 580 pass through the outer region, and the channel region K includes a first and second middle holes 552 and 556. The third through sixth middle holes 560, 562, 564, 566 pass through.

At this time, the first and second middle holes 552 and 556 are portions through which the first and second water outlet pipes 290 and 300 of the measuring unit 280 are inserted through the back of the first and second middle holes 552 and 556, respectively. First and second guide holes 554 and 558 are provided. In this case, between the first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300 and the first and second middle holes 552 and 556 of the measuring unit 280, the first and second check valves for preventing backflow of cold / hot raw water ( C, see C1 and C2 of FIG. 11). The seventh middle hole 568 extends downwardly to the discharge pipe 570 on the rear thereof and is connected to the first connector 212 of the discharge part 200, and the eighth and ninth middle holes 572 and 576 are respectively rear surfaces thereof. It extends downward to the water outlet connection pipe 574 and the shower head connection pipe 578 is connected to the second and third connection ports 214 and 216 of the discharge unit 200.

In addition, the bottom plate 540 is closely coupled to the flow path region K. The first middle passage 561 connecting the third and fourth middle holes 560 and 562 and the fifth and sixth middle are closely coupled to each other. A second middle flow path 565 is defined that connects the holes 564 and 566. In this case, third and fourth check holes C3 and C4 may be installed in the third and fifth middle holes 560 and 564, respectively, and the close coupling between the middle plate 550 and the bottom plate 540 is called 'vibration welding'. Method 'may be used.

In addition, a plurality of first disk holes along the inner edge of the first disk area L, which are formed along the counterclockwise direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 15) of FIG. 14 based on the first-first disk hole 582. 1-2 through 1-9 disc holes 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596, 598 are sequentially penetrated, and a first distribution channel 597 extending from the 1-8 disk hole 596 is provided on the rear thereof, wherein the first distribution channel 597 includes a first end 597a extending the 1-8th disk hole 596 between the 1st-2nd and 1st-3rd disk holes 584,586, and the 1-4th and 1-5th disks. It has a second end 597b extending between the holes 588 and 590. In addition, a sealed buffer hole H is positioned between the first through fourth disk holes 588 and the second end 597b of the first distribution channel 597.

In this case, preferably, the first-first disk hole 582 may occupy a position closest to the front of the 6 o'clock direction of FIG. 14 (FIG. 15 is the 12 o'clock direction), that is, the first-1 disk hole 582. First, the first 1-2 disk holes 584 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14 along the edge of the first disk region L, the first end 597a of the distribution channel 597, The first and third disk holes 586 and 588, the buffer holes H, the second ends 597b of the distribution channel 597, and the first through fifth and first ninth disk holes 590, 592, 594, 596 and 598 in order. They are arranged around each other, and maintain equal intervals along the same radius with respect to the exact center of the first disk region L, which is the rotation center of the first rotating disk 390, in particular. Accordingly, when the first-first disk hole 584 of the first disk region L is referred to as the 6 o'clock direction (FIG. 15 is the 12 o'clock direction) of FIG. 15 occupies the time direction (FIG. 15 is the 1 o'clock to 11 o'clock direction along the clockwise direction).

Also, a plurality of second disk holes along the inner edge of the second disk area M, and the second disk holes are arranged along the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14 based on the second-first disk hole 602. -2 to 2-6 th disk holes 604, 606, 608, 610 and 612 are sequentially penetrated, and a second distribution channel 609 extending from the back to the 2-4 disk hole 608 is formed, and the second distribution channel ( 609 has one end 609a that extends the 2-4 disk hole 608 between the 2-1 disk hole 602 and the 2-2 disk hole 604.

In this case, preferably, the 2-1 disk hole 602 may occupy the position closest to the front surface, and starting from the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14 along the edge of the second disk region M (FIG. 15 is clockwise). One end 609a of the second distribution channel 609, and second through second through second through sixth disk holes 604, 606, 608, 610 and 612 are arranged around one another, in particular, a second center of rotation of the second rotating disk 490. The same distance is maintained along the same radius around the center of the disk area M. FIG.

16 and 17 are views showing the cover plate 650, respectively, FIG. 16 is a plan view of the cover plate 650, and FIG. 17 shows a rear surface of the cover plate 650, which are upper and lower sides. It has changed.

As shown, the first to thirteenth cover holes 652 to 676 penetrate the cover plate 650. In this case, the first cover hole 652 is connected to the 1-2 disk hole 584 of the middle plate 550, and the second cover hole 654 is the 1-3 disk hole 586 of the middle plate 550. ), The third cover hole 656 is connected to the 1-7th disk hole 594 of the middle plate 550, and the fourth cover hole 658 is connected to the 1-9 of the middle plate 550. The sixth cover hole 662 is connected to the fifth middle hole 564 of the middle plate 550, and the seventh cover hole 664 is connected to the fourth hole of the middle plate 550. It is connected to the middle hole 562, the eighth cover hole 666 is connected to the sixth middle hole 566 of the middle plate 550, the ninth cover hole 668 is the second of the middle plate 550 -4 disc holes 608 are connected.

In addition, first to tenth cover flow paths 680 to 698 are provided on the rear surface of the cover plate 650. In this case, the first cover channel 680 communicates the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 with the first-1, 1-4, and 1-6 disk holes 582, 588, 592 and the second cover channel ( The 682 communicates the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 with the first through eighth disk holes 596, and the third cover passage 684 includes a middle plate including the ninth cover hole 668. The first to fifth disk holes 590 and the second to fourth disk holes 608 of 550 communicate with each other, and the fourth cover passage 686 is the third of the sixth cover holes 662 and the middle plate 550. And the fifth middle holes 560 and 564, and the fifth cover passage 688 communicates the fifth cover hole 660 with the 2-6th disc holes 612 of the middle plate 550, and the sixth cover. The flow path 690 communicates the second through second disk holes 602 and 604 with the seventh middle hole 568 of the middle plate 550, and the seventh cover flow path 692 is an eleventh cover hole ( 672 and the second-5th disk hole 610 and the temperature sensor hole 580 of the middle plate 550, and the eighth cover oil The furnace 694 communicates the twelfth cover hole 674 and the eighth middle hole 572 of the middle plate 550, and the ninth cover passage 696 is the thirteenth cover hole 676 and the middle plate 550. The ninth middle hole 576 of) is communicated with each other, and the tenth cover passage 698 communicates with the tenth cover hole 670 and the second and third disk holes 606 of the middle plate 550.

In this case, as long as the above-described holes of the middle plate 550 and the holes of the cover plate 650 represent the connection relationship, specific shapes and numbers of the first to tenth cover channels 680 to 698 may be freely adjusted. .

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, 5, and 6, the tank unit 700 of the water softener according to the present invention includes the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 on the left and right sides with the regeneration tank 730 interposed therebetween. Are placed side by side. In this case, the lower portion of the regeneration tank 730 is equipped with a switching valve 900, which will be described in more detail in the corresponding part. The upper and lower surfaces of the regeneration tank 730 including the first and second softening tanks 710 and 720 are sealed with a top cover 850 and a tank plate 760, respectively, and the first and the second inside the tank part 700 are closed. The first and second through holes 732 and 734 penetrate the longitudinal direction at the boundary between the two softening tanks 710 and 720 and the regeneration tank 730, respectively. Cold / hot raw water and regeneration water of the main body 250 supplied to the tanks 710 and 720 are delivered.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the tank unit 700, in which a tank plate 760 sealing the lower surface of the regeneration tank 730 including the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 is shown. The first to eighth tank holes 766 to 780, including the second discharge holes 762 and 764, are penetrated.

3 and 4 and 5 and 6 and the above 16 and 17, the first and second discharge holes (762, 764) are connected to the first and second soft water tank (710, 720), respectively. The first tank hole 766 communicates with the first through hole 732 of the tank part 730, and the second tank hole 768 communicates with the second through hole 734 of the tank part 730 and the cover plate. The third tank hole 770 communicates with the regeneration tank 730, and the fourth tank hole 772 communicates with the regeneration tank 730 and the cover plate 650. Communication with the sixth cover hole 662), the fifth tank hole 774 communicate with the switching valve 900, and the sixth tank hole 776 with the cover plate 650 including the switching valve 900. Communication with the twelfth cover hole 674, the seventh tank hole 778 communicate with the thirteenth cover hole 676 of the cover plate 650 including the switching valve 900, and the eighth tank hole 780. ) Is in communication with the regeneration tank 730. In addition, the first to eighth tank passages 782 to 796 are defined on the rear surface of the tank plate 760, and the first tank passage 782 may include the third discharge holes 762 and the cover plate 650. The fifth cover holes 656 and 660 communicate with each other, and the second tank flow path 784 communicates the second discharge hole 764 with the ninth cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650 and the third tank flow path 786. ) Communicates the first tank hole 766 and the first cover hole 652 of the cover plate 650, and the fourth tank flow path 788 is formed of the second tank hole 768 and the cover plate 650. Four cover holes 658 communicate with each other, and the fifth tank channel 790 communicates with the first tank hole 766 and the seventh cover hole 664 of the cover plate 650, and the sixth tank channel 792. The third tank hole 770 communicates with the second cover hole 654 of the cover plate 650, and the seventh tank flow path 794 is formed by the fifth tank hole 774 and the cover plate 650. 11 cover hole 672 is communicated, and the eighth tank flow path 796 is the eighth tank. The chole 780 communicates with the tenth cover hole 670 of the cover plate 650. In this case, as long as the above-described holes of the tank plate 760 and the holes of the cover plate 650 represent the above connection relationship, specific shapes and numbers of the first to eighth tank flow paths 782 to 796 may be freely adjusted. have.

Next, Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover 850, Figure 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view of the line BB of Figure 3 to show the internal structure of the top cover 850, Figure 21 Horizontal section showing the cross section of the CC line.

As shown, the top cover 850 includes a lead plate 852 sealing the upper surfaces of the first and second softening tanks 710 and 720 and the regeneration tank 730, and first and second lead covers respectively coupled to the upper surfaces thereof. 870,880).

In this case, the lead plate 852 includes first and second soft water tank inlet holes 854 and 856 corresponding to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 and the regeneration tank 730, regeneration tank inlet holes 858, and a first one. And first and second flow path holes 862 and 864 corresponding to the second through holes 732 and 734 one-to-one. In addition, a cylindrical guide flange 860 extending upward from the lead plate 852 to extend the regeneration tank inlet hole 858 is sealed upward with a regeneration tank stopper 866. Therefore, the regeneration tank stopper 866 may be opened to input and replenish the regeneration material into the regeneration tank 730. In addition, on the lead plate 852, the first lead cover 870 and the second soft water tank inlet hole 856 and the second flow path hole which cover the first soft water tank inlet hole 854 and the first oil hole hole 862 together ( The second lead covers 880 covering the 864 together are respectively coupled.

In this case, the first and second lead covers 870 and 880 are cylindrical first and second filter guides 872 and 882 in close contact with the upper surface of the lead plate 852 so as to extend the first and second soft water tank inlet holes 854 and 856, respectively. The lead plate 852 is surrounded by an outer periphery of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882 to define the annular first and second internal flow paths covering the first and second flow path holes 862 and 864 and extending each of them. ) May be divided into first and second flow path housings 874 and 884 in close contact with the upper surface. Accordingly, a first filter region connected to the first soft water tank inlet hole 854 and the first soft water tank 710 is defined by the first filter guide 872 in the first lead cover 870. Accordingly, an annular first internal passage connected to the first passage hole 862 is defined by the first passage housing 874. In addition, a second filter region connected to the second soft water tank inlet hole 856 and the second soft water tank 720 by the second filter guide 882 is defined inside the second lead cover 880. Accordingly, an annular second internal passage connected to the second passage hole 862 is defined by the second passage housing 884.

A plurality of first and second inlet holes 876 and 886 connected to the first and second internal passages pass through the side surfaces of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, respectively. First and second pretreatment filters 892 and 894 are mounted to 872 and 882, and the first and second filter guides 872 and 882 are sealed by first and second soft water tank plugs 878 and 888. Therefore, the cold / hot raw water and the regenerated water supplied to the first and second through holes 732 and 734 of the tank part 700 are respectively inside the first and second flow path housings 874 and 884 through the first and second flow path holes 862 and 864, respectively. After being introduced into the first and second inlet holes 876 and 886, the first and second filter guides 872 and 882 are introduced into the first and second pretreatment filters 892 and 894, respectively. It is supplied to the second soft water tank (710, 720).

 In this case, the first and second inflow holes 876 and 886 are provided in a plurality of predetermined intervals that surround the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, respectively, and are advantageous for even inflow of cold / hot raw water and regeneration water. And the cold / hot raw water and the regenerated water supplied to the first and second flow path housings 874 and 884 through the second flow path holes 862 and 864 are turned along the first and second flow path housings 874 and 884 while the first and second inflows are introduced. The first and second filter guides 872 and 882 flow into the holes 876 and 886. In addition, the first and second pretreatment filters 892 and 894 may have a cylindrical shape in close contact with inner surfaces of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, respectively, and in particular, a lower end of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882 may be respectively fixed. First and second diffusion plates 879 and 889 to maintain the spacing are further provided to cool and warm raw water and regeneration water passing through the first and second pretreatment filters 892 and 882 in the first and second soft water tanks (710 and 720). It can spread out over the whole surface and make it fall.

Meanwhile, in the bottom plate 540, the middle plate 550, the cover plate 650, and the tank plate 760 described above, the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 and the first to second discharge holes of the tank plate 760 are included. The eighth tank holes 766 to 780 are formed of the first to thirteenth cover holes 652 to 676 of the cover plate 650 including the first to eighth tank flow paths 782 to 796 of the tank plate 760. 1-1 to 1-9 disc holes 582, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596, 598 and 2-1 to 2-6 disc holes 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 of the middle plate 550 via the 1 to 10 th cover channels 680 to 698. ), The first to ninth middle holes 552, 556, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 572, 576 of the middle plate 550 are also connected to the first to thirteenth cover holes 652 to 676 and the first to tenth cover flow paths of the cover plate 650. 680 to 698 and the first to eighth tank flow paths 782 to 796 of the tank plate 760. It can be seen that they are properly connected to the 1-1 to 1-9 disc holes 582, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596, 598 and the 2-1 to 2-6 disc holes 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 of the middle plate 550. This results in a flow of all liquids in the water softener when properly connecting the 1-1 to 1-9 disc holes 582, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596, 598 and the 2-1 to 2-6 disc holes 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 of the middle plate 550. It means that you can control.

Accordingly, the first fixing disk 390 of the first valve assembly 350 through which the plurality of first fixing holes penetrates is tightly fixed to the first disk region L on the rear surface of the middle plate 550, and at least one surface of the first disk assembly L is fixed to the first disk region L. The first rotating disk 380 having the first rotating flow path of the first rotating disk 380 is in close contact with each other to properly communicate with the plurality of first fixing holes in each mode, and the plurality of The second fixing disk 490 of the second valve assembly 450 through which the second fixing hole penetrates is fixed in close contact with each other, and the second rotating disk 480 having at least one second rotating flow path on one surface thereof is in close contact with each other. As a result, the plurality of second fixing holes are properly communicated with each mode. Consequently, all the operation modes of the water softener are changed by changing the relative positions of the first and second rotating flow paths according to the rotation of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480, respectively. Will be determined and controlled.

As a part of the foregoing description, the specific shapes and operations of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 390 and the second and second rotating disks 480 and 490 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 will be described. Hereinafter, reference is made to the above-mentioned drawings as appropriate.

First, FIGS. 22 and 23 are a plan view and a rear view of the first fixed disk 390, respectively, and show an upper surface closely contacting the first disk region L on the rear surface of the middle plate 550 and a rear surface thereof. The top and bottom are reversed.

As shown, a plurality of first fixing holes along an edge of the first fixing disk 390, and a first fixing hole 392 corresponding to the first first disk hole 582 of the middle plate 550. And a first fixing hole 394 corresponding to the first and second disk holes 584 of the middle plate 550, and a first end 597a of the first distribution channel 597 of the middle plate 550. The corresponding first 1-3 fixing holes 396, the first-4 fixing holes 398 corresponding to the first 1-3 disk holes 586 of the middle plate 550, and the first of the middle plates 550. The first to fifth fixing holes 400 corresponding to the -4 disk holes 588, the first to sixth fixing holes 402 corresponding to the first to fifth disk holes 590 of the middle plate 550, The first seventh fixing hole 404 corresponding to the first sixth disk hole 592 of the middle plate 550 and the first seventh corresponding to the first seventh disk hole 594 of the middle plate 550. 8 fixing holes 406, 1-9th fixing holes 408 corresponding to 1-8th disk holes 596 of middle plate 550, and middle The first 1-9 1-10 fixing hole 410 corresponding to the disk hole 598 of the rate (550) are through. In addition, a plurality of first oil grooves 412 are provided on the rear surface of the first fixing disk 390 separately from the first to first fixing holes 392 to 410, which are described below. 380) is to expect the waterproofing and lubricating action by the oil film when it is in close contact with (380), a small amount of oil is contained therein.

Next, FIG. 24 is a plan view of the first rotating disk 380, and the upper surface of the first rotating disk 390 is in close contact with and rotated.

As shown, the upper surface of the first rotating disk 380 is provided with at least one first rotating flow path and groove-shaped first-first and second rotating flow paths 384 and 386, which are respectively the first rotating disk 380. 1-1 to 1-10 fixing holes 392 to 410 of the first fixed disk 390 are appropriately connected by rotation of.

25 and 26 are a plan view and a rear view of the second fixed disk 490, respectively, showing upper and lower surfaces closely contacting the second disk region M on the rear surface of the middle plate 550 and upper and lower surfaces thereof. It has changed.

As can be seen, the second fixed disk 490 has a plurality of second fixing holes, the second-first fixing hole 492 corresponding to the second-first disk hole 602 of the middle plate 550, and the middle plate ( 2-2 fixing hole 494 corresponding to one end 609a of the second distribution channel 609 of the 550 and 2-3 corresponding to the 2-2 disc hole 604 of the middle plate 550. In the fixing hole 496, the middle plate 550, the second-4 fixing holes 498 corresponding to the 2-3th disk hole 606, and the middle plate 550, the second-4 disk holes 608. The corresponding 2-5 fixing hole 500, the middle plate 550, the 2-6 fixing hole 502 corresponding to the 2-5 disk hole 610, and the middle plate 550 2-6. The second through seventh fixing holes 504 corresponding to the disk holes 612 penetrate therethrough, and other grooves 501 of the same shape corresponding to the second distribution channel 609 of the middle plate 550 may be provided. have. In addition, the back of the first fixing disk 490 extends the 2-5 fixing hole 500 and the 2-7 fixing hole 504 toward the center of the 2-6 fixing hole 502, respectively, and fixes the 2-6 fixing hole. First and second tapered grooves 506 and 508 are provided, the width of which decreases gradually toward the hole 502, and the 2-1 to 2-7 fixing holes 492 to 504 and the first and second taper are provided. A second oil groove 510 is provided separately from the grooves 506 and 508, which are intended to expect a waterproofing and lubricating action by an oil film upon close contact with the second rotating disk 480, which will be described later. There is a small amount of oil in the interior.

Next, FIG. 27 is a plan view of the second rotating disk 480, and the upper surface of the second rotating disk 490 closely adhered to and rotated.

As shown, a second 2-1 rotating flow path 482 is provided on the upper surface of the second rotating disk 480, which is formed by the rotation of the second rotating disk 480. The first and second tapered grooves 506 and 508, including the 1 to 2-7 fixing holes 492 to 504, are properly connected.

Based on the above, it looks at the movement path of the liquid for each mode of the water softener according to the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made to FIGS. 28 to 33 in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings, which show the holes and flow paths of the tank plate 760, the cover plate 650 and the middle plate 550 briefly from top to bottom, respectively. As a schematic diagram, for convenience, tank plates 760, cover plates 650, and middle plates 550 are arranged above and below each drawing to show the interconnection relationship for each mode. Reference numerals for parts that did not contribute are omitted. At this time, before a full description, the function of the switching valve 910 of the discharge unit 900 will be briefly described. The switching valve 910 may control the fifth tank hole 774 of the tank plate 760 or may be the sixth or the fifth. 7 serves to selectively connect to either of the tank holes 776 or 778.

1. Training Mode

The attached FIG. 28 shows the soft water mode, and for the sake of convenience, the actual liquid flow path is shown in relatively dark colors. For the corresponding mode, the first-first rotating passage 384 of the first rotating disk 380 opens the first-ninth fixing holes 408 and the first-tenth fixing holes 410 of the first fixed disk 390. The first and second rotating passages 386 connect the first-first fixing holes 392 and the first-two fixing holes 394 of the first fixed disk 390.

Meanwhile, the cold raw water supplied from the external cold water pipe to the first inlet pipe 284 and the first outlet pipe 290 of the measurement unit 280 through the first supply port 152 of the supply unit 100 is middle. It is transmitted to the first cover channel 680 of the cover plate 650 through the first middle hole 552 of the plate 550, and again 1-1, 1-4, 1-6 of the middle plate 550 It is delivered to the disk holes (582, 588, 592). In this case, the 1-1 th disk hole 582 of the middle plate 550 communicates with the 1-1 th fixing hole 392 of the first fixed disk 390, and the 1-1 th fixing hole 392 is It is connected to the 1-2 fixing hole 394 by the 1-2 rotating flow path 386 of the first rotating disk 380, the 1-2 disk hole 584 is the first of the cover plate 650 1 is connected to the third tank flow path 786 of the tank plate 760 through the cover hole 652, the third tank flow path 786 of the tank portion 700 through the first tank hole 760. It is connected to the first through hole 732, the cold water is the first soft water tank through the first passage hole 862 and the first inlet hole 876 of the lead plate 852, including the first through hole (732) 710).

On the other hand, the raw water supplied to the second inlet pipe 294 and the first outlet pipe 300 of the measuring unit 280 through the second supply port 162 of the supply unit 100 from the external warm water pipe, the middle The first distribution channel including the 1-8 disk holes 596 of the middle plate 550 again through the second middle hole 556 of the plate 550 and the second cover channel 682 of the cover plate 650 ( 597) to the whole. In this case, the 1-8th disk hole 596 is connected to the 1-9th fixing hole 408 of the first fixed disk 390, and the 1-9th fixing hole 408 is the first rotating disk 380. Is connected to the 1-10 th fixing hole 410 by the 1-1 th rotating flow path 384 of the 1-1 th rotating hole 384, and the 1-10 th fixing hole 410 is the 1-9 th disk hole of the middle plate 550. The source water is connected to the 598, the fourth tank flow path 788 of the tank plate 760 through the 1-9 th disk hole 598 and the fourth cover hole 658 of the cover plate 650 in communication therewith. ), The second tank hole 768, the second through hole 734 of the tank part 700, the second flow path hole 864 and the second inflow hole 886 of the lead plate 852. Is supplied to the second soft water tank.

In addition, for the training mode, the 2-1st rotation flow path 482 of the second rotating disk 480 includes the first and second tapered grooves including the 2-6 fixing holes 502 of the second fixed disk 490. Portions of 506 and 508 are connected to each other.

Meanwhile, the cold soft water of the first soft water tank 710 may include the first discharge hole 762 of the tank plate 760 and the fifth cover hole 660 of the first tank flow path 782 and the cover plate 650. 5 is transferred to the second through sixth disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550 through the cover channel 688, the on-water softening of the second soft water tank 720 is the second discharge hole 764 of the tank plate 760 And the second tank flow path 784 and the ninth cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650 to the second-4th disk hole 608 of the middle plate 550.

At this time, the 2-6th disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550 is connected to the 2-7th fixing hole 504 and the second taper groove 508 of the second fixed disk 490, and the middle plate 550 2-4 disk hole 608 of the second fixed disk 490 is connected to the 2-5 fixing hole 500 and the first tapered groove 506 of the second fixed disk 490, The 2-1 rotation flow path 482 connects a part of the first and second tapered grooves 506 and 508 including the 2-6 fixing holes 502 of the second fixing disk 490 to each other, thereby providing cold / The soft water is combined with each other in the second-first rotation passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 to form the second sixth fixing hole 502 of the second fixed disk 490 and the second of the middle plate 550. -5 disc hole 610, seventh cover passage 692 and eleventh cover hole 672 of cover plate 650, seventh tank passage 794 and fifth tank hole of tank plate 760 It is transmitted to the switching valve 900 through 774.

In addition, the changeover valve 900 intermittently intercepts the fifth tank hole 774 or selectively connects either the sixth or seventh tank holes 776 and 778, so that the fifth and sixth tank holes 774 and 776 are connected to each other. When connected, the cold / hot water is twelfth cover hole 674 and eighth cover flow path (694) of the cover plate 650, the eighth middle hole (572) of the middle plate 550 and the water outlet connector ( 574 and the second connection port 214 and the water outlet 224 of the discharge portion 200 is provided to the user, if the fifth and seventh tank holes (774,778) is connected to the cold / hot soft water The thirteenth cover hole 676 and the ninth cover flow path 696 of the cover plate 650, the ninth middle hole 576 and the showerhead connector 578 of the middle plate 550, and the discharge part 200. Is provided to the user through the third connector 216 and the showerhead tube 226.

Therefore, the user may use the cold / hot soft water discharged through the shower head 227 connected to the power outlet 224 or the shower head tube 226 through the direct manipulation of the switching valve 900.

2. Direct mode

The attached FIG. 29 shows the direct mode, and for the sake of convenience, the actual liquid flow path is shown in relatively dark. For this mode, the first rotating disk 380 is rotated so that the first-first rotating passage 384 connects the first sixth and first seventh fixing holes 402 and 404 of the first fixed disk 390, The first and second rotation flow paths 386 connect the first through eighth and first through nineth fixing holes 406 and 408 of the first fixed disk 390. In addition, the 2-1st rotation flow path 482 of the second rotating disk 480 is the same as the soft water mode described above, including the first and second fixing holes 502 of the second fixed disk 490. Portions of the second tapered grooves 506 and 508 are connected to each other.

Meanwhile, the cold raw water supplied to the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 is first-first and first-first of the middle plate 550 through the first cover channel 680 of the cover plate 650. 4, 1-6 disk holes (584, 588, 592). In this case, the 1-6th disk hole 592 is connected to the 1-7 fixing hole 404 of the first fixed disk 390, and the 1-7 fixing hole 404 is the first rotating disk 380. It is connected to the 1-6 fixing hole 402 by the 1-1 rotation flow path 384 of the, the 1-6 fixing hole 402 is the 1-5 disk hole 590 of the middle plate 550 Cold water is delivered to the 2-4th disk hole 608 of the middle plate 550 through the third cover passage 684 and the ninth cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650. .

In addition, the raw water supplied to the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 may pass through the 1-8 disc hole 596 of the middle plate 550 through the second cover channel 682 of the cover plate 650 and The first distribution channel 597 is transmitted to the whole. In this case, the 1-8th disk hole 596 is connected to the 1-9th fixing hole 408 of the first fixed disk 390, and the 1-9th fixing hole 408 is the first rotating disk 380. It is connected to the 1-8 th fixing hole 406 by the 1st-2 rotation flow path 386 of the 1-8 th fixing hole 406, the 1-7 disk hole 594 of the middle plate 550. ), The source water is connected to the third cover hole 656 of the cover plate 650, the first tank flow path 782 of the tank plate 760, and the fifth cover hole of the cover plate 650. 660 and the fifth cover passage 688 are transferred to the second through sixth disk holes 612 of the middle plate 550.

At this time, the 2-1st rotation flow path 482 of the second rotating disk 480 is the first and the second including the 2-6 fixing holes 502 of the second fixed disk 490 in the same manner as the previous soft water mode. The portions of the tapered grooves 506 and 508 are connected to each other, so that cold / hot raw water is merged with each other in the 2-1 rotation flow path 482 of the second rotation disk 480 to form the second 2- of the second fixed disk 490. 6 fixing hole 502, 2-5th disk hole 610 of middle plate 550, 7th cover channel 692 and 11th cover hole 672 of cover plate 650, and tank plate The seventh tank 794 and the fifth tank hole 774 of the 760 is transferred to the switching valve 900. In addition, when the fifth and sixth tank holes 774 and 776 are connected to each other by the switching valve 900, the cold / hot water of the cold / hot raw water remains as the twelfth cover hole 674 of the cover plate 650. 8 cover flow path 694, the eighth middle hole 572 and the power outlet connector 574 of the middle plate 550, the second connector 214 and the power outlet 224 of the discharge unit 200 Cold / hot water is provided to the user, and when the fifth and seventh tank holes 774 and 778 are connected, the thirteenth cover hole 676 and the ninth cover flow path 696 of the cover plate 650, and the middle The user is provided to the user through the ninth middle hole 576 and the shower head connector 578 of the plate 550, the third connector 216 and the shower head tube 226 of the discharge part 200.

Therefore, the user may use the hot / cold water discharged through the shower head 227 connected to the power outlet 224 or the shower head tube 226 through the direct manipulation of the switching valve 900.

3. Play Mode

The attached FIG. 30 shows the regeneration mode, and for the sake of convenience, the actual liquid movement path is shown relatively in bold.

For the corresponding mode, the first rotating disk 380 is rotated so that the first-first rotating passage 384 is the first-fourth fixing holes 398 and the first-five fixing holes 400 of the first fixed disk 390. ), The first 1-2 rotation flow path 386 is not connected to any hole of the first fixed disk (390). In addition, the second rotating disk 480 is also rotated so that the second rotating path 482 is connected to the second fixing hole 494 including the second fixing hole 492 of the second fixing disk 490. The 2-7th fixing holes 504 are connected.

Meanwhile, the cold raw water supplied to the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 is first-first and first-first of the middle plate 550 through the first cover channel 680 of the cover plate 650. 4, the first to sixth disk holes 582, 588, 592. In this case, the 1-4 disk holes 588 of the middle plate 550 are the 1-5 rotating holes 400 of the first fixed disk 390 and the 1-1 rotating flow path 384 of the first rotating disk 380. Is connected to the 1-4 th fixing hole 398 of the first fixed disk 390 and the 1-3 th disk hole 586 of the middle plate 550. The second cover hole 654 and the sixth tank passage 792 and the third tank hole 770 of the tank plate 760 are transferred to the regeneration tank 730.

Regeneration water is discharged from the fourth tank hole 772 of the tank plate 740 to cover the fourth cover passage 686 including the sixth cover hole 662 of the cover plate 650 and the middle plate 550. First and second middle flow paths 561 and 565, including third and fifth middle holes 560 and 564, and fourth and sixth middle holes 562 and 566, and then the seventh and eighth of the cover plate 650. The cover holes 664 and 666 and the fifth tank flow path 790 and the first tank hole 766 and the second tank hole 768 of the tank plate 760 are transferred to the first and the second tank holes 700. The second through holes 732 and 734, the first and second flow path holes 862 and 864 of the lead plate 852, and the second and fourth inlet holes 876 and 886 are supplied to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720.

At this time, the raw water supplied to the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 is the 1-8 disk hole 596 of the middle plate 550 through the second cover channel 682 of the cover plate 650 and The first distribution channel 597 is transmitted to the whole but is interrupted because there is no subsequent path.

Thereafter, the regeneration wastewater of the first soft water tank 710 may include the first discharge hole 762 and the first tank flow path 782 of the tank plate 760, the fifth cover hole 660 of the cover plate 650, and the like. The second cover passage 688 and the second through sixth disk holes 612 of the middle plate 550 are transferred to the second through seventh fixing holes 504 of the second fixed disk 490, and the second train station The regeneration waste water of the tank 720 includes the second discharge hole 764 and the second tank flow path 784 of the tank plate 760, the ninth cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650, and the middle plate 550. It is transmitted to the 2-2 fixing hole 494 of the second fixed disk 490 through the 2-4 disk hole 608 and the second distribution passage 609 of the.

At this time, the 2-1st rotation flow path 482 of the second rotating disk 480 includes the 2-2 fixing holes 494 and the 2-2 fixing holes 492 of the second fixed disk 490. Since the -7 fixing holes 504 are connected, the regeneration waste water is combined in the 2-1 rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 and then the 2-1 fixing holes 492 of the second fixed disk 490. The sixth cover flow path 690 of the cover plate 650, the seventh middle hole 568 and the discharge pipe 570 of the middle plate 550, and the first connector 212 of the discharge part 200. And it is discharged to the outside through the outlet 222.

On the other hand, in the above regeneration mode, the regeneration water can sufficiently regenerate the ion exchange resin in a small amount, and if the amount of the regeneration water is too large, a reverse reaction of regeneration may occur, so that the first fixed disk 390 fixes the first to fourth portions. The holes 398, 1-3 disk holes 586, etc. of the middle plate 550 have a smaller diameter than other holes, and the size thereof is preferably several mm or less, preferably about 0.5 to 2 mm.

4. Intermittent Mode

The attached FIG. 31 shows the intermittent mode, and for the sake of convenience, the actual liquid movement path is shown relatively in bold. For the corresponding mode, the first rotating disk 380 is rotated so that the first rotating path 384 is connected to only the first to fifth fixing holes 400 of the first fixed disk 390, and the first to second rotations. The flow path 386 is connected only to the first sixth fixing holes 402 of the first fixed disk 390.

Accordingly, the cold raw water supplied to the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 is first-first and first of the middle plate 550 by the first cover flow path 680 of the cover plate 650. -4, 1-6 is transmitted to the disk holes (582, 588, 592), but there is no progress path thereafter intermittent, the raw water supplied to the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 is also made of the cover plate 650 2 is passed through the cover channel 682 to the entire 1-8 disk hole 596 and the first distribution channel 597 of the middle plate 550, but there is no subsequent progression path and is interrupted.

In this case, the rotation of the second rotating disk 480 has no effect, whereby the water softener according to the present invention is in an intermittent state in which all of the liquid flow including the supply of cold / hot water is stopped.

Hereinafter, a special mode of the water softener according to the present invention will be described.

5. Cold / hot conversion mode

The accompanying FIG. 32 shows the cold / hot conversion mode, and for the sake of convenience, the actual liquid flow path is shown in relatively dark. The first rotating disk 380 is rotated for the corresponding mode so that the first rotating path 384 connects the first and first fixing holes 392 and 410 of the first fixed disk 390, The first and second rotation flow paths 386 connect the first and second fixing holes 394 and 396 of the first fixed disk 390. The first rotation path 482 of the second rotating disk 480 is the same as the previous soft water and direct water mode, including the second sixth fixing hole 502 of the second fixed disk 490. And portions of the second tapered grooves 506 and 508 are connected to each other.

As a result, the cold water is the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550, the first cover channel 680 of the cover plate 650, and the first-first disk hole 582 of the middle plate 550. And the first-first fixing hole 392 of the first fixed disk 390, the first-first rotation channel 384 of the first rotating disk 380, and the first of the first fixed disk 360. -10 fixing hole 410, the 1-9th disk hole 598 of the middle plate 550, the fourth cover hole 658 of the cover plate 650, and the fourth tank of the tank plate 760 The flow path 788 and the second tank hole 768, the second through hole 734 of the tank portion 700, the second flow path hole 872 and the second inflow hole 886 of the lead plate 852 It is supplied to the second softening tank 720 through.

On the other hand, the raw water is the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550, the second cover passage 682 of the cover plate 650, the 1-8 disk hole 596 of the middle plate 550 and The first end 597a of the distribution channel 597, the first 1-3 fixing holes 396 of the first fixed disk, the first 1-2 rotary channels 386 of the first rotating disk 380, and the first The first 1-2 fixing holes 394 of the fixed disk 390, the first 1-2 disk holes 584 of the middle plate 550, the first cover holes 652 of the cover plate 650, The third tank flow path 786 and the first tank hole 766 of the tank plate 760, the first through hole 732 of the tank part 700, and the first flow path hole 862 of the lead plate 852. And the first inlet hole 876 is supplied to the first soft water tank 710.

Compared to the above-described soft water mode, the cold water is supplied to the second soft water tank 720, the hot water is supplied to the first soft water tank 710, the first and second The soft water tanks (710 and 720) is the result that the cold / hot raw water is converted to each other. Accordingly, the soft water of the first soft water tank 710 is transferred to the first discharge hole 762 of the tank plate 760, and the cold water of the second soft water tank 720 is the second discharge hole of the tank plate 760. 338, only the type of cold / hot is changed, and since the progress path is similar to the soft water mode, if omitted, the user finally receives the water outlet 224 or the shower through the direct operation of the switching valve 900. Cold / hot soft water discharged through the shower head 227 connected to the head pipe 226 may be used.

6. Auto play mode

Next, the automatic play mode is the intermittent mode, the play mode, and the intermittent mode, which are sequentially performed in the remaining modes except the play mode among the four basic modes described above. It can be seen that it is possible by the rotation of the rotating disk (380,480).

7. Flow control mode

In addition, the flow rate control mode is converted to the intermittent mode after the discharge of the cold / hot soft water or cold / hot water of a certain flow rate in the soft water mode and the direct water mode, also by the rotation of the first and second rotating disks (380,480) Since it is possible to separate drawings are omitted.

8. Temperature control mode

Meanwhile, the above-described soft water mode, the direct water mode, and the cold / hot soft water and the cold / hot water supplied to the user in the cold / hot conversion mode are each passing through the seventh cover channel 692 of the cover plate 650. Passes through the temperature sensor Th inserted through the temperature sensor hole 580 of the middle plate 550 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B and 12A and 12B).

Therefore, when the degree of rotation of the second rotating disk 480, that is, the degree of rotation of the 2-1 rotation flow path 482 is controlled based on the detection result of the temperature sensor Th, the first and second of the second fixed disk 490 are controlled. The degree of opening and closing relative to the second tapered grooves 506 and 508 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the mixing ratio of the final discharged cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water to suit the desired temperature.

9. Drain Mode

The attached FIG. 33 shows the drain mode, and for the sake of convenience, the actual liquid flow path is shown in relatively dark. This mode is premised to be performed in the intermittent mode of the above-described basic mode, the first rotating disk 380 is rotated for the corresponding mode, so that the first rotation path 384 of the first fixed disk 390 It is connected only to the first to fifth fixing holes 400, and the first to second rotating passages 386 are connected to only the first to sixth fixing holes 402 of the first fixing disk 390. Then, the second rotating disk 480 is rotated so that the 2-1 rotating flow path 482 connects the second 2-3 and second-4 fixing holes 496 and 498 of the second fixed disk 490.

At this time, since the first rotating disk 380 is the same as the intermittent mode, supply of cold / hot raw water is intermittent.

On the other hand, the regeneration water in the regeneration tank 730 is the eighth tank hole 780 and the eighth tank flow path 796 of the tank plate 760, the tenth cover hole 670 and the tenth cover of the cover plate 650 Of the flow path 698, the second and second disk holes 606 of the middle plate 550, the second and fourth fixing holes 498 of the second fixed disk 490, and the second rotating disk 480. 2-1 rotation flow path 482, 2-3 fixing holes 496 of the second fixed disk 490, 2-4 disk holes 604 of the middle plate 550, cover plate 650 ) Through the sixth cover flow path 690, the seventh middle hole 568 and the discharge pipe 570 of the middle plate 550, and the first connection port 212 and the discharge port 222 of the discharge part 200. It can be discharged to the outside.

Therefore, the internal pressure can be lowered by forcibly draining the regeneration water in the regeneration tank 730.

10. Shower Mode

On the other hand, the control unit 1000 of the water softener according to the present invention is particularly provided with an infrared sensor 1020 for detecting the body temperature of the person close to the water softener, by performing a temperature control mode according to a preset reference based on the detection result Cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water at a temperature most suitable for the shower is supplied through the water outlet 224 or the showerhead 224. For reference, the temperature of water that a person feels most appropriate when taking a shower is known as body temperature ± 2 ° C. Therefore, when the user selects the shower mode, the control unit 1000 detects the user's body temperature using the infrared sensor 1020, and can supply the cold / hot soft water or the cold / hot water of the optimum temperature according to the temperature control mode Bars will be readily understood without a separate drawing.

Next, FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view showing the switching valve 900 of the water softener according to the present invention. The configuration of the switching valve 900 will be described with reference to FIG. 37, which is a cross-sectional view along the FF line. see. Prior to the full description, the changeover valve 900 serves to intermittently control the fifth tank hole 774 of the tank plate 760 or selectively connect to one of the sixth or seventh tank holes 776 and 778.

To this end, a valve housing 902 which provides a predetermined space from the front surface of the regeneration tank 730 is indented into a cup shape, and the inner surface 903 of the fifth to seventh tank holes 774, 776, 778 of the tank plate 760, respectively. ) And the first to third connection holes (904, 906, 908) in one-to-one correspondence. In addition, the switching valve 900 is a valve fixing disk 910 that is tightly fixed to the inner surface 903 of the valve housing 902, the valve rotating disk 920 in close contact with the front thereof, and the valve rotating disk 920 in front of the A valve bracket 930 which is coupled to provide a handle shaft 932 which is drawn out to the outside of the valve housing 902, and a valve cover that seals the valve housing 902 in a penetrated state by the handle shaft 932. 940 and a switch handle 950 coupled to the handle shaft 932 exposed through the valve cover 940. At this time, the valve fixing disk 910 passes through the first to third extension holes 912, 914, 916, which have a one-to-one correspondence with the first and third connection holes 904, 906, and 908, preferably, the fifth tank hole 774 and the first. Second extension holes 914 and seventh communicating with the sixth tank hole 776 and the second connection hole 904, respectively, on both sides of the first extension hole 912 communicating with the connection hole 904. The third extension hole 916 communicating with the tank hole 778 and the third connection hole 906 is located. In addition, a valve flow path 922 having a groove shape is provided on one surface of the valve rotation disk 920, which is in close contact with the valve rotation disk 920, and the valve flow path 922 is respectively formed by the rotation of the valve rotation disk 920. Connect the first extension hole 912 and the second extension hole 914 or connect the first extension hole 912 and the second extension hole 916 or extend the first extension hole 912 to the second and third extension. By not connecting to any one of the holes (914,916) serves to substantially seal.

Therefore, when the user rotates the switching handle 950 so that the valve flow path 922 of the valve rotating disk 920 communicates with the first extension hole 912 and the second extension hole 914 of the valve fixing disk 910. As a result, the cold / hot soft water or the cold / hot water of the fifth tank hole 774 is supplied to the sixth tank hole 776, and the valve flow path 922 is the first extension hole 912 of the valve fixing disk 910. And the third extension hole 916 communicate with each other, the fifth tank hole 774 and the seventh tank hole 778 are connected, and the valve flow path 922 is connected to the first extension hole 912 of the valve fixing disk 910. ) Is not allowed to communicate with any of the second and third extension holes 914, 916, the fifth tank hole 774 can be interrupted. In this case, the ball bearing 942 is preferably mounted on the outer surface of the valve cover 940, and an arc-shaped guide groove 952 for receiving a portion of the ball bearing 942 on the inner surface of the switching handle 950 facing the valve cover 940 and the middle portion thereof. The stopper groove 954 may be provided to inform the stop position of the change handle 950. In this case, the stop positions of the switching handle 950 are three cases, namely, discharge / interruption of the cold / hot soft water or the cold / hot direct water to the power outlet 224 or the shower head tube 226.

35 and 36 are cross-sectional views taken along lines DD and EE of FIG. 34, respectively, in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, respectively. When the regeneration waste water is discharged, fifth and sixth check valves 810 and 820 are interposed to prevent the loss of the ion exchange resin and to prevent backflow, and the regeneration tank 730 is connected to the third tank hole 770. When the regeneration water flows in, the regeneration water generation pipe 830 may be provided to allow the regeneration water to flow out into the fourth tank hole 772.

First, as shown in FIG. 35, the fifth and sixth check valves 810 and 820 are cup-shaped first and second meshes covering the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 in the first and second regeneration tanks 710 and 720, respectively. Covers 812 and 822, the bottom of each of the annular first and second coupling flanges 814, 824 inserted into the upper portion of the first and second discharge holes 762, 764 protrude downward. Therefore, when the first and second coupling flanges 814 and 824 of the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822 are fitted into the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 in the first and second regeneration tanks 710 and 720, respectively. The first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 are provided with annular steps, respectively, to prevent loss of the ion exchange resin through the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822. In addition, the fifth and sixth check valves 810 and 820 are interposed in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764, respectively, to be caught by the first and second coupling flanges 814 and 824 of the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822. The first and second valve plates 816 and 826, which are supported on the cover plate 650 and inserted into the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764, respectively. First and second springs 818 and 828 which exert an elastic force from below to interpose with the second coupling flanges 814 and 824 are interposed therebetween. Therefore, each of the fifth and sixth check valves 810 and 820 has a structure in which the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 are opened in one direction only, that is, from the top to the bottom. Cold and hot soft water and recycled waste water can be discharged after opening the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 by pressing the first and second springs 818 and 828 including the first and second valve plates 816 and 826 under their own load. On the other hand, for the opposite pressure, the first and second valve plates 816 and 826 may block the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764, respectively, to prevent backflow. In this case, preferably, the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822 are so-called inserts that are put together and fixed in the mold during injection manufacturing of the regeneration tank 730 including the first and second softening tanks 710 and 720, respectively. It may be fixed to the first and second discharge holes (762,764) by the injection method.

Next, as shown in FIG. 36, the regeneration water generation pipe 830 interposed in the regeneration tank 730 has a U-shape in which both ends are bent in the same direction to connect the third and fourth tank holes 770 and 772. At this time, one end 832 fitted into the third tank hole 770 in the regeneration water generating pipe 830 shows a normal sealed pipe shape, while the other end 836 fitted into the fourth tank hole 772 is a net structure. It is made of a mesh, it can be seen that the inside is provided with an annular projection end 836 to sharply reduce the inner diameter. Therefore, when the regeneration water flows through the third tank hole 770, the projecting end 836 is hit by the projecting end 836 during the movement along the regeneration water generating pipe 830 to the periphery of the other end 834 of the regeneration water generating pipe 830 made of mesh. A strong vortex is generated, which causes the high concentration of regeneration water filled in the regeneration tank 730 to be mixed with the regeneration source water and discharged into the fourth tank hole 772, which is the ion in the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720. It is used as the actual regeneration water for regenerating the exchange resin. For reference, the third and fourth check valves C3 and C4 interposed between the third and fifth middle holes 560 and 564 and the bottom plate 540 of the middle plate 550 may have reverse flows of the regeneration water and the regeneration water. And mixing is prevented (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

38 is a block diagram illustrating the control unit 1000 of the water softener according to the present invention. The overall operation of the water softener according to the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings.

The controller 1000 of the water softener according to the present invention performs six special modes including four basic modes by controlling the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 according to a user's instruction. To this end, it may include an input unit 1012 including a logic operation circuit 1010, a display unit 1014 and an infrared sensor 1020, and additionally may include a timer 1016 or a speaker 1018. have. The dual input unit 1012 may include a plurality of buttons or dials for inputting a user's instruction. In this case, the user's indication may be an indication of any one of four basic modes and six special modes, and a combination thereof. During this process, the display unit 1014 including a display device such as an LCD displays various input data such as flow rate and temperature of cold / hot raw water and cold / hot soft water as well as user input contents and operation state of the water softener. And a manual for user convenience, and a logic operation circuit 1010 having a predetermined algorithm for controlling all operations and modes of the input unit 1012 and the display unit 1014 is a memory. Microcomputers including can be used.

More specifically, the logic operation circuit 1010 detects the detection results of the first and second optical sensors 364 and 464 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 including the measuring unit 280 and the temperature sensor Th. The overall operation of the water softener is controlled by adjusting the degree of rotation and the direction of rotation of the first and second motors 354 and 364 with respect to the first and second rotation shafts 356 and 366. That is, as described above, the supply unit of the cold / hot raw water can be grasped through the measuring unit 280 of the main body 250, and the cold / hot soft water provided from the softener through the temperature sensor Th and It is possible to determine the discharge temperature of the cold and hot water, and the current position of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 through the first and second optical sensors 364 and 464 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450. The degree of rotation can be known. In addition, using the infrared sensor 1020 can detect the body temperature of the user close to the water softener. In addition, if the degree of rotation and the rotation direction of the first and second motors 354 and 454 about the first and second rotation shafts 352 and 452 are controlled, six special modes including four basic modes may be performed.

Briefly look at each one.

First, as the four basic modes, the user selects the training mode or the direct water mode using a button or a dial provided in the input unit 1012 of the controller 1000, and the logic operation circuit 1010 uses the first and second motors. The degree of rotation and the direction of rotation of the first and second rotating shafts 356 and 456 of the 354 and 454 are determined to rotate the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 to perform a soft water mode or a direct water mode. As a result, the cold / hot soft water or the cold / hot water is delivered to the selector valve 900. Finally, the user directly manipulates the selector handle 950 of the selector valve 900 to receive the water outlet 224 or the shower head tube 226. ) Can be used for cold / hot water or cold / hot water. In addition, when the user selects the regeneration mode or the intermittent mode through the input unit 1012 of the control unit 1000, the logic operation circuit 1010 is the first and second rotation shafts (356, 456) of the first and second motors (354,454) The first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 are rotated in the regeneration mode or the intermittent mode by determining the degree of rotation and the direction of rotation. During this process, the first and second optical sensors 364 and 464 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 detect the current position and rotation state of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 so that the corresponding mode can be correctly performed. do.

The following is a cold / hot conversion mode that can equally control the soft water capacity of the ion exchange resin filled in the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, among the six special modes. Examples of the function required are when the use of cold soft water is high, such as summer, or when the use of hot soft water, such as winter, is relatively high, and either one of the first or second soft water tanks 710 and 720 is mainly utilized. A phenomenon occurs when the regeneration cycle of the ion exchange resin (710 or 720) arrives quickly. At this time, when the regeneration of both the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 is repeated for the ion exchange resin, the life of the ion exchange resin is changed.

To prevent this, the user may select a cold / hot conversion mode through the input unit 1012 of the controller 1000, and the logic operation circuit 1010 may measure the measurement unit 280 and the first and second optical sensors 364 and 464. Based on the detection result of), the cold / hot raw water supply in the soft water mode is calculated. As a result, when the usage amount of either cold or hot water is biased, the rotation direction and the degree of rotation of the first and second motors 354 and 454 about the first and second rotation shafts 352 and 452 are determined to determine the first and second soft water. The cold / hot raw water supplied to the tanks 710 and 720 are switched to each other, and this cold / hot conversion operation is repeated until a user's stop command is issued. As a result, the regeneration cycle and lifespan of the ion exchange resin in the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 can be equally adjusted.

Next is the automatic regeneration mode that automatically detects the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin and automatically proceeds to the regeneration mode. At this time, the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin can be calculated as the supply amount of cold / hot raw water detected by the measuring unit 280 in the soft water mode, and when it is determined that the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin, the regeneration mode is necessary. If so, the user can be notified through the display unit 1014 and an alarm sound or voice guidance can be made using the speaker 1018 or the like. In addition, such an automatic regeneration mode may proceed to a regeneration mode for a night time when the water softener is not used much. The logic operation circuit 1010 of the control unit 1000 uses the timer 1016 when the appropriate time is reached. Rotation of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 is performed by determining the degree of rotation and the direction of rotation of the motors 354 and 454 relative to the first and second rotating shafts 352 and 452. Switch to mode. At this time, the selection of the appropriate time and the automatic playback mode may be by user input.

Subsequently, it is a temperature control mode in which the temperature of cold / hot soft water or cold / hot direct water is exactly matched to a temperature desired by the user. To this end, the user inputs the type and temperature of the desired water using the input unit 1012 of the controller 1000 when the water softener is used. Accordingly, the logic operation circuit 1010 rotates the first rotating disk 380 appropriately. By selecting the soft water mode or the direct water mode, the types of water are matched, and the temperature can be exactly matched based on the degree of rotation of the second rotating disk 480 and the detection result of the temperature sensor Th.

In addition, the flow control mode for controlling the discharge of cold / hot soft water or cold / hot raw water using the water softener according to the present invention. Examples of the function required may include receiving water in a bath for a bath, or the like, and interlocking the timer 1016 to allow water of a desired type and flow rate to be received in a bath at a desired time. . To this end, when the user selects the type and flow rate of the desired water by using the input unit 1012 of the control unit 1000, the logic operation circuit 1010 rotates the first rotating disk 380 appropriately to the soft water mode or the direct water mode. By matching the type of water according to the user's intention, the detection result of the measuring unit 280, that is, based on the supply flow rate of the cold / hot raw water to adjust the discharge of cold / hot soft water or direct water to reach the corresponding flow rate Switch to intermittent mode.

When the regeneration material in the regeneration tank 730 needs to be added, replenished, or replaced, the internal pressure of the regeneration tank 730 may be lowered by selecting the drain mode in the intermittent mode, and then the regeneration tank stopper 746 may be opened. You can safely proceed to your desired task.

Finally, in the shower mode, the infrared sensor 1020 of the controller 1000 detects the user's body temperature, and accordingly, the logic operation circuit 1010 may provide the most suitable cold / hot soft water or cold / hot water directly for the shower. do.

On the other hand, the water softener according to the present invention can provide a variety of convenient functions through the appropriate combination of the four basic modes and six special modes, for example, by mixing cold / hot soft water and cold / hot direct water It is also possible to be provided with a flow rate and temperature, and other applications are possible depending on the purpose.

39 and 40 are perspective views illustrating a state in which the controller 1000 is mounted in the water softener according to the present invention, respectively. Reference is made together with FIG. 38 above.

As shown, the water softener according to the present invention is a housing 1300 in which each part of the control unit 1000 can be mounted, and is provided with a PCB housing 1310 and an LCD housing 1320 to be mounted on the front upper end of the tank unit 700. The logic operation circuit 1010 mounted on the main PCB 1011 is mounted on the PCB housing 1310 mounted on the front top of the top cover 850 and is inputted with the LCD 1014 which is the display unit 1014. The unit 1012 or the like is mounted on the LCD housing 1320 integrally coupled to the front surface of the PCB housing 1310.

The dual PCB housing 1310 may include a PCB rear housing 1312 mounted on the first and second flow path housings 870 and 880 of the top cover 850 and a PCB front housing 1314 which covers and is coupled to the front thereof. As a result, the main PCB 1011 on which the logic operation circuit 1010 is mounted is tightly fixed to the inside of the PCB housing 1310 and, strictly, to the inner surface of the PCB rear housing 1312. In this case, in order to waterproof and protect the main PCB 1011, the insulating resin may be filled in the PCB housing 1310 through a molding process. In particular, the main PCB 1011 may be used to save the insulating resin and simplify the molding process. A fixing rib 1316 may be provided on the inner surface of the PCB rear housing 1312 to separately separate the seating area for stable fixing.

In addition, the LCD housing 1320 is composed of an LCD rear housing 1322 integrally coupled to the front surface of the PCB front housing 1314 and a transparent LCD front housing 1324 covering the front thereof, thereby displaying the display unit 1014. The in LCD is mounted on the driving circuit PCB 1324 together with a button which is an input unit 1012 and is mounted together in the LCD housing 1320. In this case, the transparent LCD front housing 1324 passes through a plurality of buttonholes 1326 through which the buttons are exposed, thereby displaying the display contents of the LCD to the outside and exposing the buttons. In addition, a fixed end 1323 having a predetermined length through which a screw hole penetrates is provided outside the LCD rear housing 1322, and a first coupling protrusion 1328 is provided on the front of the tank part 700 to provide a nut hole. As a matter of fact, the entire housing 1300 is tightly mounted on the top surface of the tank part 700 by a screw inserted through the screw hole into the nut hole.

In addition, a battery case 1332 is integrally fixed to the upper rear side of the PCB rear housing 1312 to seal the upper surface through the battery cover 1334, and to the respective portions of the controller 1000 by the charging power of the battery inserted therein. Supply the necessary power. At this time, the timer 1016, the speaker 1018, etc. not shown in the drawing may be mounted on the main PCB 1011 or the driving circuit PCB 1324, and the infrared sensor 1020 may check the proximity of the user more accurately. The tank 700 is mounted to the front center portion so as to be electrically connected to the main PCB 1011.

41 is a view for explaining the exterior case 1500 of the water softener according to the present invention, and FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a state in which the exterior case 1500 is coupled, and FIGS. 42 to 44 respectively. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the case 1500 disassembled. At this time, FIG. 43 is an exploded view of the exterior case 1500 from the front facing the user, and FIG. 44 is a view of the exploded state of the exterior case 1500 from the rear side of the opposite side.

As shown, the exterior case 1500 is a final case for the beautiful appearance along with the protection of the water softener, and the user mounts the water softener together with the exterior case 1500 on a wall such as a bathroom.

The exterior case 1500 for this purpose can be divided into four parts, and by combining them, it shows the appearance as shown in FIG. 41, and the front covering the entire front and side portions of the water softener except for the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200. A rear case 1540 coupled to the front case 1510 covering the rear and side portions of the water softener except for the case 1510, the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200, and the top cover 850, and the first and second soft water. A middle case 1550 coupled to the front and rear cases 1510 and 1540 to cover the rest of the top cover 850 except for the tank stoppers 878 and 888, the regeneration tank stopper 866, and the battery cover 1334; The top case 1570 covers the middle case 1550 to cover the entire upper surface of the water softener except for the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200 and connects the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540.

First, the front case 1510 is a portion covering the entire front surface of the water softener and the side surfaces of the top, bottom, left and right except the supply and discharge portions 100 and 200, and the first opening hole 1512 exposing the LCD housing 1320 on the front surface. And a second opening hole 1514 for exposing the infrared sensor 1020 to the outside, a third opening hole 1516 for exposing the switching handle 950 of the switching valve 900, and a power outlet 224. The fourth opening hole 1518 for exposing is penetrated. And the inner surface of the front case 1510 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 1522 in close contact with the outer surface of the body portion 250, including the tank portion 700 of the water softener to prevent the deformation of the external pressure, in particular, the faucet ( A support plate 1520 is provided on the bottom of the fourth opening hole 1518 through which the front surface of the power outlet 224 is supported except for the discharge port 225 of the power outlet 224. Or the like. In addition, the upper side of the front case 1510 has a narrower width than the left and right sides thereof to completely expose the top cover 850 of the water softener.

Next, the rear case 1540 is a portion that is coupled to the front case 1510 while covering the rear and left and right sides of the water softener except for the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200 and the top cover 850, and the left and right sides of the rear case 1540. A plurality of hooks 1542 protrude from the inner side of the side surface, and are hooked to the locking end 1524 provided inside the left and right sides of the front case 1510. Although not clearly shown in the drawings, a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided along the inner surface of the rear case 1540 to be in close contact with the outer surface of the main body 250 including the tank 700 of the water softener to provide a deformation of the external pressure. prevent. As a result, the water softener is concealed in front, rear, left, and right except for the supply and discharge parts 100 and 200 and the top cover 850, and the top cover 850 is exposed to the rear.

Accordingly, the middle case 1550 covers the entire upper surface of the water softener except for the first and second soft water tank stoppers 878 and 888, the regeneration tank stopper 866, and the battery cover 1334, and the top case is attached to the middle case 1550. By completing the final appearance by covering the remainder exposed by the bar, the middle case 1550 is the first and second soft water tank caps (878,888), regeneration tank plugs (866) and the battery that are frequently opened during use of the water softener. While substantially covering the entire water softener with only the cover 1334 exposed, the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540 are more closely coupled, and the top case 1570 is simply above the middle case 1550. It is made so that it can be easily mounted and opened. The middle case 1550 for this purpose includes a battery cover including first to third plug holes 1552, 1554, and 1556 for exposing the first and second soft water tank stoppers 878 and 888 and the regeneration tank stopper 1554, respectively. The battery cover hole 1558 through which the battery cover 1334 is exposed through the horizontal portion is bent downward from the periphery thereof, and the side surface portion which is in close contact with the upper end of the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540. At this time, along the front end of the horizontal portion of the middle case 1550, the coupling jaw 1560 through which the screw hole 1562 penetrates upwards, and a second coupling protrusion having a nut hole on the upper inner surface of the front case 1510 corresponding thereto. 1530 is provided. Therefore, the middle case 1550 is tightly fixed to the front case 1510 through a plurality of bolts inserted through the coupling jaw 1560 and inserted into the second coupling protrusion 1530.

On the other hand, the middle case 1550, such as the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540 may be each made of an injection molding of synthetic resin. In addition, it is preferable that the thickness of the outer case 1500 is about several mm so that the load of the water softener is not greatly increased due to the outer case 1500. Therefore, the connection point of the outer case 1500 is likely to be displaced with respect to the external pressure. Accordingly, a plurality of projections 1544 protrude along the left and right side ends of the rear case 1540, as shown in the inner drawings of FIGS. 43 and 44, while a plurality of fittings are provided along the left and right side ends of the front case 1510. The groove 1526 is provided to prevent misalignment between the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540 through the combination thereof, and the middle plate (A) along the upper end surface of the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540. The first and second fitting ends 1528 and 1546, to which the lower end of 1550 is fitted, may be provided to prevent misalignment of the rear case 1540 and the middle case 1550.

Finally, the outer case 1500 is covered by covering the top cover 1570 over the middle case 1550 to cover the first and second soft water tank stoppers 878 and 888, the regeneration tank stopper 866, and the battery cover 1334. Complete

1 is a block diagram of a general water softener.

2 is a block diagram of a water softener according to the present invention.

3 and 4 are each a perspective view of a water softener according to the present invention.

5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively.

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the supply and discharge of the water softener according to the invention.

8 is a rear view of the supply and discharge of the water softener according to the present invention.

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.

10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of the body portion of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively.

12 is an exploded perspective view of the measuring unit of the water softener according to the present invention.

Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the first and second valve assembly of the water softener according to the present invention.

14 and 15 are a plan view and a rear view of the middle plate of the softener according to the present invention, respectively.

16 and 17 are a plan view and a rear view of the cover plate of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively.

18 is a rear view of the tank of the water softener according to the present invention.

19 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover of the water softener according to the present invention.

20 and 21 are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B and C-C of FIG. 3, respectively.

22 and 23 are a plan view and a rear view of the first fixed disk of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively.

24 is a plan view of a first rotating disk of the water softener according to the present invention.

25 and 26 are a plan view and a rear view of a second fixed disk of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively.

27 is a plan view of a second rotating disk of the water softener according to the present invention.

28 to 33 are schematic views for each operation mode of the water softener according to the present invention.

34 is an exploded perspective view of a switching valve of the softener according to the present invention.

35 to 37 are cross-sectional views taken along line D-D, E-E, and F-F of FIG. 34, respectively.

38 is a block diagram of a control unit of the water softener according to the present invention.

39 and 40 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the housing of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively.

41 is a perspective view of an exterior case of the water softener according to the present invention.

42 to 44 are exploded perspective views of the outer case of the water softener of the water softener according to the present invention, respectively.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: supply part 200: discharge part

224: water outlet 227: shower head

250: main body 280: measuring unit

350: first valve assembly 450: second valve assembly

700: tank portion 710,720: first and second soft water tank

730: regeneration tank 900: switching valve

1000: control unit W1 to W14: pipeline

1010: logic operation circuit 1012: input unit

1014: display unit 1016: timer

1018 speaker 1010 infrared sensor

th: temperature sensor

Claims (28)

A soft water mode for discharging cold / raw soft water by ion exchange resin by supplying cold / hot water through a cold / hot water pipe, a direct water mode for discharging cold / hot direct water as it is, and regeneration water by regenerating material A water softener for generating a regeneration mode for discharging the regeneration wastewater according to the regeneration of the ion exchange resin, the intermittent mode for controlling the supply of cold and hot water, A tank unit including first and second soft water tanks filled with the ion exchange resin and a regeneration tank filled with the regeneration material; A main body part supporting the tank part and controlling switching of the soft water mode, the direct water mode, the regeneration mode, and the intermittent mode by supplying the cold / raw raw water; First and second angle valves directly connected to the cold / hot water pipes to supply the cold / hot raw water, first and second elbows fixed through the main body, and the first and second angle valves and the first And a supply part including first and second L-shaped connecting pipes connecting the second elbows; And a discharge part through which the cold / source soft water, the cold / hot direct water, and the regeneration waste water are discharged. The method of claim 1, The first and second angle valves may include a first end directly connected to the cold / hot water pipe, a second end extending in a straight forward direction, and a third end perpendicular to the first end and the second. Including, The first elbow and the second elbow includes one end and the other end perpendicular to the body portion, The first and second L-shaped connecting pipes include one end slidingly coupled to the third ends of the first and second angle valves and the other end perpendicular to the other end and slidingly coupled to the other ends of the first and second elbows. . The method of claim 2, The water softener further comprises first and second communication holes penetrating through the first and second L-shaped connecting pipes in a long hole shape toward the sliding direction. The method of claim 1, The water softener further comprises a fixing frame to which the first and second elbows are fixed and coupled to the main body. The method of claim 4, wherein A support bar connecting the first and second angle valves; And a control shaft screwed through the fixing frame so as to be rotatably fixed to the support bar. The method of claim 5, Water softener further comprising a reinforcing rib provided along the longitudinal direction of the support bar. The method of claim 1, The discharge portion, A frame cover coupled to the main body and inserted through the main body and having a first connection port through which the regeneration waste water and the regeneration water are delivered, and second and third connection ports through which the cold / hot soft water and the cold / hot water are delivered; ; A water softener including a frame bottom coupled to the rear surface of the frame cover and having a discharge port communicating with the first connection port, a power receiving port communicating with the second connection port, and a shower head tube communicating with the third connection port. The method of claim 7, wherein The upper surface of the faucet is obliquely downward water softener. The method of claim 7, wherein The faucet is a water softener having a slit discharge port. The method of claim 9, The faucet further comprises a discharge rib surrounding the discharge port. The method of claim 7, wherein The first and second elbows are fixed to the bottom of the frame bottom. The method of claim 11, First and second guide ends provided on the frame bottom; The water softener further comprises first and second guide grooves provided in the first and second angle valves so as to be guided by the first and second guide ends, respectively. The method of claim 1, The main body unit transfers the cold / hot raw water to the first and second soft water tanks in the soft water mode, and transmits the cold / hot soft water of the first and second soft water tanks to the discharge unit. Delivers cold / hot raw water to the discharge unit, delivers the cold or hot raw water to the regeneration tank in the regeneration mode, and transfers the regeneration water of the regeneration tank to the first and second soft water tanks. A water softener comprising first and second valve assemblies for delivering regeneration wastewater from a second soft water tank to the discharge unit, and controlling the supply of cold / hot raw water in the intermittent mode. The method of claim 13, The first valve assembly supplies the cold / hot raw water to the first and second soft water tanks in the soft water mode, the cold / hot raw water to the second valve assembly in the direct water mode, and the regeneration mode. Transfer the cold or hot raw water to the regeneration tank while transferring the regeneration water of the regeneration tank to the first and second soft water tanks, and intermittently supply the cold / hot raw water in the intermittent mode; The second valve assembly transfers the cold / hot soft water of the first and second soft water tanks to the discharge unit in the soft water mode, and the cold / hot raw water of the cold / hot raw water of the first valve assembly in the direct water mode. A water softener for transferring the hot water directly to the discharge unit, and the regeneration waste water of the first and second soft water tanks in the regeneration mode. The method of claim 13, The main body portion, A cover plate for supporting the tank unit; A middle plate in close contact with a rear surface of the cover plate; A water softener comprising a bottom case in which the first and second valve assemblies are accommodated, the side surfaces being in close contact with the rear edge of the middle play and the bottom surfaces through which the other ends of the first and second elbows are inserted. The method of claim 15, The main body portion, A tank plate sealing the rear surface of the tank unit and in close contact with an upper surface of the cover plate; Water softener further comprising a bottom plate in close contact with the back of the middle plate in the bottom case. The method of claim 16, The tank plate includes first and second tank holes connected to the first and second soft water tanks, third and fourth tank holes connected to the regeneration tank, and first and second water softeners connected to the first and second soft water tanks. Through the discharge hole, The middle plate may include first and second middle holes connected to the first and second supply holes, third to fifth middle holes connected to the first to third connection holes, and a plurality of first and second circles arranged in a circle. 2 disc holes go through The cover plate communicates the first and second middle holes and the first to third tank holes with at least one selected from the plurality of first disk holes, and the third to fifth middle holes and the fourth tank. A plurality of cover holes through which the hole and the first and second discharge holes communicate with at least one selected from the plurality of second disk holes, and a plurality of cover holes communicating with at least one selected from the plurality of first and second disk holes, respectively. Water softener. The method of claim 17, The tank plate is a water softener further through the fifth through-hole communicating with at least one of the second disk holes through the selected one or more of the plurality of cover holes and connected to the regeneration tank. The method of claim 18, The first valve assembly, A first fixed disk in close contact with a rear surface of the middle plate and having a plurality of first fixing holes penetrated in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of selected first disk holes; A first rotating disk which is in close contact with the rear surface of the first fixed disk and has at least one first rotating flow path connecting at least two selected ones of the plurality of first fixing holes for each mode by the rotation. and, The second valve assembly, A second fixed disk in close contact with a rear surface of the middle plate and having a plurality of second fixing holes penetrated in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of selected second disk holes; And a second rotating disk having at least one second rotating flow path which is in close contact with the rear surface of the second fixed disk, and has at least one second rotating flow path connecting two or more selected ones of the plurality of second fixing holes to each mode by the rotation. Water softener. The method of claim 19, And a drain mode in which the regeneration water in the regeneration tank is forcibly discharged to the discharge port by the rotation of the second rotating disk. The method of claim 17, The tank unit further includes a first and second through holes for connecting the first and second tank holes to the upper ends of the first and second soft water tanks. The method of claim 18, The first and second middle holes and the first through second through the at least one selected from among the plurality of cover holes, respectively, between the middle plate and the cover plate, between the cover plate and the middle plate, between the tank plate and the cover plate. A third tank hole connected to at least one selected from among the plurality of first disk holes, and through the at least one selected from among the plurality of cover holes, the third to fifth middle holes, the fourth tank holes, and the first and The water softener further comprises a plurality of flow paths connecting a second discharge hole to at least one selected from the plurality of second disk holes, and connecting at least one selected from the plurality of first and second disk holes to each other. The method of claim 22, At least one first distribution passage is further provided between the middle plate and the first fixed disk to connect one or more selected ones of the plurality of first disk holes to one or more selected ones of the plurality of first fixing holes. And at least one second distribution passage between the middle plate and the second fixed disk, the at least one second distribution channel connecting at least one selected from the plurality of second disk holes to at least one selected from the plurality of second fixing holes. The method of claim 17, The water softener further comprises first and second check valves mounted to the first and second discharge holes. The method of claim 17, And a regeneration water generating pipe connecting the third and fourth tank holes in the regeneration tank so that the regeneration water flows out through the fourth tank hole when the raw water flows through the third tank hole. The method of claim 25, And a third and fourth check valve mounted to the third and fourth tank holes. The method of claim 22, The tank plate further includes a fifth tank hole connected to at least one selected from among the plurality of first disk holes, a sixth tank hole connected to the eighth middle hole, and a seventh tank hole connected to the ninth middle hole. . The method of claim 27, And a switching valve for controlling the fifth tank hole by a user's operation or connecting the fifth tank hole to one or both of the sixth and seventh tank holes.

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