US3414130A - Apparatus for regenerating a water softener in combination with a washing machine - Google Patents

Apparatus for regenerating a water softener in combination with a washing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US3414130A
US3414130A US475175A US47517565A US3414130A US 3414130 A US3414130 A US 3414130A US 475175 A US475175 A US 475175A US 47517565 A US47517565 A US 47517565A US 3414130 A US3414130 A US 3414130A
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United States
Prior art keywords
water
softener
salt
container
tub
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Expired - Lifetime
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US475175A
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English (en)
Inventor
Berzups Oswald
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US Philips Corp
North American Philips Co Inc
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US Philips Corp
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4229—Water softening arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J49/00—Regeneration or reactivation of ion-exchangers; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J49/80—Automatic regeneration

Definitions

  • the invention relates to automatic regeneration of ion exchangers in water softeners for washing and rinsing machines, in particular for dish washers, in which, regenerating, a salt solution having a predetermined concentration is prepared in a container filled with salt, and then supplied to the softener.
  • the first-mentioned method is cumbersome, it is performed by the user of the machine only when regeneration is urgently required. In this case the exchanging material may be exhausted too strongly and cannot be regenerated effectively.
  • the second method of regenerating requires a greater amount of salt.
  • the pipe system requires nozzle discs or throttle discs, however such devices cannot prevent variations in the concentration of the salt solution because of the inevitable fluctuating water pressure.
  • the drawbacks of the known methods of automatically regenerating the ion exchanger in water softeners are avoided according to the invention in that a quantity of salt solution, having a maximum concentration which is dependent upon the hardness of the water to be softened, and which is smaller than the capacity of the water softener is fed, after the machine has performed one or a few operations, upwards into the water softener, as is the case with the normal water supply to be softened.
  • the regenerating salt solution remains in the softener until it is rinsed away by the fresh water flowing into the machine.
  • This compensation is effected, according to the invention, by admitting the salt solution only into the lower part of the apparatus.
  • the calcium ions deposited on the ion exchange mass are exchanged by the sodium ions. For the said exchange so many sodium ions are available as are required. As a result of diffusion the sodium ions move above the filling height of the salt solution.
  • This upward migration and the said compensation measure are further aided according to the invention whereby the ion exchange mass in the softener is first pushed upwards by the strongly concentrated salt solution flowing into the softener. After the supply of the salt solution is completed the ion exchange mass moves downwardly by gravity.
  • the strongly concentrated saturated salt solution is preferably prepared automatically in a pipe extending parallel to the supply of fresh water and is kept ready until required.
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a regeneration device preceding the water softener.
  • FIGURE 2 is a similar view of a regeneration device succeeding the water softener.
  • an electromagnetic valve 5 is arranged which can be operated by means of an on, off switch (not shown) of the dish washer.
  • an on, off switch not shown
  • a restriction 8 produces a given desired dynamic pressure at an off tap 9 which, viewed in the direction of water flow, precedes the restriction 8.
  • a pipe 10 from tap 9 is connected to a pressure container 11. Fresh water which has flowed into the pressure container 11 cannot flow back out of it since a check valve 13 is arranged between the tap 9 and the container 11.
  • An electromagnetic valve 15 and a storage container 17 for salt are connected via conduit 10 to the fresh water pressure container 11.
  • This salt storage container 17, in the direction of flow, is succeeded by exchangeable sieves or filters 21, and through a second check valve 23, to the water softener 7.
  • a bladder 25 in the container 11 This bladder consists of a flexible material and is enclosed by a cylindrical vessel 27.
  • the volume of bladder 25 can be varied by means of two members 29 and 31. Member 31 can be compressed against the fixed stop 33 at the bottom of the vessel, and member 29 is moved against an adjustable stop member 34 at the top of the vessel 27.
  • Member 31 can be compressed against the fixed stop 33 at the bottom of the vessel, and member 29 is moved against an adjustable stop member 34 at the top of the vessel 27.
  • Filling of bladder 25 is ended as soon as the water pressure in the bladder 25 is equal to the pressure of the Water at tap 9 and the members 29 and 31 have been forced away as far as possible from the inlet and outlet respectively.
  • Springs 35 which support the members 29 and 31 are proportioned so that when the bladder 25 is filled members 29 and 31 are forced against the stop members 33 and 34 respectively.
  • the pressure must at any rate be so large that it is capable of filling the vessel completely with water against the forces of all the springs 35.
  • a pneumatic pressure accumulator may be used instead of the device illustrated.
  • the water which has flowed into the bladder 25 remains stored during the working cycles of the machine since it cannot escape and is constantly under pressure even when the electromagnetic valve 5 has shut off the water supply.
  • the electromagnetic valve 15 is opened either by a par ticular order from the cycling device of the machine or when the machine is turned off.
  • the bladder 25 and the members 29 and 31 force the water out of the container 11 which then flows through valve 15 into the top of the salt storage container 17.
  • This container 17 has the shape of a bottle with its neck downward and a top inlet. This shape and the downward direction of flow ensure that the salt concentration is uniform and a maximum.
  • a maximum concentrated salt solution flows through the check valve 23 which is open in this direction of flow and into the softener 7.
  • exchangeable sieves or filters are arranged in the pipe at an easily accessible point.
  • the quantity of salt solution admitted to the softener only fills the lower part of the softener 7.
  • the salt solution flows into the apparatus it first pushes the ion exchange mass upwardly in the softener.
  • the ion exchange mass is forced down by gravity, thus upwardly displacing part of the salt solution.
  • a sodium-buffer remains in the upper part of the ion exchange mass.
  • the concentrated salt solution remains in the softener 7 until a new working cycle of the machine is initiated by valve 5 and fresh water is introduced into the tub 3 of the machine through the pipe 1.
  • the small quantities of salt which flow out of the softener 7 into the tub are of no significance.
  • the water flowing through the pipe 1 into the softener 7 cannot enter the salt storage vessel in a reverse direction since the check valve 23 remains closed in this direction of flow.
  • the salt quantity in the container 17 can be read on an inspection glass 36 in the wall of the container. Therefore the container is preferably arranged directly on an outer wall of the dish washer.
  • a filling cap 37 For refilling the salt container a filling cap 37 is provided which is accessible from the outer wall of the machine.
  • the lower part 39 of the said filling cap 37 is conical and is connected with an overflow pipe 41, which empties into the tub 3, located above the permissible filling level 42.
  • a stopper 43 for the filler cap 37 closes the overflow pipe 41.
  • the salt dosing takes place before the softener whereas in FIG. 2, this is effected immediately after the softener.
  • the fresh water supply pipe 101 is divided, immediately after entering the machine, into two parallel supply pipes 103 and 105.
  • the supply pipe 103 is closed by means of an electromagnet valve 107, while the supply pipe 105 is provided with a similar valve 109.
  • a salt storage container 17 is connected with the supply pipe 105 which corresponds to the container 17 of FIGURE 1 and through which the fresh water flows downward.
  • check valves 115 and 117 respectively are arranged. These check valves prevent the liquids of the pipes 103 and 105 from entering the parallel pipes 105 and 103 respectively.
  • a further electromagnetic valve 123 is arranged which is always opened when either one of the valves 107 or 109 is opened.
  • a dosing device 125 through which water flows upwardly, is connected to the Water softener. This dosing device, which consists of a cylindrical vessel, is opened at the top by means of a vent pipe 127.
  • the measuring tube 129 of a measuring drum 131 extends from the lid 133 of the dosing device 125 to nearly the bottom thereof.
  • a switch 147 turns off valve 123 thus stopping the flow of salt water to the softener 7 when the water reaches a given height in the dosing device 125.
  • the outlet of the dosing device 125 is a siphon 135 which empties into the tub 3 of the dish washer.
  • the overflow pipe 139 of the siphon 135 is arranged so that it is above the highest possible filling height 42 in the tub 3 and above the highest possible measuring filling height 141 in the dosing device 125 but below the supply pipe 143 of the dosing device 125.
  • the front of the salt storage container 17 again as before is provided with an inspection glass 36 sealing member 43 in a filling cap 39 through which member the supply pipe 105 is passed.
  • a restriction 145 may be provided in the supply pipe 105.
  • Fresh water is supplied to the tub 3 when the valve 107 in the supply pipe 103 is opened by the control mechanism of the machine. At the same time the valve 123 also is opened. Fresh water therefore enters the softener 7 through the pipes 103 and 119. The water flows from the softener through the dosing device 125, into the siphon 135 and into the tub 3. When the desired filling height 42 in the tub is reached, the valves 107 and 123 are closed.
  • the magnetic valves 109 and 123 open.
  • the water may be supplied beforehand to the salt storage container 17 so that it is already filled with a maximum salt solution concentrated, which is forced into the softener 7 by a pressure accumulater 27. In this case (no pressure accumulator) the rate of flow depends upon the restriction 145.
  • the salt solution flowing into the softener 7 displaces the water contained therein and transports it to the dosing device 125 through the supply pipe 143.
  • an air column is compressed in the measuring tube 129.
  • the measuring drum 131 connected to the measuring tube 129 supplies a switching order, by means of a contact member 147, as a result of which the valves 109 and 123 are closed. This switching order is produced when the filling height 141 is just below the height of the overflow 139 of the siphon 135.
  • valves 107 and 123 are opened again.
  • the fresh water flowing into the softener 7 through the pipes 103 and 119 rinses away the kitchen salt still present in this softener into the tub 3.
  • the small quantities of salt present in the tub 3 have no adverse influence.
  • Apparatus having a tub and an ion-exchange water softener means; the combination comprising a fresh water source conduit means connected with said source for supplying fresh water to said tub by way of said water softener, a second parallel conduit means connected with said source and the inlet end of said water softener, said second conduit means including regenerator means having a salt container, said salt container having a water inlet at its extreme upper end and an outlet at its extreme lower end, valve means connected with said inlet for supplying fresh water thereto, said outlet being connected with said water softener at the normal inlet thereto, and measuring means included in said regenerator means for measuring a quantity of fresh water for said salt container, said measuring means comprising an adjustable pressure accumulator member having an elastic bladder member for receiving fresh Water from said source and valve means connected with said accumulator including said valve means connected with said inlet.
  • Apparatus having .a tub and an ion-exchange Water softener means; the combination comprising a fresh water source conduit means connected with said source for supplying fresh Water to said tub by Way of said water softener, a second parallel conduit means connected with said source and the inlet end of said Water softener, said second conduit means including regenerator means having a salt container, said salt container having a water inlet at its extreme upper end and an outlet at its extreme lower end, valve means connected with said inlet for supplying fresh water thereto, said outlet being connected With said water softener at the normal inlet thereto, and measuring means included in said regenerator means for measuring a quantity of fresh water for said salt container, said References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,086,607 7/1937 Culligan 210269 X 2,434,352 1/1948 Edwards 210190 X 2,902,155 9/1959 Lundeen 210-190 X 3,148,687 9/1964 Dosch 134l1l X SAMIH N.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
US475175A 1964-07-29 1965-07-27 Apparatus for regenerating a water softener in combination with a washing machine Expired - Lifetime US3414130A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DEP0034785 1964-07-29
DEP0037785 1965-10-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3414130A true US3414130A (en) 1968-12-03

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US475175A Expired - Lifetime US3414130A (en) 1964-07-29 1965-07-27 Apparatus for regenerating a water softener in combination with a washing machine

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Country Link
US (1) US3414130A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
BE (1) BE667640A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE1517488B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FR (2) FR1474726A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (2) GB1119796A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
NL (2) NL6509728A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4776891A (en) * 1985-09-23 1988-10-11 Murtha James L Method and means of rinsing eating utensils
EP0496957A1 (en) * 1991-01-23 1992-08-05 Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.p.A. Method for the regeneration of a water softener in a washing machine
EP0571720A1 (de) * 1992-05-28 1993-12-01 Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH Wasseraufbereitungsanlage
EP0635304A1 (de) * 1993-07-23 1995-01-25 Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH Blitzenhärter
US5415767A (en) * 1992-05-28 1995-05-16 Judo Wasseraufbereitung Gmbh Water treatment plant
EP1452123A1 (en) * 2003-02-26 2004-09-01 Ab Electrolux Automatic professional warewashing machine with improved water supply circuit

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2329596A1 (fr) * 1975-10-29 1977-05-27 Rousselin Jacques Dispositif adoucisseur d'eau automatique
DE2834437C2 (de) * 1978-08-05 1982-12-30 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Enthärtungseinrichtung für programmgesteuerte Haushaltgeräte, insbesondere für Geschirrspül- und Waschmaschinen
FR2688776B1 (fr) * 1992-03-20 1994-09-23 Esswein Sa Procede et dispositif de regeneration de resine d'adoucissement d'eau.
DE19522140C3 (de) * 1995-06-19 2000-06-15 Whirlpool Co Verfahren zum Regenerieren einer Wasserenthärtungsanlage für einen Wasch- oder Geschirrspülautomaten

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2086607A (en) * 1936-07-03 1937-07-13 Nat Aluminate Corp Water softening device
US2434352A (en) * 1943-09-02 1948-01-13 Westinghouse Electric Corp Washing apparatus having a watersoftening mechanism controlled therewith
US2902155A (en) * 1955-03-25 1959-09-01 Stanley A Lundeen Automatic water softening system
US3148687A (en) * 1961-05-20 1964-09-15 Dosch Paul Article washing machine including a water softening arrangement

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2086607A (en) * 1936-07-03 1937-07-13 Nat Aluminate Corp Water softening device
US2434352A (en) * 1943-09-02 1948-01-13 Westinghouse Electric Corp Washing apparatus having a watersoftening mechanism controlled therewith
US2902155A (en) * 1955-03-25 1959-09-01 Stanley A Lundeen Automatic water softening system
US3148687A (en) * 1961-05-20 1964-09-15 Dosch Paul Article washing machine including a water softening arrangement

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4776891A (en) * 1985-09-23 1988-10-11 Murtha James L Method and means of rinsing eating utensils
EP0496957A1 (en) * 1991-01-23 1992-08-05 Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.p.A. Method for the regeneration of a water softener in a washing machine
EP0571720A1 (de) * 1992-05-28 1993-12-01 Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH Wasseraufbereitungsanlage
US5415767A (en) * 1992-05-28 1995-05-16 Judo Wasseraufbereitung Gmbh Water treatment plant
EP0635304A1 (de) * 1993-07-23 1995-01-25 Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH Blitzenhärter
EP1452123A1 (en) * 2003-02-26 2004-09-01 Ab Electrolux Automatic professional warewashing machine with improved water supply circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL6613585A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1967-04-03
GB1119796A (en) 1968-07-10
FR90999E (fr) 1968-03-22
DE1517488C3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1975-06-12
NL6509728A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1966-01-31
DE1517488B2 (de) 1974-07-25
DE1517488A1 (de) 1970-04-16
GB1138056A (en) 1968-12-27
FR1474726A (fr) 1967-03-31
BE667640A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1966-01-31

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