WO2005026059A1

WO2005026059A1 - Water softner

Info

Publication number: WO2005026059A1
Application number: PCT/KR2004/002205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Byung-Tae Chae
Original assignee: Byung-Tae Chae
Priority date: 2003-09-01
Filing date: 2004-09-01
Publication date: 2005-03-24
Also published as: KR20050026335A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water softener which removes impurities from hard water such as city water or underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplies us with the water removed impurities as soft water. Preferably, the water softener includes a water softening device body, as a first filter member, mounted to the inside of an upper case and a lower case in which a resin container received an ion exchange resin is disposed to the inside thereof; a second filter member mounted to the center of the resin container in which the original water inlet communicated to the original water supply portion is formed at its lower portion and a slip shape of original water injection portion is formed at its upper portion; and a safety valve mounted to the lower portion of the water softening device body for discharging internal pressure of the water softening device body.

Description

WATER SOFTNER

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a water softening device and more particularly, to a water softening device which removes impurities(ion materials) from hard water such as city water or underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplies us with the water removed impurities as soft water. BACKGROUND ART In general, various kinds of impurities are included in the city water or underground water. Typically, the impurities includes ion materials such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate, sulfuric acid, chlorine, silicon dioxide, iron and manganese and the city water or underground water included the ion materials is named as hard water. In the hard water, while any component among the impurities is good for the health, typically chlorine affects the health, that is, promotes ageing of skin. Accordingly, a water softening device that removes impurities affecting the health from the hard water such as city water or underground water recently attracts public attention and has been spread widely. As is generally known, when using the water softening device, it is more effective in beauty of skin and growth of plant than use of hard water and the other effects such as prevention of skin trouble, reduction of detergent, washing and a hot spring cure are expected. The water softening device for making the hard water into soft water includes an ion exchange resin with a fine-grained shape which is filled within the body of the water softening device. Also, the body of the water softening device includes an original water providing pipe for incoming original waterCthat is, hard water such as city water or under water) and a soft water discharging valve for discharging the soft water which is removed impurities from the original water due to the ion exchange resin. Here, in the state that hard water passes through the water softening device, the ion exchange ion adsorbs impurities(for examples, potassium or sodium) included to the hard water, thereby making the hard water into soft water. Since when the water softening device is used for a long time, the adsorption function of the ion exchange resin become deteriorated, it is necessary to perform a cleaning procedure which throws the salt water(salt) in the body of the water softening device at every constant period(or the period determined by the state of the hard water), thereby discharging impurities from the ion exchange resin by the salt water. Accordingly, in the water softening device, the following design and structure are required that the original waterCthat is, hard water) supplied within the body of the water softening device is maximally passed through the ion exchange resin and an impurity adsorption function of the ion exchange resin is maximized by washing impurities included to the ion exchange resin through salt water. In this regard, in a structure that a plurality of original water discharge holes are formed an entire region including an upper side and a lower side of the original water supply pipe embedded into the body of the water softening device, the original water injected from the upper original water discharge holes is obtained as proper original water since it is passed through relatively large quantity of ion exchange resin. Whereas the original water injected from the lower original water discharge holes does not obtained as proper original water since it is passed through relatively small quantity of ion exchange resin and accordingly, the original injection hole must be designed that the original water is possibly injected from the upper side of the original water supply pipe and then passed through large quantity of ion exchange resin. Also, in a structure that the ion exchange resin is washed at every constant periodCthe period determined by the state of the hard water) by salt water, since the entire ion exchange resin is washed excellently by the salt water only when the salt water is supplied from the upper side of the ion exchange resin, the supply structure of the salt water acts as an important factor. For example, in general, there is provided a structure that separate salt water storage tanks are installed and then salt water from the tanks is supplied automatically or manually at every constant period. However, in the structure, since separate salt water storage tanks and a structure for supplying salt water from the tanks are required additionally, the structure of the salt water device is complicated entirely and there is also a disadvantage in cost. Accordingly, it is advantageous that salt(sodium) for forming salt water is supplied by manual at every constant period, although it is troublesome, in structure and cost. As a result, it is needed to design a more convenient structure for supplying salt. Since chlorine included to hard water stands in a casual relation to the ageing of skin, dermatitis and skin cancer, it is a very disadvantage material and the removal of chlorine must be considered in the soft water formation procedure. However, since in a conventional water softening device, it is considered that chlorine is only removed by the ion exchange resin and then the soft water formation procedure which is advantageous to human body dose not provided. Therefore, there is also needed to design a structure for removing chlorine included to the original water. Also, in a conventional water softening device, since the water pressure of original water injected from the original water supply pipe to the body of the water softening device dose not considered, in case that the water pressure of original water supplied to the body of the water softening device is more than a proper level, if the pressure characteristic of the body of the water softening device is poor, a possibility of water leakage is very high. Accordingly, since the water pressure of the original water supplied to the body of the water softening device may be increased more than a constant level, it is required to design a safety structure to the case. In addition, in a conventional water softening device, since the water softening device body filled with the ion exchange resin is generally fixed and assembled by using a screw, the assembly and disassembly processes are inconvenient, thereby it is required to design a simple assembly structure. Also, in case that air is introduced within the water softening device and ascended the inside air pressure, although the city water tube is turned on, the original water is introduced smoothly by air pressure, whereas although the city water tube is turned off, not only the remnant water is flowed out through a shower head by air pressure during a constant time, but also the ascended air pressure affects the water softening device, in a severe case, the water softening device is modified or broken. In general water softening devices, there is no a structure for considering the air, so that there is also required to design the air outflow structure. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a water softening device in which it has a chlorine remove filterCthat is, an original water supply pipe) for removing the chlorine component included to original waterChard water such as city water or underground water), the original water removed the chlorine component is injected from an upper side of the chlorine remove filter and passed through the maximum amount of the ion exchange resin, thereby simplifying a structure for providing chlorine component(salt). It is another object of the present invention to provide a water softening device in which a safety valve structure is designed that a discharge path is automatically formed to the soft water body when the air pressure of the original water supplied to the soft water body is ascended above a constant level so as to prevent the inner pressure of the soft water body from ascending. It is another object of the present invention to provide a water softening device in which a combination of an upper cover and a lower cover of the water softening device, an assembly of the soft water body within the upper cover and the lower cover, and fixation of the chlorine remove filter are performed simply without using a separate fixing member and the disassemble of the water softening device is also achieved in simple. It is another object of the present invention to provide a water softening device in which in case that air is introduced within the soft water body, the air is discharged into outside by manipulation of a discharge button and the original water is introduced properly, the outflow of the remnant water is prevented, a bad influence due to the air pressure is prevented, and a flowing prevention function and a remnant discharge function are reinforced.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION To achieve the above objects, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a water softening device for removing impurities from original water such as city water/underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplying the water removed impurities as soft water comprising: an upper case in which an original water inlet and a soft water outlet are defined and a cover is mounted detachably on its upper portion; a lower case detachably mounted on the upper case in which a carriage recess is formed at its side surface and a plurality of discharge portions are formed at its bottom plate; a water softening device body, as a first filter member, mounted to the inside of the upper case and the lower case in which an ion exchange resin is filled with the inside thereof, an original water supply portion communicated to the original water inlet by the medium of an original water supply hose is formed at its lower portion and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the original water discharge portion by the medium of a soft water discharge hose is formed at its lower portion; a second filter member mounted to the inside of the water softening device body in which the original water inlet communicated to the original water supply portion is formed at its lower portion and a slit shape of original water injection portion is formed at its upper portion; a filter fixing member in which the second filter member is supported by its lower portion and its upper portion is supported by the cover; and a safety valve mounted to the lower portion of the water softening device body for discharging internal pressure of the water softening device body. Preferably, the second filter member is a chlorine removing filter in which a chlorine removing material for removing chlorine ingredient from the original water is filled with its inside and a plurality of flanges are formed at its outer surface. More preferably, the device further comprises a chlorine removing filter receiving recess for receiving a lower portion of the chlorine removing filter is formed at the position corresponding to the original water inlet from a lower inside surface of the filter body, and the upper center portion of the filter body cap is opened for penetrating the filter fixing member. More preferably, the device further comprises a resin leakage preventive net for preventing chlorine removing material filled with the inside of the filter body from leaking and a net fixing ring for fixing the resin leakage preventive net are disposed between the upper portion of the chlorine removing filter receiving recess and the lower portion of the filter body, and the resin leaking preventive net for preventing the ion exchange resin from leaking and the net fixing ring are also disposed at inside of the filter body. More preferably, the device further comprises a fixing formation member with a recess shape at its middle portion for mounting detachably the lower case is formed at the circumference of the filter body, a filter support panel for receiving detachably the filter body is formed at the inside of the lower case, a filter mounting recess corresponding to the fixing formation member of the filter body is formed at the circumference of a filter body receiving portion, and the center of the filter support panel is opened to a filter body receiving portion for receiving the filter body. More preferably, the safety valve comprises a safety valve mounting portion for defining a safety discharge portion at the lower portion of the filter body, and a safety valve body combined with the safety valve mounting portion, and a net for preventing the ion exchange resin from discharging and a net fixing member for fixing the net are mounted to the inside of the safety valve mounting portion, and a discharge portion shielding member for opening and closing the safety discharge portion according to the internal pressure of the safety valve mounting portion, a support member combined with the discharge portion shielding member and an elastic spring for supporting the support member upwardly always and having an elastic force for maintaining the internal pressure of the filter body are mounted to the safety valve body, the lower portion of the safety valve body is defined as a discharge portion for discharging pressure. More preferably, a support member or a roller for fixing the position is mounted to a bottom surface of the lower case. More preferably, plural filter materials are filled with one between a multi-stage structure or a mixture structure at the second filter member and the filter material includes various materials such as tormalin, activated carbon, and antibiotic materialCceramic material). In another embodiment, a water softening device for removing impurities from original water such as city water/underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplying the water removed impurities as soft water comprising: an upper case in which an original water inlet and a soft water outlet are defined and a cover is mounted detachably on its upper portion; a lower case detachably mounted on the upper case in which a carriage recess is formed at its side surface and a plurality of discharge portions are formed at its bottom plate; a water softening device body, as a first filter member, mounted to the inside of the upper case and the lower case in which an ion exchange resin is filled with the inside thereof, an original water supply portion communicated to the original water inlet by the medium of an original water supply hose is formed at its lower portion and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the original water discharge portion by the medium of a soft water discharge hose is formed at its lower portion; a second filter member mounted to the inside of the water softening device body in which the original water inlet communicated to the original water supply portion is formed at its lower portion and a slit shape of original water injection portion is formed at its upper portion! a filter fixing member in which the second filter member is supported by its lower portion and its upper portion is supported by the cover; a safety valve mounted to the lower portion of the water softening device body for discharging internal pressure of the water softening device body! and a discharge unit for discharging air from the inside of the water softening device body. More preferably, the discharge unit comprises a discharge actuating rod mounted vertically thorough a penetrating hole of a recess formed at the upper case, a sealing member provided between a head of the discharge actuating rod and the lower bottom surface of the recess formed the penetration hole, an operating member combined with the upper end of the discharge actuating rod, a spring positioned between the operating member and a bottom surface of the recess for supporting always the discharge actuating rod upwardly and a cover member covered on a combination structure of an upper end of the discharge actuating rod and the operating member, and a plurality of spacers are formed at a bottom surface of the recess for forming a ventilation gap. More preferably, the device further comprises a guide member in which the inside of a guide member is formed by a hollow shape for receiving the second filter member, a plurality of guide plates are formed with a constant interval at its outer circumference, so that salt contentsCsalt) for washing the ion exchange resin is guided from the upper stream and the lower stream. More preferably, in the second filter member, its lower side diameter is larger than its upper side diameter, a resin leaking preventive net for preventing chlorine removing material filled with the second filter member from leaking mounted to the inside of the second filter member, and a plurality of original water injection portions for passing the chlorine removed original water are formed at an upper portion and the outer circumference of the second filter member. More preferably, the lower case has a portion protruded at its center portion for mounting the filter body of the water softening device, reinforcing ribs formed at every interval between the center protruded portion for mounting the filter body and inside surface of the lower case and a leakage discharge hole punched between adjacent reinforcing ribs for discharging water when performing a water leakage in the water softening device body. More preferably, the safety valve comprises a safety valve mounting portion for defining a safety discharge portion at the lower portion of the filter body, and a safety valve body combined with the safety valve mounting portion, and a net for preventing the ion exchange resin from discharging and a net fixing member for fixing the net are mounted to the inside of the safety valve mounting portion, and a discharge portion shielding member for opening and closing the safety discharge portion according to the internal pressure of the safety valve mounting portion, a support member combined with the discharge portion shielding member and an elastic spring for supporting the support member upwardly always and having an elastic force for maintaining the internal pressure of the filter body are guide and mounted by a spring support rod exposed to the bottom surface of the cover case to the safety valve body, the lower portion of the safety valve body is defined as a discharge portion for discharging pressure. More preferably, the second filter member is a chlorine removing filter in which a chlorine removing material for removing chlorine ingredient from the original water is filled with its inside and a plurality of flanges are formed at its outer surface, and a resin leaking preventive net having a plurality of original water passing slits for preventing the chlorine removing material from leaking is mounted at the lower inside of the second filter member. In another embodiment, a water softening device for removing impurities from original water such as city water/underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplying the water removed impurities as soft water comprising: an upper case in which an original water inlet and a soft water outlet are defined and a cover is mounted detachably on its upper portion, a lower case detachably mounted on the upper case in which a carriage recess is formed at its side surface and a plurality of discharge portions are formed at its bottom plate, and a cover case combined with the lower case and having a remaining water discharge hole; a water softening device body, as a first filter member, mounted to the inside of the upper case and the lower case in which a resin container received an ion exchange resin is disposed to the inside thereof, an original water supply portion communicated to the original water inlet by the medium of an original water supply hose is formed at its lower portion and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the original water discharge portion by the medium of a soft water discharge hose is formed at its lower portion; a second filter member mounted to the center of the resin container in which the original water inlet communicated to the original water supply portion is formed at its lower portion and a slit shape of original water injection portion is formed at its upper portion; a filter fixing member in which the second filter member is supported by its lower portion and its upper portion is supported by the cover; a safety valve mounted to the lower portion of the water softening device body for discharging internal pressure of the water softening device body; a discharge unit for discharging air from the inside of the water softening device body; a filter swing preventive member mounted between the lower case and the cover case for supporting the lower portion of the water softening device body; and a discharge unit defined and formed at the position of the carriage recess of the side of the lower case and the cover case. More preferably, the discharge unit comprises a discharge actuating rod mounted vertically thorough a penetrating hole of a recess formed at the upper case, a sealing member provided between a head of the discharge actuating rod and the lower bottom surface of the recess formed the penetration hole, an operating member combined with the upper end of the discharge actuating rod, a spring positioned between the operating member and a bottom surface of the recess for supporting always the discharge actuating rod upwardly and a cover member covered on a combination structure of an upper end of the discharge actuating rod and the operating member, and a plurality of spacers are formed at a bottom surface of the recess for forming a ventilation gap. More preferably, the discharge unit comprises a discharge operation knob combined with an end portion of a unit body, a rotation body mounted at the rear portion of the end portion in the inside of the unit body and connected with the discharge operation knob, a discharge groove operating member combined with a side of the rotation body, a remaining water discharge groove formed at a predetermined bottom surface of the unit body, a soft water inlet defined at a side of the unit body and connected to the soft water discharge portion by a separate connection hose and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the soft water inlet inwardly and communicated to the soft water discharge portion through a soft water discharge hose, a body fixing member for fixing and mounting firmly the unit body to the cover case, a remaining water discharge hole for discharging remaining water discharged through the remaining water discharge groove is formed at a predetermined portion of the cover case. More preferably, in the resin container, an upper cover body is combined at its upper portion, a lower cover body is combined at its lower portion, a second filter member is received at its center portion, net structures are mounted at every reinforcing frames at its upper and lower portions, and in the second filter member, its lower side diameter is larger than its upper side diameter, a resin leaking preventive net for preventing chlorine removing material filled with the second filter member from leaking mounted to the inside of the second filter member, a plurality of original water injection portions for passing the chlorine removed original water are formed at an upper portion and the outer circumference of the second filter member, and a plurality of hooking protrusions corresponding to the upper and lower portions of the resin container are formed at the upper and lower circumferences. More preferably, the lower case has a portion protruded at its center portion for mounting the filter body of the water softening device, reinforcing ribs formed at every interval between the center protruded portion for mounting the filter body and inside surface of the lower case and a leakage discharge hole punched between adjacent reinforcing ribs for discharging water when performing a water leakage in the water softening device body. More preferably, the safety valve comprises a safety valve mounting portion for defining a safety discharge portion at the lower portion of the filter body, and a safety valve body combined with the safety valve mounting portion, and a net for preventing the ion exchange resin from discharging and a net fixing member for fixing the net are mounted to the inside of the safety valve mounting portion, and a discharge portion shielding member for opening and closing the safety discharge portion according to the internal pressure of the safety valve mounting portion, a support member combined with the discharge portion shielding member and an elastic spring for supporting the support member upwardly always and having an elastic force for maintaining the internal pressure of the filter body are guide and mounted by a spring support rod exposed to the bottom surface of the cover case to the safety valve body, the lower portion of the safety valve body is defined as a discharge portion for discharging pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs, la to lc are views for explaining front, side and plane constructions of a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view for explaining an internal structure of a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view for explaining an internal structure of a water softening device body according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 2; Figs. 4a and 4b are exemplary views for illustrating in detail a cover detachably mounted on an upper surface of a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 5a and 5b are views for illustrating in detail a filter body structure of a water softening device body for constructing a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a filter body cap as shown in Fig. 3; Figs. 7a and 7b are views for explaining in detail a construction of a filter fixing member as shown in Fig. 3; Figs. 8a and 8b are views for explaining a detail construction of a chlorine removing filter as a second filter member as shown in Fig. 3; Figs. 9a and 9b are views showing in detail a construction of a lower case as shown in Figs. 1,2 and 3; Fig. 10 is a view showing in detail a construction of a safety valve as shown in Figs. 2 and 3; Fig. 11 is a view for explaining chlorine removing filter reception and resin leakage prevention functions as shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 12 is a view for explaining an internal structure of a water softening device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Fig. 3; Figs. 13a and 13b are views for explaining a detail construction of a discharge unit equipped to a cover as shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a view for explaining a construction of a filter fixing member as shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 15 is a plane view for explaining a construction of a lower case as shown in Fig. 12; Figs. 16a and 16b are views showing a guide member adapted to a water softening device as shown in Fig. 12; Figs. 17a and 17b are views showing a construction of a chlorine removing filter as a second filter member as shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 18 is a view showing a side construction of a water softening device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view showing an internal structure of a water softening device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a view for explaining a construction of a discharge unit as shown in Fig. 19; Fig. 21 is a plane view illustrating a combination state of a cover case and a filter moving prevention member as shown in Figs. 18 to 20; Fig. 22a is a view showing a filter body and a filter body cover according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 22b is a plane view of a filter body cover as shown in Fig. 22a; Fig. 23a is a partial sectional view showing a detail construction of a water softening device body as shown in Fig. 22a; Figs. 23b and 23c are view for explaining an upper cover and a lower cover of a resin container as shown in Fig. 23aϊ Fig. 24 is a view for explaining a state that a filter moving prevention member disposed on a cover case as shown in Fig. 21 is mounted on a lower side of a lower case; Fig. 25 is a view showing a state that a cover case, a filter moving prevention member and a lower case are combined; Fig. 26 is a view for explaining a state that a filter body of a water softening device body is combined with a construction that a cover case, a filter moving prevention member and a lower case are combined; and Fig. 27 is a view for explaining a cover case.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figs, la to lc are views for explaining front, side and plane constructions of a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs, la to lc, a water softening device of the present invention comprises an upper case 10A and a lower case 10B. On an upper surfaceCplane) of the upper case 10A, an original water inlet 12 for introducing hard waterCthat is, original water) such as city water or underground water, a soft water outlet 14 for removing chlorine ingredient from the original water introduced from the original water inlet 12 and discharging the original water as an ion exchanged soft water, and a cover 16 which is opened and closed for inputting salt contentCsalt) in order to wash an ion exchange resin are formed and provided. On a lower surface of the lower case 10B, for example, a plurality of supporting member with rubber material is fixed. In the present invention, without mounting the supporting member on the lower surface of the lower case 10B, a rollerCnot shown) may be mounted in order to offer a good mobility. Additionally, at both sides of the lower case 10B, a carriage recess 20 for ensuring easy carriage is formed, but the shape of the carriage recess 20 is not limited in the present invention and may be modified and changed into various shapes and the carriage recess 20 may be omitted, if necessary. Fig. 2 is a view for explaining an internal structure of the upper case 10A and the lower case 10B in the water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 1. A water softening device body 30 is disposed at the inside of the present invention which is covered by the upper case 10A and the lower case 10B and an ion exchange resin is filled with the inside of the water softening device body 30, so that the water softening device 30 functions as a first filter member for ion-exchanging hard water into soft water. According to the present invention, the water softening device bodyCa first filter member)C30) comprises a filter body 30A filled with a predetermined amount of ion exchange resin and a filter body cap 30B mounted detachably to the filter body 30A. An original water supply portion 32 for supplying original water is formed at a lower side of the filter body 30A and connected by medium of an original water supply hose 32A to the original water inlet 12 fixedly mounted on an upper surface of the upper case 10A. Both ends of the original water supply hose 32A are fixedly sealed to the original water inlet 12 and the original water supply portion 32. Also, a soft water discharge portion 34 is formed at a lower side of the filter body 30A and connected by medium of a soft water discharge hose 34A to the soft water outlet 14 fixedly mounted on an upper surface of the upper case 10A, so that soft water ion-exchanged by the ion exchange resin is discharged. Both ends of the soft water discharge hose 34A are fixedly sealed to the soft water outlet 14 and the soft water discharge portion 34 by corresponding fixing nuts 34a and 34b. Preferably, a safety valve 36 is additionally mounted to a lower side of the filter body 30A. The safety valve functions that when its internal pressure is ascended above a constant level by pressure of the supplied original water, a discharge path is automatically opened and the original water for making into soft water is discharged forcibly, thereby reducing its internal pressure. Relating to the safety valve 36, a plurality of discharge portions 22a are punched at a bottom plate 22(refers to Fig. 3) of the lower case 10B, so that the original water forcibly discharged through the safety valve 36 is outputted to the outside. Conveniently, a plurality of fixing formation member 38(refers to Figs. 3 and 5b) is formed at an outside predetermined position of the filter body 30A, so that without using a separate fixing member, it can be fixed to the lower case

10B, thereby fixing its position. In each fixing formation member 38, a recess is formed at its center portion and its upper and lower sides are protruded. The filter body cap 30B combined with an upper surface of the filter body 30A is communicated with the cover 16 which is opened and closed in relation to the input of salt contentsCsalt). Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view for explaining an internal structure of a water softening device bodyCthat is, a first filter body) 30. Referring to Fig. 3, at the combination portion 50 combined with an upper portion of the filter body 30A and a lower portion of the filter body cap 30B, a screw shape portionCnot shown) formed at an upper outer surface of the filter body 30A is combined reciprocally with a screw shape portionCnot shown) formed at a lower outer surface of the filter body cap 30B, so that without using a separate fixing member, a secure combination is ensured. Preferably, a first leakage preventive O-ring 52 is disposed at a contact position of an upper inside jaw of the filter body 30A and a lower surface of the filter body cap 30B, so that at the combination portion 50 of the filter body 30A and the filter body cap 30B, the leakage is prevented. An ion exchange resin 54 for making soft water by ion-exchanging ordinal water is filled with a constant height at the inside of the water softening device body 30 comprising the filter body 30A and the filter body cap 30B. Also, referring to Fig. 3, a chlorine removing filter 60, as a second filter member, is disposed at the inside of the water softening device body 30, mounted vertically to the filter body 30A and the filter body cap 30B and functions as an original water supply hose which removes chlorine ingredient from the original water supplied through the original water supply portion 32 and then projects it to the ion exchange resin 54. Preferably, chlorine removing materialCfor example, calcium sulphite T, CaS03) (reference number 62 of Fig. 8b) for removing chlorine is filled with the inside of a chlorine removing filter 60 as a second filter memberCoriginal water supply tube). A plurality of flanges 62aCrefers to Fig. 8)Cfour in the present invention) are formed at every interval of outside surface of the chlorine removing filter 60, so that a pivot moving of the chlorine removing filter 60 by the ion exchange resin 54 is prevented and the original water through the ion exchange resin 54 is guided downwardly. Preferably, an original water injecting portion 64 with a slit shape is formed at an upper surface of the chlorine removing filter 60 as a second filter memberCoriginal water supply tube), so that original waterCthat is, chlorine removal-original water) firstly removed chlorine ingredient through the chlorine removing material 62 is injected to an upper layer of the ion exchange resin 54.

If the original water injection portion 64 is formed at an upper portion of the chlorine removing filter 60, the original water passes through the chlorine removing filter 60, chlorine ingredient is removed from the original water and drops downwardly from an upper stream of the ion exchange resin 54, so that the original water passes through the maximum amount of ion exchange resin 54 and the effect for removing impurities from the original water is fully achieved. According this, in the above structure, the soft water manufacturing effect can be achieved significantly in comparison with the structure that original water injection holes are formed at the entire region from the upper side to the lower side of the original water supply tube. In relation to the chlorine removing filter 60, a cylindrical shape of a chlorine removing filter receiving recess 56Crefers to Fig. 11) is formed at the position corresponding to the original water supply portion 32 in the bottom inside of the lower case 10B so that the lower end of the chlorine removing filter 60 is fixedly received without using a separate fixing memberCfor example, a screw). An original water incoming portion 60A formed at a lower end of the chlorine removing filter 60 received to the chlorine removing filter receiving recess 56 is sealed fixedly and communicated to the original water supply hose 32A through the original water supply portion 32. Also, a second leakage preventive O-ring 66 is interposed at the inside of the chlorine removing filter receiving recess 56 formed at the bottom inside of the lower case 10B and the outside surface of a lower end 60A of the chlorine removing filter 60. The upper end 60B of the chlorine removing filter 60 is fixed by a chlorine removing filter fixing recess 68a(refers to Fig. 7a) formed, for example, as a cylindrical shape at a lower end of a filter fixing member 68 with a funnel shape. A holding knob 68b(referS to Fig. 7b) for holding the chlorine removing filter fixing knob 68a, when separating it, is formed at an upper center portion of the chlorine removing filter fixing recess 68 a. An upper end of the filter fixing member 68 is fixed to a bottom surface of the cover 16 by the medium of a packing member 70 with a ring shape, so that when the cover 16 is separated, the filter fixing member 68 is also can be separated, whereas when the cover 16 is combined with the upper case 10A, the chlorine removing filter 60 is fixed by the combination action of the cover 16. Figs. 4a and 4b are exemplary views for illustrating in detail the cover 16. As shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, handle protrusions 80 are formed with a constant intervaKfor example, 120 degree) on an upper surface of the cover 16 for opening and closing smoothly the cover 16 and a screw shape portion 82 is formed at a recess shape lower inside wall of the cover 16 so that it may be combined with a screw shape portionCnot shown) formed at an outer surface of a cover combination portion defined at an upper surface of the upper case 10A. Upper ends of the packing member 70 and the filter fixing member 60 are positioned at the inside surface of the cover 16. Figs. 5a and 5b are views for illustrating in detail a construction of a filter body 30A of a water softening device body 30. As shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, an original water supply portion 32 with which an end of the original water supply hose 32A is combined, a soft water discharge portion 34 to which the soft water discharge hose 34 A is connected, and a safety valve 36 are disposed at a bottom surface of the filter body 30A, and a fixing shape member 38 for fixing the lower case 10B is disposed. Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a construction of a filter body cap 30B. As shown in Fig. 6, a screw shape portion 90a is formed at an outer surface of a cylindrical shape lower extending member 90 formed at a bottom surface of the filter body cap 30B and combined with a screw shape portionCnot shown) formed at an upper inside surface of the filter body 30A, thereby forming a combination portion 50. A screw shape portion 92a is formed at the outer surface of the center of the upper extending member 90 formed at an upper end of the filter body cap 30B, mounted detachably to the screw shape portionCnot shown) formed at the inside surface of the cover 16 and opened for passing the filter fixing member 68. Figs. 7a and 7b are views for explaining in detail a construction of a filter fixing member 68. As shown in Figs. 7a and 7b, a chlorine removing filter fixing recess 68a received an upper end of a chlorine removing filter 60 is defined at a lower side of the filter fixing member 68 and a holding knob 68b is formed at an upper side of the filter fixing member 68 and typically crosses the center. Figs. 8a and 8b are views for explaining a detail construction of a chlorine removing filter 60Cthat is, a second filter member). As shown in Figs. 8a and 8b, a plurality of flanges 62a are formed at an outer surface of the chlorine removing filter 60 along the longitudinal direction. The lower end of the chlorine removing filter 60 is defined as the original water incoming portion 60A which is communicated with the original water supply portion 32 formed at a lower end of the filter body 30A. The original water injecting portion 64 with a slit shape is formed at the inside of the chlorine removing filter 60, so that after introducing the original water through the original water incoming portion 60A, the chlorine removal-original water firstly removed chlorine ingredient by the chlorine removing material 62 is injected upwardly. When the original water injection portion 64 is formed at an upper side of the chlorine removing filter 60, the original water removed the chlorine ingredient is moved from an upper stream and a lower stream of the ion exchange resin 54 and so the original water is passed through a fully amount of ion exchange resin 54 and is expected with better ion exchange effect, thereby obtaining soft water with good quality. Here, when the length of the plural flanges 62a formed at an outer surface of the chlorine removing filter 60 is set fully, a path moving the original water toward a lower stream of the ion exchange resin 54 is guided and a pivot prevention function of the chlorine removing filter 60 is also expected by the weight of the ion exchange resin 54. Figs. 9a and 9b are views showing in detail a construction of a lower case 10B. As shown in Figs. 9a and 9b, a carriage recess 20 is formed at both ends of the lower case 10B and the center of a filter support panel 100 mounted transversely at the inside of the lower case 10B is opened as a filter reception portion 100a seated a lower portion of the filter body 30A. Preferably, reinforcing ribs 102 for supporting the weight of the filter body 30A received to the filter reception portion 100a are formed with a constant interval at a bottom surface of the filter support panel 100 defined the filer reception portion 100a. Also, filter body mounting recesses 104 are formed at the outer circumference of the filter reception portion 100a and corresponds to the fixing shape member 38 of the filter body 30A when mounting the filter body 30A. After the fixing shape member 38 of the filter body 30A is positioned to the filter body mounting recesses 104, when it is pivoted to a side, a recess portion of the fixing shape member 38 of the filter body 30A is moved into a position adjacent to the filter body mounting recesses 104 and the filter body 30A is mounted, so that its movement is prevented, whereas when the filter body 30A is pivoted from its reception position and the fixing shape member 38 is corresponded to the filter body mounting recesses 104, the filter body 30A can be detached. Fig. 10 is a view showing in detail a construction of a safety valve 36.

As shown in Fig. 10, a screw shape portion formed at an outer surface of a safety valve mounting member 120 defining a safety discharge portion 120a of the filter body 30A is detachably combined with a screw shape portion formed at an upper inside wall of a safety valve body 122. Preferably, a net is disposed at an upper portion of the safety discharge portion 120a so that the ion exchange resin 54 received to the filter body 30A can not be discharged and a net fixing member 126 with a center opened shape for fixing the net 124 is disposed at an upper portion of the net. Also, a discharge portion shield member 128 with silicon material or rubber material for sealing the safety discharge portion 120a as a usual thing, a support member 130 with synthetic resin which is combined with the discharge portion shield member 128 and an elastic spring 132 offering an elastic force toward an upper direction against a bottom surface of the support member 130 are received to the inside of the safety valve body 122, and a lower end of the safety valve body 122 is defined as a pressure discharge portion 134. Fig. 11 is a view for explaining chlorine removing filter reception and resin leakage prevention functions as shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 11, between an inside surface of a lower endCthat is, an end portion defined the original water incoming portion 60A) of the chlorine removing filter 60 and an upper surface of the chlorine removing filter receiving recess 56 formed at a bottom inside of the lower case 10B, a resin leaking prevention net 130 is disposed so that the chlorine removing material 62 filled with the inside of the chlorine removing filter 60 may not be leaked out and a net fixing ring member 132 with a ring shape for fixing firmly the resin leakage prevention net 130 is disposed. Also, a second leakage prevention O-ring 66 is mounted to a ring fixing groove 60C formed at an outer circumference surface of a lower endCthat is, an end portion defined the original water incoming portion 60A) of the chlorine removing filter 60 so that leakage which will be generated through an outer circumference surface of the chlorine removing filter 60 and an inside wall of the chlorine removing filter receiving recess 56 may be prevented. According to the present invention, the structure for preventing the resin from leaking by the resin leakage prevention net 130 and the net fixing ring member 132 may be adapted to the soft water discharge portion 34 as the same structure. By an operation of the water softening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, when the original waterCfor example, hot water or cold water or city water mixed with the hot and cold water) introduced from the original water inlet 12 is supplied to the original water incoming portion 60A of the chlorine removing filter 60 communicating the original water supply portion 32 through the original water supply hose 32A, the original water is moved toward an upper stream of the chlorine removing filter 60 by water pressure and then chlorine ingredient is firstly removed by the chlorine removing material 62 filled with its inside. The chlorine removal-original water removed chlorine ingredient is injected through the original water injection portion 64 formed at an upper side of the chlorine removing filter 60 and preferably, since the original water injected from the original water injection portion 64 is injected to an upper stream of the ion exchange resin 54, the chlorine removal-original water is moved from an upper stream to a lower stream of the ion exchange resin 54 and then the impurities included to the original water is fully removed by the ion exchange resin 54. Impurities included to the original water are removed by the ion exchange resin 54, so that soft water is obtained and discharged from a shower head through the soft water discharge portion 16 via the soft water discharge hose 34A from the soft water discharge portion 14. Also, when the water softening process is performed at a constant period, the ion exchange resin 54 must be washed. In that case, when the cover 16 combined with the upper case 10A is separated with the support of the handle knob 80, the cover 16 and the filter fixing member 68 are separated. In that state, a proper amount of salt contentsCsalt) for the ion exchange resin 54 is supplied, preferably, the supply of salt contentsCsalt) is performed until the height which is lower than that of the original water injection portion 64 of the chlorine removing filter 60. Thereafter, when the original water for washing the resin is supplied through the original water injection portion 64 of the chlorine removing filter 60, the salt contentsCsalt) is dissolved by the original water injected from the original water injection portion 64 of the chlorine removing filter 60 and drops from upper stream to lower stream of the ion exchange resin 54, thereby washing the ion exchange resin 54. On the other hand, when the water pressure of the original water supplied to the inside of the water softening device body 30 is above a proper level, the internal pressure of the water softening device body 30 is activated to a discharge portion shielding member 128, so that the discharge portion shielding member 128 is pushed downwardly regardless of an elastic force of an elastic spring 132 and the internal pressure of the water softening device body 30 is discharged and the elevated internal pressure of the water softening device body 30 is managed safely. Then, when the internal pressure of the water softening device body 30 is dropped, the discharge portion shielding member 128 is returned at its original state by the elastic spring 132. Also, in case that the water softening device is operated during a constant period and so the chlorine removing filter 60 must be exchanged, since the disassembly of the chlorine removing filter 60 can be performed through only the separation of the filter fixing member 68, the chlorine removing filter

60 is also simply exchanged. Fig. 12 is a view for explaining an internal structure of a water softening device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Fig. 3. The identical reference numerals are used to the same or similar components as a first preferred embodiment. Although the construction of the water softening device as shown in Fig. 12 is similar to the construction of the embodimentCrefers to Fig. 3), the device comprises entirely an upper case 10A, a lower case 10B and a cover case 10C combined with the lower case 10B by a screw. The device further comprises a discharge unit 200. During the water supply or the suspension of the water supply from a city water supply lineCπ^≤.^), when the inside of the water softening device is filled with air, there are disadvantages that the original water does not supplied smoothly or a water remaining phenomenon is generated by the pressure of air. By the discharge unit 200, the disadvantages are solved and also change or damage of the device due to the pressure of air is prevented. Referring to Figs. 13a and 13b, the discharge unit 200 is designed to a recess 204 formed nearly at the center of a cover 202 which is detachably combined with an upper side of the filter body cap 30B of the water softening device 30. The discharge unit 200 includes a discharge actuating rod 206 mounted vertically thorough a penetrating hole 204a formed at the bottom surface center of the recess 204. A head 206a of the discharge actuating rod 206 is exposed to the inside of the filter body cap 30B and a seal member 208 is provided between the head 206a of the recess 204 and a bottom surface lower side of the recess 204 having the penetrating hole 204a. An upper end of the discharge actuating rod 206 functions as a pushing portionCthat is, a discharge button) for discharging air. An operating member 210 is combined with the upper end of the discharge actuating rod 206, a spring 212 is positioned between the operating member 210 and a bottom surface of the recess 204 so that the discharge actuating rod 206 always may be supported upwardly and a cover member 213. covers a combination structure of an upper end of the discharge actuating rod 206 and the operating member 210. A plurality of spacers 204b are formed at a bottom surface of the recess

204 for forming a ventilation gap. By the spacers 204, when the discharge actuating rod 206 is pushed, air which is introduced during the original water supply and filled with the water softening device body 30 is smoothly discharged. Also, an minute gapCfor example, 0.5mm) is offered between a cover member 214 covered with an upper end of the discharge actuating rod 206 and the inside circumference of the recess 204 so that air filled with the inside of the water softening device body 30 is fully discharged. Also, in the water softening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 12, the filter fixing member 68 supporting an upper end of the chlorine removing filter 60 as a second filter member comprises vertical frames 680 formed at every constant interval, forming a cylindrical shape entirely, which differs the funnel shape as shown in Fig. 3 and Figs. 7a and 7b, so that the filter is fixed more stably and chlorine removed-original water and salt contents(salt) are passed smoothly. A filter reception recess 682 for receiving an upper end 60B of the chlorine removing filter 60 is provided at a lower side of the filter fixing member 68. A plurality of injecting slits 684 are formed at an upper side of the filter reception recess 684 so that the chlorine removed-original water injected from the plural original water injecting portion 60C formed at the upper end 60B of the chlorine removing filter 60 is injected to the inside of the water softening device body 30. In the water softening device according to a second embodiment as shown in Fig. 12, an inside structure of the lower case 10B has a protruded shape, differs a flat board shape as shown in Figs. 9a and 9b typically, for mounting the filter body 30A of the water softening device body 30 so that the weight of the water softening device body is supported firmly. That is, referring to a plane structure of the lower case 10B as shown in Fig. 15, the lower case 10B comprises reinforcing ribs 300 formed at every interval between the center protruded portion for mounting the filter body 30A and inside surface of the lower case 10B and a leakage discharge hole 302 punched between adjacent reinforcing ribs 300 for discharging water when performing a water leakage in the water softening device body 30. Also, at the center of the protruded portion of the lower case 10B, which is the same as the first embodiment, a filter reception portion 100a for mounting the lower portion of the filter body 30A is opened and at the outer circumference of the filter reception portion 100a, a filter body mounting recess 104, corresponding to the fixing formation member 38 of the filter body 30A when mounting the filter body 30A, is formed and the filter body 30A is mounted detachably with the same method of the first embodiment. And, the cover case 10C of Fig. 12 has a plurality of screw fixing holes 10D for fixing the cover case 10B. Also, the safety valve 36 in the water softening device as shown in Fig. 12 comprises additionally a spring support rod 400 for supporting a safe elastic action of an elastic spring 132. For an elevation action of the spring support rod 400, in the cover case 10C, a portion corresponding to the safety valve 36 is opened for exposing the spring support rod 400. On the other hand, according to the water softening device as shown in Fig. 12, the device further comprises a guide member 500, so that when washing the ion exchange resin by salt contentCsalt), the salt contents is provided uniformly to the entire ion exchange resin. That, the inside of the guide member 500 is formed by a hollow shape offered as a filter reception portion 504 for receiving the chlorine removing filter 60 and at its outside circumference, a plurality of guide plates 504 are formed with a constant interval. When the ion exchange resin is filled between each guide plate 504, salt contentsCsalt) is guided to the inside of each guide plate 504, so that a fully washing effect to the ion exchange resin is achieved. Also, in the second embodiment of the present invention, in the water softening device as shown in Fig. 12, the original water supply portion 32 connected the lower end of the chlorine removing filter 60 is preferably formed by an insert injection molding as a separate member to the lower case 10B. Also, at the chlorine removing filter 60 mounted to the chlorine removing filter reception recess 56 of the lower case 10B, as shown in Figs. 17a and 17b, a resin leaking preventive net 602 for preventing chlorine removing materials from leaking is mounted. In the chlorine removing filter 60, its lower side diameter is larger than its upper side diameter. At an upper surface of the resin leaking preventive net 602, a plurality of original water passing slits 602aCrefers to Fig. 17b) for passing the original water are formed. Additionally, at a lower side circumference of the chlorine removing filter 60, a plurality of O-rings 604a and 604b are offered so that the leakage of the original water is prevented at the state that they are mounted to the chlorine removing filter receiving recess 54. Accordingly, the water softening device according to the second embodiment ensures water softening operation and salt contentsCsalt) supply by the same or similar method as the first embodiment. When air is introduced to the inside of the water softening device body 30, the discharge actuating rod 206 is moved downwardly by pushing the cover member 214, so that air within the water softening device body 30 is discharged through a ventilation gap formed by the spacer 204. As a result, the original water is supplied smoothly due to the pressure of air formed by introduced air or a remaining water supply phenomenon when the suspension of water supply is prevented. Also, when using the guide member 500, salt contentsCsalt) is guided by the guide plate 504 of the guide member 500 and the ion exchange resin is washed. Fig. 18 is a view showing a side construction of a water softening device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view showing an internal structure of a water softening device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 18. The identical reference numerals are used to the same or similar components as the first and second preferred embodiments. The detailed explanation of partial components which are the same as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted. Firstly, in the water softening device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a discharge unit 700 is mounted at its side compared to the first and second embodiments. The discharge unit 700 discharges remaining water from the ion exchange resin 54, for exchanging the ion exchange resin 54 or the chlorine removing filter 60. Preferably, the discharge unit 700 is designed to a position of a carriage recess 20. That is, a construction of the discharge unit 700 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. At a unit body 700A constructing the discharge unit 700, a discharge operating knob 700 is exposed outwardly from the carriage recess 20 of the corresponding water softening device and ratatably operated toward leftCfor example, "OPEN") side or right sideCfor example, "CLOSE"). The discharge operating knob 700 is combined with an upper end 702 of the discharge operating knob 700A exposed outwardly from through a penetrating hole formed at the carriage recess 20. Also, in the inside of the unit body 700A, a rotation body 704 according to the operation of the discharge operating knob 700a and a discharge groove operating member 706 with silicon rubber material combined with a side surface of the rotation body 704 are connected at a rear end of the upper end 702. As usual, the discharge groove operating member 706 closes a remaining water discharge groove 706a formed at a predetermined position of a bottom surface of the unit body 700A. At the other side of the unit body 700A, a soft water inlet 708 and a soft water outlet 710 are formed upwardly, so that the soft water inlet 708 is communicated with the soft water discharge portion 34 by the medium of a separate connection hoseCnot shown) and a soft water outlet 710 is communicated with internally the soft water inlet 708. An end of the soft water discharge hose 34A is sealed firmly to the soft water outlet 710. Also, the unit body 700A is mounted firmly to a body fixing member 700B fixed on the cover case 10C and at least one or more remaining water discharge holes 712Crefers to Fig. 27) for discharging remaining water discharged from the remaining water discharge groove 706a are formed at a predetermined position of the cover case IOC. Referring to Fig. 19, in the corresponding water softening device, a resin container 800 for exchanging the ion exchange resin 54 is mounted to the inside of the filter body 30A with a predetermined dimension vertically and at the center of the resin container 800, the chlorine removing filter 60 as the first filter member is provided detachably. Also, the corresponding water softening device further comprises a filter swing preventive member 900 which is mounted fixedly between the lower case 10B and upper case 10C so that the filter body 30A of the water softening device body 30 may not be moved. The filter swing preventive member 900 is firmly fixed to the case lOCCrefers to Fig. 21) by a screwCnot shown) which passes through the plural screw fixing holes 10P formed at the cover case 10C and fixes the cover case 10C to the lower case 10B. Here, the filter swing preventive member 900 is opened so that a lower portion of the filter body 30A may be received and at its upper edge, pluraKfor example, 4) filter body support protrusions 902 are formed at every interval and pluraKfor example, 4) filter body support recesses 904 are formed between adjacent filter body support protrusions 902. Also, referring to Fig. 19 and Figs. 22A and 22B, the filter body 30A and the filter body cap 30B of the water softening device body 30 are fixed forcibly so that they can be simply disassembled as compared to the first and second embodiments. That is, at the circumference of the filter body cap 30B, a pluralityCfor example, 6) of detachable flanges 802 protruded slightly and outwardly are formed. At an upper circumference of the filter body 30A, filter body receiving recesses for receiving a lower end of the filter body cap 30B are formed, a detachable protrusion 804 is formed at a position corresponding to the detachable flange 802 and a recess passing a detachable lock 806 formed at the center of the detachable flange 802 and the detachable protrusion 804 are formed. Also, at the circumference of the filter body cap 30B, at least one or more an O-ring reception recess for receiving a filter body cap O-ringCnot shown) for preventing water from leaking is formed with a ring shapeCrefers to Fig. 22B). Here, the detachable lock 806 is penetrated to a center recess of the detachable flange 802 and the detachable protrusion 804 at the state that the filter body cap 30B is inserted and combined forcibly with the filter body 30A so that the detachable flange 802 of the filter body cap 30B and the detachable protrusion 804 of the filter body 30A are matched with each other. When a lock lever of each detachable lock 806 is moved as shown in Fig. 22A, the filter body cap 30B is detached from the filter body 30A. Referring to Fig. 23A, in a detailed construction of the water softening device body, the resin container 800 for receiving the ion exchange resin 54 is provided within the filter body 30A and a upper cover body 800a and a lower cover body 800b are combined at the upper side and lower side of the resin container 800. As shown in Fig. 23B, the upper cover body 800a has reinforcing frames 800A at every constant interval and a first net structure 800B for introducing original water smoothly is exposed between the reinforcing frames 800A. Preferably, the first net structure 800B is formed integrally. Also, at the center portion received the chlorine removing filter 60 as the second filter member, plural recessing portions 800C passed a hooking protrusion 60YCrefers to Fig. 23A) formed at the circumference of the first filter member is formed. A gap between the recessing portions 800C is defined as a support surface of the hooking protrusion 60Y of the first filter member 60. As shown in Fig. 23C, the lower cover body 800b is formed similarly to the upper cover body 800a, the lower cover body 800b has reinforcing frames 800D at every constant interval and a second net structure 800E for preventing the ion exchange resin 54 from introducing and passing smoothly the soft water is exposed between the reinforcing frames 800D. Preferably, the second net structure 800E is formed integrally. Also, at the center portion received the chlorine removing filter 60 as the second filter member, plural recessing portions 800F passed a hooking protrusion 60YCrefers to Fig. 23A) formed at the circumference of the first filter member 60 is formed. Also, in the chlorine removing filter 60 as the second filter member, its structure differs that of the second embodiment and the diameter of its upper portion 60U is smaller that that of the lower portion 60V. PluraKfor example, 4) hooking protrusions 60Y hooked to the upper cover body 800a of the resin container 800 are formed at the predetermined portion of the upper portion 60U, and plural support protrusions (60W) are formed at the predetermined position of the lower portion so that the second filter member 60 is hooked to the inside of the filter body 30A for defining the original water supply portion 32(refers to Fig. 19). Also, at the lower circumference of the lower cover body 800b, a second leakage preventive O-ring 66, which is the same as the second embodiment, is mounted. Referring to Figs. 25 and 26, the cover case 10C and the filter swing preventive member 900 as shown in Fig. 24 are positioned to a lower portion of the lower case 10B at the combination state and then plural screwsCnot shown) for combining the cover case 10C and the filter swing preventive member 900 is fixed to the screw fixing hole lOPCrefers to Fig. 27) of the lower case 10B and then the filter swing preventive member 900 is also fixed integrally by the screw fixed to the screw fixing hole 10P. Here, the cover case 10B is formed similarly as compared to the structure explained with reference to Fig. 15. Accordingly, at the state that the fixing formation member 38 formed at the circumference of the filter body 30A is combined with the filter body detachable recess 104 formed at the circumference of the filter receiving portion 100a of the lower case 10B, when the fixing formation member 38 is rotated with one direction, the lowest surface of the fixing formation member 38 is mounted to the filter body support recess 904 of the filter swing preventive member 900 and the bottom surface of the cover case 10B is supported safely by the filter body support protrusion 902 of the filter swing preventive member 900, so that the swing of the filter body 30A is prevented. Accordingly, the water softening device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a water softening process is performed by a method which is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. The soft water is introduced through a soft water inlet 708 defined the unit body 700A of the discharge unit 700 connected by a connection hoseCnot shown) from the soft water discharge portion 34 of the filter body 30A. And then the soft water is discharged through the soft water discharge hose 34A connected to the soft water outlet 710 at the position "CLOSE" of the discharge operation knob 700a. When the discharge of the remaining water is required for exchangingCor when washing the ion exchange resin by the salt contents) the ion exchange resin 54 received to the resin container 800, according to the discharge operation knob 700a is rotated to its "OPEN" position, the rotation body 704 and the discharge groove operating member 706 are moved so that the remaining water discharge groove 706a formed at the unit body 700A is opened. As a result, the remaining water within the filter body 30A is introduced through the soft water inlet 708 and discharged through the remaining water discharge groove 706a. The discharged remaining water is discharged completely to the outside through the remaining water discharge hole 712 formed at the cover case IOC. When the exchange of the ion exchange resin 54 within the resin container 300 is required, a lock lever of the detachable lever 806 which combines the filter body 30A with the filter body cap 30B is operated to an unlock position at the state that the upper case 10A is separated, so that the filter body cap 30B is separated simply. Also, in the third embodiment, since the filter swing preventive member 900 is disposed between the lower case 10B and the cover case 10C, swing or separation of the filter body 30A received the resin container 800 is prevented. Although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein. For instance, the number of safety discharge actuating portions suggested in the second embodiment is involved with only hot water and cold water or the number can be increased or decreased as needed. For example, the second filter member 60 is filled with chlorine removing material such as calcium sulphite TCCaSO3) for removing chlorine ingredient from the original water, however, the filter member of the present invention is not limited as above and can be used various materials such as tormalin, activated carbon, and antibiotic materialCceramic material) and will be filled with a multi-stage structure or a mix structure. As described above, according to the water softening device, the chlorine ingredient included to the original water is removed firstly by a chlorine removing filter and then since the chlorine removed-original water is injected upwardly to the ion exchange resin, so that the original water is passed through the ion exchange resin sufficiently and a good water softening process can be performed. Also, since salt contentsCsalt) for washing the ion exchange resin is supply to the ion exchange resin and then the resin washing water is supplied to the salt contentsCsalt), the salt water due to the salt contents is passed through the entire ion exchange resin and so impurities are removed by the salt water, so that the washing effect of the ion exchange resin can be enhanced. Further, since a safety valve is provided with the water softening device body, although the internal pressure of the water softening device body is increased, since a proper pressure level is ensured by the safety valve, so that safety of the water softening device body is secured. Also, by the lower case of the water softening device body, the filter body embedded with the ion exchange resin including the chlorine removing filterCa second filter member), a cover for supplying salt contents or a filter fixing member are mounted detachably without using a separate fixing memberCfor example, a screw), so that the assembly and disassembly are simple. Also, in case of using the guide member, salt contentsCsalt) is guided by the guide plate of the guide member, so that the washing effect to the ion exchange resin is maximized. Further, since a discharge unit for discharging the introduced air is mounted to an upper portion of the water softening device, the inside air can be discharged by the discharge unit, so that the original water can be introduced smoothly, the effective blocking of the remaining water is ensured and an evil influence due to the pressure of air can be removed. In addition, when a discharge unit is additionally mounted to the corresponding water softening device, the remaining water within the filter body can be discharged when replacing the ion exchange resin, so that a user's convenience can be increased. Also, by the application of the filter swing preventive member mounted between the lower case and the cover case, the separation and moving of the filter body can be prevented, and the filter body and the filter body cap can be combined/disassembled smoothly by the detachable lock. Further, when the ion exchange resin within the filter body is received to a resin container, the ion exchange resin can be replaced simply.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A water softening device for removing impurities from original water such as city water/underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplying the water removed impurities as soft water comprising: an upper case in which an original water inlet and a soft water outlet are defined and a cover is mounted detachably on its upper portion! a lower case detachably mounted on the upper case in which a carriage recess is formed at its side surface and a plurality of discharge portions are formed at its bottom plate; a water softening device body, as a first filter member, mounted to the inside of the upper case and the lower case in which an ion exchange resin is filled with the inside thereof, an original water supply portion communicated to the original water inlet by the medium of an original water supply hose is formed at its lower portion and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the original water discharge portion by the medium of a soft water discharge hose is formed at its lower portion; a second filter member mounted to the inside of the water softening device body in which the original water inlet communicated to the original water supply portion is formed at its lower portion and a slit shape of original water injection portion is formed at its upper portion; a filter fixing member in which the second filter member is supported by its lower portion and its upper portion is supported by the cover; and a safety valve mounted to the lower portion of the water softening device body for discharging internal pressure of the water softening device body.

2. The water softening device according to claim 1, wherein the second filter member is a chlorine removing filter in which a chlorine removing material for removing chlorine ingredient from the original water is filled with its inside and a plurality of flanges are formed at its outer surface.

3. The water softening device according to claim 2, wherein the device further comprises a chlorine removing filter receiving recess for receiving a lower portion of the chlorine removing filter is formed at the position corresponding to the original water inlet from a lower inside surface of the filter body, and the upper center portion of the filter body cap is opened for penetrating the filter fixing member.

4. The water softening device according to claim 3, wherein the device further comprises a resin leakage preventive net for preventing chlorine removing material filled with the inside of the filter body from leaking and a net fixing ring for fixing the resin leakage preventive net are disposed between the upper portion of the chlorine removing filter receiving recess and the lower portion of the filter body, and the resin leaking preventive net for preventing the ion exchange resin from leaking and the net fixing ring are also disposed at inside of the filter body.

5. The water softening device according to claim 4, wherein the device further comprises a fixing formation member with a recess shape at its middle portion for mounting detachably the lower case is formed at the circumference of the filter body, a filter support panel for receiving detachably the filter body is formed at the inside of the lower case, a filter mounting recess corresponding to the fixing formation member of the filter body is formed at the circumference of a filter body receiving portion, and the center of the filter support panel is opened to a filter body receiving portion for receiving the filter body.

6. The water softening device according to claim 1, wherein the safety valve comprises a safety valve mounting portion for defining a safety discharge portion at the lower portion of the filter body, and a safety valve body combined with the safety valve mounting portion, and a net for preventing the ion exchange resin from discharging and a net fixing member for fixing the net are mounted to the inside of the safety valve mounting portion, and a discharge portion shielding member for opening and closing the safety discharge portion according to the internal pressure of the safety valve mounting portion, a support member combined with the discharge portion shielding member and an elastic spring for supporting the support member upwardly always and having an elastic force for maintaining the internal pressure of the filter body are mounted to the safety valve body, the lower portion of the safety valve body is defined as a discharge portion for discharging pressure.

7. The water softening device according to claim 1, wherein a support member or a roller for fixing the position is mounted to a bottom surface of the lower case.

8. The water softening device according to claim 1, wherein plural filter materials are filled with one between a multi-stage structure or a mixture structure at the second filter member and the filter material includes various materials such as tormalin, activated carbon, and antibiotic materialCceramic material).

9. A water softening device for removing impurities from original water such as city water/underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplying the water removed impurities as soft water comprising: an upper case in which an original water inlet and a soft water outlet are defined and a cover is mounted detachably on its upper portion; a lower case detachably mounted on the upper case in which a carriage recess is formed at its side surface and a plurality of discharge portions are formed at its bottom plate; a water softening device body, as a first filter member, mounted to the inside of the upper case and the lower case in which an ion exchange resin is filled with the inside thereof, an original water supply portion communicated to the original water inlet by the medium of an original water supply hose is formed at its lower portion and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the original water discharge portion by the medium of a soft water discharge hose is formed at its lower portion; a second filter member mounted to the inside of the water softening device body in which the original water inlet communicated to the original water supply portion is formed at its lower portion and a slit shape of original water injection portion is formed at its upper portion; a filter fixing member in which the second filter member is supported by its lower portion and its upper portion is supported by the cover; a safety valve mounted to the lower portion of the water softening device body for discharging internal pressure of the water softening device body; and a discharge unit for discharging air from the inside of the water softening device body.

10. The water softening device according to claim 9, wherein the discharge unit comprises a discharge actuating rod mounted vertically thorough a penetrating hole of a recess formed at the upper case, a sealing member provided between a head of the discharge actuating rod and the lower bottom surface of the recess formed the penetration hole, an operating member combined with the upper end of the discharge actuating rod, a spring positioned between the operating member and a bottom surface of the recess for supporting always the discharge actuating rod upwardly and a cover member covered on a combination structure of an upper end of the discharge actuating rod and the operating member, and a plurality of spacers are formed at a bottom surface of the recess for forming a ventilation gap.

11. The water softening device according to claim 9, wherein the device further comprises a guide member in which the inside of a guide member is formed by a hollow shape for receiving the second filter member, a plurality of guide plates are formed with a constant interval at its outer circumference, so that salt contentsCsalt) for washing the ion exchange resin is guided from the upper stream and the lower stream.

12. The water softening device according to claim 9, wherein in the second filter member, its lower side diameter is larger than its upper side diameter, a resin leaking preventive net for preventing chlorine removing material filled with the second filter member from leaking mounted to the inside of the second filter member_* and a plurality of original water injection portions for passing the chlorine removed original water are formed at an upper portion and the outer circumference of the second filter member.

13. The water softening device according to claim 9, wherein the lower case has a portion protruded at its center portion for mounting the filter body of the water softening device, reinforcing ribs formed at every interval between the center protruded portion for mounting the filter body and inside surface of the lower case and a leakage discharge hole punched between adjacent reinforcing ribs for discharging water when performing a water leakage in the water softening device body.

14. The water softening device according to claim 9, wherein the safety valve comprises a safety valve mounting portion for defining a safety discharge portion at the lower portion of the filter body, and a safety valve body combined with the safety valve mounting portion, and a net for preventing the ion exchange resin from discharging and a net fixing member for fixing the net are mounted to the inside of the safety valve mounting portion, and a discharge portion shielding member for opening and closing the safety discharge portion according to the internal pressure of the safety valve mounting portion, a support member combined with the discharge portion shielding member and an elastic spring for supporting the support member upwardly always and having an elastic force for maintaining the internal pressure of the filter body are guide and mounted by a spring support rod exposed to the bottom surface of the cover case to the safety valve body, the lower portion of the safety valve body is defined as a discharge portion for discharging pressure.

15. The water softening device according to claim 9, wherein the second filter member is a chlorine removing filter in which a chlorine removing material for removing chlorine ingredient from the original water is filled with its inside and a plurality of flanges are formed at its outer surface, and a resin leaking preventive net having a plurality of original water passing slits for preventing the chlorine removing material from leaking is mounted at the lower inside of the second filter member.

16. A water softening device for removing impurities from original water such as city water/underground water by an ion exchange resin and then supplying the water removed impurities as soft water comprising: an upper case in which an original water inlet and a soft water outlet are defined and a cover is mounted detachably on its upper portion, a lower case detachably mounted on the upper case in which a carriage recess is formed at its side surface and a plurality of discharge portions are formed at its bottom plate, and a cover case combined with the lower case and having a remaining water discharge hole; a water softening device body, as a first filter member, mounted to the inside of the upper case and the lower case in which a resin container received an ion exchange resin is disposed to the inside thereof, an original water supply portion communicated to the original water inlet by the medium of an original water supply hose is formed at its lower portion and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the original water discharge portion by the medium of a soft water discharge hose is formed at its lower portion; a second filter member mounted to the center of the resin container in which the original water inlet communicated to the original water supply portion is formed at its lower portion and a slit shape of original water injection portion is formed at its upper portion; a filter fixing member in which the second filter member is supported by its lower portion and its upper portion is supported by the cover; a safety valve mounted to the lower portion of the water softening device body for discharging internal pressure of the water softening device body; a discharge unit for discharging air from the inside of the water softening device body; a filter swing preventive member mounted between the lower case and the cover case for supporting the lower portion of the water softening device body; and a discharge unit defined and formed at the position of the carriage recess of the side of the lower case and the cover case.

17. The water softening device according to claim 16, wherein the discharge unit comprises a discharge actuating rod mounted vertically thorough a penetrating hole of a recess formed at the upper case, a sealing member provided between a head of the discharge actuating rod and the lower bottom surface of the recess formed the penetration hole, an operating member combined with the upper end of the discharge actuating rod, a spring positioned between the operating member and a bottom surface of the recess for supporting always the discharge actuating rod upwardly and a cover member covered on a combination structure of an upper end of the discharge actuating rod and the operating member, and a plurality of spacers are formed at a bottom surface of the recess for forming a ventilation gap.

18. The water softening device according to claim 16, wherein the discharge unit comprises a discharge operation knob combined with an end portion of a unit body, a rotation body mounted at the rear portion of the end portion in the inside of the unit body and connected with the discharge operation knob, a discharge groove operating member combined with a side of the rotation body, a remaining water discharge groove formed at a predetermined bottom surface of the unit body, a soft water inlet defined at a side of the unit body and connected to the soft water discharge portion by a separate connection hose and a soft water discharge portion communicated to the soft water inlet inwardly and communicated to the soft water discharge portion through a soft water discharge hose, a body fixing member for fixing and mounting firmly the unit body to the cover case, a remaining water discharge hole for discharging remaining water discharged through the remaining water discharge groove is formed at a predetermined portion of the cover case.

19. The water softening device according to claim 16, wherein in the resin container, an upper cover body is combined at its upper portion, a lower cover body is combined at its lower portion, a second filter member is received at its center portion, net structures are mounted at every reinforcing frames at its upper and lower portions, and in the second filter member, its lower side diameter is larger than its upper side diameter, a resin leaking preventive net for preventing chlorine removing material filled with the second filter member from leaking mounted to the inside of the second filter member, a plurality of original water injection portions for passing the chlorine removed original water are formed at an upper portion and the outer circumference of the second filter member, and a plurality of hooking protrusions corresponding to the upper and lower portions of the resin container are formed at the upper and lower circumferences.

20. The water softening device according to claim 9, wherein the lower case has a portion protruded at its center portion for mounting the filter body of the water softening device, reinforcing ribs formed at every interval between the center protruded portion for mounting the filter body and inside surface of the lower case and a leakage discharge hole punched between adjacent reinforcing ribs for discharging water when performing a water leakage in the water softening device body.

21. The water softening device according to claim 16, wherein the safety valve comprises a safety valve mounting portion for defining a safety discharge portion at the lower portion of the filter body, and a safety valve body combined with the safety valve mounting portion, and a net for preventing the ion exchange resin from discharging and a net fixing member for fixing the net are mounted to the inside of the safety valve mounting portion, and a discharge portion shielding member for opening and closing the safety discharge portion according to the internal pressure of the safety valve mounting portion, a support member combined with the discharge portion shielding member and an elastic spring for supporting the support member upwardly always and having an elastic force for maintaining the internal pressure ui me mier υυuy are gmαe and mounted by a spring support rod exposed to the bottom surface of the cover case to the safety valve body, the lower portion of the safety valve body is defined as a discharge portion for discharging pressure.