WO2008002062A1

WO2008002062A1 - Water softening device

Info

Publication number: WO2008002062A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003097
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tae Kook Moon; Sang Bung Ju; Sung Phil Jo; Jung Chul Park; Young Jong Lee; Sang Kyoung Cheon
Original assignee: Irevo Ns, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-06-26
Filing date: 2007-06-26
Publication date: 2008-01-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water softening device. In more particular, the present invention relates to a water softening device that includes a restoring container for effectively restoring a soft water container provided with an ion exchange resin and prevents the ion exchange resin in the soft water container from being damaged. The prevent invention provides a water softening device, which changes source water supplied from the outside into soft water. The water softening device includes a soft water container that includes an ion exchange resin for changing source water into soft water, a restoring container that produces restoration water used for the restoration of the soft water container and supplies the restoration water to the soft water container, and a water softening device case in which the soft water container and the restoring container are received. The restoring container includes a water level sensor to control the supply of water used to perform restoration. Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, when the water softening device is not used, water in the soft water container is discharged to the outside to prevent the soft water container from being damaged. Furthermore, the supply of soft water passing through the soft water container and the supply of source water bypassing the soft water container can be controlled, if necessary.

Description

Description WATER SOFTENING DEVICE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a water softening device. In more particular, the present invention relates to a water softening device that includes a restoring container for effectively restoring a soft water container provided with an ion exchange resin and prevents the ion exchange resin in the soft water container from being damaged. Background Art

[2] Water used in daily life is generally classified into soft water and hard water. Tap water, which is generally supplied to most homes, is hard water containing a large quantity of calcium ions (Ca ⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg ⁺). In particular, the tap water contains a large quantity of heavy metal ions, such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg), which are produced due to rusty pipes. Accordingly, if a human uses the tap water, the tap water promotes skin aging or causes a skin disease such as atopic dermatitis.

[3] A water softening device is widely used in homes in order to change the tap water into soft water. The water softening device substitutes calcium ions (Ca ⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg ⁺), which are contained in the tap water, with sodium ions (Na⁺), so that hard water is changed into soft water. That is, an ion exchange resin provided in the water softening device functions to substitute calcium ions (Ca ⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg ⁺), which are contained in the tap water, with sodium ions (Na⁺).

[4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a general water softening device.

[5] A general water softening device 1 includes a pre-processing filter 3, a soft water container 5, a post-processing filter 7, and a restoring container 9. The pre-processing filter 3 functions to remove suspended solids or pollutants contained in water supplied through a water supply port (hereinafter, referred to as "source water"). The soft water container 5 receives an ion exchange resin therein, and functions to substitute calcium ions (Ca ⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg ⁺), which are contained in source water, with sodium ions (Na⁺). The post-processing filter 7 functions to secondarily process water passing through the soft water container (hereinafter, referred to as "soft water") so that particular incense is added to the water, or functions to perform a negative ion process. The pre-processing filter 3 and the post-processing filter 7 do not necessarily need to be included in the water softening device 1.

[6] Due to the above-mentioned structure, source water supplied through the water supply port is primarily processed by the pre-processing filter 3, and is then changed into soft water in the soft water container 5. After that, the soft water is secondarily processed by the post-processing filter 7, and is then discharged to the outside through a water discharge port.

[7] Meanwhile, after a predetermined time has passed, calcium ions (Ca ⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg ⁺), which are contained in the ion exchange resin received in the soft water container 5, need to be removed and substituted with sodium ions (Na⁺) (or potassium ions (K⁺)) so that the ion exchange capability of the ion exchange resin is recovered. This is generally called "restoration". The water softening device 1 includes a restoring container 9 to perform a restoration process. The restoring container 9 receives a restoration agent such as salt (NaCl), and allows the restoration agent to be dissolved in water so as to produce restoration water. Then, the restoring container supplies the restoration water to the soft water container 5 so that sodium ions are supplied to the ion exchange resin received in the soft water container.

[8] There is a problem in that a restoration process is difficult to be effectively controlled in the restoring container 9 of the water softening device in the related art. That is, a user encounters the following inconvenient problems: it is difficult to automatically control a process for producing restoration water in the restoring container 9, a process for supplying the restoration water to the soft water container 5, and a process for rinsing the soft water container 5 with water.

[9] Further, a restoration agent used in the restoring container 9 in the related art is generally made of salt or potassium chloride in the form of powder or granules. Furthermore, a user generally supplies a restoration agent to the restoring container 9 for every restoration process. Alternatively, salt, which is formed to have the shape of a tablet, is supplied to the restoring container as a restoration agent, if necessary.

[10] However, according to a method of supplying a restoration agent in the related art, a user should supply the constant amount of a restoration agent, which is inconvenient. Further, even though technologies have been developed for automatic restoration of a water softening device in the related art, there are problems in that it is difficult to obtain a satisfactory effect of an automatic restoration when utlizing the method of supplying the restoration agent in the related art and to uniformly control the restoration process. In addition, even though a restoration agent having the shape of powder or a tablet is provided in a restoring container of the water softening device and the constant amount of the restoration agent is dissolved in water, there is a problem in that it is difficult to uniformly maintain the amount of the restoration agent to be dissolved in water, that is, the concentration of the restoration agent.

[11] Further, when the water softening device in the related art is not used, the soft water container of the water softening device is filled with water. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the soft water container and the ion exchange resin are damaged. For this reason, the soft water container or the ion exchange resin should be designed so as to reduce the above-mentioned possibility. Therefore, there is a problem in that the design of the water softening device becomes complicated. In addition, since the soft water container is always filled with water, there is a concern that microorganisms may propagate in the soft water container. Further, if water remains in the soft water container, the water remaining in the soft water container is discharged before anything else when a user resumes the use of the water softening device. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the temperature of the water, which is supplied to a user through the water discharge port of the water softening device, cannot be controlled for a short time.

[12] Further, when the ion exchange resin begins to be restored in the water softening device of the related art, water is not supplied to the water discharge port. Accordingly, the user must inconveniently wait until the restoration process is finished. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[13] An object of the present invention is to provide a water softening device that includes a restoration agent provided at an upper portion in a restoring container for producing restoration water used for the restoration of a soft water container, and a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the restoring container so as to effectively control the restoration of the soft water container.

[14] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a water softening device that includes a brick-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped) restoration agent used for the restoration of a soft water container, and a restoration agent basket that receives the restoration agent and is provided in the restoration agent basket.

[15] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a water softening device that discharges water stored in a soft water container to the outside when not used, so as to prevent the soft water container and an ion exchange resin from being damaged due to a static pressure in the soft water container.

[16] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a water softening device to which unsoftened source water is automatically supplied even during the restoration of an ion exchange resin so as to minimize the user's inconvenience. Technical Solution

[17] According to an aspect of the present invention, a water softening device, which changes source water supplied from the outside into soft water, includes a soft water container that includes an ion exchange resin for changing source water into soft water, a restoring container that produces restoration water used for the restoration of the soft water container and supplies the restoration water to the soft water container, and a water softening device case in which the soft water container and the restoring container are received. The restoring container includes a restoration water storage vessel, a restoration agent basket, and a water level sensor. The restoration water storage vessel is mounted on an upper end of the water softening device case, and includes a water supply port at a predetermined position therein and a restoration water supply port at a lower portion thereof. The restoration agent basket is provided at an upper portion in the restoration water storage vessel and stores a restoration agent therein. The water level sensor is provided on a side portion of the restoration water storage vessel to detect a water level in the restoration water storage vessel, and detects a water level at which restoration water is supplied to the soft water container and a water level at which the soft water container is rinsed.

[18] The water softening device may further include a flow sensor that detects the supply of source water supplied to the soft water container and a controller that controls the water softening device. When the soft water container softens the amount of source water larger than a predetermined amount, the controller may perform the restoration of the soft water container using the restoring container.

[19] A drain outlet, which is used to discharge water stored in the soft water container to the outside, may be provided at the soft water container. Further, when it is determined that the water softening device is not used for a predetermined time, on the basis of a signal from the flow sensor, the controller may open the drain valve so that water in the soft water container is discharged through the drain outlet. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange resin provided in the soft water container from being damaged.

[20] When it is determined that source water is not supplied to the water softening device for a predetermined time, on the basis of a signal from the flow sensor, the controller may shut off electric power supplied to the water softening device.

[21] A pipe, which is used to supply source water from a water supply port to the soft water container, may be branched into a first supply pipe that is used to supply source water to the soft water container, and a second supply pipe that is used for source water to bypass the soft water container. The first supply pipe may be provided with a water supply valve and the second supply pipe may be provided with a bypass valve, so that soft water, source water, or mixed water of soft water and source water is supplied to the water discharge port by controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the bypass valve.

[22] The restoring container of the water softening device may be provided with first, second, and third sensors. The restoration of the soft water container may include supplying water to the restoring container up to the level of the third sensor so that restoration water is produced, supplying the restoration water to the soft water container, supplying water to the restoring container up to the level of the second sensor, and rinsing the soft water container by using water in which a restoration agent has not been dissolved.

[23] The restoration agent provided in the restoring container may be formed to have the shape of a brick by sintering salt or potassium chloride under high temperature and high pressure. The restoration agent basket receiving the restoration agent has a structure for facilitating the dissolution of the restoration agent in water.

Advantageous Effects

[24] According to an aspect of the present invention, a brick-shaped restoration agent is provided at the upper portion of a restoring container. Accordingly, a user does not need to supply a restoration agent to a water softening device for every restoration, and it is possible to dissolve the constant amount of the restoration agent in water for every restoration. Further, it is possible to accurately control the supply of water during a restoration process. In particular, according to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively perform an automatic restoration of the water softening device.

[25] Further, according to the aspect of the present invention, the temperature of water supplied to the restoring container is measured and time required to dissolve the restoration agent in water is controlled on the basis of the measured temperature. Therefore, it is possible to accurately maintain the concentration of the restoration water.

[26] Furthermore, according to the aspect of the present invention, when the water softening device is not used, water stored in the soft water container is discharged to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange resin provided in the soft water container from being damaged. In addition, it is possible to prevent microorganisms from propagating in the soft water container. Further, when a user resu mes the use of the water softening device, it is possible to quickly make the temperature of water passing through the water softening device be equal to the temperature of water supplied to the water softening device.

[27] In addition, according to the aspect of the present invention, even though the restoration of the soft water container is performed when the water softening device is in use, water can be supplied to a user through the water discharge port. Brief Description of the Drawings

[28] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a general water softening device;

[29] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a restoring container of a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[30] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the restoring container of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[31] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a restoration agent basket provided in the restoring container of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[32] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the restoration agent basket provided in the restoring container of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[33] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[34] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the operational control of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[35] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating that the water softening device is controlled depending on the supply of source water in the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[36] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of a water softening device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[37] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of a water softening device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[38] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings. When reference numerals are used to indicate elements in drawings, it should be noted that like reference numerals refer to like elements even though the elements are shown in different drawings. Further, when it may make the subject matter of the present invention unclear, detailed descriptions of known structures and functions incorporated herein will be omitted in the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[39] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a restoring container of a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the restoring container of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[40] A restoring container 10 of a water softening device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided at an upper portion of a water softening device case 40, and includes a water level sensor 20 for measuring water level in the restoring container 10.

[41] The restoring container 10 of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a restoration water storage vessel 12, a restoration agent basket 26, and a restoration agent 32 provided in the restoration agent basket 26. Further, it is preferable that the restoring container 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention further include a water level sensor 20 attached to the restoration water storage vessel 12, and a water temperature sensor 22, and a restoration agent sensor 24. The restoring container 10 is mounted on an upper end of the water softening device case 40. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the restoring container 10 is mounted on the upper end of the wat er softening device case 40 and a soft water container 5 is provided below the restoring container 10. Accordingly, restoration water stored in the restoration water storage vessel 12 of the restoring container 10 can be automatically supplied to the soft water container 5 due to gravity.

[42] The restoration water storage vessel 12 stores water that is used for the restoration or rinse of the soft water container 5. A water level sensor mounting portion 14, on which the water level sensor 20 for electronically sensing the water level in the restoration water storage vessel 12 is mounted, is formed on one side surface of the restoration water storage vessel 12. Further, a restoration agent-sensor mounting portion 16, on which the restoration agent sensor 24 for detecting the restoration agent 32 is mounted, is formed the other side surface of the restoration water storage vessel. Meanwhile, a water temperature sensor 22 is provided on the inner or outer portion of the restoration water storage vessel 12.

[43] A water supply port 18 is formed at a predetermined position in the restoration water storage vessel 12. Accordingly, when water is required, water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 through the water supply port.

[44] The water level sensor 20 is used to measure the water level in the restoration water storage vessel 12, and is preferably composed of a first sensor 20c, a second sensor 20b, and a third sensor 20a. The first sensor 20c is used to measure the lowest water level, the second sensor 20b is used to measure water level for rinse, and the third sensor 20a is used to measure water level capable of producing restoration water. Accordingly, the level of the third sensor 20a corresponds to the amount of water where the lower portion of the restoration agent 32 is submerged under the water. Further, the level of the second sensor 20b corresponds to the amount of water where the restoration agent 32 is not submerged under the water, and the amount of water corresponding to the level of the second sensor 20b is sufficient as long as the soft water container 5 is rinsed.

[45] The restoration agent 32 should be dissolved in water to perform restoration. When water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel up to the level of the third sensor, the water level corresponds to the lower portion of the restoration agent 32. As time passes from this state, the restoration agent 32 is dissolved in water. In this case, if the restoration agent 32 has the shape of a brick as described below, the height of the restoration agent 32 is decreased depending on the degree of dissolution thereof.

[46] The water, which is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel up to the level of the third sensor, is supplied to the soft water container 5 through a restoration water supply port 38 formed at the bottom of the restoration water storage vessel 12. When a signal indicating that the water level in the restoration water storage vessel 12 is equal to or lower than the level of the first sensor is transmitted from the water level sensor 20, a controller of the water softening device determines that the restoration water is completely supplied to the soft water container.

[47] After the restoration water is completely supplied to the soft water container, a process for rinsing the soft water container 5 is required to normally supply soft water. For this purpose, water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 up to the level of the second sensor of the water level sensor 20. When the water level corresponds to the level of the second sensor of the water level sensor 20, water does not come in contact with the brick-shaped restoration agent 32. After water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 up to the level of the second sensor, the water stored in the restoration water storage vessel 12 is supplied to the soft water container 5 and rinses the soft water container 5. Then, when the water level is equal to or lower than the level of the first sensor, the controller determines that a process for rinsing the soft water container is completed.

[48] Meanwhile, if the soft water container 5 is set to be automatically restored at a predetermined time (for example, a midnight time such as 3 a.m., when the water softening device is expected not to be used), a restoration process may be controlled using the water level sensor 20 as follows: first, water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 up to the level of the third sensor so that the restoration agent 32 is dissolved in water to produce restoration water. When the restoration agent 32 is dissolved in water at a desired concentration, the restoration water is discharged from the restoration water storage vessel so that the water level of the restoration water is lowered to the level of the second sensor. The restoration water is stored in the restoration water storage vessel 12 in this state. Then, the restoration water is supplied to the soft water container 5 at a predetermined time so that the restoration process is performed.

[49] The water temperature sensor 22 is used to measure water temperature in the restoration water storage vessel 12, and preferably provided below the third sensor 20a. The water temperature sensor 22 comes in contact with water to accurately measure water temperature. In this case, a contact sensor, such as a platinum resistance temperature sensor, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or a bimetal, may be used as the water temperature sensor 22. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the water temperature sensor 22 may be disposed above the third sensor 20a. In this case, the water temperature sensor 22 can be used to measure water temperature without coming in contact with water. A non-contact sensor, such as a radiation thermometer or an optical pyrometer, may be used as the water temperature sensor.

[50] The reason why the water temperature sensor 22 is provided on the restoration water storage vessel is as follows: [51] In general, it is preferable that the concentration of the restoration agent be about 8% to maximize the restoration efficiency of the soft water container 5. In this case, the temperature of the water, which is used to produce the restoration water, and the amount of time where the water comes in contact with the restoration agent 32 are used as main parameters. Tests for allowing the concentration of the restoration agent to be 8% are performed while the brick-shaped restoration agent 32 described below is used. The results of the tests are shown in Table 1.

[52] Table 1

[53] It can be understood from Table 1 that as the temperature of water supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 increases, the amount of time where the concentration of the restoration agent becomes a desired concentration decreases. As the number of tests performed about water having the same temperature increases, required time increases. The reason for this is that the volume of the restoration agent 32 decreases in proportion to usage time of the restoration agent 32. Time, which is required to produce restoration water with respect to the temperature of water supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12, is previously set on the basis of the test results, which makes it possible to produce restoration water having a desired concentration of the restoration agent. That is, water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 up to the level of the third sensor 20a so that the restoration agent is dissolved in water. Then, after a predetermined time has passed, the restoration water is partially discharged from the restoration water storage vessel so that the water level of the restoration water is maintained at the level of the second sensor 20b. After that, when the restoration needs to be performed, the restoration water is supplied to the soft water container 5 to perform restoration. If the restoration needs to be immediately performed, restoration water having a desired concentration of the restoration agent is produced and the restoration water is immediately supplied to the soft water container 5.

[54] Meanwhile, the water temperature sensor 22 may be substituted with a concentration sensor in the embodiment of the present invention. That is, the concentration sensor is provided on the restoration water storage vessel to measure the ion concentration of the restoration water, which makes it possible to produce restoration water having a desired concentration of the restoration agent.

[55] The restoration agent sensor 24 is used to detect the restoration agent 32. When the amount of the restoration agent 32 is smaller than a predetermined amount, the restoration agent sensor generates a reference signal so as to notify a user by using an alarm.

[56] The restoration agent basket 26 is provided at the upper portion of the restoration water storage vessel 12. A plurality of water inflow holes 28 is formed at the bottom of the restoration agent basket 26. For this reason, when water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 and the water level rises, water is filled in the restoration agent basket from the lower side of the restoration agent 32 that is provided in the restoration agent basket 26.

[57] As shown in FIG. 2, a case cover 34 provided on the water softening device case 40 is used in an embodiment where the restoration agent basket 26 is provided at the upper portion of the restoration water storage vessel 12. Fitting protrusions 30a and 30b are formed at the upper portions on the side surfaces of the restoration agent basket 26. Further, slide grooves 36a and 36b, into which the fitting protrusions 30a and 30b are inserted, are formed on the inner surface of the case cover 34. Accordingly, the fitting protrusions 30a and 30b are slidably inserted into the slide grooves 36a and 36b, so that the restoration agent basket 26 can be positioned at the upper portion of the restoration water storage vessel 12. This structure allows the restoration agent basket 26 to be easily attached to or detached from the case cover 34.

[58] The restoration agent 32 provided in the restoration agent basket 26 will be described in detail below.

[59] The restoration agent is generally formed of salt or potassium chloride, and it is preferable that the restoration agent 32 used in the embodiment of the present invention have the shape of a brick.

[60] The brick-shaped restoration agent 32 is formed by sintering salt or potassium chloride under high temperature and high pressure. The process for forming the brick- shaped restoration agent will be described in more detail below. Salt or potassium chloride with moisture are prepared in the shape of powder, filled in a forming machine that has a brick-shaped cavity therein, and pressed under high temperature by a press so as to remove gaps therein, thereby completely form the brick-shaped restoration agent 32. In this case, it is preferable that the powder of the salt or potassium chloride with moisture be distributed to have a predetermined diameter or less, and particles of the salt or potassium chloride are attached to each other due to the moisture contained in the powder of the salt or potassium chloride. Further, high- temperature vapor may be supplied during the forming of the brick- shaped restoration agent. The brick-shaped restoration agent 32, which is formed under high temperature and high pressure, maintains its shape due to own coherence. Meanwhile, gaps are formed in the brick-shaped restoration agent. For this reason, when the brick-shaped restoration agent is dissolved in water, water soaks into the gaps. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily dissolve the restoration agent in water. Since the brick-shaped restoration agent 32 can be dissolved in water by the amount corresponding to a predetermined height thereof for every restoration, it is possible to easily control the restoration process.

[61] The structure of the restoration agent basket 26 of the restoring container 10 of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[62] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a restoration agent basket provided in the restoring container of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the restoration agent basket provided in the restoring container of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[63] Even though a restoration agent, which has the shape of powder or a tablet, in the related art is put into a vessel having a net therein, water satisfactorily reaches the lower portion of the restoration agent. However, since the entire lower surface of the brick-shaped restoration agent 32 comes in contact with the bottom of the restoration agent basket 26, the brick-shaped restoration agent may have difficulty in being dissolved in water.

[64] Accordingly, a dissolution-assisting member 44 protrudes downward from the middle portion of the bottom of the restoration agent basket 26. The dissolution- assisting member 44 forms a valley below the brick-shaped restoration agent 32 so that water sufficiently comes in contact with the lower portion of the brick- shaped restoration agent 32. The dissolution-assisting member 44 has a space therein, and may be formed to have a length in a longitudinal direction of the restoration agent basket. In addition, it is preferable that the bottom of the restoration agent basket 26 be inclined toward the dissolution-assisting member 44. The dissolution-assisting member 44 is formed to prevent difficulty in dissolving the brick-shaped restoration agent 32, which is caused by the contact between the bottom of the restoration agent basket 26 and the lower surface of the brick-shaped restoration agent 32. Accordingly, the dissolution- assisting member may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Meanwhile, a mesh-type storage net 42 is provided in the restoration agent basket 26 to easily store the brick-shaped restoration agent 32.

[65] The operation of the water softening device including the restoring container 20 will be described below.

[66] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the operational control of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[67] A water softening mode and a restoration mode of the water softening device will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[68] In a water softening mode, a controller 70 maintains an opened water supply valve

50 and a closed restoration water supply valve 56. Source water supplied through the water supply port is supplied to the soft water container 5 through a pre-processing filter 3, supplied to the post-processing filter 7 via a second check valve 54, and then discharged through a water discharge port. A flow sensor 52 is preferably provided to measure the amount of source water to be supplied to the soft water container 5. Although the flow sensor 52 has been provided at the front side of the soft water container 5 in FIG. 6, the flow sensor 52 may be provided at the rear side of the soft water container 5.

[69] In a restoration mode, the controller 70 closes the water supply valve 50 and opens the restoration water supply valve 56 so that water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 through the water supply port 18. When it is determined that the amount of source water larger than a predetermined reference amount is softened, on the basis of the addition of values measured by the flow sensor 52, the restoration mode is preferably performed.

[70] The controller 70 allows water to be supplied to the restoration water storage vessel

12 up to the level of the third sensor of the water level sensor 20, and then closes the restoration water supply valve 56. When water is supplied up to the level of the third sensor, water reaches the lower portion of the restoration agent 32 provided in the restoration agent basket 26. After a predetermined time, which is required to dissolve the restoration agent 32 and based on the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor 22, has passed, the controller 70 allows the restoration water in the restoration water storage vessel 12 to be supplied to the soft water container 5 through a first check valve 58. Meanwhile, the controller 70 opens a drain valve 60 so that the restoration water supplied to the soft water container 5 is discharged to the outside through a drain outlet.

[71] When the water level sensor 20 detects that the water level in the restoration water storage vessel 12 is equal to or lower than the level of the first sensor, the controller 70 closes the drain valve 60 and opens the restoration water supply valve 56 so that water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 up to the level of the second sensor. After that, the controller 70 supplies water stored in the restoration water storage vessel 12 to the soft water container 5 so as to rinse the soft water container 5, and opens the drain valve 60 to discharge water to the outside.

[72] The restoration of the soft water container 5 may be periodically performed by a user's manual operation. However, preferably, the controller 70 confirms the added amount of the source water that is softened in the soft water container 5 by using the flow sensor 52, and then allows a restoration process to be automatically performed when the amount of softened source water is larger than a predetermined amount.

[73] That is, the water softening device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention controls the restoration process of the soft water container 5 on the basis of the amount of source water that is softened by the soft water container 5. However, since source water supplied to the water softening device has different hardness in an actual water softening process, it is not preferable that the restoration process be controlled on the basis of the only amount of source water to be softened. In order to make up for this, it is preferable that restoration time of the soft water container 5 be controlled on the basis of the hardness of source water supplied to the water softening device. When setting the restoration time of the soft water container 5, the controller 70 sets the amount of water to be softened on the basis of the average hardness of tap water to be supplied to a home. When the water softening device is installed in a place where the water softening device is actually used, the hardness of the source water supplied to the water softening device is measured by a separate measuring unit and the measured hardness value of the source water is input to the water softening device. The controller 70 calculates the amount of source water, which can be softened by the soft water container 5, on the basis of the input hardness value of source water. When the soft water container softens the amount of source water larger than the calculated amount of source water, the controller performs the restoration of the soft water container 5. Since those skilled in the art can satisfactorily embody an input unit for inputting a hardness value of source water and a unit for storing set values of the controller 70, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[74] The water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a display 72. The display 72 informs a user of the operation of the water softening device by using images or sound. Accordingly, the display 72 informs a user that the water softening device is in the water softening mode or the restoration mode. Further, it is preferable that the controller 70 allow the display 72 to display the replenishment of a restoration agent when the restoration agent sensor 24 generates a signal indicating that the restoration agent 32 does not exist. Furthermore, it is preferable that the controller 70 allow the display 72 to display the number of restoration processes performed using a new restoration agent. In addition, it is preferable that the controller 70 calculate the amount of water to be softened by the soft water container 5 until the restoration on the basis of information about the amount of softened water that is measured by the flow sensor 52, and allow the display 72 to inform a user the calculated amount of water.

[75] The above-mentioned controller 70 may be formed using a micro processor and a memory such as RAM or ROM. Since the basic configuration of a controller can be made by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, detailed description thereof will be omitted

[76] Meanwhile, when source water is supplied to the water softening device according to the first embodiment, pulse signals are output from the flow sensor 52 to the controller 70. If water is not supplied to the water softening device due to the fact that a user does not use the water softening device, the pulse signals are not output from the flow sensor 52 to the controller 70.

[77] When source water is not supplied to the water softening device through the water supply port and a predetermined time has passed as described above, the controller 70 closes the water supply valve 50 and the restoration water supply valve 56 and opens the drain valve 60 so as to discharge water in the soft water container 5 to the outside. For this reason, when the water softening device is not used, water does not exist in the soft water container 5. Therefore, a static pressure is not applied to an ion exchange resin, which makes it possible to prevent the ion exchange resin from being damaged.

[78] Furthermore, according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, only when pulse signals are input to electric elements including the controller 70 from the flow sensor 52, electric power is supplied to the electric elements including the controller. Since the electric elements including the controller 70 operate by batteries, it is preferable that electric power be supplied to the electric elements including the controller only when required in order to avoid frequent replacement of the batteries.

[79] The control procedure of the controller 70, which is performed on the basis of the signal of the flow sensor 52, will be described below.

[80] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating that the water softening device is controlled depending on the supply of source water in the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[81] Referring to FIG. 8, first, it is confirmed whether pulses are input to the controller

70 from the flow sensor 52 (S80). Since a fact that the controller receives pulses from the flow sensor 52 means that a user is using the water softening device, the water softening device is operated in a normal operation mode (S92). Meanwhile, a fact that the controller 70 does not receive pulses from the flow sensor 52 means that a user is not using the water softening device. Accordingly, it is confirmed whether a predetermined time Tsec has passed (S82). If the time Tsec has not passed, the time Tsec increases by 1 (S 84) and a procedure returns to a step for confirming whether pulses are input to the controller 70 from the flow sensor 52 (S80). In contrast, if the time Tsec has passed, it is determined that a user has not used the water softening device for a while. Accordingly, the procedure proceeds to a soft water container protection mode (S86).

[82] Next, whether a predetermined time Tout has passed after the procedure proceeds to the soft water container protection mode is confirmed (S 88). If the predetermined time Tout has not passed, the time Tout increases by 1 (S90) and the procedure returns to a step for confirming whether pulses are input to the controller from the flow sensor 52 (S80). If the predetermined time Tout has passed, the procedure proceeds to a power- saving mode where electric power is shut off in the water softening device (S94).

[83] The soft water container protection mode will be described in more detail. First, a water supply valve 50 provided at the front side of the soft water container 5 is closed so that source water is no longer supplied to the soft water container 5. Subsequently, the drain valve 60 connected to the soft water container 5 is opened so that water in the soft water container 5 is discharged to the outside. The procedure proceeds to the soft water container protection mode, in which a static pressure is not applied to the soft water container 5, by a series of the above-mentioned operations.

[84] A water softening device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below. A water softening device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 substantially includes the structure of the water softening device according to the first preferred embodiment. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, source water is supplied to the soft water container 5 and directly supplied in a direction toward the water discharge port.

[85] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of a water softening device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[86] A water supply pipe 102 connects a water supply port with a pre-processing filter 3.

In this case, it is preferable that a supply water temperature sensor 104 be provided at the front side of the pre-processing filter 3 to measure the temperature of source water to be supplied. Although having been provided at the front side of the pre-processing filter 3 in FIG. 9, the supply water temperature sensor 102 may be provided at the rear side of the pre-processing filter 3.

[87] The pre-processing filter 3 is branched into a first supply pipe 108 and a second supply pipe 110 through an intermediate pipe 106. Meanwhile, a first restoration water supply pipe 122 is branched from the intermediate pipe 106. A flow sensor 52 is provided on the intermediate pipe 106. The flow sensor 52 may be provided on the first supply pipe 108 unlike FIG. 9.

[88] The first supply pipe 108 is connected to a soft water container 5, and a water supply valve 50 is provided on the first supply pipe 108 so as to control the supply of source water to the soft water container 5. The soft water container 5 is connected to a post-processing filter 7 through a soft water container discharge pipe 116. An outlet of the post-processing filter 7 is connected to a water discharge port through a water discharge pipe 120. Meanwhile, it is preferable that a discharge water temperature sensor 118 be provided at the post-processing filter 7 so as to measure the temperature of water supplied to the water discharge port.

[89] Source water bypasses the soft water container 5 through the second supply pipe

110 and is supplied to the post-processing filter 7. A bypass valve 114 is provided on the second supply pipe 110 so as to open and close a path connected to the second supply pipe 110. Further, the second supply pipe 110 is provided with an adjustable valve 112, and the adjustable valve 112 reduces pressure in the second supply pipe 110. When soft water passing through the soft water container 5 and soft water bypassing the soft water container 5 are mixed to be supplied as described below, the pressure of source water supplied through the second supply pipe 110 is larger than that of the soft water passing through the soft water container 5. For this reason, there is a concern that the amount of supplied source water is larger than that of the supplied soft water. The adjustable valve 112 is provided to solve the above-mentioned concern, and the adjustable valve 112 may be substituted with a pressure reducing valve, if necessary.

[90] When source water is softened by using the above-mentioned structure and is then supplied, the bypass valve 114 is closed and the water supply valve 50 is opened so that all of the source water passes through the soft water container 5 and the postprocessing filter 7 and is then discharged through the water discharge port.

[91] Meanwhile, when source water is supplied together with soft water, the water supply valve 50 and the bypass valve 114 are opened so that soft water passing through the soft water container 5 and source water not passing through the soft water container are mixed and then supplied to the water discharge port. In particular, when the temperature of source water measured by the supply water temperature sensor 104 is significantly different from that of water measured by the discharge water temperature sensor 118, source water and soft water need to be mixed and supplied. In this case, it is preferable that source water and soft water be mixed and supplied so as to allow a user not to feel significant temperature difference during the use of the water softening device. Further, it is preferable that opening angles of the water supply valve 50 and the bypass valve 114 be adjusted. When the temperature of source water supplied through the water supply port is significantly different from that of water discharged through the water discharge port, the bypass valve 114 is opened to have a large opening angle at the beginning so that source water is mainly supplied to the water discharge port. After that, the water supply valve 50 is gradually opened to have a large opening angle so that soft water passing through the soft water container 5 is supplied to the water discharge port.

[92] Water, which is used to produce restoration water, is supplied to a restoration water storage vessel 12 through the first restoration water supply pipe 122. Restoration water of the restoration water storage vessel 12 or water used to rinse the soft water container 5 is supplied to the soft water container 5 through a restoration water supply pipe 124, and then discharged to the outside through a drain pipe 126.

[93] When a user uses the water softening device during the restoration process of the soft water container 5, the water supply valve 50 is closed and the bypass valve 114 is opened so that source water can be directly supplied to the water discharge port.

[94] Accordingly, the water softening device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention can select and adjust a path along which water is discharged through the water discharge port. Further, a user can use water even during the restoration of the soft water container. In particular, it is possible to effectively manage with a temperature difference between water supplied to the water softening device and water discharged from the water softening device. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the user's inconvenience.

[95] The water softening device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention can measure the temperature of source water supplied to the water softening device by using the supply water temperature sensor 104, and can measure the temperature of the water supplied to a user by using the discharge water temperature sensor 118. Accordingly, for the user's convenience, it is preferable that the controller 70 of the water softening device display the temperature of supplied / discharged water by using the display 72. Therefore, a user can effectively adjust water temperature during the use of the water softening device.

[96] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the water softening device can intercept the flow of water passing through the water softening device on the basis of the water temperature measured by the supply water temperature sensor 104. If the water temperature measured by the supply water temperature sensor 104 is too high, the controller 70 of the water softening device closes the water supply valve 50 and the bypass valve 114 so that water is not discharged through the water discharge port, in order to prevent a user from being scalded (hereinafter, referred to as a "anti-hot function"). It is preferable that a user can set a water temperature at which the water supply valve 50 and the bypass valve 114 are closed. Further, it is preferable that a user set whether the anti-hot function operates or not. Further, when the flow of water to the water discharge port is intercepted due to the operation of the anti-hot function, the display 72 of the water softening device displays the interception of water. Then, when a release signal is generated by a user, the water softening device normally operates.

[97] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of a water softening device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[98] A water softening device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention has substantially the same structure as the water softening device according to the second preferred embodiment. However, the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that unsoftened water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 in the second embodiment and softened water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 in the third embodiment.

[99] That is, according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second restoration water supply pipe 130 used to supply water to the restoration water storage vessel 12 is connected to the soft water container discharge pipe 116.

[100] Accordingly, when a restoration process of the soft water container needs to be performed, water passing through the soft water container 5 is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 through the second restoration water supply pipe 130, so that restoration water is produced. When water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 up to the level of the third sensor, the water supply valve 50 is closed so that source water is not supplied to the soft water container 5. Then, the restoration water in the restoration water storage vessel 12 is supplied to the soft water container 5, so that the soft water container 5 is restored.

[101] After that, in order to rinse the soft water container 5, the water supply valve 50 and the restoration water supply valve 56 are opened so that water is supplied to the restoration water storage vessel 12 up to the level of the second sensor, and the water supply valve 50 is then closed. In this case, water in the restoration water storage vessel 12 is supplied to the soft water container 5 so that the soft water container 5 is rinsed.

[102] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limitative, but illustrative in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and all changes and modifications that fall within meets and bounds of the claims, or equivalences of such meets and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims. Industrial Applicability A water softening device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention maximizes the user's convenience, is capable of automatically performing a restoration process of a soft water container, and improves safety. Therefore, the water softening device has high industrial applicability.

Claims

[1] A water softening device, which changes source water supplied from the outside into soft water, comprising: a soft water container that includes an ion exchange resin for changing source water into soft water; a restoring container that produces restoration water used for the restoration of the soft water container and supplies the restoration water to the soft water container; and a water softening device case in which the soft water container and the restoring container are received, characterized in that the restoring container includes: a restoration water storage vessel that is mounted on an upper end of the water softening device case, and includes a water supply port at a predetermined position therein and a restoration water supply port at a lower portion thereof; a restoration agent basket that is provided at an upper portion in the restoration water storage vessel and stores a restoration agent therein; and a water level sensor that is provided on a side portion of the restoration water storage vessel to detect a water level in the restoration water storage vessel, and detects a water level at which restoration water is supplied to the soft water container and a water level at which the soft water container is rinsed.

[2] The water softening device according to claim 1, further comprising: a flow sensor that detects the supply of source water supplied to the soft water container; and a controller that controls the water softening device.

[3] The water softening device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the soft water container softens the amount of source water larger than a predetermined amount, the controller performs the restoration of the soft water container using the restoring container.

[4] The water softening device according to claim 3, characterized in that the controller sets the amount of source water, which is capable of being softened by the soft water container, on the basis of hardness of source water supplied to the water softening device.

[5] The water softening device according to claim 2, characterized in that a drain outlet, which is used to discharge water stored in the soft water container to the outside, and a drain valve for opening or closing the drain outlet are provided at a lower portion of the soft water container; and when it is determined that the water softening device is not used for a pre- determined time, on the basis of a signal from the flow sensor, the controller opens the drain valve so that water in the soft water container is discharged through the drain outlet.

[6] The water softening device according to claim 2, characterized in that when it is determined that source water is not supplied to the water softening device for a predetermined time, on the basis of a signal from the flow sensor, the controller shuts off electric power supplied to the water softening device.

[7] The water softening device according to claim 1, further comprising: a pre-processing filter that is provided between a water supply port and the soft water container; and a post-processing filter that is provided between the soft water container and a water discharge port.

[8] The water softening device according to claim 1, characterized in that a pipe, which is used to supply source water from a water supply port to the soft water container, is branched into a first supply pipe that is used to supply source water to the soft water container, and a second supply pipe that is used for source water to bypass the soft water container; and the first supply pipe is provided with a water supply valve and the second supply pipe is provided with a bypass valve, so that soft water, source water, or mixed water of soft water and source water is supplied to the water discharge port by controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the bypass valve.

[9] The water softening device according to claim 8, further comprising: a supply water temperature sensor that is provided at the rear side of the water supply port; and a discharge water temperature sensor that is provided at the front side of the water discharge port, characterized in that when a difference between temperature measured by the supply water temperature sensor and temperature measured by the discharge water temperature sensor is out of a predetermined range, the bypass valve is opened.

[10] The water softening device according to claim 8, characterized in that when the restoration of the soft water container is performed, the water supply valve is closed and the bypass valve is opened.

[11] The water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the water level sensor includes a third sensor for detecting a water level at which restoration water is supplied to the soft water container, a second sensor for detecting a water level at which the soft water container is rinsed, and a first sensor for detecting the lowest water level of the restoring container; and the restoration of the soft water container includes supplying water to the restoring container up to the level of the third sensor so that restoration water is produced, supplying the restoration water to the soft water container, supplying water to the restoring container up to the level of the second sensor, and rinsing the soft water container by using water in which a restoration agent is not dissolved.

[12] The water softening device according to claim 11, characterized in that the restoring container is provided with a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of water supplied to the restoring container, and time required to produce the restoration water is controlled on the basis of a value measured by the temperature sensor.

[13] The water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the restoration agent is formed to have the shape of a brick by sintering salt or potassium chloride under high temperature and high pressure.

[14] The water softening device according to claim 13, characterized in that the restoration agent basket has water inflow holes at a bottom thereof so that water flows into / from the restoration agent basket, and a dissolution-assisting member that protrudes downward from a middle portion of the bottom so as to form a space therein.

[15] The water softening device according to claim 13, characterized in that fitting protrusions are formed at the upper portions on the side surfaces of the restoration agent basket, and are slidably fitted into slide grooves formed on an inner surface of a case cover of the water softening device case.

[16] The water softening device according to claim 13, characterized in that the restoring container is provided with a restoration agent sensor for detecting the restoration agent.

[17] The water softening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a display that informs a user of the operation of the water softening device by using images or sound, characterized in that the display displays one or more of softening capacity of the water softening device, the number of performed restorations, the temperature of water supplied to the water softening device, and the temperature of water discharged from the water softening device.

[18] The water softening device according to claim 8, further comprising: a supply water temperature sensor that is provided at the rear side of the water supply port, characterized in that when a water temperature measured by the supply water temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature, the water supply valve and the bypass valve are closed.