[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2008048014A1 - Adoucisseur d'eau - Google Patents

Adoucisseur d'eau Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008048014A1
WO2008048014A1 PCT/KR2007/004946 KR2007004946W WO2008048014A1 WO 2008048014 A1 WO2008048014 A1 WO 2008048014A1 KR 2007004946 W KR2007004946 W KR 2007004946W WO 2008048014 A1 WO2008048014 A1 WO 2008048014A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
cold
hot
tank
regeneration
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/KR2007/004946
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Seung Hoon Jeong
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Seung Gwang Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Seung Gwang Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020070101709A external-priority patent/KR100875209B1/ko
Application filed by Seung Gwang Co Ltd filed Critical Seung Gwang Co Ltd
Priority to MX2009004026A priority Critical patent/MX2009004026A/es
Publication of WO2008048014A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008048014A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J47/00—Ion-exchange processes in general; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J47/02—Column or bed processes
    • B01J47/022—Column or bed processes characterised by the construction of the column or container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J49/00—Regeneration or reactivation of ion-exchangers; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J49/75—Regeneration or reactivation of ion-exchangers; Apparatus therefor of water softeners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J49/00—Regeneration or reactivation of ion-exchangers; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J49/80—Automatic regeneration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/16—Regeneration of sorbents, filters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water softener, and more particularly, to a water softener which is convenient for use by providing not only four basic modes, that is, a soft water mode, a running water mode, a regeneration mode, and a regulation mode, but also various special modes, and is capable of being directly and stable connected and fastened to a cold/hot water pipe, thereby precluding the use of nails, screws and the like which may do damage to walls and allowing the water softener to keep in a constant distance from the walls even at different levels of projection of the cold/hot water pipe.
  • Soft water such as distilled water, which is also called sweet water, having hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) as its main components, is relatively pure and feels soft due to its low hardness
  • hard water such as underground water, having calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) as its main components, feels stiff due to its high hardness.
  • tap water supplied to most of houses, offices and so on is hard water with high hardness and contains not only chlorine (Cl) used in the process of purification of the tap water but also a quantity of heavy metal ions, such as iron (Fe) ions, copper (Cu) ions, tin (Sn) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, mercury (Hg) ions and so on, which may be produced due to environment pollution and superannuation of water pipes.
  • heavy metal ions are not lethal to a human body, it is known that alien substances responsible for accelerated skin-aging and skin diseases such as atopy re produced when heavy metal ions are combined with fatty acid of soap.
  • a water softener has been introduced to change such hard water as tap water into soft water and is being widely used as the most convenient method of obtaining living water of high quality in houses, offices and so on.
  • the principle of a general water softener to change hard water into soft water is to substitute calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) contained in hard water with sodium ions (Na + ).
  • an ion exchange resin comprising a special polymer compound containing sodium (Na) as its main component Is used.
  • the ion exchange resin discharges sodium ions (Na + ), instead of absorbing calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), when the ion exchange resin contacts the hard water. Therefore, a soft water tank, which is filled with ion exchange resin and into which hard water is introduced to obtain soft water, is indispensable to the water softener.
  • the water softener uses regeneration material of the ion exchange resin, such as salt or the like, which releases sodium ions (Na + ) in an aqueous solution.
  • regeneration material of the ion exchange resin such as salt or the like
  • a regeneration tank filled with regeneration material is additionally connected to a soft water tank.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a general water softener, particularly, a cold/hot water softener that changes cold/hot hard water such as tap water into cold/hot soft water depending on temperature of the cold/hot hard water and provide a user with the cold/hot soft water.
  • a 'water softener' refers to a 'cold/hot water softener'
  • 'cold/hot hard water' such as tap water fed into the water softener is called 'cold/hot raw water.'
  • a general water softener includes first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14, first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24, a plurality of pipelines 31 to 38, and a plurality of valves Vl to V7.
  • the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 are filled with ion exchange resin, and the first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24 is filled with regeneration material.
  • the plurality of pipelines 31 to 38 includes first and second soft water tank feed pipelines 31 and 32 through which cold/hot raw water is fed into the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14, first and second soft water tank discharge pipelines 33 and 34 through which liquid, for example, cold/hot soft water and regeneration waster water, inside the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 is discharged, first and second regeneration tank feed pipelines 35 and 36 through which cold/hot raw water is fed into the first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24, and first and second regeneration tank discharge pipelines 37 and 38 through which regenerated water produced in the first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24 is fed into the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14.
  • the first and second soft water tank feed pipelines 31 and 32 and the first and second regeneration tank feed pipes are connected to a cold/hot water pipe installed in houses, offices and so on.
  • the plurality of valves Vl to V7 may include first and second valves Vl and V2 that are disposed in the first and second soft water tank feed pipelines 31 and 32 and regulates the cold/hot raw water, a third valve V3 that is disposed to connect with the first and second soft water discharge pipelines 33 and 34 and regulates the cold/hot water and the regeneration waste water discharged from the pipelines 33 and 34, fourth and fifth values V4 and V5 that are disposed in the first and second regeneration tank feed pipelines 35 and 36 and regulates the cold/hot raw water, and sixth and seventh valves V6 and V7 that are disposed in the first and second tank discharge pipelines 37 and 38 and regulates the regenerated water fed into the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14.
  • the third valve V3 uses a hydrant that controls a mixture ratio of cold/hot raw water based on a level of connection of the first and second soft water discharge pipelines 33 and 34.
  • the cold/hot soft water is produced by an ion exchange action of the ion exchange resin.
  • the third valve V3 is opened, the cold/hot soft water is discharged externally.
  • the fourth and fifth valves V4 and V5 are opened to fed the cold/hot raw water into the first and second regeneration tanks 22 and 24, the regenerated water is produced.
  • the sixth and seventh valves V6 and V7 are opened to fed the regenerated water into the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14, the ion exchange resin is regenerated.
  • the third valve V3 is opened, the regeneration waste water is discharged externally.
  • the way of using the water softener, particularly, the regeneration method of the ion exchange resin is too complicated, which requires even a skilled worker to take a long work time to regenerate the ion exchange resin.
  • a user has to directly operate the plurality of valves Vl to V7 whenever the ion exchange resin is regenerated. Accordingly, not only it is difficult for the user to use the water softener, but also there is a possibility of malfunction or failure of the water softener due to mistaken operation of an inexperienced user.
  • the determination on the regeneration time depends entirely on a user's subjective feeling or rough time calculation. This may result in wastefulness of regeneration material due to frequent unnecessary regeneration, or deterioration of performance and lifetime of the ion exchange resin due to missing of a proper regeneration chance.
  • the temperature of the cold/hot soft water may vary with time, such as being cooled or heated. Accordingly, although the temperature of the cold/hot soft water is fixed by opening the third valve V3 to be adapted for shower or the like, the temperature may be suddenly varied in use of the cold/hot soft water. This may cause a user to be in a danger due to suddenly heated water or to feel unpleasant due to cooled water.
  • the cold/hot raw water can sufficiently contact with the ion exchange resin, thereby anticipating more effective softening action. Accordingly, the storage capacity of the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 typically reaches ten and several litters and the certain amount of the cold/hot soft water is always stored in the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14.
  • the temperature of the cold/hot soft water stored in the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 may be varied such as being cooled or heated.
  • the user opens the third valve V3, the cold/hot soft water stored for a long time in the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 is discharged. Accordingly, although the user opens and fixes the third valve V3 based on the temperature, after the cold/hot soft water stored in the first and second soft water tanks 12 and 14 is completely exhausted, new cold/hot soft water by cold/hot raw water newly fed externally is discharged.
  • the temperature of this new cold/hot soft water may be higher or lower than that of the old cold/hot soft water regulated through the third valve V3. Accordingly, the user may undergo sudden change of temperature, such as being heated or cooled, in the use of the cold/hot soft water. This may make the user feel uncomfortable as well as get scalded.
  • soft water is wasteful Iy flown out until the soft water reaches a target temperature, water resources are wasteful, a regeneration cycle of the ion exchange resin is shortened, and the lifetime of the water softener is lowered.
  • the general water softener is fixed by nails and screws on walls of bathrooms in houses, offices and so on, and the first and second soft water tank feed pipelines 31 and 32 and the first and second regeneration tank pipelines 35 and 36 are connected to the cold/hot water pipe by separate tubes or the like.
  • general water softeners disclosed in Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 20-1997-0000006 and 20-2006-0017022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-1999-0000032 are mounted on brackets fixed by nails and screws on walls.
  • these water softeners have demerits in that the walls are inevitably damaged in the course of fixing the brackets and there is an increasing possibility of water leakage through the damaged walls in situations where the water softeners are installed in humid bathrooms.
  • Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 20-1999-0000020, 20-1999-0000002 and 20-2004-0009315 disclose water softeners which are mounted on walls, with their direct connection and fixation to a water pipe without using nails, screws and brackets.
  • cold/hot water pipes in houses, offices and so on have different levels of projection from the walls, it is difficult to stably fix the water softeners on the walls due to irregular gaps between the water softeners and the walls.
  • a damage such as water leak occurs in a connection of the cold/hot water pipe due to inclination and eccentricity load of the water softeners with the passage of time, which may result in impossibility of smooth supply of cold/hot water. Accordingly, further steps such as cutting or extension of a cold/hot water pipe is necessary, which may result in difficulty of installation of a water softener and deterioration of workability.
  • the present invention has been made to overcome the above-mentioned problems.
  • a water softener for performing a soft water mode to change cold/hot raw water supplied through a cold/hot water pipe into cold/hot soft water using an ion exchange resin and discharge the cold/hot soft water, a running water mode to discharge the cold/hot raw water as cold/hot running water, a regeneration mode to generate regenerated water by a regeneration material and discharge regeneration waste water generated in regeneration of the ion exchange resin, and a regulation mode to regulate supply of the cold/hot raw water, including, a tank unit including first and second soft water tanks filled with the ion exchange resin and a regeneration tank filled with the regeneration material; a main body that supports the tank unit and controls switch between the soft water mode, the running water mode, the regeneration mode and the regulation mode by the supply of the cold/hot raw water; a feed unit that is directly connected to the cold/hot water pipe and includes first and second angle valves into which the cold/hot raw water is fed, first and second elbows fixed to the main body, and first
  • a water softener including first and second soft water tanks filled with an ion exchange resin and a regeneration tank filled with a regeneration material and for performing a soft water mode to change cold/hot raw water supplied through a cold/hot water pipe into cold/hot soft water using the ion exchange resin and discharge the cold/hot soft water, a running water mode to discharge the cold/hot raw water as cold/hot running water, a regeneration mode to generate regenerated water by the regeneration material and discharge regeneration waste water generated in regeneration of the ion exchange resin, and a regulation mode to regulate supply of the cold/hot raw water, including: a valve assembly that switches between the modes; a temperature sensor that measures discharge temperature of the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water; an infrared sensor that detects temperature of a user adjacent to the water softener; and a controller that controls the discharge temperature of the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water to be adapted for the temperature of the user based on a result of measurement of the
  • a water softener that changes supplied cold/hot raw water into cold/hot soft water using an ion exchange resin and discharges the cold/hot soft water, discharges the cold/hot raw water as cold/hot running water, generates regenerated water by a regeneration material and discharges regeneration waste water generated in regeneration of the ion exchange resin, and regulates supply of the cold/hot raw water, including: a tank unit including first and second soft water tanks filled with the ion exchange resin and a regeneration tank interposed between the first and second soft water tanks and filled with the regeneration material; a main body containing a valve assembly and combined to the bottom of the tank unit; a feed unit to which the cold/hot raw water is supplied, and a discharge unit from which the cold/hot soft water, the cold/hot running water, the regenerated water and the regeneration waste water are discharged, the feed unit and the discharge unit being combined to the bottom of the main body; a controller that controls the overall operation of the water softener by controlling the valve assembly; and
  • the water softener has an advantage of selecting and using any of the four basic modes! the soft water mode, the running water mode, the regeneration mode, and the regulation mode easily and conveniently. Accordingly, any user can use the water softener conveniently and safely.
  • the water softener has other advantages as follows: it is possible to prolong the lifetime of the ion exchange resin of the first and second soft water tanks and obtain maximum capability of softening of the ion exchange resin through the cold/hot change mode, it is possible to perform the regeneration automatically at an exact time without any user's intervention through the automatic regeneration mode, which results in significant reduction of time and efforts, it is possible to use water of intended temperature quickly through the temperature regulation mode, it is possible to automatically control the kind and discharge amount of water through the flow rate regulation mode, it is possible to make a user secure by preventing regenerated water from being erupted when a regeneration tank cap is opened through the drain mode, and it is possible to provide cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water with optimal temperature based on the temperature of a user through the shower mode.
  • the water softener has an advantage of being stably fixed on walls of houses, offices and so on installed with cold/hot water pipes without using nails, screws and other brackets.
  • the water softener has an advantage of keeping in a constant distance from the walls even at different levels of projection of the cold/hot water pipes, thereby allowing smooth supply of cold/hot raw water.
  • the exterior case of the water softener of the invention has an advantage of making the water softener beautiful and protecting the water softener effectively.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a general water softener.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a feed unit and a discharge unit of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the feed unit and the discharge unit of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG.9 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG.8.
  • FIGs. 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of a main body of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a measuring unit of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of first and second valve assemblies of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 14 and 15 are a plan view and a bottom view of a middle plate of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
  • FIGs. 16 and 17 are a plan view and a bottom view of a cover plate of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
  • FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a tank unit of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a top cover of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 20 and 21 are sectional views taken along lines B-B and C-C in FIG.3, respectively.
  • FIGs. 22 and 23 are a plan view and a bottom view of a first fixing disk of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
  • FIG. 24 is a plan view of a first rotating disk of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 25 and 26 are a plan view and a bottom view of a second fixed disk of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
  • FIG. 27 is a plan view of a second rotating disk of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 28 to 33 are schematic views illustrating operation modes of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of a switch valve of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 35 to 37 are sectional views taken along lines D-D, E-E and F-F in FIG.34, respectively.
  • FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a controller of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 39 and 40 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a housing of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
  • FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an exterior case of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 42 to 44 are exploded perspective views of the exterior case of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Mode for Invention]
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a water softener includes a feed unit 100, a discharge unit 200, a main body 250, a tank unit 700, a controller 1000, and a plurality of pipelines Wl to W14.
  • the feed unit 100 is directly connected and fixed to a cold/hot water pipe installed in walls of bathrooms of houses, offices and so on and is first fed with cold/hot raw water externally.
  • the feed unit 100 has a unique combination structure to fix the water softener at a specified distance from a wall without using nails and screws which may damage the wall.
  • the discharge unit 200 discharges various kinds of liquid from the water softener to the outside.
  • the discharge unit 200 includes a hydrant 224 and a shower head 227 for providing cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water to a user, and a switch valve 900 for regulating discharge of the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water depending on selection by the user or discharging the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water through one or more of the hydrant 224 and the shower head 227.
  • the discharge unit 200 also provides a separate discharge path for discharging regeneration waste water or regenerated water.
  • the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200 may be implemented to be separated from each other in functionality in a single structure, and the switch valve 900 may be mounted on a position separate from the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200.
  • the main body 250 controls paths, regulation and discharge of all liquid in the water softener, for example, cold/hot soft water, cold/hot running water as cold/hot raw water fed through the feed unit 100, regenerated water, regeneration waste water and so on.
  • the main body 250 includes first and second assemblies 350 and 450.
  • the tank unit 700 in which liquid undergoes changes actually includes first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 filled with ion exchange resin, and a regeneration tank 730 filled with regeneration material.
  • first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 filled with ion exchange resin
  • a regeneration tank 730 filled with regeneration material.
  • the controller 1000 controls the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 to determine and regulate all operation modes of the water softener according to user's intention.
  • the controller 1000 includes a logical operating unit 1010 containing a predetermined algorithm, an input unit 1012 such as buttons for input of instructions from a user, a display unit 1014 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) device for displaying various kinds of data, a measuring unit 280 for measuring a flow rate of cold/hot raw water, a temperature sensor Th for measuring the temperature of cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water, and an infrared sensor 1020 for sensing the temperature of a user adjacent to the water softener.
  • a logical operating unit 1010 containing a predetermined algorithm
  • an input unit 1012 such as buttons for input of instructions from a user
  • a display unit 1014 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) device for displaying various kinds of data
  • a measuring unit 280 for measuring a flow rate of cold/hot raw water
  • a temperature sensor Th for measuring the
  • the plurality of pipelines Wl to W14 provided in the water softener of the invention includes first and sceond raw water feed pipelines Wl and W2 for communicating cold/hot raw water of the cold/hot water pipe to the first valve assembly 350 by connecting the cold/hot water pipe to the first valve assembly 350, first and second tank feed pipelines W3 and W4 for communicating cold/hot raw water of the first valve assembly 350 to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 by connecting the first valve assembly 350 to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, a regeneration raw water pipeline W5 for communicating the cold/hot raw water of the first valve assembly 350 to the regeneration tank 730 by connecting the first valve assembly 350 to the regeneration tank 730, first and second raw water communicating pipelines W6 and W7 for communicating the cold/hot raw water of the first valve assembly 350 to the second valve assembly 450 by connecting the first valve assembly 350 to the second valve assembly 450, first and second regenerated water pipelines W8 and W9 for communicating regenerated water of the regeneration tank 730 to the first and
  • the measuring unit 280 to sensing the flow rate of cold/hot raw water is disposed in the first and second raw water feed pipelines Wl and W2, and the temperature sensor Th to sense the temperature of cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water is disposed in the first discharge pipeline W12.
  • first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 interconnect these pipelines Wl to W14 to control paths, regulation and discharge of all liquid in the water softener for implementing all operation modes of the water softener.
  • the water softener of the invention provides four basic modes and six special modes.
  • the four basic modes which provide the essential functions, include ⁇ a soft water mode in which cold/hot raw water is discharged as cold/hot raw water is fed, ⁇ a running water mode in which cold/hot raw water is discharged as it is, (3) a regeneration mode in which regenerated water is generated by regeneration material and regeneration waste water generated in regeneration of an ion exchange resin is discharged, and ® a regulation mode in which feed and discharge of cold/hot raw water, cold/hot soft water, cold/hot running water and regeneration waste water are regulated.
  • the cold/hot raw water of the first and second raw water feed pipelines Wl and W2 is fed into the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 by the first valve assembly 350 via the first and second tank feed pipelines W3 and W4, and the cold/hot soft water of the first and second tank discharge pipelines WlO and WIl, which is discharged from the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, is finally discharged to the hydrant 224 and the shower head 227 by the second valve assembly 450 via the first discharge pipeline W12 and the switch valve 900.
  • the cold/hot raw water of the first and second raw water feed pipelines Wl and W2 is communicated to the second valve assembly 450 by the first valve assembly 350 via the first and second raw water communicating pipelines W6 and W7, and then is finally discharged to the hydrant 224 and the shower head 227 by the second valve assembly 450 via the first discharge pipeline W12 and the switch valve 900.
  • the cold/hot raw water of the first or second raw water feed pipeline Wl or W2 is fed into the regeneration tank 730 by the first valve assembly 350 via the regeneration raw water pipeline W5, the regenerated water generated in the regeneration tank 730 is fed into the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 via the first and second regenerated water pipelines W8 and W9, and the regeneration waste water of the first and second tank discharge pipelines WlO and WIl, which is discharged from the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, is finally discharged to the outside by the second valve assembly 450 via the second discharge pipeline W13.
  • feed of the cold/hot raw water of the first and second raw water feed pipelines Wl and W2 is regulated by the first valve assembly 350.
  • the first valve assembly 350 plays a role of 'feed control' to feed or regulate the cold/hot raw water of the first and second raw water feed pipelines Wl and W2 to one of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, the regeneration tank 730 and the second valve assembly 450, and the second valve assembly 450 plays a role of 'discharge control' to discharge the cold/hot raw water or the cold/hot soft water communicated via the first and second raw water communicating pipelines W6 and W7 or the first and second tank discharge pipelines WlO and WIl to the first discharge pipeline W12 or discharge the regeneration waste water of the regenerated water communicated via the first and second tank discharge pipelines WlO and WIl to the second discharge pipeline W13.
  • the six special modes which are unique functions of the water softener of the present invention to give convenience to the user, are implemented by the controller 1000 based on the previously described four basic modes.
  • the six special modes include ⁇ a cold/hot change mode in which the cold/hot raw water fed into the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 is mutually changed based on the actual amount of use of the cold/hot soft water to uniformly adjust the softening efficiency of the ion exchange resin, (6) an automatic regeneration mode in which a regeneration time of the ion exchange resin is exactly detected based on the actual amount of use of the cold/hot soft water, and accordingly, regeneration is automatically performed, ⁇ a temperature regulation mode in which a mixture ratio of finally-discharged cold/hot soft water is regulated based on the temperature of the cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water to thereby make the temperature equal to a temperature desired by the user, ® a flow rate regulation mode in which the soft water mode or the running water mode is automatically changed to the regulation mode according to intention of the user to regulate the amount of discharge of the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot running water, (9) a drain mode in which residual regenerated water in the regeneration tank 730 is for
  • the controller 1000 determines whether the amount of use of ion exchange resin of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 is based on the amount of feed of cold/hot raw water which is measured by the measuring unit 280, and if biased, the first valve assembly 350 mutually changes the cold/hot raw water of the first and second raw water feed pipelines Wl and W2 in the progress of the soft water mode and communicates the changed cold/hot raw water to the first and second tank feed pipelines WS and W4.
  • the controller 1000 detects a regeneration time of the ion exchange resin based on the amount of feed of cold/hot raw water which is measured by the measuring unit 280, and if the regeneration time comes, the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 automatically progress the regeneration mode.
  • the controller 1000 compares a temperature set by the user with a temperature of cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water which is measured by the temperature sensor Th, and if a difference therebetween occurs, the second valve assembly 450 regulates a level of communication of the first and second tank discharge pipelines WlO and WIl and the first discharge pipeline W12 for the soft water mode and a level of communication of the first and second raw water communicating pipelines W6 and W7 and the first discharge pipeline W12 for the running water mode such that the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot running water according to an aimed temperature is discharged.
  • the controller 1000 compares a flow rate set by the user with the amount of feed of cold/hot raw water which is measured by the measuring unit 280, and if they match with each other, the soft water or the running mode is switched to the regulation mode to regulate the amount of discharge of cold/hot soft water or cold/hot running water discharged to the hydrant 224 or the shower head 227.
  • the controller 1000 causes the second valve assembly 450 to communicate the drain pipeline W14 with the second discharge pipeline W13 to forcibly drain residual regenerated water in the regeneration tank 730 to the outside.
  • the controller 1000 detects the temperature of the user adjacent to the water softener using the infrared sensor 1020, and according to a preset temperature, causes cold/hot running or cold/hot soft water with temperature appropriate for shower to be discharged through the temperature regulation mode.
  • FIGs. 3 and 4 are front and rear perspective views of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
  • FIGs. 5 and 6 are exploded top and bottom perspective views of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
  • the controller 1000 and the exterior case are not shown in these figures, but will be described in detail in releavant portions.
  • the water softener of the invention includes the tank unit 700 at an upper side, the main body 250 at a lower side, and the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200 which are disposed on the bottom of the main body 250.
  • the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200 are first considered.
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200
  • FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view thereof
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 8.
  • the feed unit 100 has a structure where first and second angle valves 110 and 130 directly connected and fixed to a cold/hot water pipe are respectively connected to first and second elbows 150 and 160 having one ends inserted in the bottom of the main body 250, by first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180.
  • the first and second angle valves 110 and 130 include respectively first and second valve bodies 112 and 132 connected to the cold/hot water pipe via first and second nipples 120 and 140, and first and second valve shafts 124 and 144 that are inserted in the first and second valve bodies 112 and 132 and open/close the cold/hot water pipe when rotated.
  • the first valve body 112 of the first angle valve 110 has a T-shaped structure where a first-3 end 118 is vertically connected between a first-1 end 114 directing to a cold water pipe and a first-2 end 116 opposing the first-1 end 114.
  • the first-1 end 114 is tightly jointed to the first nipple 120 connected to the cold water pipe, and the first-2 end 116 is jointed to a first valve nut 122.
  • the first valve shaft 124 is screwed into the first valve nut 122, a first valve disk 125 mounted on one end of the first valve shaft 124 is inserted in the first valve body 112, and a first handle 126 is jointed to the other end of the first valve shaft 124 exposed outside the first valve nut 122. Accordingly, the first valve shaft 124 and the first valve disk 125 are forward and backward moved within the first valve body 112 by rotation of the first handle 126, closing/opening a first valve sheet 113, which is a communication point of the first-1 and first-3 ends 114 and 118, in relation to the cold water pipe, thereby regulating on/off of cold raw water delivered from the first-1 end 114 to the first-3 end 118.
  • the second valve body 132 of the second angle valve 130 has a T-shaped structure where a second-3 end 138 is vertically connected between a second-1 end 134 directing to a hot water pipe and a second-2 end 136 opposing the second-1 end 134.
  • the second-1 end 134 is tightly jointed to the second nipple 140 connected to the hot water pipe, and the second-2 end 136 is jointed to a second valve nut 142.
  • the second valve shaft 144 is screwed into the second valve nut 142, a second valve disk 145 mounted on one end of the second valve shaft 144 is inserted in the second valve body 132, and a second handle 146 is jointed to the other end of the second valve shaft 144 exposed outside the second valve nut 142.
  • the second valve shaft 144 and the second valve disk 145 are forward and backward moved within the second valve body 132 by rotation of the second handle 146, closing/opening a second valve sheet (not shown), which is a communication point of the second-1 and second-3 ends 134 and 138, in relation to the hot water pipe, thereby regulating on/off of hot raw water delivered from the second-1 end 134 to the second-3 end 138.
  • a second valve sheet (not shown), which is a communication point of the second-1 and second-3 ends 134 and 138, in relation to the hot water pipe, thereby regulating on/off of hot raw water delivered from the second-1 end 134 to the second-3 end 138.
  • the first-3 end 118 of the first valve body 112 faces the second-3 end 138 of the second valve body 132, and a gap between the first and second angle valves 110 and 130 is fixed by a support bar 149 interconnecting the first and second valve bodies 112 and 132, thereby securing the facing condition of the first-3 and second-3 ends 118 and 138.
  • the first and second elbows 150 and 160 having respective on ends 152 and 162 inserted in the bottom of the main body 250 have repsective other ends 154 and 164 that are L-shaped.
  • a fixation frame 169 is jointed to the bottom of the main body 250 so that the first and second elbows 150 and 160 can be tightly fixed to the main body 250.
  • the first and second elbows 150 and 160 may be fixed to the fixation frame 169.
  • the one ends 152 and 162 of the first and second elbows 150 and 160 inserted in the bottom of the main body 250 are referred to as first and second feed ports 152 and 162.
  • Both ends of a first L-shaped connection pipe 170 is slidably inserted in the first-3 end 118 of the first angle valve 110 and the other end 154 of the first elbow 150 to connect the first angle valve 110 to the first elbow 150
  • both ends of a second L-shaped connection pipe 180 is slidably inserted in the second-3 end 138 of the second angle valve 130 and the other end 164 of the second elbow 160 to connect the second angle valve 130 to the second elbow 160.
  • First and second communicating holes 174 and 184 corresponding to the first and second feed ports 152 and 162 of the first and second elbows 150 and 160, respectively, are longitudinally formed along their insertion direction at ends of the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 inserted in the other ends 154 and 164 of the first and second elbows 150 and 160, respectively.
  • at least one 0-ring is interposed between both ends of the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 to increase airtightness.
  • first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 and the first and second elbows 150 and 160 are fixed in their height by the first and second angle valves 110 and 130 directly connected to the cold/hot water pipe, while the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 can be horizontally moved to some degrees from the first and second angle valves 110 and 130 and the first and second elbows 150 and 160 can be forward and backward moved to some degrees from the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180.
  • the water softener of the invention can be always maintained at a constant distance from a wall even at different levels of projection of the cold/hot water pipe from the wall.
  • the first and second communicating holes 174 and 184 of the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 are changed in their position by sliding insertion, the first and second communicating holes 174 and 184 can stably communicate with the first and second feed ports 152 and 162 of the first and second elbows 150 and 160, thereby allowing smooth supply of the cold/hot raw water.
  • the cold raw water is communicated to the first feed port 152 of the first elbow 150 via the first-3 end 118 and the first communicating hole 174 of the first L-shaped connection pipe 170
  • the hot raw water is communicated to the second feed port 162 of the second elbow 160 via the second-3 end 138 and the second communicating hole 184 of the second L-shaped connection pipe 180.
  • a separate adjustment shaft 190 may be provided to minutely adjust the level of insertion between the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 and the first and second elbows 150 and 160 and secure such an adjustment condition.
  • the adjustment shaft 190 may be screwed in the fixation frame 169, and an adjustment handle 192 may be mounted on an end of the adjustment shaft 190 exposed to the front side of the support bar 149.
  • the adjustment handle 192 By rotating the adjustment handle 192 such that the fixation frame 169 gets distant from or close to the support bar 149, the level of insertion between the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 and the first and second elbows 150 and 160 can be minutely adjusted and its adjustment condition can be secured.
  • the support bar 149 acts as a shaft to move the water softener to get distant from or close to the wall, it is preferable to provide a reinforcing rib 149a to increase a strength along a longitudinal direction.
  • the discharge unit 200 has the form of a frame connected to the bottom of the main body 250.
  • the discharge unit 200 includes a discharge port 222 through which regeneration waste water and regenerated water are discharged, and the hydrant 224 and a shower head pipe 226 for providing cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water to the user.
  • the shower head (227 in FIG. 2) is connected to the shower head pipe 226 via a tube or the like.
  • the discharge unit 200 of the water softener of the invention may be an assembly of a frame cover 210 from which first to third connecting ports 212, 214 and 216 project upward, and a frame bottom 220 that is closely adhered to the bottom of the frame cover 210 and completes the hydrant 224 communicating to the second connection port 214 and from which the discharge port 222 and the shower head pipe 226 communicating to the first and third connection ports 212 and 216, respectively, project downward.
  • the hydrant 224 has a slit-shaped ejecting port (see 225 in FIG. 6) and can provide cold/hot soft water or cold/hot running water to the user in the form of a stream having a predetermined width.
  • the top side of the hydrant 224 is downward slanted to cause bouncing water drops to fall downward.
  • an ejecting rib (see 225c in FIG. 6) having a specified length projects downward along an edge of the ejecting port 225 of the hydrant 224 to concentrate a discharge angle of the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water.
  • first and second guides 228a and 228b projecting downward from the bottom of the frame bottom 220 can be slidably inserted in first and second guide grooves 128 and 148 formed on the top side of the first and second angle valves 112 and 132, respectively.
  • first and second angle valves 110 and 130 can be more stably supported on the bottom of the main body 250 through combination of the first and second guides 228a and 228b and the first and second guide grooves 128 and 148, and the insertion of the first and second elbows 150 and 160 in the first and second L-shaped connection pipes 170 and 180 can be guided.
  • the main body 250 is considered.
  • the main body 250 of the water softener of the invention accommodates the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450, the measuring unit 280 and the temperature sensor Th and is fixed on the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200 to support the tank unit 700, as shown in FIGs. 10 and 11 which are exploded perspective views of the main body 250.
  • FIG. 10 is a top exploded perspective view of the main body 250 and
  • FIG. 11 is a bottom exploded perspective view.
  • the main body 250 includes a cover plate 650 on which the tank unit 700 is mounted, a middle plate 550 adhered closely to the bottom of the cover plate 650, a bottom plate 540 adhered closely to a portion of the bottom of the middle plate 550, and a chest-shaped bottom case 260 with its top side opened to closely joint with the middle plate 550.
  • the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450, the measuring unit 280 and the temperature sensor Th are accommodated within the bottom case 260 and the middle plate 550, and the feed unit and the discharge unit 200 are fixedly disposed at the bottom of the bottom case 260.
  • main body 250 Details of the main body 250 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and relevant figures.
  • the bottom case 260 has the form of a chest comprising a side 262 and a bottom 264.
  • the bottom 264 has first to fifth through holes 266, 268, 270, 272 and 274.
  • the first and second feed ports 152 and 162 of the feed unit 100 combined to the bottom of the bottom case 262 are inserted in the first and second through holes 266 and 268, respectively, and the first to third connection ports 212, 214 and 216 of the discharge unit combined to the bottom of the bottom case 260 are inserted in the third to fifth through holes 270, 272 and 274, respectively (see FIGs.7 to 9).
  • a sensor bracket 278 supporting the temperature sensor Th is mounted within the bottom case 260 and is closely fixed to the bottom of the middel plate 550.
  • the measuring unit 280 is mounted within the bottom case 260, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 12.
  • the measuring unit 280 measures the flow rate of cold/hot raw water transmitted from the first and second feed ports 152 and 162 of the feed unit 100 and transmits the cold/hot raw water to first and second middle holes of the middle plate 550, which will be described later.
  • the measuring unit may also act as a pressure reducing valve for reducing pressure the amount of feed of the cold/hot raw water (see FIGs. 7 to 9).
  • the measuring unit 280 includes a body housing 282 and a cover housing 320 covering one side of the body housing 282.
  • First and second inlet pipes 284 and 294 project downward from the body housing 282, and first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300 project upward from the body housing 282.
  • the first and second inlet pipes 284 and 294 are connected to the first and second feed ports 152 and 162 via the first and second through holes 266 and 268 of the bottom case 260, respectively, and the first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300 are inserted in the first and second middle holes of the middle plate 550, respectively (see FIGs. 7 to 9 and 11).
  • a first pressure reducing space 286 and a first flow rate measuring space 288 to interconnect the first inlet pipe 284 and the first outlet pipe 290 are defined to be communicated to each other in the body housing 282
  • a second pressure reducing space 296 and a second flow rate measuring space 298 to interconnect the second inlet pipe 294 and the second outlet pipe 300 are defined to be communicated to each other in the body housing 282.
  • First and second pressure reducing valves (not shown) using a flexible diaphragm such as rubber are mounted in the first and second pressure reducing spaces 286 and 296, respectively, and first and second impellers 302 and 312 rotated with flow of liquid flowing from the first and second inlet pipes 284 and 294 to the first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300, with at least first and second magnets 304 and 314 attached to the first and second impellers 302 and 312, respectively, are mounted in the first and second flow rate measuring spaces 288 and 298, respectively.
  • First and second counters 322 an 324 which respectively correspond to the first and second flow rate measuring spaces 288 and 298 and count the number of rotation of the first and second impellers 302 and 312 depending on proximity of the first and second magnets 304 and 314 attached to the first and second impellers 302 and 312, are attached to the cover housing 320.
  • cold raw water transmitted to the first inlet pipe 284 via the first feed port 152 of the feed unit 100 is communicated to the first outlet pipe 290 through the first pressure reducing space 286 and first flow rate measuring space 288 of the measuring unit 280
  • hot raw water transmitted to the second inlet pipe 294 via the second feed port 162 of the feed unit 100 is communicated to the second outlet pipe 300 through the second pressure reducing space 296 and second flow rate measuring space 298.
  • the amount of feed of cold/hot raw water can be measured and controlled through the first and second pressure reducing valves.
  • details of the measuring unit 280 enabling the measurement and adjustment of the flow rate of cold/hot raw water are disclosed in Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2004-50984 and 10-2004-15194, both of which are owned by the present applicant.
  • the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 are mounted in the bottom case 260.
  • FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450.
  • the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 include, respectively, first and second motors 354 and 454 having respective rotation axes 352 and 452, first and second main gears 356 and 456 combined to and rotating along with the first and second rotation axes 352 and 452, first and second auxiliary gears 358 and 458 engaging with the first and second main gears 356 and 456, first and second rotating flanges 360 and 460 combined to and rotating along with the first and second auxiliary gears 358 and 458 and having a plurality of first and second mark grooves tl and t2 along their edges, first and second rotating shafts 366 and 466 combined upright to the centers of the first and second auxiliary gears 358 and 458, first and second gear covers 362 and 462 covering the first and second main gears 356 and 456, the first and second auxiliary gears 358 and 458 and the first and second rotating flanges 360 and 460, with
  • a plurality of first and second fixing ends 372 and 472 project upward from the first and second disk brackets 370 and 470, respectively, and a plurality of first and second fixing grooves 382 and 482 in which the first and second fixing ends 372 and 472 are respectively inserted are provided in the bottom of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 in order to prevent an idling rotation.
  • first and second fixing disks 390 and 490 are respectively provided with a plurality of first and second disk holes fixed closely to the bottom of the middle plate 550, and, on the top of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 are provided at least first and second rotating passages, respectively, to interconnect the first and second disk holes of the first and second fixing disks 390 and 490 by rotation of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480.
  • FIGs. 14 and 15 are a plan view and a bottom view of the middle plate 550, respectively, showing the top side adhered closely to the cover plate 650 and the bottom side directing to the bottom case 260, respectively.
  • the middle plate 550 is generally divided into three regions including a passage region K to which the bottom plate 540 is closely adhered, a first circular disk region L to which the first fixing disk 390 is closely adhered, a second circular disk region M to which the second fixing disk 490 is closely adhered, and other outer region.
  • First and second cylindrical partitions 551a and 551b surrounding edges of the first and second disk regions L and M project downward at a specified height from the bottom of the middle plate 550. These partitions 551a and 551b accommodate and fix the first and second fixing disks 390 and 490 and prevent the central axes of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 from being deviated when the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 are rotated.
  • first and second middle holes 552 and 556, seventh to ninth middle holes 568, 572 and 576, and a temperature sensor hole 580 are penetrated in the outer region, and third to sixth middle holes 560, 562, 564 and 566 are penetrated in the passage region K.
  • the first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300 of the measuring unit 280 are respectively inserted in the first and second middle holes 552 and 556 for feed of cold/hot raw water.
  • the first and second middle holes 552 and 556 include first and second guide holes 554 and 558 for tight insertion and fixation, respectively.
  • first and second check valves (see Cl and C2 in FIGs. 10 and 11) to prevent the cold/hot raw water from flowing backward may be interposed between the first and second outlet pipes 290 and 300 of the measuring unit 280 and the first and second middle holes 552 and 556, respectively.
  • the seventh middle hole 568 extends downward to a discharge pipe 570 below the seventh middle hole 568 and is connected to the first connection port 212 of the discharge unit 200, and the eighth and ninth middle holes 572 and 576 respectively extend downward to a hydrant connecting pipe 574 and a shower head connecting pipe 578 below the eighth and ninth middle holes 572 and 576 and are respectively connected to the second and third connection ports 214 and 216 of the discharge unit 200.
  • the bottom plate 540 is closely combined to the passage region K.
  • a first middle passage 561 interconnecting the third and fourth middle holes 560 and 562 and a second middle passage 565 interconnecting the fifth and sixth middle holes 564 and 566 are defined by the close combination of the bottom plate 540 and the passage region K.
  • third and fourth check valves C3 and C4 are disposed at the third and fifth middle holes 560 and 564, respectively, and a so-called 'vibration fusion' may be used for close combination of the middle plate 550 and the bottom plate 540.
  • first disk holes i.e., lst-1 to lst-9 disk holes 582, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596, and 598, are formed in order in a counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14 (clockwise direction of FIG. 15) along an edge of the first disk region L.
  • a first distribution passage 597 extending the lst-8 disk hole 596 is formed in the bottom of the first disk region L.
  • the first distribution passage 597 has a first end 597a extending the lst-8 disk hole 596 between the lst-2 disk hole 584 and the lst-3 disk hole 586 and a second end 597b extending the lst-8 disk hole 596 between the lst-4 disk hole 588 and the lst-5 disk hole 590.
  • a sealed buffer hole H is located between the lst-4 disk hole 588 and the second end 597b of the first distribution passage 597.
  • the lst-1 disk hole 582 is located in a 6 o'clock direction of FIG. 14 (12 o'clock direction of FIG. 15), that is, in a position closest to the front side.
  • the lst-1 disk hole 582, the lst-2 disk hole 584, the first end 597a of the distribution passage 597, the lst-3 and lst-4 disk holes 586 and 588, the buffer hole H, he second end 597b of the distribution passage 597, and the lst-5 to lst-9 disk holes 590, 592, 594, 596 and 597 are arranged in order in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14 (the clockwise direction of FIG.
  • a plurality of second disk holes i.e., 2nd-l to 2nd-6 disk holes 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 and 612, are formed in order in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14 (clockwise direction of FIG. 15) along an edge of the second disk region M.
  • a second distribution passage 609 extending the 2nd-4 disk hole 608 is formed in the bottom of the second disk region M.
  • the second distribution passage 609 has one end 609a extending the 2nd-4 disk hole 608 between the 2nd-l disk hole 602 and the 2nd-2 disk hole 604.
  • the 2nd-l disk hole 602 is in a position closest to the front side.
  • the 2nd-l disk hole 602, one end 609a of the second distribution passage 609, and the 2nd-2 and 2nd ⁇ 6 disk holes 604, 606, 608, 610 and 612 are arranged in order in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 14 (the clockwise direction of FIG. 15) along the edge of the second disk region M.
  • These elements have the same radius and distance for the center of the second disk region M, which is a rotation axis of the second rotating disk 490.
  • FIGs. 16 and 17 are a plan view and a bottom view of the cover plate 650, respectively.
  • 1st to 13th cover holes 652 to 676 are penetrated in the cover plate 650.
  • the 1st cover hole 652 is connected to the lst-2 disk hole 584 of the middle plate 550
  • the 2nd cover hole 654 is connected to the lst-3 disk hole 586 of the middle plate 550
  • the 3rd cover hole 656 is connected to the lst-7 disk hole 594 of the middle plate 550
  • the 4th cover hole 658 is connected to the lst-9 disk hole 598 of the middle plate 550
  • the 6th cover hole 662 is connected to the 5th middle hole 564 of the middle plate 550
  • the 7th cover hole 664 is connected to the 4th middle hole 562 of the middle plate 550
  • the 8th cover hole 666 is connected to the 6th middle hole 566 of the middle plate 550
  • the 9th cover hole 668 is connected to the 2nd-4 disk hole 608 of the middle plate 550.
  • 1st to 10th cover passages 680 to 698 are provided in the bottom of the cover plate 650.
  • the 1st cover passage 680 communicates the 1st middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 to the lst-1, lst-4 and lst-6 disk holes 582, 588 and 592
  • the 2nd cover passage 682 communicates the 2nd middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 to the lst-8 disk hole 596
  • the 3rd cover passage 684 communicates the 9th cover hole 668 and the lst-5 disk hole 590 of the middle plate 550 to the 2nd ⁇ 4 disk hole 608
  • the 4th cover passage 686 communicates the 6th cover hole 662 to the 3rd and 5th middle holes 560 and 564 of the middle plate 550
  • the 5th cover passage 688 communicates the 5th cover hole 660 to the 2nd-6 disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550
  • the 6th cover passage 690 communicates the 2nd-l and 2nd-2
  • the tank unit 700 of the water softener of the invention includes the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 disposed in parallel with the regeneration tank 730 therebetween.
  • the switch valve 900 is mounted at a proper site on the bottom of the regeneration tank 730, which will be described in detail later.
  • the top and bottom of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 and the regeneration tank 730 are sealed by a top cover 850 and a tank plate 760, respectively, and first and second throughout holes 732 and 734 are longitudinally formed between the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 and the regeneration tank 730, respectively. Through these throughout holes 732 and 734, cold/hot raw water and regenerated water in the main body 250 are respectively fed into the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 in the soft water mode and the regeneration mode.
  • FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the tank unit 700.
  • the tank unit 700 includes a tank plate 760 to seal the bottom of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 and the regeneration tank 730, and the tank plate 760 is formed with first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 and 1st to 8th tank holes 766 to 780.
  • the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 are respectively communicated to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720
  • the first tank hole 766 is communicated to the first throughout hole 732 of the tank unit 730
  • the second tank hole 768 is communicated to the second throughout hole 734 of the tank unit 730 and the 8th cover hole 666 of the cover plate 650
  • the third tank hole 770 is communicated to the regeneration tank 730
  • the 4th tank hole 772 is communicated to the regeneration tank 730 and the 6th cover hole 662 of the cover plate 650
  • the 5th tank hole 774 is communicated to the switch valve 900
  • the 6th tank hole 776 is communicated to the switch valve 900 and the 12th cover hole 674 of the cover plate 650
  • the 7th tank hole 778 is communicated to the switch valve 900 and the 13th cover hole 676 of the cover plate 650
  • the 8th tank hole 780 is communicated to the regeneration tank 730.
  • first to 8th tank passages 782 to 796 are defined in the bottom of the tank plate 760.
  • the first tank passage 782 communicates the first discharge hole 762 to the third and 5th cover holes 656 and 660 of the cover plate 650
  • the second tank passage 784 communicates the second discharge hole 764 to the 9th cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650
  • the third tank passage 786 communicates the first tank hole 766 to the first cover hole 652 of the cover plate 650
  • the 4th tank passage 788 communicates the second tank hole 768 to the 4th cover hole 658 of the cover plate 650
  • the 5th tank passage 790 communicates the first tank hole 766 to the 7th cover hole 664 of the cover plate 650
  • the 6th tank passage 792 communicates the third tank hole 770 to the second cover hole 654 of the cover plate 650
  • the 7th tank passage 794 communicates the 5th tank hole 774 to the 11th cover hole 672 of the cover plate 650
  • the 8th tank passage 796 communicates the
  • FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover 850
  • FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3
  • FIG. 21 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG.3.
  • the top cover 850 may include a lead plate 852 sealing the top of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 and he regeneration tank 730, and first and second lead covers 870 and 880 combined to the top of the lead plate 852.
  • the lead plate 852 is formed with first and second soft water inlet holes 854 and 856 corresponding to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720, respectively, regeneration tank inlet hole 858 corresponding to the regeneration tank 730, and first and second passage holes 862 and 864 corresponding to the first and second throughout holes 732 and 734, respectively.
  • a cylindrical guide flange 860 extending upward the regeneration tank inlet hole 858 projects upward from the top of the lead plate 852 and is sealed by a regeneration tank cap 866. Accordingly, the regeneration tank cap 866 can be opened to input and supplement regeneration material in the regeneration tank 730.
  • a first lead cover 870 covering the first soft water tank inlet hole 854 and the first passage hole 862 and a second lead cover 880 covering the second soft water tank inlet hole 856 and the second passage hole 864 are combined to the lead plate 852.
  • the first and second lead covers 870 and 880 include, respectively, first and second cylindrical filter guides 872 and 882 adhered closely to the top of the lead plate 852 to extend upward the first and second soft water tank inlet holes 854 and 856, and first and second passage housings 874 and 884 covering the first and second passage holes 862 and 864 and being adhered closely to the top of the lead plate 852, surrounding the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, to define first and second ring-shaped internal passages extending the first and second passage holes 862 and 864.
  • a first filter region connected to the first soft water tank inlet hole 854 and the first soft water tank 710 by the first filter guide 872 is defined inside the first lead cover 870, and the first ring-shaped internal passage connected to the first passage hole 862 by the first passage housing 874 is defined along the circumference of the first filter region.
  • a second filter region connected to the second soft water tank inlet hole 856 and the second soft water tank 720 by the second filter guide 882 is defined inside the second lead cover 880, and the second ring-shaped internal passage connected to the second passage hole 864 by the second passage housing 884 is defined along the circumference of the second filter region.
  • a plurality of first and second inflow holes 876 and 886 connected respectively to the first and second internal passages are respectively formed on circumferences of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, and first and second pre-filters 892 and 894 are respectively mounted in the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, and the first and second filter guides 872 and 882 are respectively sealed by first and second soft water tank caps 878 and 888.
  • cold/hot raw water and regenerated water fed into the first and second throughout holes 732 and 734 of the tank unit 700 are respectively introduced into the first and second passage housings 874 and 884 via the first and second passage holes 862 and 864, respectively introduced into the first and second filter guides 872 and 882 via the first and second inflow holes 876 and 886, and then, respectively fed into the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 via the first and second pre-filters 892 and 894.
  • Forming a plurality of first and second inflow holes 876 and 886 on the circumferences of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882 with constant intervals is advantageous to inflow of cold/hot raw water and regenerated water.
  • first and second pre-filters 892 and 894 may have a cylindrical shape adhered closely to inner sides of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, respectively.
  • first and second diffusion plates 879 and 889 are additionally provided at a constant interval in the bottom of the first and second filter guides 872 and 882, respectively, so that the cold/hot raw water and the regenerated water that passes through the first and second pre-filters 892 and 894 can be diffused and fall over the overall area of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720.
  • the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 and the first to 8th tank holes 766 to 780 of the tank plate 760 are properly connected to the lst-1 to lst-9 disk holes 582, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596 and 598 and 2nd-l to 2nd-6 disk holes 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 and 612 of the middle plate 550 by the medium of the first to 8th tank passages 782 to 796 of the tank plate 760 and the first to 13th cover holes 652 to 676 and first to 10th cover passages 680 to 698 of the cover plate 650, and similarly, the first to 9th middle holes 552, 556, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 572 and 576 of the middle plate 550 are properly connected to the lst-1 to lst-9 disk holes 5
  • the first fixing disk 390 of the first valve assembly 350 having the plurality of first fixing holes is fixed closely to the first disk region L on the bottom of the middle plate 550, and the first rotating disk 380 having at least one first rotating passage is rotated closely in one side of the first fixing disk 390 to properly communicate the plurality of first fixing holes each other for each operation mode.
  • the second fixing disk 490 of the second valve assembly 450 having the plurality of second fixing holes is fixed closely to the second disk region M on the bottom of the middle plate 550, and the second rotating disk 480 having at least one second rotating passage is rotated closely in one side of the second fixing disk 490 to properly communicate the plurality of second fixing holes each other for each operation mode.
  • all the operation modes of the water softener can be determined and controlled by changing relative position of the first and second rotating passages depending on the rotation of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480.
  • first rotating and fixing disks 380 and 390 and second rotating an fixing disks 480 and 490 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 whose description has been reserved will be described with reference to relevant figures.
  • FIGs. 22 and 23 are a plan view and a bottom view of the first fixing disk 390, respectively, showing the top of the first fixing disk 390 adhered closely to the first disk region L on the bottom of the middle plate 550, and the bottom of the first fixing disk 390.
  • first fixing holes i.e., a lst-1 fixing hole 392 corresponding to the lst-1 disk hole 582 of the middle plate 550, a lst-2 fixing hole 394 corresponding to the lst-2 disk hole 584 of the middle plate 550, a lst-3 fixing hole 396 corresponding to the first end 597a of the first distribution passage 597 of the middle plate 550, a lst-4 fixing hole 398 corresponding to the lst ⁇ 3 disk hole 586 of the middle plate 550, a lst ⁇ 5 fixing hole 400 corresponding to the lst ⁇ 4 disk hole 588 of the middle plate 550, a lst-6 fixing hole 402 corresponding to the lst-5 disk hole 590 of the middle plate 550, a lst-7 fixing hole 404 corresponding to the lst-6 disk hole 592 of the middle plate 550,
  • first oil grooves 412 are provided in the bottom of the first fixing disk 390 in addition to the lst-1 to lst-10 fixing holes 392 to 410. These first oil grooves 412 serve for watertight and lubrication by an oil film when the first fixing disk 390 is adhered closely to the first rotating disk 380 which will be described below. A small quantity of oil is stored in the first oil groves 412.
  • FIG. 24 is a plan view of the first rotating disk 380, showing the top of the first rotating disk 380 adhered closely to the first fixing disk 390.
  • At least one first rotating passage including groove-shaped lst-1 and lst-2 rotating passages 384 and 386 is provided in the top of the first fixing disk 380.
  • the lst-1 and lst-2 rotating passages 384 and 386 properly interconnect the lst-1 to lst-10 fixing holes 392 to 410 of the first fixing disk 390 by the rotation of the first rotating disk 380.
  • FIGs. 25 and 26 are a plan view and a bottom view of the second fixing disk 490, respectively, showing the top of the second fixing disk 490 adhered closely to the second disk region M on the bottom of the middle plate 550, and the bottom of the second fixing disk 490.
  • the second fixing disk 490 are formed a plurality of second fixing holes, i.e., a 2nd-l fixing hole 492 corresponding to the 2nd-l disk hole 602 of the middle plate 550, a 2nd-2 fixing hole 494 corresponding to one end 609a of the second distribution passage 609 of the middle plate 550, a 2nd ⁇ 3 fixing hole 496 corresponding to the 2nd-2 disk hole 604 of the middle plate 550, a 2nd-4 fixing hole 498 corresponding to the 2nd-3 disk hole 606 of the middle plate 550, a 2nd-5 fixing hole 500 corresponding to the 2nd-4 disk hole 608 of the middle plate 550, a 2nd ⁇ 6 fixing hole 502 corresponding to the 2nd-5 disk hole 610 of the middle plate 550, and a 2nd-7 fixing hole 504 corresponding to the 2nd-6 disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550, and a groove 501 that has the same shape as the above fixing holes and corresponds to the second distribution passage 609 of the
  • first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 that decrease width of the 2nd ⁇ 5 fixing hole 500 and the 2nd ⁇ 7 fixing hole 504 toward the center of the 2nd-6 fixing hole 502, and second oil grooves 510 separately from the 2nd ⁇ l to 2nd-7 fixing holes 492 to 504 and the first and second taper grooves 506 and 508.
  • These second oil grooves 510 serve for watertight and lubrication by an oil film when the second fixing disk 490 is adhered closely to the second rotating disk 480 which will be described below. A small quantity of oil is stored in the second oil groves 510.
  • FIG. 27 is a plan view of the second rotating disk 480, showing the top of the second rotating disk 480 adhered closely to the bottom of the second fixing disk 490.
  • a 2nd-l rotating passage 482 is formed on the top of the second rotating disk 480.
  • the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 properly connects the 2nd-l to 2nd-7 fixing holes 492 to 504 and first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 of the second fixing disk 490 by the rotation of the second rotating disk 480.
  • FIGs. 28 to 33 are schematic views illustrating the holes and the passages of the tank plate 760, the cover plate 650 and the middle plate 550 when viewed from top to bottom.
  • the tank plate 760, the cover plate 650 and the middle plate 550 are respectively depicted in top, middle and bottom of each figure in order to show mutual interconnection relationship for each operation mode, and reference numerals of parts independent of flow of liquid in relevant modes are omitted to avoid confusion.
  • a switch valve 910 of the discharge unit 900 plays a role of regulating the fifth tank hole 774 of the tank plate 760 or selectively connecting the fifth tank hole 774 to one of the 6th and 7th tank holes 776 and 778.
  • FIG. 28 shows the soft water mode, where liquid moving paths are comparatively thickly depicted for convenience's sake.
  • the lst-1 rotating passage 384 of the first rotating disk 380 interconnects the lst ⁇ 9 fixing hole 408 and the lst-10 fixing hole 410 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst-2 rotating passage 386 interconnects the lst-1 fixing hole 392 and the lst-2 fixing hole 394 of the first fixing disk 390.
  • Cold raw water fed into the first water inlet pipe 284 and the first water outlet pipe 290 of the measuring unit 280 from an external cold water pipe through the first feed port 152 of the feed unit 100 is transferred to the first cover passage 680 of the cover plate 650 via the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 and then transferred to the lst-1, lst-4 and lst-6 disk holes 582, 588 and 592 of the middle plate 550.
  • the lst-1 disk hole 582 of the middle plate 550 is communicated to the lst-1 fixing hole 392 of the first fixing disk 390, the lst-1 fixing hole 392 is connected to the lst-2 fixing hole 394 by the lst-2 rotating passage 386 of the first rotating disk 380, the lst-2 disk hole 584 is connected to the third tank passage 786 of the tank plate 760 via the first cover hole 652 of the cover plate 650, and the third tank passage 786 is connected to the first throughout hole 732 of the tank unit 700 via the first tank hole 760.
  • the cold raw water is fed into the first soft water tank 710 via the first throughout hole 732 and the first passage hole 862 and first inflow hole 876 of the lead plate 852.
  • hot raw water fed into the second water inlet pipe 294 and the second water outlet pipe 300 of the measuring unit 280 from an external hot water pipe through the second feed port 162 of the feed unit 100 is transferred to the lst ⁇ 8 disk hole 596 and first distribution passage 597 of the middle plate 550 via the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 and the second cover passage 682 of the cover plate 650.
  • the lst ⁇ 8 disk hole 596 is connected to the lst-9 fixing hole 408 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst ⁇ 9 fixing hole 408 is connected to the lst-10 fixing hole 410 by the lst-1 rotating passage 384 of the first rotating disk 380
  • the lst-10 fixing hole 410 is connected to the lst-9 disk hole 598 of the middle plate 550.
  • the hot water is transferred to the fourth tank passage 788 of the tank plate 760 via the lst-disk hole 598 and the fourth cover hole 658 of the cover plate 650, and subsequently is fed into the second soft water tank via the second tank hole 768, the second throughout hole 734 of the tank unit 700, and the second passage hole 864 and second inflow hole 886 of the lead plate 852.
  • the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 interconnects the 2nd-6 fixing hole 502 and some of the first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 of the second fixing disk 490.
  • the cold soft water of the first soft water tank 710 is transferred to the 2nd-6 disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550 via the first discharge hole 762 and first tank passage 782 of the tank plate 760 and the fifth cover hole 660 and fifth cover passage 688 of the cover plate 650, while the hot soft water of the second soft water tank 720 is transferred to the 2nd ⁇ 4 disk hole 608 of the middle plate 550 via the second discharge hole 764 and second tank passage 784 of the tank plate 760 and the 9th cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650.
  • the 2nd ⁇ 6 disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550 is connected to the 2nd-7 fixing hole 504 and second taper groove 508 of the second fixing disk 490
  • the 2nd-4 disk hole 608 of the middle plate 550 is connected to the 2nd-5 fixing hole 500 and first taper groove 506 of the second fixing disk 490
  • the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 interconnects the 2nd-6 fixing hole 502 and some of the first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 of the second fixing disk 490
  • the cold soft water and the hot soft water are mixed in the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 and then is transferred to the switch valve 900 via the 2nd ⁇ 6 fixing hole 502 of the second fixing disk 490, the 2nd-5 disk hole 610 of the middle plate 550, the 7th cover passage 692 and 11th cover hole 672 of the cover plate 650, and the 7th tank passage 794 and 5th tank hole 774 of the tank plate 760.
  • the switch valve 900 regulates the 5th tank hole 774 or selectively connects the fifth tank hole 774 to one of the 6th and 7th tank holes 776 and 778
  • the cold/hot soft water are provided to a user via the 12th cover hole 674 and 8th cover passage 694 of the cover plate 650, the 8th middle hole 572 and hydrant connecting pipe 574 of the middle plate 550, and the second connection port 214 and hydrant 224 of the discharge unit 200
  • the cold/hot soft water are provided to a user via the 13th cover hole 676 and 9th cover passage 696 of the cover plate 650, the 9th middle hole 576 and shower head connecting pipe 578 of the middle plate 550, and the third connection port 216 and shower head pipe 226 of the discharge unit 200.
  • a user may use the cold/hot soft water discharged through the shower head 227 connected to the hydrant 224 or the shower head pipe 226 by direct manipulation of the switch valve 900.
  • FIG. 29 shows the running water mode, where liquid moving paths are comparatively thickly depicted for convenience's sake.
  • the lst-1 rotating passage 384 interconnects the lst-6 fixing hole 402 and lst-7 fixing hole 404 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst-2 rotating passage 386 interconnects the lst-8 fixing hole 406 and lst-9 fixing hole 408 of the first fixing disk 390.
  • the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 interconnects the 2nd-6 fixing hole 502 and some of the first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 of the second fixing disk 490.
  • the cold raw water fed into the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 is transferred to the lst-1, lst-4 and lst-6 disk holes 584, 588 and 592 of the middle plate 550 via the first cover passage 680 of the cover plate 650.
  • the lst-6 disk hole 592 is connected to the lst-7 fixing hole 404 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst-7 fixing hole 404 is connected to the lst-6 fixing hole 402 by the lst-1 rotating passage 384 of the first rotating disk 380
  • the lst-6 fixing hole 402 is connected to the lst-5 disk hole 590 of the middle plate 550
  • the cold raw water is transferred to the 2nd-4 disk hole 608 of the middle plate 550 via the 3rd cover passage 694 and 9th cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650.
  • the hot raw water fed into the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 is transferred to the lst-8 disk holes 596 and first distribution passage 597 of the middle plate 550 via the second cover passage 682 of the cover plate 650.
  • the lst ⁇ 8 disk hole 596 is connected to the lst-9 fixing hole 408 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst-9 fixing hole 408 is connected to the lst-8 fixing hole 406 by the lst-2 rotating passage 386 of the first rotating disk 380
  • the lst-8 fixing hole 406 is connected to the lst-7 disk hole 594 of the middle plate 550
  • the hot raw water is transferred to the 2nd-6 disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550 via the 3rd cover hole 656 of the cover plate 650, the 1st tank passage 782 of the tank plate 760, and the 5th cover hole 660 and 5th cover passage 688 of the cover plate 650.
  • the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 interconnects the 2nd-6 fixing hole 502 and some of the first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 of the second fixing disk 490, the cold/hot raw water is mixed in the 2nd ⁇ l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 and is transferred to the switch valve 900 via the 2nd-6 fixing hole 502 of the second fixing disk 490, the 2nd-5 disk hole 610 of the middle plate 550, the 7th cover passage 692 and 11th cover hole 672 of the cover plate 650, and the 7th tank passage 794 and 5th tank hole 774 of the tank plate 760.
  • the cold/hot running water as the cold/hot raw water is provided to a user via the 12th cover hole 674 and 8th cover passage 694 of the cover plate 650, the 8th middle hole 572 and hydrant connecting pipe 574 of the middle plate 550, and the second connection port 214 and hydrant 224 of the discharge unit 200, while, if the 5th and 7th tank holes 774 and 778 are interconnected, the cold/hot running water is provided to a user via the 13th cover hole 676 and 9th cover passage 696 of the cover plate 650, the 9th middle hole 576 and shower head connecting pipe 578 of the middle plate 550, and the third connection port 216 and shower head pipe 226 of the discharge unit 200.
  • a user may use the cold/hot running water discharged through the shower head 227 connected to the hydrant 224 or the shower head pipe 226 by direct manipulation of the switch valve 900. 3. Regeneration Mode
  • FIG. 30 shows the regeneration mode, where liquid moving paths are comparatively thickly depicted for convenience's sake.
  • the lst-1 rotating passage 384 interconnects the lst-4 fixing hole 398 and lst-5 fixing hole 400 of the first fixing disk 390, but the lst-2 rotating passage 386 is not connected to any hole of the first fixing disk 390.
  • the lst-2 rotating passage 482 interconnects the 2nd-l fixing hole 492, 2nd-2 fixing hole 494 and 2nd-7 fixing hole 504 of the second fixing disk 490.
  • the cold raw water fed into the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 is transferred to the lst-1, lst-4 and lst-6 disk holes 582, 588 and 592 of the middle plate 550 via the first cover passage 680 of the cover plate 650.
  • the cold raw water is transferred to the regeneration tank 730 via the 2nd cover hole 654 of the cover plate 650 and the 6th tank passage 792 and 3rd tank hole 770 of the tank plate 760.
  • regenerated water is discharged from the 4th tank hole 772 of the tank plate 740 and is transferred to the 6th cover hole 662 and 4th cover passage 686 of the cover plate 650, and the 3rd and 5th middle holes 560 and 564, first and second middle passages 561 and 565 and 4th and 6th middle holes 562 and 566 of the middle plate 550, subsequently transferred to the 7th and 8th cover holes 664 and 666 of the cover plate 650 and the 5th tank passage 790, first tank hole 766 and second tank hole 768 of the tank plate 760, and then fed into the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 via the first and second throughout holes 732 and 734 of the tank unit 700 and the first and second passage holes 862 and 864 and second and 4th inflow holes 876 and 886 of the lead plate 852.
  • the hot raw water fed into the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 is transferred to the lst-8 disk hole 596 and first distribution passage 597 of the middle plate 550 via the second cover passage of the cover plate 650, the hot raw water is regulated since there is no later moving path for the hot raw water.
  • regeneration waste water of the first soft water tank 710 is transferred to the 2nd ⁇ 7 fixing hole 504 of the second fixing disk 490 via the first discharge hole 762 and first tank passage 782 of the tank plate 760, the 5th cover hole 660 and 5th cover passage 688 of the cover plate 650, and the 2nd-6 disk hole 612 of the middle plate 550
  • regeneration waste water of the second soft water tank 720 is transferred to the 2nd-2 fixing hole 494 of the second fixing disk 490 via the second discharge hole 764 and second tank passage 784 of the tank plate 760, the 9th cover hole 668 of the cover plate 650, and the 2nd-4 disk hole 608 and second distribution passage 609 of the middle plate 550.
  • the regeneration waste water is mixed in the 2nd ⁇ l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 and then is discharged to the outside through the 2nd-l fixing hole 492 of the second fixing disk 490, the 6th cover passage 690 of the cover plate 650, the 7th middle hole 568 and discharge pipe 570 of the middle plate 550, and the first connecting port 212 and discharge port 222 of the discharge unit 200.
  • the lst-4 fixing hole 398 of the first fixing disk 390, the lst-3 disk hole 586 of the middle plate 550 and so on have a diameter smaller than those of other holes.
  • the diameter is smaller than several mm, preferably, 0.5 to 2 mm.
  • FIG. 31 shows the regulation mode, where liquid moving paths are comparatively thickly depicted for convenience's sake.
  • the lst-1 rotating passage 384 is connected to only the lst-5 fixing hole 400 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst-2 rotating passage 386 is connected to only the lst ⁇ 6 fixing hole 402 of the first fixing disk 390.
  • the cold raw water fed into the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550 is transferred to the lst-1, lst-4 and lst-6 disk holes 582, 588 and 592 of the middle plate 550 via the first cover passage 680 of the cover plate 650, the cold raw water is regulated since there is no later moving path for the cold raw water.
  • hot raw water fed into the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550 is transferred to the lst-8 disk hole 596 and first distribution passage 597 of the middle plate 550 via the second cover passage 682 of the cover plate 650, the hot raw water is regulated since there is no later moving path for the hot raw water.
  • the rotation of the second rotating disk 480 has nothing to do with this mode.
  • the water softener of the invention goes in the regulation mode in which all flow of liquid including the feed of the cold/hot raw water is stopped.
  • FIG. 32 shows the cold/hot change mode, where liquid moving paths are comparatively thickly depicted for convenience's sake.
  • the lst-1 rotating passage 384 interconnects the lst-1 and lst-10 fixing holes 392 and 410 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst-2 rotating passage 386 interconnects the lst-2 and lst-3 fixing holes 394 and 396 of the first fixing disk 390.
  • the 2nd ⁇ l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 interconnects the 2nd-6 fixing hole 502 and some of the first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 of the second fixing disk 490.
  • cold raw water is fed into the second soft water tank 720 via the first middle hole 552 of the middle plate 550, the first cover passage 680 of the cover plate 650, the lst-1 disk hole 582 of the middle plate 550, the lst-1 fixing hole 392 of the first fixing disk 390, the lst-1 rotating passage 384 of the first rotating disk 380, the lst-10 fixing hole 410 of the first fixing disk 360, the lst-9 disk hole 598 of the middle plate 550, the 4th cover hole 658 of the cover plate 650, the 4th tank passage 788 and second tank hole 768 of the tank plate 760, the second throughout hole 734 of the tank unit 700, and the second passage hole 872 and second inflow hole 886 of the lead plate 852.
  • hot raw water is fed into the first soft water tank 710 via the second middle hole 556 of the middle plate 550, the second cover passage 682 of the cover plate 650, the lst-8 disk hole 596 and first end 597a of the distribution passage 597 of the middle plate 550, the lst-3 fixing hole 396 of the first fixing disk 390, the lst-2 rotating passage 386 of the first rotating disk 380, the lst-2 fixing hole 394 of the first fixing disk 360, the lst-2 disk hole 594 of the middle plate 550, the first cover hole 652 of the cover plate 650, the 3rd tank passage 786 and first tank hole 766 of the tank plate 760, the first throughout hole 732 of the tank unit 700, and the first passage hole 862 and first inflow hole 876 of the lead plate 852.
  • the cold/hot change mode is different from the soft water mode in that the cold raw water is fed into the second soft water tank 720 and the hot raw water is fed into the first soft water tank 710, which results in interchange of the cold/hot raw water between the first and second soft tanks 710 and 720.
  • the hot soft water of the first soft water tank 710 is transferred to the first discharge hole 762 of the tank plate 760 and the cold soft water of the second soft water tank 710 is transferred to the second discharge hole 382 of the tank plate 760, with the same subsequent moving path as the soft mode, so that a user can obtain the cold/hot soft water discharged through the shower head 227 connected to the hydrant 224 or the shower head pipe 226 by direct manipulation of the switch valve 900.
  • the automatic regeneration mode is a mode in which the regulation mode, the regeneration mode and the regulation mode of the four basic modes are performed in order.
  • the automatic regeneration mode it can be seen from the above description without a separate figure that the automatic regeneration can be performed by rotation of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480.
  • the flow regulation mode is a mode in which the specified amount of the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water is discharged in the soft water mode and the running water mode and these modes change to the regulation mode.
  • the automatic regeneration can be performed by rotation of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480.
  • the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water supplied to the user in the soft water mode, the running water mode and the cold/hot change mode pass through the temperature sensor Th inserted in the temperature sensor hole 580 of the middle plate 550 in the course of the 7th cover passage 692 of the cover plate 650 (see FIGs. 11a, lib, 12a and 12b).
  • a degree of rotation of the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480 can be controlled to regulate a degree of opening/closing relative to the first and second taper grooves 506 and 508 of the second fixing disk 490, so that a mixture ratio of the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot running water finally discharged is properly adjusted to an intended temperature.
  • FIG. 33 shows the drain mode, where liquid moving paths are comparatively thickly depicted for convenience's sake.
  • This mode has the assumption that this mode is performed in the regulation mode of the basic modes described earlier.
  • the lst-1 rotating passage 384 is connected to only the lst-5 fixing hole 400 of the first fixing disk 390
  • the lst-2 rotating passage 386 is connected to only the lst-6 fixing hole 402 of the first fixing disk 390.
  • the 2nd ⁇ l rotating passage 482 interconnects the 2nd-3 and 2nd ⁇ 4 fixing holes 496 and 498 of the second fixing disk 490.
  • regenerated water in the regeneration tank 730 can be discharged to the outside via the 8th tank hole 780 and 8th tank passage 796 of the tank plate 760, the 10th cover hole 670 and 10 cover passage 698 of the cover plate 650, the 2nd-3 disk hole 606 of the middle plate 550, the 2nd-4 fixing hole 498 of the second fixing disk 490, the 2nd-l rotating passage 482 of the second rotating disk 480, the 2nd ⁇ 3 fixing hole 496 of the second fixing disk 490, the 2nd-4 disk hole 604 of the middle plate 550, the 6th cover passage 690 of the cover plate 650, the 7th middle hole 569 and discharge pipe 570 of the middle plate 550, and the first connecting port 212 and discharge port 222 of the discharge unit 200. Accordingly, the internal pressure of the regeneration tank 730 can be lowered by forcibly draining out regenerated water in the regeneration tank 730.
  • the controller 100 of the water softener of the invention includes the infrared sensor 1020 for sensing the temperature of a user adjacent to the water softener. Based on a result of sensing of the infrared sensor 1020, the controller 100 performs the temperature regulation mode according to a preset criterion to cause cold/hot soft water or cold/hot running water having the temperature most suitable for shower to be supplied through the hydrant 224 or the shower head 224. For reference, it is known that the temperature of water to make a user feel most comfortable when the user takes a shower is about temperature of the person ⁇ 2°C.
  • the controller 100 detects the temperature of the user by means of the infrared sensor 1020 and causes cold/hot soft water or cold/hot running water having the optimal temperature to be supplied according to the temperature regulation mode, which may be easily understood without separate figures.
  • FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the switch valve 900 of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention. Now, the configuration of the switch valve 900 will be described with reference to this figure in conjunction with FIG. 37 which is a sectional view taken along line F-F in FIG. 34. Prior to the description, it is noted that the switch valve 900 regulates the 5th tank hole 774 of the tank plate 760 or selectively connects the 5th tank hole 774 to one of the 6th and 7th tank holes 776 and 778.
  • a cup-shaped valve housing 902 providing a specified space is indented into the front side of the regeneration tank 730.
  • First to third connecting holes 904, 906 and 906 communicated correspondingly to the 5th to 7th tank holes 774, 776 and 778 of the tank plate 760 are inserted into the inner side 903 of the valve housing 902.
  • the switch valve 900 includes a valve fixing disk 910 fixed closely to the inner side 903 of the valve housing 902, a valve rotating disk 920 adhered closely to the front side of the valve fixing disk 910, a valve bracket 930 that is combined to the front side of the valve rotating disk 920 and provides a handle axis 932 drawn out of the valve housing 902, a valve cover 940 sealing the valve housing 902 with the handle axis 932 penetrating through the valve cover 940, and a switch handle 950 combined to the handle axis 932 exposed from the valve cover 940.
  • first to third extension hole 912, 914 and 916 correspondingly communicating the first to third connecting holes 904, 906 and 908 are formed in the valve fixing disk 910.
  • the first extension hole 912 communicated to the 5th tank hole 774 and the first connecting hole 904 is located between the second extension hole 914, which is communicated to the 6th tank hole 776 and the second connecting hole 906, and the third extension hole 916, which is communicated to the 7th tank hole 778 and the third connecting hole 908.
  • a groove-shaped valve passage 922 is provided in one side of the valve rotating disk 920 adhered closely to the valve fixing disk 910. The valve passage 922 connects the first extension hole 912 to the second extension hole 914 or third extension hole 916 of the valve fixing disk 910, or does not connect the first extension hole 912 to one of the second extension hole 914 and the third extension hole 916 by rotation of the valve rotating disk 920, thereby substantially performing a sealing operation.
  • the 5th tank hole 774 can be regulated.
  • a ball bearing 942 is mounted on an outer side of the valve cover 940 and an arc-shape guide groove 952 to accommodate a portion of the ball bearing 942 and stopper grooves 954 are provided in an inner side of the switch handle 950 in order to indicate a stop position of the switch handle 950.
  • the switch handle 950 has three stop positions corresponding to above three cases that the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot running water is discharged to the hydrant 224 or the shower head pipe 226 or is regulated.
  • FIGs. 35 and 36 are sectional views taken along lines D-D and E-E in FIG. 34, respectively, as shown in these figures, 5th and 6th check valves 810 and 820 are respectively disposed in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720.
  • the 5th and 6th check valves 810 and 820 prevent ion exhange resin from being swept away and prevent the cold/hot soft water or regeneration waste water from flowing backward.
  • the regeneration tank 730 have therein a regeneration generation tube 830 to outflow regenerated water to the 4th tank hole 772 when regeneration raw water inflows into the 3rd tank hole 770.
  • the 5th and 6th check valves 810 and 820 include first and second cup-shaped mesh covers 812 and 822 covering the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 in the first and second regeneration tanks 710 and 720, respectively.
  • first and second ring-shaped coupling flanges 814 and 824 to be partially inserted in the top of the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 project downward from the bottom of the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822, respectively.
  • first and second coupling flanges 814 and 824 of the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822 are respectively inserted in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 inside the first and second regeneration tanks 710 and 720, ring-shaped steps are respectively formed in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764, and ion exchange resin is prevented from being swept away by means of the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822.
  • first and second valve plates 816 and 826 and first and second springs 818 and 828 are respectively disposed in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764.
  • the first and second valve plates 816 and 826 are respectively supported by the first and second coupling flanges 814 and 824 of the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822 of the 5th and 6th check valves 810 and 820, and the first and second springs 818 and 828 are supported on the cover plate 650, respectively, inserted in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764, and exert elasticity upward to closely adhere the first and second valve plates 816 and 826 to the first and second coupling flanges 814 and 824. Accordingly, the 5th and 6th check valves 810 and 820 takes a structure to open the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 in one direction, that is, from top to bottom.
  • the cold/hot soft water and the regeneration waste water in the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 press the first and second valve plates 816 and 826 and the first and second springs 818 and 828 by self-weight, thereby opening the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 to be discharged to the outside.
  • the first and second valve plates 816 and 826 block the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764, respectively, to prevent the cold/hot soft water and the regeneration waste water from flowing backward.
  • the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822 can be respectively fixed in the first and second discharge holes 762 and 764 by a so-called 'insert injection' method in which the first and second mesh covers 812 and 822 are together inserted in a frame when the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 and the regeneration tank 730 are manufactured by injection moulding.
  • the regenerated water generating tube 830 disposed in the regeneration tank 730 has U-shaped ends bent in the same direction to be connected with the 3rd and 4th tank holes 770 and 772.
  • one end 832 inserted in the 3rd tank hole 770 has a sealed pipe shape
  • the other end 834 inserted in the 4th tank hole 772 has a mesh shape in which a ring-shaped projection 836 is provided to rapidly decrease an inner diameter.
  • regeneration raw water when regeneration raw water is introduced through the 3rd tank hole 770, the regeneration raw water collides with the projection 836 in the course of moving along the regenerated water generating tube, thereby producing a strong vortex flow near the other end 834 of the regenerated water generating tube 830. Accordingly, high-density regenerated water filled in the regeneration tank 730 is mixed with regeneration raw water and the mixture is discharged to the 4th tank hole 772. The discharged mixture is used to regenerate ion exchange resin in the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720.
  • the 3rd and 4th check valves C3 and C4 interposed between the 3rd and 5th middle holes 560 and 564 of the middle plate 550 and the bottom plate 540 prevent the regeneration raw water and the regenerated water from flowing backward and being mixed together (see FIGs. 10 and 11).
  • FIG. 38 is a block diagram of the controller 1000 of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an overall operation of the water softener will be described with reference to FIG.38 in conjunction with FIG. 2 and the following figures.
  • the controller 1000 of the water softener performs the four basic modes and the six special modes by controlling the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450 of according to user's instructions.
  • the controller 1000 includes the logical operating unit 1010, the input unit 1012, the display unit 1014, the infrared sensor 1020, a timer 1016, a speaker 1018, etc.
  • the input unit 1012 may comprise a plurality of buttons or dials to input the user's instructions.
  • the user's instructions may include instructions to assign one of the four basic modes and the six special modes and combinations thereof.
  • the display unit 1014 comprising a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) displays inputs of the user, operation conditions of the water softener, various required data such as the amount of flow, temperature, etc. of cold/hot raw water and cold/hot soft water, and a manual for user's convenience, etc.
  • the logical operating unit 1010 containing an algorithm for control of operations and modes of the input unit 1012 and the display unit 1014 may be embodied by a memory, a microcomputer, etc.
  • the logical operating unit 1010 controls an overall operation of the water softener by controlling degree and direction of rotation of the first and second rotation axes 356 and 366 of the first and second motors 354 and 364 based on results of measurement of the measuring unit 280 and results of sensing of the temperature sensor Th and the first and second optical sensors 364 and 464 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450.
  • the amount of flow of the cold/hot raw water can be detected by the measuring unit 280 of the main body 250
  • the temperature of the cold/hot soft water and the cold/hot running water discharged from the water softener can be detected by the temperature sensor Th
  • the current position and degree of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 can be detected by the first and second optical sensors 364 and 464 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450.
  • the temperature of a user adjacent to the water softener can be detected by the infrared sensor 1020.
  • the degree and direction of rotation of the first and second rotating axes 352 and 452 of the first and second motors 354 and 454 are controlled, the four basic modes and the six special modes can be performed.
  • a user selects the soft water mode or the running water mode using the buttons or dials provided in the input unit 1012 of the controller 1000. Then, the logical operating unit 1010 determines the degree and direction of rotation of the first and second motors 354 and 454 with respect to the first and second rotation axes 356 and 456 and performs the soft water mode or the running water mode by rotating the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480.
  • cold/hot soft water or cold/hot running water is transferred to the switch valve 900, and finally the user can directly operate the switch handle 950 of the switch valve 900 to receive and use the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot running water via the hydrant 224 or the shower head pipe 226.
  • the logical operation unit 1010 determines the degree and direction of rotation of the first and second motors 354 and 454 with respect to the first and second rotation axes 356 and 456 and performs the regeneration mode or the regulation mode by rotating the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480.
  • the first and second optical sensors 364 and 464 of the first and second valve assemblies 350 and 450switch valve part 450 detect the current position and rotation conditions of the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 to perform the regeneration mode or the regulation mode precisely.
  • the cold/hot change mode in which capability of softening of the ion exchange resin filled in the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 can be uniformly adjusted will be considered.
  • the cold/hot change mode is needed, for example, during summer when a great deal of cold soft water is used, or during winter when a great deal of hot soft water is used. In this case, if one of the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 is more frequently used than the other, a regeneration cycle of ion exchange resin of the corresponding soft water tank 710 or 720 arrives quickly, which results in difference in lifetime between the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720.
  • the user can select the cold/hot change mode through the input unit 1012 of the controller 1000, and then, the logical operating unit 1010 calculates the amount of supply of cold/hot raw water in the soft water mode based on results of measurement of the measuring unit 280 and results of sensing of the first and second optical sensors 363 and 464. If the amount of use of one of the cold soft water and the hot soft water is too large, the logical operating unit 1010 determines the degree and direction of rotation of the first and second motors 354 and 454 with respect to the first and second rotating axes 352 and 452 and interchanges the cold/hot soft water supplied to the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720. Such a cold/hot change operation is repeated until the user inputs a stop instruction. Thus, the regeneration cycle and lifetime of the ion exchange resin in the first and second soft water tanks 710 and 720 can be uniformly controlled.
  • the automatic regeneration mode in which a regeneration time of the ion exchange resin is detected precisely and the regeneration mode is automatically performed will be considered.
  • the regeneration time of the ion exchange resin can be calculated based on the amount of supply of the cold/hot raw water measured by the measuring unit 280 in the soft water mode.
  • the regeneration mode is automatically performed. If necessary, the user can be informed of the automatic regeneration mode through the display unit 1014 or by producing alert sound or voice announcement using the speaker 1018. Also, the automatic regeneration mode can be performed at midnight when the water softener is not used so much.
  • the logical operating unit 1010 of the controller 1000 determines the degree and direction of rotation of the first and second motors 354 and 454 with respect to the first and second rotation axes 352 and 452, rotates the first and second rotating disks 380 and 480 to perform the automatic regeneration mode, and turns to the regulation mode when the regeneration is completed.
  • the appropriate time and the automatic regeneration mode may be selected by the user.
  • the temperature regulation mode in which the temperature of the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot running water becomes equal to a temperature desired by a user will be considered.
  • the user inputs the kind and temperature of water desired by him/her through the input unit 1012 of the controller 1000, and the logical operating unit 1010 rotates the first rotating disk 380 to select the soft water mode or the running mode to meet the inputted kind of water, and meets the temperature of the soft water or the running water with the inputted temperature based on the degree of rotation of the second rotating disk 480 and the results of sensing of the temperature sensor Th.
  • the flow rate regulation mode in which the amount of discharge of the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot raw water is regulated will be considered.
  • the flow rate regulation mode is needed, for example, in a case where a user catches water in a bathtub, and particularly, a case where water of intended kind and amount is received in a bathtub at an intended time using the timer 1016.
  • the logical operating unit 1010 rotates the first rotating disk 380 to select the soft water mode or the running mode to meet the selected kind of water, controls the amount of discharge of the cold/hot soft water or the running water, based on results of measurement of the measuring unit 280, that is, the amount of supply of the cold/hot raw water, and turns to the regulation mode when the amount of discharge of the cold/hot soft water or the running water arrives at the intended amount of water.
  • the drain mode in the regulation mode is selected to lower the internal pressure of the regeneration tank 730, and then, a regeneration tank cap 746 is opened to perform an intended operation safely.
  • the infrared sensor 1020 of the controller 1000 detects the temperature of a user, and accordingly, the logical operating unit 1010 causes the cold/hot soft water or the cold/hot running water most appropriate for shower to be provided for the user.
  • the water softener can provide various convenient functions by proper combinations of the four basic modes and the six special modes. For example, it is possible to provide intended amount and temperature of water by mixing cold/hot soft water and cold/hot running water and utilize the water softener in various ways according to other purposes.
  • FIGs. 39 and 40 are perspective views showing the condition where the controller 100 is mounted in the water softener according to the embodiment of the invention. These figures will be described in conjunction with FIG. 39.
  • the water softener is provided with a housing 1300 in which parts of the controller 1000 are mounted, including a PCB housing 1310 and an LCD housing 1320, at a front and upper side of the tank unit 700.
  • the logical operating unit 1010 mounted on a main PCB 1011 is mounted on the PCB housing 1310 placed on a front and upper side of the top cover 850, and an LCD 1014 as the display unit 1014 and buttons and so on of the input unit 1012 are mounted on the LCD housing 1320 combined integrally to the front side of the PCB housing 1310.
  • the PCB housing 1310 may include a PCB rear housing 1312 and a PCB front housing 1314 covering the PCB rear housing 1312, both of which are mounted on first and second passage housings 870 and 880 of the top cover 850.
  • the main PCB 1011 having the logical operating unit 1010 mounted thereon is closely fixed inside the PCB housing 1310, strictly, in an inner side of the PCB rear housing 1312.
  • the PCB housing 1310 may be filled with insulating resin by a moulding process in order to waterproof and protect the main PCB 1011.
  • a fixing rib 1316 to partition a separate mount area may be provided inside the PCB rear housing 1312 in order to save the insulating resin, simplify the moulding process and tightly fix the main PCB 1011.
  • the LCD housing 1320 may include an LCD rear housing 1322 combined integrally to the front side of the PCB front housing 1314 and a transparent LCD front housing 1324 covering the front side of the LCD rear housing 1322.
  • the LCD as the display unit 1014 is mounted inside the LCD housing 1320, with the LCD and the buttons as the input unit 1012 loaded on a driving circuit PCB 1324.
  • a plurality of button holes 1326 are formed in the transparent LCD front housing 1324 in order to expose the buttons as well as to display images of the LCD.
  • a fixing end 1328 of a predetermined length through which screw holes are perforated is provided in the outer side of the LCD rear housing 1322, and first coupling projections to provide nut holes are provided in the front side of the tank unit 700.
  • the entire housing 1300 is tightly mounted in the front and upper side of the tank unit 700 by means of screws inserted in the nut holes through the screw holes.
  • a battery case 1332 is fixed integrally to a rear and upper side of the PCB rear housing 1312 and is covered by a battery cover 1334.
  • a battery inserted in the battery case 1332 supplies power required for parts of the controller 1000.
  • the timer 1016, the speaker 1018 and so on may be mounted on the main PCB 1011 or the driving circuit PCB 1324, and the infrared sensor 1012 is mounted in the front and central portion of the tank unit 700 for more correct confirmation of proximity of a user and is electrically connected to the main PCB 1011.
  • FIG. 41 and following figures are used to explain an exterior case 1500 of the water softener according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a condition where the exterior case 1500 is combined to the water softener
  • FIGs. 42 to 44 are exploded front and rear perspective views of the exterior case 1500, respectively.
  • the exterior case 1500 is a final case for protection and beautiful appearance of the water softener.
  • a user hangs the water softener, together the exterior case 1500, on a wall of a bathroom or the like.
  • the exterior case 1500 includes four cases: a front case 1510 covering the entire front side and a portion of lateral side of the water softener except for the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200, a rear case 1540 covering the rear side and a portion of lateral side of the water softener except for the feed unit 100, the discharge unit 200 and the top cover 850 and being combined to the front case 1510, a middle case 1550 covering the remaining portions of the top cover 850 except for the first and second soft water tank caps 878 and 888, the regeneration tank cap 866 and the battery cover 1334 and being combined to the front and rear cases 1510 and 1540, and a top case 1570 covering the middle case 1550 to conceal the entire top side of the water softener except for the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200 and connecting the front case 1510 to the rear case 1540, with an appearance shown in FIG.41 by combination of the four cases.
  • the front case 1510 covers the entire front side and top, bottom, left and right sides of the water softener except for the feed unit 100 and the discharge unit 200, and is formed with a first opening hole 1512 to expose the LCD housing 1320, a second opening hole 1514 to expose the infrared sensor 1020, a third opening hole 1516 to expose the switch handle 950 of the switch valve 900, and a fourth opening hole 1518 to expose the hydrant 224.
  • a plurality of reinforcing ribs 1522 adhered closely to the tank unit 700 and an outer side of the main body 250 in order to prevent deformation of the front case 1510 due to an external pressure.
  • a support plate 1520 that supports the remaining parts except for the ejecting port 225 of the hydrant 224 and can be fixed to the bottom of the front case 1510 by means of bolts and the like.
  • the top side of the front case 1510 completely exposes the top cover 850 as the top side has a width less than those of left a right sides.
  • the rear case 1540 covers the rear side and left and right sides of the water softener except for the feed unit 100, the discharge unit 200 and the top cover 850 and is combined to the front case 1510.
  • a plurality of hooks 1542 project from the left and right sides of the rear case 1540 and engage with corresponding hook grooves 1524 provided in the left and right sides of the front case.
  • a plurality of reinforcing ribs adhered closely to the tank unit 700 and the outer side of the main body 250 are provided along the inner side of the rear case 1540 in order to prevent deformation of the rear case 1540 due to an external pressure.
  • the middle case 1550 covers the entire top side of the water softener except for the first and second soft water tank caps 878 and 888, the regeneration tank cap 866 and the battery cover 1334, and the top case 1570 covers the remaining portions exposed by the middle case 1550 to complete a final appearance.
  • the middle case 1550 substantially conceals the whole of the water softener, exposing only the first and second soft water tank caps 878 and 888, the regeneration tank cap 866 and the battery cover 1334, which are frequently opened in use of the water softener, and more closely combine the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540.
  • the top case 1570 is simply placed on the top of the middle case 1550 so that the top case 1570 can be easily opened.
  • the middle case 1550 is composed of a horizontal part formed with first to third cap holes 1552, 1554 and 1556 to expose the first and second soft water tank caps 878 and 888 and the regeneration tank cap 1554, respectively, and a battery cover hole 1558 to expose the battery cover 1334, and a lateral side part that is bent downward from an edge of the horizontal part and is adhered closely to top ends of the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540.
  • a coupling jaw 1560 formed with a screw hole 1562 along a front end of the horizontal part of the middle case 1550 projects upward, and a second coupling projection 1530 formed with nut holes is correspondingly provided in an inner side of the top of the front case 1510.
  • the middle case 1550 is closely fixed to the front case 1510 by means of a plurality of bolts inserted in the second coupling projection 1530 through the coupling jaw 1560.
  • the front case 1510, the rear case 1540, the middle case 1550 and so on may be manufactured by injection moulding using synthetic resins.
  • the exterior case 1500 is preferably several mm in thickness in consideration of weight of the water softener, and thus, there is a high possibility deviation of connecting points of the exterior case 1500 due to an external pressure. Accordingly, as shown in circled portions of FIGs. 43 and 44, a plurality of projections 1544 project along ends of the left and light sides of the rear case 1540, and a plurality of fitting grooves 1526 are provided along ends of the left and right sides of the front case 1510, thereby preventing deviation between the front case 1510 and the rear case 1540 through combination thereof.
  • first and second fitting ends 1528 and 1546 into which ends of the bottom of the middle case 1550 are fitted are provided along ends of the top of the front case 1510 and rear case 1540, thereby preventing deviation between the rear case 1540 and the middle case 1550.
  • the exterior case 1500 is completed by covering the top of the middle case 1550 with the top cover 1570 to conceal the first and second soft water caps 878 and 888, the regeneration tank cap 866 and the battery cover 1334.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un adoucisseur d'eau connaissant quatre modes de fonctionnement. Un mode 'eau douce' correspond à la production d'eau douce, froide ou chaude, à partir d'eau brute de canalisation, froide ou chaude, par traitement au moyen d'une résine d'échange d'ions, puis à la décharge de l'eau douce froide ou chaude. Un mode 'eau courante' correspond à la décharge d'eau brute froide ou chaude à utiliser comme eau courante froide ou chaude. Un mode 'régénération' correspond à la production d'eau régénérée par un matériau de régénération et à la décharge d'eau usée issue de la régénération de la résine d'échange d'ions. Enfin, un mode 'régulation' correspond à la régulation de la fourniture d'eau brute, froide ou chaude. L'adoucisseur est constitué de plusieurs modules. Un module 'réservoirs' comporte deux réservoirs d'eau douce garnis de la résine d'échange d'ions, ainsi qu'un réservoir de régénération garni de matériau de régénération. Un module principal, qui sert de support au module 'réservoirs', sert à la gestion des basculements entre les différents modes au moyen de la fourniture d'eau brute froide ou chaude. Un module d'alimentation, directement branché sur la canalisation d'eau chaude ou froide, comprend deux robinets d'équerre alimentés en eau brute froide ou chaude, deux coudes solidaires du module principal, et deux raccords en L réunissant els deux robinets d'équerre aux deux coudes. Enfin, un module de décharge assure la décharge de l'eau douce froide ou chaude, de l'eau courante froide ou chaude, et de l'eau usée de régénération provenant du module principal.
PCT/KR2007/004946 2006-10-17 2007-10-10 Adoucisseur d'eau Ceased WO2008048014A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MX2009004026A MX2009004026A (es) 2006-10-17 2007-10-10 Ablandador de agua.

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR20060100902 2006-10-17
KR10-2006-0100902 2006-10-17
KR20070018462 2007-02-23
KR10-2007-0018462 2007-02-23
KR10-2007-0101709 2007-10-09
KR1020070101709A KR100875209B1 (ko) 2006-10-17 2007-10-09 연수기

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008048014A1 true WO2008048014A1 (fr) 2008-04-24

Family

ID=39314198

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2007/004946 Ceased WO2008048014A1 (fr) 2006-10-17 2007-10-10 Adoucisseur d'eau

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008048014A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2549864C2 (ru) * 2010-01-14 2015-04-27 Каллиган Интернэшнл Компани Установка для умягчения воды (варианты) и способ управления установкой для обработки воды
JP2018522732A (ja) * 2015-08-13 2018-08-16 コーウェイ株式会社Coway Co., Ltd. 半自動水圧式軟水器

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040104175A1 (en) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-03 General Electric Company Controller and method for controlling regeneration of a water softener
KR20040047152A (ko) * 2002-11-29 2004-06-05 주식회사 승광 샤워기에 직결되는 자동재생 연수기
KR200355994Y1 (ko) * 2004-04-03 2004-07-12 김재천 수도관 연결이 용이한 연수기 구조
KR200427070Y1 (ko) * 2006-06-23 2006-09-20 주식회사 아이레보엔에스 연수기 설치용 브라켓

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20040047152A (ko) * 2002-11-29 2004-06-05 주식회사 승광 샤워기에 직결되는 자동재생 연수기
US20040104175A1 (en) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-03 General Electric Company Controller and method for controlling regeneration of a water softener
KR200355994Y1 (ko) * 2004-04-03 2004-07-12 김재천 수도관 연결이 용이한 연수기 구조
KR200427070Y1 (ko) * 2006-06-23 2006-09-20 주식회사 아이레보엔에스 연수기 설치용 브라켓

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2549864C2 (ru) * 2010-01-14 2015-04-27 Каллиган Интернэшнл Компани Установка для умягчения воды (варианты) и способ управления установкой для обработки воды
JP2018522732A (ja) * 2015-08-13 2018-08-16 コーウェイ株式会社Coway Co., Ltd. 半自動水圧式軟水器

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20100222928A1 (en) Water softener
CN101563142A (zh) 水软化器
KR100875207B1 (ko) 연수기
KR20250160860A (ko) 워터 디스펜싱 장치
WO2008048014A1 (fr) Adoucisseur d'eau
KR100926077B1 (ko) 연수기
KR100814612B1 (ko) 연수기
KR100521843B1 (ko) 자동재생이 가능한 냉온연수기
JP2017192883A (ja) 再生液供給ユニット
JP6743468B2 (ja) 再生液供給ユニット
RU2407707C1 (ru) Установка для умягчения воды
WO2008126967A1 (fr) Adoucisseur d'eau
JP6701915B2 (ja) イオン交換装置
KR100748213B1 (ko) 연수기
JP6701914B2 (ja) イオン交換装置
JP6662171B2 (ja) イオン交換装置
KR100907743B1 (ko) 연수기
JP6660017B2 (ja) 再生液供給ユニット
JP2593240Y2 (ja) 水処理装置連結式切換栓
JP6682981B2 (ja) 再生液供給ユニット
JP6672979B2 (ja) イオン交換装置
CN217756963U (zh) 一种软水器和热水器
JP6672980B2 (ja) イオン交換装置
JP4848867B2 (ja) 電解水生成装置及びこれを備えた流し台
KR20110085213A (ko) 자동제어형 냉/온 연수기

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200780046527.6

Country of ref document: CN

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07833257

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: MX/A/2009/004026

Country of ref document: MX

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2009118426

Country of ref document: RU

Kind code of ref document: A

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07833257

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: BR

Ref legal event code: B01E

Ref document number: PI0721668

Country of ref document: BR

Free format text: APRESENTE DOCUMENTOS QUE COMPROVEM QUE O PROCURADOR INDICADO NAS PETICOES TEM PODERES PARA ATUAR EM NOME DO DEPOSITANTE, UMA VEZ QUE BASEADO NO ARTIGO 216 DA LEI 9.279/1996 DE 14/05/1996 (LPI) "OS ATOS PREVISTOS NESTA LEI SERAO PRATICADOS PELAS PARTES OU POR SEUS PROCURADORES, DEVIDAMENTE QUALIFICADOS."

ENPW Started to enter national phase and was withdrawn or failed for other reasons

Ref document number: PI0721668

Country of ref document: BR

Free format text: PEDIDO RETIRADO, POR NAO CUMPRIMENTO DA EXIGENCIA PUBLICADA NA RPI NO 2316 DE 26/05/2015.