Retractable light assembly, brine tank structure and water softener

Abstract

This invention discloses a telescopic light assembly, a brine tank structure, and a water softener. The telescopic light assembly is arranged in the recessed area of ​​the brine tank cover of the water softener and can move back and forth. It illuminates the brine tank when the water softener is in operation and automatically retracts when cleaning the brine tank. It includes: a pressing and sliding component arranged in the recessed area of ​​the cover, with a pressing part on the upper part and a sliding part on the lower part; and a light unit connected to the sliding part. When the pressing part is pressed down, the sliding part pushes the light unit out of the recessed area of ​​the cover, turning on the light unit; when the pressing part is moved up, the sliding part retracts the light unit back into the recessed area of ​​the cover, turning off the light unit. This invention not only achieves the function of illuminating the brine tank but also enables convenient and thorough cleaning of the brine tank. Furthermore, it incorporates a deep linkage design between the brine tank lighting assembly and the independent brine tank's placement and removal, automating the placement and removal of the independent brine tank and the pop-in / pop-out of the lighting module. This solves the problems of difficulty in observing the remaining salt level in the brine tank and inconvenient cleaning of the brine tank in existing water softeners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment, and in particular to a telescopic light assembly, a salt tank structure having the telescopic light assembly, and a water softener having the salt tank structure. Background Technology

[0002] Water softeners reduce the hardness of raw water by removing calcium and magnesium ions. Once the resin used to remove these ions is saturated, it can no longer function. At this point, softening salt needs to be added to regenerate the resin, allowing the water softener to continuously soften the water. To facilitate user monitoring of the remaining softening salt level in the salt tank, the salt cap is typically open, allowing observation using natural light.

[0003] In existing technologies, the size of open-top salt filling caps is limited by the machine's structural space and cannot be made very large, resulting in insufficient light entering the salt tank and making observation difficult. Furthermore, a large number of water softeners are placed inside cabinets for concealed installation, further reducing light exposure. All of these factors make it difficult to observe the amount of softened salt remaining inside the salt tank.

[0004] Current technology uses the machine casing as a salt tank, with softened salt stored directly within this space. Over time, the inside of the salt tank inevitably becomes dirty. To thoroughly clean the salt tank, the entire machine must be disassembled, essentially requiring a complete disassembly and reassembly. This entire cleaning process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and requires professional technicians. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary of this invention introduces a series of simplified concepts, all of which are simplifications of existing technologies in the field, and will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a telescopic lamp assembly for lighting salt tanks.

[0007] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a salt tank structure having the telescopic light assembly, which can illuminate the salt tank when the water softener is working, making it easy to observe the remaining salt in the salt tank and easy to disassemble and clean.

[0008] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water softener having the aforementioned salt tank structure.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a telescopic light assembly, which is arranged in the recessed part of the brine tank cover of a water softener. It can move back and forth, illuminating the brine tank when the water softener is in operation and automatically retracting when cleaning the brine tank. The assembly includes:

[0010] The pressure-sliding assembly is arranged in the high cover recess, with a pressing part formed on its upper part and a sliding part formed on its lower part;

[0011] The lamp part, which is connected to the sliding part;

[0012] When the pressing part is pressed down, the sliding part pushes the lamp part out of the high cover recess, and the lamp part is turned on;

[0013] When the pressing part moves upward, the sliding part retracts the lamp part into the high cover recess, and the lamp part is turned off.

[0014] Preferably, in a further improvement to the telescopic light assembly, the pressure-slip component includes:

[0015] The slide rod 51 is fixedly connected to the pressure rod 58, which can move up and down along the first guide groove on the inner wall of the fixed shell 52, and is used to guide the pressure rod 58 to slide up and down.

[0016] The fixed housing 52 is arranged in the recessed part of the brine tank of the water softener, and a first opening is formed on one side of it for installing and fixing the components of the telescopic lamp assembly.

[0017] Spring 53 is arranged below pressure bar 58 to support and spring up pressure bar 58;

[0018] Crank 54, the first end of which is connected to pressure rod 58, the second end of which faces the first opening, and the second end of which is connected to lamp part via pin 57;

[0019] The pin 57, on both sides, can reciprocate along the second guide groove on the inner wall of the fixed shell 52, extending or retracting the lamp slider 56 into the first opening.

[0020] Preferably, in a further improvement to the telescopic light assembly, the pressure-slip component also includes:

[0021] The first snap ring 59 secures the first end of the crank 54 to the pressure rod 58;

[0022] The second snap ring 60 is installed at both ends of the pin 57 and is used to prevent the pin 57 from disengaging from the second guide groove.

[0023] Preferably, the telescopic light assembly is further improved, and the light unit includes:

[0024] Slider 56 is connected to the second end of crank 54 via pin 57;

[0025] LED light 55, which is mounted on slider 56;

[0026] An elastic trigger switch is formed between the slider 56 and the fixed housing 52;

[0027] When slider 56 extends out of the first opening, the elastic trigger switch pops up and LED light 55 turns on; when slider 56 retracts into the first opening, the elastic trigger switch is squeezed and closed by slider 56 and fixed shell 52, and LED light 55 turns off.

[0028] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a salt tank structure having the telescopic light assembly described in any one of the above-mentioned claims, and further comprising:

[0029] Flip cover 1 is connected to high cover 6 via hinge 2;

[0030] The high cover 6 has a second opening on one side, and the cover is mounted on the bottom shell 8. The second opening is located above the salt tank assembly 7.

[0031] The high-cover recess is formed on the second opening sidewall located on one side of hinge 2;

[0032] Salt funnel 3, whose lid is mounted on high lid 6, has a salt inlet on one side that corresponds to the position of the second opening;

[0033] The salt tank assembly 7 is inserted into the bottom shell 8 on the opposite side of the hinge 2, with its opening aligned with the salt filling port;

[0034] The retractable light assembly is installed in the recessed part of the high cover;

[0035] The first magnet 4.1 is formed on the top wall of the high cover 6;

[0036] The second magnet 4.2, which corresponds to the position of the first magnet 4.1, is formed on the bottom wall of the salt funnel 3, and is magnetically attracted to the first magnet 4.1.

[0037] When the salt funnel 3 is covered by the high cover 6, the first magnet 4.1 and the second magnet 4.2 are magnetically attracted to each other, and the lamp part extends out of the high cover recess when the pressing part is pressed down.

[0038] When the salt funnel 3 is removed from the high cover 6, the magnetic force between the first magnet 4.1 and the second magnet 4.2 disappears, the pressing part moves upward, and the lamp part retracts into the high cover recess.

[0039] Preferably, the salt tank structure is further improved by fixing the first magnet 4.1 and the second magnet 4.2 by means of a slot.

[0040] Preferably, the salt tank structure is further improved, and the salt tank assembly 7 includes:

[0041] Salt box 71;

[0042] The handle 72 has its pivot connected to the salt tank opening and can be retracted into the groove 73 at the salt tank opening.

[0043] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a water softener, wherein the salt tank is any of the above-mentioned salt tank structures.

[0044] The working principle and technical effects of this invention are explained below;

[0045] During operation, first place the first magnet into the locking structure (such as the stepped hole) in the middle of the cover, and the buckle will fix the first magnet on the cover. Then place the cover on the bottom shell to complete the installation of the cover.

[0046] Next, fix the telescopic light assembly into the recessed part of the high cover. At this time, since the pressure rod of the telescopic light assembly is not under pressure, the spring is in a relaxed state, and the crank is in a retracted state, causing the slider to retract, making room for the salt tank assembly to be placed into the bottom shell. Lift the handle of the salt tank assembly and place it into the bottom shell, then lower the handle and rotate the handle to the recessed position. The placement of the salt tank assembly is now complete. Next, place the second magnet into the slot on the salt funnel, ensuring the second magnet and slot are concentric and tightly fitted. Place the salt funnel on the high cover. At this time, the second magnet on the salt funnel and the first magnet on the high cover form a magnetic attraction. The pressure head on the salt funnel uses the magnetic attraction of the two magnets to press the pressure rod on the telescopic light assembly. The pressure rod drives the crank, which in turn drives the slider to extend and retract. The LED light on the slider extends forward to the top of the salt tank, illuminating it. For subsequent use, simply open the flip cover; the LED light will illuminate, allowing you to observe the remaining salt level in the salt tank through the opening at the front of the salt funnel.

[0047] When the user needs to clean the salt tank, first open the flip cover, then lift the salt-adding funnel. After lifting the funnel, the LED light assembly's lever loses the downward pressure from the magnet and instead moves upwards due to the spring force. This, in turn, moves the crank upwards, causing the slider to move backwards, and the LED light retracts into the recessed area of ​​the top cover. At this point, lift the handle of the salt tank assembly and rotate it out of the recessed position to remove the assembly. After cleaning, repeat the reassembly process, placing the assembly back into the bottom housing, replacing the salt-adding funnel, closing the flip cover, and turning off the LED light.

[0048] This invention not only provides illumination for the brine tank but also enables convenient and thorough cleaning. Furthermore, it features a deeply integrated design between the brine tank lighting component and the independent brine tank's placement and removal, automating the process of removing the independent brine tank and the pop-in / pop-out of the lighting module. This solves the problems of difficulty in observing the remaining brine level in existing water softener brine tanks and inconvenient brine tank cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of the methods, structures, and / or materials used in specific exemplary embodiments of the invention, supplementing the description in the specification. However, the drawings are schematic diagrams not drawn to scale and may not accurately reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any of the given embodiments. The drawings should not be construed as limiting or restricting the range of numerical values ​​or properties covered by exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0050] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the telescopic light assembly of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the telescopic light assembly of the present invention. Figure 1 It shows the situation where the sliding part retracts the lamp part into the high cover recess.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the telescopic light assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 It shows the situation where the sliding part pushes the lamp part out of the high cover recess.

[0053] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the salt tank structure of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the salt tank of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of the central XI position.

[0056] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view.

[0057] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of the middle I position.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the salt tank assembly of the present invention.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0060] Flip 1

[0061] Hinge 2

[0062] Salt funnel 3

[0063] First magnet 4.1

[0064] Second magnet 4.2

[0065] High Cover 6

[0066] Salt tank assembly 7

[0067] Bottom shell 8

[0068] Sliding rod 51

[0069] Fixed shell 52

[0070] Spring 53

[0071] Crank 54

[0072] LED light 55

[0073] Lamp slider 56

[0074] Pin 57

[0075] Compression bar 58

[0076] First circlip 59

[0077] Second snap ring 60. Detailed Implementation

[0078] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can fully understand other advantages and technical effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be applied based on different viewpoints, with various modifications or changes made without departing from the overall design concept of the invention. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The following exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is thorough and complete, and that the technical solutions of these exemplary embodiments are fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "combined" to another element, the element can be directly connected or combined to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. The difference is that when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly combined" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals always denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0079] First embodiment;

[0080] This invention provides a telescopic light assembly, which is arranged in the recessed part of the brine tank cover of a water softener. The brine tank cover is a cover that covers the opening of the brine tank body. The telescopic light assembly can move back and forth, illuminating the brine tank when the water softener is in operation, and automatically retracting when the brine tank is cleaned. It includes:

[0081] The pressure-sliding assembly is arranged in the high cover recess, with a pressing part formed on its upper part and a sliding part formed on its lower part;

[0082] The lamp part, which is connected to the sliding part;

[0083] When the pressing part is pressed down, the sliding part pushes the lamp part out of the high cover recess, and the lamp part is turned on;

[0084] When the pressing part moves upward, the sliding part retracts the lamp part into the high cover recess, and the lamp part is turned off.

[0085] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the present invention provides a preferred embodiment of a pressure-slip assembly, comprising:

[0086] The slide rod 51 is fixedly connected to the pressure rod 58, which can move up and down along the first guide groove on the inner wall of the fixed shell 52, and is used to guide the pressure rod 58 to slide up and down.

[0087] The fixed housing 52 is arranged in the recessed part of the brine tank of the water softener, and a first opening is formed on one side of it for installing and fixing the components of the telescopic lamp assembly.

[0088] Spring 53 is arranged below pressure bar 58 to support and spring up pressure bar 58;

[0089] Crank 54, the first end of which is connected to pressure rod 58, the second end of which faces the first opening, and the second end of which is connected to lamp part via pin 57;

[0090] The pin 57, on both sides, can reciprocate along the second guide groove on the inner wall of the fixed shell 52, extending or retracting the lamp slider 56 into the first opening.

[0091] Preferably, in a further improvement to the first embodiment described above, the pressure-slip assembly further includes:

[0092] The first snap ring 59 secures the first end of the crank 54 to the pressure rod 58;

[0093] The second snap ring 60 is installed at both ends of the pin 57 and is used to prevent the pin 57 from disengaging from the second guide groove.

[0094] Preferably, in a further improvement to the first embodiment described above, the lamp unit includes:

[0095] Slider 56 is connected to the second end of crank 54 via pin 57;

[0096] LED light 55, which is mounted on slider 56;

[0097] The LED light switch is triggered by the flip cover 1 of the salt tank to turn on and off. When the flip cover 1 is open, the LED light 55 is on, and when the flip cover 1 is closed, the LED light 55 is off.

[0098] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may also be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0099] Second embodiment;

[0100] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the present invention provides a salt tank structure, wherein the telescopic light assembly described in any one of the above claims further includes:

[0101] Flip cover 1 is connected to high cover 6 via hinge 2;

[0102] The high cover 6 has a second opening on one side, and the cover is mounted on the bottom shell 8. The second opening is located above the salt tank assembly 7.

[0103] The high-cover recess is formed on the second opening sidewall located on one side of hinge 2;

[0104] Salt funnel 3, whose lid is mounted on high lid 6, has a salt inlet on one side that corresponds to the position of the second opening;

[0105] The salt tank assembly 7 is inserted into the bottom shell 8 on the opposite side of the hinge 2, with its opening aligned with the salt filling port;

[0106] The retractable light assembly is installed in the recessed part of the high cover;

[0107] The first magnet 4.1 is formed on the top wall of the high cover 6;

[0108] The second magnet 4.2, which corresponds to the position of the first magnet 4.1, is formed on the bottom wall of the salt funnel 3, and is magnetically attracted to the first magnet 4.1.

[0109] When the salt funnel 3 is covered by the high cover 6, the first magnet 4.1 and the second magnet 4.2 are magnetically attracted to each other, and the lamp part extends out of the high cover recess when the pressing part is pressed down.

[0110] When the salt funnel 3 is removed from the high cover 6, the magnetic force between the first magnet 4.1 and the second magnet 4.2 disappears, the pressing part moves upward, and the lamp part retracts into the high cover recess.

[0111] Preferably, the first magnet 4.1 and the second magnet 4.2 are fixed by means of a slot.

[0112] refer to Figure 9 As shown, the present invention provides a salt tank assembly 7 that can be used in the second embodiment described above, comprising:

[0113] Salt box 71;

[0114] The handle 72 has its pivot connected to the salt tank opening and can be retracted into the groove 73 at the salt tank opening.

[0115] Third embodiment;

[0116] This invention provides a water softener, the salt tank of which is the salt tank structure described in the second embodiment. Other structures of the water softener are not improvements of this invention, and any existing technology can be selected.

[0117] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field context, and not as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0118] The present invention has been described in detail above through specific embodiments and examples, but these are not intended to limit the invention. Many modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retractable light assembly, arranged in the recessed part of the brine tank cover of a water softener, capable of moving back and forth, illuminating the brine tank when the water softener is in operation, and automatically retracting when the brine tank is cleaned, characterized in that... include: A pressure-sliding assembly is arranged in the recess of the high cover, with a pressing part formed on its upper part and a sliding part formed on its lower part; The lamp part, which is connected to the sliding part; When the pressing part is pressed down, the sliding part pushes the lamp part out of the high cover recess, and the lamp part is turned on; When the pressing part moves upward, the sliding part retracts the lamp part into the high cover recess, and the lamp is turned off; The pressure-slip assembly includes: The slide rod (51) is connected to the pressure rod (58) and is used to guide the pressure rod (58) to move up and down along the first guide groove on the inner wall of the fixed shell (52); A fixed housing (52) is arranged in the recessed part of the high cover of the brine tank of the water softener, and a first opening is formed on one side of it for installing and fixing the components of the pressure sliding assembly. A spring (53) is arranged below the pressure bar (58) to support and spring up the pressure bar (58). The crank (54) has a first end connected to a pressure rod (58), a second end facing the first opening, and a second end connected to the lamp part via a pin (57). The pin (57) can reciprocate along the second guide groove on both sides of the fixed shell (52) to extend or retract the slider (56) into the first opening; The first retaining ring (59) holds the first end of the crank (54) onto the pressure bar (58); The second snap ring (60) is installed at both ends of the pin (57) and is used to prevent the pin (57) from disengaging from the second guide groove.

2. The retractable light assembly of claim 1, wherein: The lamp unit includes: The slider (56) is connected to the second end of the crank (54) via a pin (57); LED light (55), which is mounted on slider (56); The LED light switch is triggered by the flip cover (1) of the salt tank to open and close. When the flip cover (1) is open, the LED light (55) is turned on, and when the flip cover (1) is closed, the LED light (55) is turned off.

3. A salt tank structure having the telescopic lamp assembly according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Also includes: The flip cover (1) is connected to the high cover (6) via a hinge (2); The high cover (6) has a second opening on one side, and the cover is mounted on the bottom shell (8). The second opening is located above the salt tank assembly (7). The high cover recess is formed on the second opening sidewall located on the side of the hinge (2); A salt funnel (3) is fitted with a lid on a high lid (6), and a salt inlet is formed on one side of the funnel corresponding to the position of the second opening. The salt tank assembly (7) is inserted into the bottom shell (8) on the opposite side of the hinge (2), with its opening aligned with the salt filling port; The retractable light assembly is installed in the recessed part of the high cover; The first magnet (4.1) is formed on the top wall of the high cover (6); The second magnet (4.2), which is positioned opposite to the first magnet (4.1), is formed on the bottom wall of the salt funnel (3), and is magnetically attracted to the first magnet (4.1); When the salt funnel (3) is covered by the high cover (6), the first magnet (4.1) and the second magnet (4.2) are magnetically attracted to each other, the pressing part is in a downward state, and the lamp part extends out of the high cover recess. When the salt funnel (3) is removed from the high cover (6), the magnetic force between the first magnet (4.1) and the second magnet (4.2) disappears, the pressing part moves upward, and the lamp part retracts into the high cover recess.

4. The salt tank structure of claim 3, wherein: The first magnet (4.1) and the second magnet (4.2) are respectively installed and fixed by the slots.

5. The salt tank structure of claim 3, wherein Salt tank assembly (7) includes: Salt box (71); The handle (72) has its pivot connected to the salt tank opening and can be retracted into the groove (73) at the salt tank opening.

6. A water softener characterised by: The salt tank is the structure of claim 3.

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