Display device and water softener

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device, which is applied to a water softener, and comprises a back plate, the inner concave plane of the bottom of the back plate is provided with track grooves and track baffles arranged along the inner side edges of the two track grooves, and the track grooves and the track baffles jointly form a U-shaped track; the panel covers the back plate and is connected with the back plate to form an accommodating space; the display panel is arranged in the accommodating space; a salt adding opening and two linear rails are arranged on the top surface of the upper cover along the length direction; wherein the U-shaped track is in sliding fit with the linear track, so that the display device can slide relative to the upper cover and at least covers the closing position of the salt adding opening or exposes the opening position of the salt adding opening. Compared with the prior art, the device is small in occupied space, higher in space utilization rate, convenient to operate, low in manufacturing cost and convenient to assemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment, and in particular to a display device and a water softener having said display device. Background Technology

[0002] A water softener is a device that softens water by reducing the calcium and magnesium ion content through physical or chemical methods. A water softener mainly consists of components such as a control valve, display device, resin tank, brine tank, and sodium ion exchange resin. Existing water softener display devices primarily employ three setting methods: The first type of display device is a fixed or embedded structure, which is directly fixed to the surface of the water softener. Although this method is simple in structure, it occupies external operating space. Users need to bend over or move to a specific angle to observe the displayed information, resulting in low space utilization and inconvenient operation.

[0003] The second type of display device is a movable structure with accessories. Position adjustment is achieved by adding external connecting parts such as rollers and guide rails between the display device and the machine body. Although this improves the ease of operation, it introduces additional materials, resulting in a wide variety of parts, high costs, and complex assembly processes. The improvement in production efficiency is limited, and the accessories are prone to wear and jamming after long-term use.

[0004] The third type of display device is an external structure, which sets up the display device independently of the host through wired or wireless means. Wired connection takes up limited home space and hinders users' daily living activities; wireless connection requires the addition of a communication module, which greatly increases hardware costs and the signal stability is affected by the environment. At the same time, the external structure destroys the overall product integrity and affects the aesthetics of the home. 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 address the shortcomings of the three existing display device settings for water softeners. The present invention provides a display device that occupies little space, has a higher space utilization rate, is easy to operate, has low manufacturing cost, and is easy to assemble.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a display device applied to a water softener, comprising: The back plate has a track groove and a track baffle along the inner edge of the two track grooves on its bottom concave plane. The track groove and the track baffle together form a "U" shaped track. A panel is mounted on a back panel and connected to the back panel to form an accommodating space; The display panel is disposed within the accommodating space; The top cover has a salt filling port and two "I"-shaped tracks on its top surface along its length. The U-shaped track and the straight track slide together, allowing the display device to slide relative to the top cover and at least cover the closed position of the salt filling port or expose the open position of the salt filling port.

[0008] Preferably, the display device is further improved such that the track baffle of the back plate is provided with symmetrically arranged baffle openings, and the "I"-shaped track of the top cover is inserted into the "U"-shaped track through the baffle openings.

[0009] Preferably, the display device is further improved by providing multiple buckles and / or multiple slots inside the back panel, and the display panel is fixed between the back panel and the front panel by the buckles and / or slots.

[0010] Preferably, the display device is further improved by having multiple stepped pillars inside the back panel, and through holes on the display panel, so that the display panel can be interchangeably assembled through the cooperation of the through holes and the stepped pillars.

[0011] Preferably, the display device is further improved such that a raised outer cover is provided at one end of the back plate, and the outer cover is located above the salt filling port when the salt filling port is closed, and the outer cover contacts the edge of the salt filling port to form a seal; The back plate has two recesses at the other end, and the two "I"-shaped tracks of the top cover have protrusions on their outer sides. When the salt filling port is open, the recesses and protrusions engage and are positioned.

[0012] Preferably, the display device is further improved by including: a ribbon cable and a silicone plug, wherein an opening is provided on one side of the back plate, the silicone plug is provided with a slot and is engaged with the opening, and the ribbon cable passes through the silicone plug and is connected to the display panel.

[0013] Preferably, the display device is further improved in that the outer surface of the panel is provided with a recessed plane, and the recessed plane is provided with a display window and an operation through hole, and the display screen and buttons of the display panel are respectively aligned with the display window and the operation through hole.

[0014] The present invention provides a water softener having the display device described in any one of the above claims.

[0015] The display device provided by the present invention has at least the following technical advantages compared to the prior art; 1. In the existing technology, fixed devices require additional operating space, external devices protrude from the surface of the machine body, and auxiliary devices require external track space, none of which can achieve "zero external occupation" of the track structure.

[0016] This invention employs a recessed, concealed track design, directly molding the track groove and baffle onto the exterior of the back panel to form a "U"-shaped track, which then slides into the "I"-shaped track of the top cover. This structure completely hides the track system between the device and the top cover, occupying no external space. Through its recessed integrated design, this invention allows the display device to sink into the concave top surface of the top cover, resulting in a highly integrated structure and reduced space occupancy.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention provides a significant improvement in the structural compactness and space utilization of the display device.

[0018] 2. Existing technologies using separate accessories require separate processing of the track, connectors, and fasteners. Assembly necessitates positioning, fixing, and adjustment, resulting in a long process chain and a tendency to accumulate errors. This invention allows for one-piece molding of the track, eliminating the need for rollers, guide rails, or any other external accessories. This reduces the number of parts compared to accessory-assisted systems, significantly lowering material costs. Furthermore, the backplate and top cover directly interlock via track grooves, simplifying the assembly process to a three-step "alignment-sliding-locking" process, improving efficiency compared to the multi-part assembly of accessory-assisted systems. This invention eliminates accessory processing and assembly steps through structural integration, achieving a simultaneous reduction in both material and process costs.

[0019] Therefore, the display device provided by the present invention can significantly improve the cost and process efficiency.

[0020] 3. In existing technologies, the display device only serves a display function, and the salt inlet requires a separate cover, resulting in redundant components. This invention utilizes a sinking displacement design, allowing the display device to naturally seal the salt inlet when in the closed position, ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the water softener's interior. Simultaneously, it presents a seamless, flat appearance, unifying aesthetic value with functional practicality. The display device of this invention can completely cover the salt inlet via sliding displacement, functioning as a salt inlet cover and achieving "two uses in one device." This invention integrates the previously separate display device and salt inlet cover functions, reducing the number of separate salt inlet cover components and further lowering costs and space requirements.

[0021] 4. Existing roller tracks suffer from poor reliability due to concentrated contact stress, which easily leads to jamming after prolonged use caused by wear or deformation. The track system of this invention employs surface contact sliding, combined with baffle openings for smooth sliding. Concave points and convex points provide precise positioning, allowing users to easily open and close the display device with one hand, resulting in high operational comfort. Compared to auxiliary point contact roller structures, the surface contact of this invention distributes the load, making it less prone to wear and deformation over long-term use and avoiding the risk of jamming. This invention achieves both operational convenience and mechanical reliability through structural rigidity design and limiting mechanisms.

[0022] 5. Existing fixed or embedded devices are typically customized for specific display panels, resulting in poor versatility. This invention features multi-specification stepped columns and clips within the back panel, adaptable to display panels of different sizes, achieving interchangeability of display modules. Through standardized interface design, this invention enables a single structure to be compatible with multiple display solutions, enhancing the product's market adaptability and lifecycle value. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back panel of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back panel of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the panel of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the panel of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the panel of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the silicone plug of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the salt inlet in the closed state of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the salt inlet of the present invention in its exposed state.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Track slots 1-1 and 1-2; Track baffles 1-3 and 1-4; Baffle openings 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8; Concave points 1-9, 1-10; Countersunk holes 1-11, 1-12; Outer cover 1-13; U-shaped tracks 1-30, 1-31; Checkpoints 1-14, 1-15, 1-16, 1-17, 1-18; Buckles 1-19, 1-20, 1-21, 1-22; Step columns 1-23, 1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28; Opening 1-29; Concave plane 2-1; Square through hole 2-2; 2-3 round through holes; Buckles 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, 2-8; Screw posts 2-9, 2-10; Display window 3-1; Operation icon 3-2; Display screen 4-1; Button 4-2; Through hole 4-3; Connectors 5-1 and 5-2; Connect wire 5-3; Baffle 6-1, Baffle 6-2; Card slot 6-3; Opening 6-4; 6-5 through-holes; Concave top surface 7-1; Add salt to 7-2; "U" shaped opening 7-3; "I" shaped track 7-4; "I" shaped track 7-5; Openings 7-6 and 7-7; Protrusions 7-8 and 7-9; Connector 8. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 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 to make the disclosure of the present invention thorough and complete, and to fully convey the technical solutions of these exemplary embodiments 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.

[0037] First embodiment; This invention provides a display device for a water softener. Other components of the water softener are not improvements of this invention and can be any of the prior art, including: The back plate 1 has two parallel track grooves 1-1, 1-2 and track baffles 1-3, 1-4 arranged along the inner side edges of the two track grooves on its bottom concave plane. The track grooves 1-1, 1-2 and the track baffles 1-3, 1-4 together form "U" shaped tracks 1-30, 1-31. Panel 2 is mounted on back plate 1 and connected to back plate 1 to form an accommodating space; Display panel 4 is disposed within the accommodating space; The top cover of the water softener 7 has a salt inlet 7-2 and two "I"-shaped tracks 7-4 and 7-5 along its length. The "U"-shaped tracks 1-30 and 1-31 slide in conjunction with the "I"-shaped tracks 7-4 and 7-5, allowing the display device to slide relative to the upper cover 7 and at least cover the closed position of the salt inlet 7-2 or expose the open position of the salt inlet 7-2.

[0038] The first embodiment is the main design scheme of the present invention. Based on this design scheme, preferred implementation schemes for subsequent components are provided.

[0039] refer to Figure 1As shown, the following embodiments will be described in detail with a structure having a back plate 1, a front panel 2, a faceplate 3, a display panel 4, a ribbon cable 5, a silicone plug 6, a top cover 7, and a connector 8 (screw).

[0040] Second embodiment; refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the second embodiment of the present invention provides a preferred structure for use in the backplate of the first embodiment, comprising: The bottom surface of the back plate 1 forms two parallel concave track grooves 1-1 and 1-2, which can be manufactured by stamping. Between the two track grooves, two track baffles 1-3 and 1-4 are formed on one side edge of each track groove, which can be manufactured by injection molding. The track baffles and the track grooves together form tracks 1-30 and 1-31 with a "U" shaped cross-section.

[0041] Rectangular baffle openings 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8 are provided at both ends of the two track baffles 1-3 and 1-4, with the positions of the rectangular baffle openings designed to allow the upper cover track to be inserted and assembled. Hemispherical recesses 1-9 and 1-10 are provided at the center of the other side edge of the two track grooves 1-1 and 1-2. An integrally formed protruding outer cover 1-13 at the outer end of the back plate 1 is used to close the salt filling port.

[0042] The inner surface of the back panel 1 has four corner latches (1-14, 1-15, 1-16, 1-17) and a buckle (1-18) in the center. Four elastic buckles (1-19, 1-20, 1-21, 1-22) are located near the outer cover end of the inner surface of the back panel 1 to secure the display panel 4. Six stepped posts (1-23 to 1-28) are arranged on the inner side of the buckles, each a three-tiered cylindrical column, to accommodate display panels with different apertures. A circular opening (1-29) is provided on the side wall of the back panel 1.

[0043] It should be noted that the number, size, and position of the bayonet, buckle, and step post are arranged according to the actual assembly requirements.

[0044] Third embodiment; refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the third embodiment of the present invention provides a preferred structure for a panel that can be used in the first embodiment, comprising: A recessed plane 2-1 is formed in the center of the outer surface of panel 2 using injection molding. A square through-hole 2-2 is made in the recessed plane as a display window. The shape of the display window can be selected as needed. Circular operation through-holes 2-3 are made at the four corners. Buckles 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, and 2-8 are set at the four corners of the inner surface of panel 2 to cooperate with the snap-fit ​​of the back panel. Screw posts 2-9 and 2-10 are set at both ends of the inner surface of panel 2.

[0045] Preferably, a faceplate 3 is provided, which is made of transparent PC material, with black ink screen-printed on the back to form a background layer, only exposing the display window 3-1 and the operation icon 3-2 area.

[0046] Fourth embodiment; refer to Figure 7 As shown, the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a preferred structure for a display panel that can be used in the first embodiment, comprising: Display board 4 is a rectangular PCB, with an LCD display screen 4-1 soldered in the middle, touch buttons 4-2 soldered at the four corners, and through holes 4-3 opened at the four corners of the board.

[0047] Fifth embodiment; refer to Figure 8 As shown, the fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a preferred structure for a ribbon cable that can be used in the first embodiment, comprising: Cable 5 is a seven-core silicone wire with crimped connectors 5-1 and 5-2 at both ends, and the wire length is 300mm.

[0048] Sixth embodiment; refer to Figure 9 As shown, the sixth embodiment of the present invention provides a preferred structure for a silicone plug that can be used in the first embodiment, comprising: The silicone plug 6 is molded from food-grade silicone, with circular baffles 6-1 and 6-2 at both ends and a reduced-diameter groove 6-3 in the middle. An opening 6-4 penetrating the side wall is provided on one side of the silicone plug 6, and a strip-shaped through hole 6-5 is provided in the middle for the cable to pass through.

[0049] Seventh embodiment; refer to Figure 10 As shown, the seventh embodiment of the present invention provides a preferred structure for the top cover that can be used in the first embodiment, comprising: The top surface of the cover 7 is recessed to form a concave top surface 7-1, with a circular salt inlet 7-2 at one end. The edges of the recessed areas on both sides of the salt inlet bulge upwards to form "I"-shaped tracks 7-4 and 7-5. The side connecting the track to the concave top surface is solidly supported, while the other side is a cantilever structure to enhance elasticity. Rectangular openings 7-6 and 7-7 are respectively opened in the middle of tracks 7-4 and 7-5. Hemispherical protrusions 7-8 and 7-9 are injection molded in the middle of the outer wall of the track.

[0050] Based on the structures provided in the above embodiments, the assembly process of the present invention is described as follows; First, align the through hole 4-3 of display panel 4 with the stepped columns 1-23 to 1-28 of back panel 1 and press down. The stepped columns have multiple steps to adapt to the hole diameter of the display panel. Clips 1-19 to 1-22 elastically lock the edge of the display panel. The connecting wire 5-3 of ribbon cable 5 is inserted into the strip-shaped through hole 6-5 through the side opening 6-4 of silicone plug 6. The ribbon cable connector 5-1 is connected to the main control valve of the water softener. The other end 5-2 passes through the opening 1-29 of the back panel and then compresses the baffle 6-2 of silicone plug 6 into the opening 1-29. The slot 6-3 is locked at the edge of the opening, and the baffle 6-2 rebounds and stops. The ribbon cable connector 5-2 is inserted into the interface of display panel 4.

[0051] Attach the adhesive side of faceplate 3 to the recessed plane 2-1 of panel 2, align the display window 3-1 with the square hole 2-2, and align the operation icon 3-2 with the round hole 2-3. Align the clips 2-4 to 2-8 of the faceplate 3 and panel 2 assembly with the backplate clips 1-14 to 1-18, and align the screw posts 2-9 and 2-10 with the countersunk holes 1-11 and 1-12. After pressing and engaging, screw 8 into the countersunk hole to lock it in place, thus completing the assembly of the display device.

[0052] Align the openings 1-5 to 1-8 of the back panel baffle of the display device with the ends of the upper cover tracks 7-4 and 7-5. Tracks 7-4 and 7-5 slide into the "U"-shaped tracks 1-30 and 1-31. Push the display device towards the salt inlet 7-2 until the outer cover 1-13 contacts the edge of the salt inlet, completely covering the salt inlet and entering the closed state. (Refer to...) Figure 11 As shown, this is to prevent foreign objects from entering.

[0053] When salt needs to be added, push the display device in the reverse direction. When the concave dots 1-9 and 1-10 slide past the protruding dots 7-8 and 7-9, a spring-loaded click will indicate that the salt filling port is fully exposed. (See reference) Figure 12 As shown, users can add salt. After adding salt, simply push the display device back in.

[0054] It should be noted that, depending on the differences in product structure and dimensions, track grooves 1-1 and 1-2 can be set as a single or three grooves, and the number of baffle openings can be adjusted accordingly; concave points 1-9 and 1-10 can be designed as conical or square; the number of stepped columns can be increased or decreased to 4 or 8 to accommodate display panels of different sizes. All modifications do not deviate from the core concept of this invention: recessed concealment, one-piece molding, and multiple sliding functions.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 display device applied to a water softener, characterized in that, include: The back plate has a track groove and a track baffle along the inner edge of the two track grooves on its bottom concave plane. The track groove and the track baffle together form a "U" shaped track. A panel is mounted on a back panel and connected to the back panel to form an accommodating space; The display panel is disposed within the accommodating space; The top cover has a salt filling port and two "I"-shaped tracks on its top surface along its length. The U-shaped track and the straight track slide together, allowing the display device to slide relative to the top cover and at least cover the closed position of the salt filling port or expose the open position of the salt filling port.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The back panel has symmetrically arranged baffle openings on the track baffle, and the "I"-shaped track of the top cover is inserted into the "U"-shaped track through the baffle openings.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The back panel has multiple buckles and / or multiple slots inside, and the display panel is fixed between the back panel and the front panel by the buckles and / or slots.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The back panel has multiple stepped columns inside, and the display panel has through holes. The display panel can be interchanged by cooperating with the stepped columns through the through holes.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the back panel is provided with a protruding outer cover. When the salt filling port is closed, the outer cover is located above the salt filling port, and the outer cover contacts the edge of the salt filling port to form a seal. The back plate has two recesses at the other end, and the two "I"-shaped tracks of the top cover have protrusions on their outer sides. When the salt filling port is open, the recesses and protrusions engage and are positioned.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The back panel has an opening on one side, and the silicone plug has a slot that engages with the opening. The ribbon cable passes through the silicone plug and connects to the display panel.

7. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The panel has a recessed plane on its exterior, and a display window and an operation through hole are provided in the recessed plane. The display screen and buttons of the display panel are aligned with the display window and the operation through hole, respectively.

8. A water softener, characterized in that: It has the display device according to any one of claims 1-7.

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