Salt storage container and water heater

Abstract

The invention provides a salt storage container and a water heater, and relates to the technical field of water treatment.The salt storage container comprises a box body, a salt guide part, a balance weight part and a movable surface cover; the box body has a mounting port. The salt guide piece is provided with a salt adding opening, is mounted in the mounting opening and rotates relative to the box body; the counterweight piece is arranged on one side, facing the outer side of the salt storage container, of the salt guide piece; the movable surface cover is installed on the side, provided with the installation opening, of the box body, the salt guiding piece abuts against the movable surface cover, and the movable surface cover moves relative to the box body. According to the embodiment provided by the invention, the movable surface cover moves relative to the box body to avoid the salt guide part, the salt guide part is overturned outwards under the clamping of the weight of the counterweight part, and the salt adding opening is switched from the hidden state to the exposed state, so that the salt adding opening is automatically opened; the movable surface cover moves relative to the box body and drives the salt guide piece to turn inwards, the salt adding opening is switched from the exposed state to the hidden state, automatic closing of the salt adding opening is achieved, in this way, the salt adding opening does not need to be opened and closed manually, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a salt storage container and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to hard water, soft water has many positive effects on the human body. Soft water can better clean the skin and hair, help maintain the skin's moisture and smoothness, reduce discomfort, and bring soothing and relaxation to the mind and body.

[0003] Currently, gas water heaters also incorporate soft water showering functions, which achieve soft water output by periodically adding salt. To maintain the integrity of the product's appearance, the salt filling port is often designed as a movable component, opening when in use and closing when not in use. However, this requires manual operation of the salt filling port, which is inconvenient and fails to provide convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application addresses the shortcomings of existing methods by providing a salt storage container and a water heater, which solves the technical problem that the salt filling port needs to be opened when in use and closed when not in use, but this requires manual operation of the salt filling port, which is inconvenient and cannot bring convenience.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a salt storage container for use in a water heater, comprising: a housing having an installation port; a salt guide having a salt filling port, the salt guide being installed in the installation port and rotating relative to the housing; a counterweight disposed on the side of the salt guide facing the outside of the housing; and a movable cover installed on the side of the housing having the installation port, the salt guide abutting against the movable cover, the movable cover moving relative to the housing to switch the salt filling port rotation between an exposed state and a concealed state.

[0006] As an optional implementation, the salt guiding component includes: a salt guiding body having a salt guiding channel, the inlet of which serves as the salt filling port; a rotating frame disposed on the outward-facing side of the salt guiding body, the bottom of which is rotatably connected to the housing, and the top of which is rotatably connected to the top of the salt guiding body; and a counterweight fixed to the rotating frame.

[0007] As an optional implementation, the rotating frame includes: a crossbeam, centrally located; two longitudinal beams, respectively located at opposite ends of the crossbeam, each longitudinal beam having a rotating shaft at opposite ends for rotatable connection; wherein the box and the salt guide body are both provided with mounting holes matching the rotating shafts.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the salt guiding body includes: a salt guiding plate; and two surrounding plates, which are angled and oppositely disposed at both ends of the salt guiding plate to enclose the salt guiding channel in the shape of a trough.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the salt guide plate includes: a plate body having a salt guide surface on the side away from the rotating frame; and a first receiving groove formed on the side of the salt guide body facing the rotating frame, the first receiving groove being recessed in a direction away from the rotating frame for accommodating the crossbeam of the rotating frame.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the salt guide plate further includes: two second receiving grooves formed on the side of the salt guide body facing the rotating frame, the second receiving grooves being recessed in a direction away from the rotating frame, the two second receiving grooves being relatively far apart, for accommodating the longitudinal beam of the rotating frame.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the movable cover moves between an open state and a closed state; when the movable cover moves to the open state, the salt inlet switches from a hidden state to an exposed state, and the opening of the salt inlet gradually increases. When the movable cover is in the open state, the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide is at its maximum, which is used to guide salt to the box.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the movable cover moves to the closed state, and the salt inlet switches from the exposed state to the hidden state. During this phase, the opening of the salt inlet gradually decreases. When the movable cover is in the hidden state, the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide is at its minimum.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the box body includes: a receiving cavity, the box wall of the box body having an opening communicating with the receiving cavity, the edge of the opening being rotatably connected to the salt guiding member; and an abutment protrusion disposed in the receiving cavity and close to the edge of the opening, the abutment protrusion extending into the receiving cavity to abut against the side of the salt guiding body.

[0014] Secondly, this application provides a water heater, including: a salt storage container as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0015] This application provides a salt storage container and a water heater. The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application brings at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] By moving the movable cover relative to the box body to avoid the salt guide component, the salt guide component flips outward under the weight of the counterweight, switching the salt filling port from a hidden state to an exposed state, thus automatically opening the salt filling port to add salt into the box. After adding salt, the movable cover moves relative to the box body, driving the salt guide component to flip inward, switching the salt filling port from an exposed state to a hidden state, thus automatically closing the salt filling port. This eliminates the need for manual operation to open and close the salt filling port, improving the user experience.

[0017] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the box body, salt guiding component, counterweight component, and movable cover in a salt storage container provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a salt-guiding component and a counterweight in a salt storage container, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a salt-conducting body in a salt storage container provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating frame in a salt storage container provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a salt storage container in a second position, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a salt storage container with the movable cover in a high position, provided as an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a salt storage container with the movable cover in a lower position, provided as an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a salt storage container in the first position, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater with the movable cover in the second position, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater with the movable cover in the first position, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure labels and corresponding explanations:

[0030] 1: Box body; 11: Receiving cavity; 12: Abutting protrusion;

[0031] 2: Salt guiding component; 21: Salt guiding body; 211: Salt guiding plate; 2111: Plate body; 2112: First receiving groove; 2113: Second receiving groove; 212: Enclosing plate; 22: Rotating frame; 221: Crossbeam; 222: Longitudinal beam;

[0032] 3: Counterweights;

[0033] 4: Movable faceplate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This application is described in detail below. Examples of embodiments of this application are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of known technologies that are unnecessary for the features of this application are omitted. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in this application’s specification means the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The terms “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wireless connections or wireless couplings. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all or any of the units and all combinations thereof of one or more associatedly listed items.

[0036] like Figure 1-8 As shown in the figure, this application provides a salt storage container for use in a water heater. The salt storage container mainly includes a housing 1, a salt guide 2, a counterweight 3, and a movable cover 4. The housing 1 has an installation port; the salt guide 2 has a salt filling port, and the salt guide 2 is installed in the installation port and rotates relative to the housing 1; the counterweight 3 is disposed on the side of the salt guide 2 facing the outside of the salt storage container; the movable cover 4 is installed on the side of the housing 1 with the installation port, the salt guide 2 abuts against the movable cover 2, and the movable cover 4 moves relative to the housing 1 so that the salt filling port rotates between an exposed state and a concealed state.

[0037] In this embodiment, the housing 1 has a cavity for storing salt. The movable cover 4 can be connected to a drive device to control its movement relative to the housing 1. The salt guide 2 can flip outwards or inwards relative to the housing 1. A counterweight 3 is located on the outward-facing side of the salt guide 2. The counterweight 3 causes the salt guide 2 to flip outwards, opening the salt inlet. The greater the outward angle of the salt guide 2, the greater the opening angle of the salt inlet. Conversely, flipping the salt guide 2 inwards closes the salt inlet. The greater the inward angle of the salt guide 2, the smaller the opening angle of the salt inlet. The flipping angle and direction of the salt guide 2 depend on the moving direction and position of the movable cover 4.

[0038] When the salt inlet is exposed, the tank 1 is connected to the outside through the salt guide 2, and salt can be added into the tank 1 from the outside through the salt inlet; when the salt inlet is hidden, the movable cover 4 covers the salt guide 2, and salt cannot be added into the tank 1 from the outside through the salt inlet.

[0039] The salt storage container provided in this embodiment allows the movable cover 4 to move relative to the housing 1 to avoid the salt guide component 2. The salt guide component 2 flips outward under the weight of the counterweight 3, switching the salt filling port from a hidden state to an exposed state, thus automatically opening the salt filling port to add salt into the housing 1. After adding salt, the movable cover 4 moves relative to the housing 1, driving the salt guide component 2 to flip inward, switching the salt filling port from an exposed state to a hidden state, thus automatically closing the salt filling port. This eliminates the need for manual operation to open and close the salt filling port, improving the user experience.

[0040] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the salt guiding component 2 includes a salt guiding body 21 and a rotating frame 22. The salt guiding body 21 has a salt guiding channel, the inlet of which serves as a salt filling port; the rotating frame 22 is disposed on the outward-facing side of the salt guiding body 21, the bottom of the rotating frame 22 is rotatably connected to the housing 1, and the top of the rotating frame 22 is rotatably connected to the top of the salt guiding body 21; the counterweight 3 is fixed on the rotating frame 22.

[0041] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the rotating frame 22 is used to support the salt-guiding body 21 and enable the salt-guiding body 21 to rotate relative to the box 1. The counterweight 3 is fixed to the side of the rotating frame 22 opposite to the salt-guiding body 21, that is, the outward side, so that the salt-guiding body 21 and the rotating frame 22 can be rotated outward under the action of gravity.

[0042] like Figure 1-4As shown, in one optional implementation, the rotating frame 22 includes a crossbeam 221 and two longitudinal beams 222. The crossbeam 221 is centrally located; the two longitudinal beams 222 are respectively located at opposite ends of the crossbeam 221, and each longitudinal beam 222 has a rotating shaft for rotatable connection at opposite ends; wherein, the box body 1 and the salt guide body 21 are both provided with mounting holes that match the rotating shafts.

[0043] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the crossbeam 221 is horizontally arranged, the longitudinal beam 222 is perpendicular to the crossbeam 221, and the rotating frame 22 is H-shaped to form a stable support structure. The rotation shafts at the top of the longitudinal beam 222 extend towards each other, and the rotation shafts at the bottom of the longitudinal beam 222 extend away from each other, so as to realize the rotational connection with the box 1 and the salt guiding body 21, respectively.

[0044] In another embodiment, the rotation axes at the top of the longitudinal beam 222 extend in opposite directions; the rotation axes at the bottom of the longitudinal beam 222 extend in opposite directions.

[0045] Optionally, the crossbeam 221 and the longitudinal beam 222 are integrally formed.

[0046] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, in one optional implementation, the salt guiding body 21 includes a salt guiding plate 211 and two surrounding plates 212. The two surrounding plates 212 are angled and oppositely disposed at both ends of the salt guiding plate 211 to enclose a trough-shaped salt guiding channel.

[0047] Based on the foregoing embodiments, in this embodiment, the salt guide plate 211 is used to guide salt. The surrounding plate 212 is triangular, with one side of the surrounding plate 212 connected to the salt guide plate 211, and the surrounding plate 212 is perpendicular to the salt guide plate 211. If the salt guide body 21 is horizontally arranged, the salt guide plate 211 is located on the horizontal plane, and the salt guide body 21 is U-shaped in the vertical section, that is, the salt guide channel is a U-shaped groove.

[0048] Optionally, the salt guide plate 211 and the two surrounding plates 212 are integrally formed.

[0049] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the salt guide plate 211 includes a plate body 2111 and a first receiving groove 2112. The plate body 2111 has a salt guiding surface on the side away from the rotating frame 22; the first receiving groove 2112 is formed on the side of the salt guide body 21 facing the rotating frame 22, and the first receiving groove 2112 is recessed in a direction away from the rotating frame 22 to accommodate the crossbeam 221 of the rotating frame 22.

[0050] Based on the foregoing embodiments, in this embodiment, the salt-guiding surface is planar to ensure smoothness, reduce resistance, and improve salt-guiding efficiency. The first receiving groove 2112 is adapted to the crossbeam 221 of the rotating frame 22. The first receiving groove 2112 is recessed into the salt-guiding plate 211.

[0051] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the salt guide plate 211 further includes two second receiving grooves 2113, which are formed on the side of the salt guide body 21 facing the rotating frame 22. The second receiving grooves 2113 are recessed in a direction away from the rotating frame 22, and the two second receiving grooves 2113 are relatively far apart, for accommodating the longitudinal beam 222 of the rotating frame 22.

[0052] Based on the foregoing embodiments, in this embodiment, the second receiving groove 2113 is adapted to the beam of the rotating frame 22. Both second receiving grooves 2113 are connected to the first receiving groove 2112 to adapt to the rotating frame 22. The two second receiving grooves 2113 may be disposed at the intersection of the surrounding plate 212 and the salt guide plate 211. The second receiving grooves 2113 are recessed into the surrounding plate 212 and / or the salt guide plate 211.

[0053] like Figure 5-8 As shown, in one optional implementation, the movable cover 4 moves between an open state and a closed state; when the movable cover 4 moves to the open state, the salt inlet switches from a hidden state to an exposed state, and the opening of the salt inlet gradually increases. When the movable cover 4 is in the open state, the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide 2 is at its maximum, and it is used to guide salt to the box 1.

[0054] like Figure 5-8 As shown, in one optional implementation, the movable cover 4 moves to the closed state, and the salt inlet switches from the exposed state to the hidden state. The opening of the salt inlet gradually decreases. When the movable cover 4 is in the hidden state, the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide 2 is at its minimum.

[0055] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the movable cover 4 moves vertically, i.e., upwards or downwards. When the movable cover 4 is in the closed state, at its highest position, it covers the salt guide 2, and the salt inlet of the salt guide 2 is hidden, with the opening of the salt inlet at its minimum. As the movable cover 4 moves downwards, it switches from the closed state to the open state. After descending below the salt guide 2, the salt guide 2 flips outwards under gravity, and the salt inlet switches from the hidden state to the exposed state. The salt inlet is exposed, and its opening gradually increases until the movable cover 4 reaches its lowest position. The top of the movable cover 4 is supported by the salt guide 2, at which point the movable cover 4 is in the open state, and the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide 2 is at its maximum.

[0056] The movable cover 4 is in the open state and in the low position. As the movable cover 4 moves upward, it simultaneously pushes the salt guide 2 to flip inward, switching the movable cover 4 from the open state to the closed state. The salt inlet switches from the exposed state to the hidden state, and the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide 2 gradually decreases until the movable cover 4 rises above the salt guide 2, at which point the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide 2 reaches its minimum, and the salt inlet is hidden. The movable cover 4 continues to rise, concealing the salt inlet of the salt guide 2, until the movable cover 4 moves to its highest position and is in the closed state.

[0057] In some embodiments, the salt channel protrudes outward from the movable cover 4 and extends inward into the housing 1.

[0058] By adopting the above solution, the longer salt channel can separate the rotating frame 22 and each component, thereby preventing salt particles from getting stuck in the gaps between the components and fundamentally solving the problem of component jamming and damage.

[0059] like Figure 5-8 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the box 1 includes a box body 1 and an abutment protrusion 12. The box body 1 has a receiving cavity 11 for containing salt inside, and the box wall of the box body 1 has an opening communicating with the receiving cavity 11. The edge of the opening is rotatably connected to the salt guide member 2. The abutment protrusion 12 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11 and close to the edge of the opening. The abutment protrusion 12 extends into the receiving cavity 11 to abut against the side of the salt guide body 21.

[0060] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, one end of the abutting protrusion 12 is fixed to the inner wall of the box 1, and the other end extends into the box 1 to abut against the side of the salt guiding body 21, so that the salt guiding component 2 is away from the opening and forms a greater inclination. When the movable cover 4 slides downward, the salt guiding component 2 flips outward under the action of the counterweight 3, and its flipping angle is limited by the contact positions between the two sides of the rotating frame 22 and the movable cover 4. At this time, the salt guiding body 21 flips open under the drive of the rotating frame 22, and the salt guiding body 21 will rotate along the common axis of both sides. Since the rotation angle is limited by the contact between the side of the salt guiding body 21 and the abutting protrusion 12, the movement posture of the salt guiding body 21 is a composite movement of outward flipping and outward sliding.

[0061] like Figure 9-10 As shown, based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a water heater that includes a salt storage container as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0062] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0063] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0064] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0065] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0066] The above description is only a partial embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A salt storage container, used in a water heater, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has an installation port; A salt guide (2) has a salt inlet, the salt guide (2) is installed in the inlet and rotates relative to the housing (1); A counterweight (3) is disposed on the side of the salt guide (2) facing the outside of the salt storage container; A movable cover (4) is installed on the side of the housing (1) with the installation port. The salt guide (2) abuts against the movable cover (2). The movable cover (4) moves relative to the housing (1) so that the salt filling port rotates to switch between an exposed state and a hidden state.

2. The salt storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The salt guide element (2) includes: The salt-conducting body (21) has a salt-conducting channel, and the inlet of the salt-conducting channel serves as the salt-adding port; A rotating frame (22) is disposed on the outward side of the salt guiding body (21). The bottom of the rotating frame (22) is rotatably connected to the box (1), and the top of the rotating frame (22) is rotatably connected to the top of the salt guiding body (21). The counterweight (3) is fixed on the rotating frame (22).

3. The salt storage container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating frame (22) includes: The crossbeam (221) is centered. Two longitudinal beams (222) are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the crossbeam (221), and each longitudinal beam (222) is provided with a rotating shaft for rotatable connection at opposite ends; The housing (1) and the salt guide body (21) are both provided with mounting holes that match the rotating shaft.

4. The salt storage container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The salt-conducting body (21) includes: Salt guide plate (211); Two enclosure plates (212) are angled and oppositely disposed at both ends of the salt guide plate (211) to enclose the salt guide channel forming a trough.

5. The salt storage container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The salt guide plate (211) includes: The plate (2111) has a salt-guiding surface on the side away from the rotating frame (22); A first receiving groove (2112) is formed on the side of the salt guiding body (21) facing the rotating frame (22). The first receiving groove (2112) is recessed in a direction away from the rotating frame (22) to receive the crossbeam (221) of the rotating frame (22).

6. The salt storage container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The salt guide plate (211) also includes: Two second receiving grooves (2113) are formed on the side of the salt guiding body (21) facing the rotating frame (22). The second receiving grooves (2113) are recessed in a direction away from the rotating frame (22). The two second receiving grooves (2113) are relatively far apart and are used to accommodate the longitudinal beam (222) of the rotating frame (22).

7. The salt storage container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable cover (4) moves between an open state and a closed state; The movable cover (4) moves to the open state, and the salt inlet switches from the hidden state to the exposed state. The opening of the salt inlet gradually increases. When the movable cover (4) is in the open state, the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide (2) is at its maximum, and it is used to guide salt to the box (1).

8. The salt storage container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The movable cover (4) moves to the closed state, and the salt inlet switches from the exposed state to the hidden state. The opening of the salt inlet gradually decreases. When the movable cover (4) is in the hidden state, the opening of the salt inlet of the salt guide (2) is at its minimum.

9. The salt storage container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing (1) includes: The receiving cavity (11) has an opening in the wall of the box body (1) that communicates with the receiving cavity (11), and the edge of the opening is rotatably connected to the salt guide (2); An abutment protrusion (12) is disposed in the receiving cavity (11) and close to the edge of the opening. The abutment protrusion (12) extends into the receiving cavity (11) to abut against the side of the salt guiding body (21).

10. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The salt storage container as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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