Water softening equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of water treatment devices, and discloses water softening equipment. The water softening equipment comprises a shell and a salt box, the shell is embedded in an installation cabinet body or an installation wall body, a containing cavity is formed in the shell, and a drawing opening communicated with the containing cavity is formed in the side, exposed out of the installation cabinet body or the installation wall body, of the shell; the salt box is used for storing regenerated salt, a salt adding opening is formed in the top of the salt box, and the salt box is arranged in the containing cavity in a drawable mode and can be drawn out of the shell through the drawing opening so that the salt adding opening can be exposed. According to the water softening equipment, the salt adding operation of a user can be facilitated, the use experience of the user is improved, the space in the cabinet can be fully utilized, and the neatness and attractiveness of the whole home environment are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water treatment device technology, and in particular to a water softening device. Background Technology

[0002] With my country's rapid economic development, people's demand for water is increasing. However, tap water has a high hardness (i.e., high concentration of calcium and magnesium ions), which can lead to scale buildup and a poor washing and bathing experience. Water softeners, as an important water treatment device, can effectively remove calcium and magnesium ions from water through ion exchange technology, thereby reducing water hardness and improving the taste and feel of the water.

[0003] The operation of existing household water softeners mainly consists of a softening process and a regeneration process. During the softening process: the resin exchange tank inside the water softener is filled with cation exchange resin. When hard water containing calcium and magnesium ions passes through the resin exchange tank, sodium ions (or other functional ions) on the resin exchange with the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Most of the calcium and magnesium ions are adsorbed by the resin, while water with a lower concentration of calcium and magnesium ions flows out, thus softening the water. During the regeneration process: when the calcium and magnesium ions adsorbed on the resin surface reach saturation, its exchange capacity decreases. At this point, countercurrent regeneration technology is needed to flush the resin with brine to replace the calcium and magnesium ions on the resin and restore its exchange capacity. After prolonged use, users need to manually add regeneration salt to the brine tank of the water softener to ensure its normal operation.

[0004] However, existing water softeners typically have the following problems: 1) Water softeners are usually installed inside cabinets with the salt tank opening facing upwards, making it difficult for users to add salt directly from the top of the salt tank. Users often need to move the water softener out of the cabinet before adding salt, which is inconvenient and results in a poor user experience; 2) The space in users' cabinets is often larger than the size of the water softener to facilitate its access. However, the space in the cabinet is basically unusable for other items besides the water softener, resulting in wasted cabinet space.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a water softening device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] Based on the above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a water softening device that makes it convenient for users to add salt, improves the user experience, and makes full use of the space inside the cabinet, ensuring the cleanliness and beauty of the entire home environment.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A water softening device, comprising:

[0009] The housing is embedded in a mounting cabinet or mounting wall, and a receiving cavity is formed inside the housing. A pull-out opening communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side of the housing exposed outside the mounting cabinet or mounting wall.

[0010] A salt tank is used to store regenerated salt. The top of the salt tank has a salt filling port. The salt tank is removably installed in the accommodating cavity and can be pulled out of the housing through the pull-out port so that the salt filling port is exposed.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the water softening equipment further includes a resin tank disposed within the accommodating chamber and spaced apart from the brine tank along the pull-out direction of the brine tank.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the salt tank is provided with a salt storage chamber and an installation chamber at intervals. The salt storage chamber is used to store regenerated salt, and the salt filling port is connected to the salt storage chamber. The installation chamber is used to install the salt suction mechanism, and the wall of the salt storage chamber is also provided with a salt passage port connected to the installation chamber.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, a baffle plate is connected to the side of the salt tank facing the pull-out opening, and the baffle plate blocks the pull-out opening when the salt tank is located in the receiving cavity.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the salt tank is provided with a handle or buckle on the side facing the pull-out opening.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the water softening device further includes a sliding assembly, through which the salt tank is removably mounted on the housing.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the sliding assembly includes a slide rail disposed at the inner bottom of the receiving chamber and a slider disposed at the bottom of the salt tank, the slider being slidably engaged with the slide rail; or

[0017] The sliding assembly includes a slide rail disposed at the inner bottom of the accommodating chamber and a roller disposed at the bottom of the salt tank, the roller being rolled in cooperation with the slide rail.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment, a display screen is provided on the side of the housing with the pull-out opening, and the display screen is exposed on the mounting cabinet or the mounting wall.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, the water softening equipment further includes a salt shortage alarm component, which is disposed within the housing and configured to trigger an alarm when the remaining salt level in the salt tank is lower than a preset salt level.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment, the salt deficiency alarm component includes:

[0021] A detection element is disposed inside the housing to detect the amount of salt remaining in the salt tank;

[0022] An alarm element is electrically connected to the detection element to trigger an alarm when the remaining salt level is lower than a preset salt level.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] The water softener provided by this utility model features a removable salt tank within the housing. When salt needs to be added after prolonged use, the user can pull the salt tank out of the housing, exposing the salt inlet. The user can then easily add regenerated salt from the top of the tank. By embedding the housing within a cabinet or wall, the water softener integrates seamlessly with the user's home décor, maximizing space utilization and making the kitchen or other installation area appear more spacious and organized. This ensures a clean and aesthetically pleasing home environment, enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, the user can periodically remove the salt tank for cleaning, maintaining its cleanliness and ensuring water safety. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water softening equipment provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hidden salt tank structure of the water softening equipment provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hidden part of the housing of the water softening device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top view of the concealed housing of the water softening device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the salt tank and salt suction mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 100. Shell; 101. Receiving chamber; 102. Pull-out port;

[0033] 200. Salt tank; 201. Salt storage chamber; 2011. Salt filling port; 2012. Salt passage port; 202. Installation chamber; 210. Baffle plate; 220. Handle;

[0034] 300. Salt absorption mechanism;

[0035] 400. Resin tank;

[0036] 500. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0041] This embodiment provides a water softening device that softens water flowing through it, reducing water hardness, improving the taste and feel of the water, and enhancing the user's water experience. In this embodiment, the water softening device is specifically a water softener. Of course, in other embodiments, the water softening device can also be a water treatment device that integrates functions such as water purification, water softening, and sterilization.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water softening equipment provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the hidden salt tank 200 of the water softening equipment provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the concealed housing 100 of the water softening device provided in this embodiment is shown. Figures 1-3 As shown, the water softening equipment provided in this embodiment includes a housing 100 and a salt tank 200. The housing 100 is embedded in a mounting cabinet or mounting wall, and a receiving chamber 101 is formed inside the housing 100. A pull-out port 102 communicating with the receiving chamber 101 is provided on the side of the housing 100 exposed outside the mounting cabinet or mounting wall. The salt tank 200 is used to store regenerated salt. A salt filling port 2011 is provided on the top of the salt tank 200. The salt tank 200 is pull-outably installed in the receiving chamber 101 and can be pulled out of the housing 100 through the pull-out port 102 so that the salt filling port 2011 is exposed.

[0043] The water softener provided in this embodiment features a removable salt tank 200 housed within the casing 100. When salt needs to be added after prolonged use, the user can pull the salt tank 200 out of the casing 100, exposing the salt inlet 2011. The user can then conveniently add regenerated salt from the top of the salt tank 200. By embedding the casing 100 within a cabinet or wall, the water softener integrates seamlessly with the user's home décor, maximizing the space available in the cabinet or wall. This makes the kitchen or other installation area appear more spacious and organized, ensuring a clean and aesthetically pleasing home environment and enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, the user can periodically remove the salt tank 200 from the casing 100 for cleaning, ensuring its cleanliness and thus guaranteeing water safety.

[0044] Optionally, the housing 100 is a sheet metal housing, which has the advantages of being lightweight, easy to process, and sturdy and durable.

[0045] Optionally, the salt tank 200 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer and molded by injection molding, which has the advantages of excellent strength, impact resistance, and ease of processing. In other embodiments, the salt tank 200 can also be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and molded by blow molding. This embodiment does not limit the material and manufacturing process of the salt tank 200, and designers can adjust it according to actual needs.

[0046] Furthermore, the water softening device also includes a sliding assembly. The brine tank 200 is removably mounted on the housing 100 via the sliding assembly to ensure stability during the removal and removal of the brine tank 200. Specifically, in some embodiments, the sliding assembly includes a slide rail (not shown) located at the inner bottom of the accommodating chamber 101 and a slider (not shown) located at the bottom of the brine tank 200, with the slider slidably engaged with the slide rail. By providing the slidingly engaged slide rail and slider, guidance can be provided for the removal and removal of the brine tank 200 relative to the housing 100, and stability can be ensured during their relative movement. In other embodiments, the sliding assembly includes a slide rail (not shown) located at the inner bottom of the accommodating chamber 101 and a roller (not shown) located at the bottom of the brine tank 200, with the roller rollingly engaged with the slide rail. This arrangement can ensure stability when the brine tank 200 is removed and removed relative to the housing 100 while reducing friction between the slide rail and the roller, reducing wear, and thus extending the service life of the sliding assembly.

[0047] Optionally, the number of sliding components is at least two, and the at least two sliding components are arranged at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the pulling direction of the salt tank 200, so as to ensure that the salt tank 200 and the housing 100 can be evenly stressed, and further ensure the stability of the salt tank 200 when it moves relative to the housing 100.

[0048] Figure 4 A top view of the concealed housing 100 of the water softening device provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 4As shown, the water softener also includes a resin tank 400, which is located within the accommodating chamber 101 and spaced apart from the brine tank 200 along the pull-out direction of the brine tank 200. In other words, the resin tank 400 is located outside the brine tank 200. Compared to existing designs where the resin tank is placed inside the brine tank, this arrangement avoids the reduced lifespan of the resin tank 400 due to prolonged immersion in brine. Furthermore, with the same volume of brine tank 200, this arrangement increases the salt storage space within the brine tank 200, reducing the frequency of salt additions. Additionally, the spaced arrangement of the resin tank 400 and brine tank 200 along the pull-out direction allows for full utilization of the depth space within the installation cabinet or wall, further increasing storage space in the kitchen or other installation areas and improving the user experience. It has been verified that the brine tank 200 of this water softener can store more than 30 kg of regenerated salt. Of course, this embodiment does not limit the salt storage capacity of the salt tank 200. Designers can adjust the specific dimensions of the salt tank 200 according to the size of the shell 100, the volume of the resin tank 400, and the user's demand for purified water.

[0049] In this embodiment, there are two resin tanks 400, which are arranged at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction of the brine tank 200. During use, the two resin tanks 400 can alternately perform water production and regeneration processes, ensuring that each resin tank 400 is fully utilized and regenerated, thereby maintaining high softening efficiency. Furthermore, the alternating operation of the two resin tanks 400 reduces the workload of a single resin tank 400, thus extending the service life of the entire water softening system. Of course, this embodiment does not limit the specific number of resin tanks 400; designers can adjust it according to actual needs.

[0050] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the salt tank 200 and the salt suction mechanism 300 provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 5 and combined Figure 3 As shown, the salt tank 200 is provided with a salt storage chamber 201 and an installation chamber 202 at intervals. The salt storage chamber 201 is used to store regenerated salt, and the salt inlet 2011 is connected to the salt storage chamber 201. The installation chamber 202 is used to install the salt suction mechanism 300. The wall of the salt storage chamber 201 is also provided with a salt passage port 2012 connected to the installation chamber 202. During the regeneration process, the salt suction mechanism 300 can draw brine from the salt tank 200 and transfer it to the resin tank 400 through the connecting pipeline. It is understood that the length of the connecting pipeline between the salt suction mechanism 300 and the resin tank 400 should ensure that when the salt tank 200 is pulled out of the housing 100, the resin tank 400 will not move synchronously with the salt tank 200 through the connecting pipeline. In this embodiment, the specific length of the connecting pipeline is not limited.

[0051] It should be noted that the salt suction mechanism 300 and the resin tank 400 are both relatively mature technologies in the prior art. The specific structure and working principle of the salt suction mechanism 300 and the resin tank 400 will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0052] In this embodiment, to facilitate the user in pulling the salt tank 200 out of the housing 100, a handle 220 is provided on the side of the salt tank 200 facing the pull-out opening 102. The user can easily pull the salt tank 200 out or push it back by pulling the handle 220. Of course, in other embodiments, a handle can also be provided on the side of the salt tank 200 facing the pull-out opening 102, which can achieve the same effect.

[0053] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a baffle plate 210 is connected to the side of the salt tank 200 facing the pull-out port 102. When the salt tank 200 is located inside the receiving chamber 101, the baffle plate 210 blocks the pull-out port 102. By setting the baffle plate 210, the pull-out port 102 can be blocked to prevent the salt tank 200, the salt suction mechanism 300, and the resin tank 400 from being exposed, thereby ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the entire water softening equipment. In this embodiment, the baffle plate 210 is integrally formed with the salt tank 200, which is simple in structure and easy to process. Specifically, a handle 220 or a hand buckle is provided on the baffle plate 210.

[0054] Continue as Figures 1-3 As shown, a display screen 500 is installed on one side of the housing 100 where the pull-out opening 102 is located. The display screen 500 is exposed on the mounting cabinet or mounting wall. By installing a display screen 500 exposed on the mounting cabinet or mounting wall, users can observe the operating status of the water softener in real time, improving the convenience of user operation. Optionally, the display screen 500 is embedded inside the housing 100, flush with the outer surface of the housing 100, to prevent the display screen 500 from being damaged by collisions, and at the same time, it can further improve the overall aesthetics of the water softener.

[0055] In this embodiment, the display screen 500 is made of tempered glass, which has high strength, good clarity, and is easy to clean and maintain. Of course, in other embodiments, the display screen 500 can also be made of acrylic panel, which is lightweight and has high safety.

[0056] To remind users to add salt to the salt tank 200 in a timely manner, the water softener also includes a low-salt alarm component (not shown in the figure). This low-salt alarm component is located inside the housing 100 and is configured to sound an alarm when the remaining salt level in the salt tank 200 falls below a preset salt level. In this embodiment, the preset salt level is defined as the amount of salt required for only three regeneration processes. Of course, this embodiment does not limit the specific value of the preset salt level; designers can adjust it according to actual needs.

[0057] Specifically, the low salt alarm component includes a detection element and an alarm element. The detection element is disposed within the housing 100 to detect the remaining salt level in the salt tank 200. The alarm element is electrically connected to the detection element to trigger an alarm when the remaining salt level falls below a preset level. In this embodiment, the detection element can be a weight sensor or a pressure sensor; the alarm element can be an alarm light or a buzzer. Simultaneously, when the remaining salt level in the salt tank 200 falls below the preset level, the icon on the display screen 500 indicating the current salt level flashes synchronously to remind the user to add salt in time.

[0058] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water softening device, characterized in that, include: A housing (100) is embedded in a mounting cabinet or mounting wall. A receiving chamber (101) is formed inside the housing (100). A pull-out opening (102) communicating with the receiving chamber (101) is provided on the side of the housing (100) exposed outside the mounting cabinet or mounting wall. A salt tank (200) is used to store regenerated salt. The top of the salt tank (200) is provided with a salt filling port (2011). The salt tank (200) is removably installed in the accommodating chamber (101) and can be pulled out of the housing (100) through the pull-out port (102) so that the salt filling port (2011) is exposed.

2. The water softening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water softening equipment also includes a resin tank (400), which is disposed in the accommodating chamber (101) and is spaced apart from the salt tank (200) along the pull-out direction of the salt tank (200).

3. The water softening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The salt tank (200) is provided with a salt storage chamber (201) and an installation chamber (202) at intervals. The salt storage chamber (201) is used to store regenerated salt. The salt inlet (2011) is connected to the salt storage chamber (201). The installation chamber (202) is used to install the salt suction mechanism (300). The wall of the salt storage chamber (201) is also provided with a salt passage port (2012) that is connected to the installation chamber (202).

4. The water softening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The salt tank (200) is connected to a baffle plate (210) on the side facing the pull-out opening (102). When the salt tank (200) is located in the accommodating chamber (101), the baffle plate (210) blocks the pull-out opening (102).

5. The water softening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The salt tank (200) is provided with a handle (220) or a buckle on the side facing the pull-out opening (102).

6. The water softening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water softening equipment also includes a sliding assembly, through which the salt tank (200) is removably mounted on the housing (100).

7. The water softening equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sliding assembly includes a slide rail disposed at the inner bottom of the receiving chamber (101) and a slider disposed at the bottom of the salt tank (200), the slider being slidably engaged with the slide rail; or The sliding assembly includes a slide rail disposed at the inner bottom of the accommodating chamber (101) and a roller disposed at the bottom of the salt tank (200), the roller being rolled in conjunction with the slide rail.

8. The water softening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A display screen (500) is provided on one side of the housing (100) with a pull-out opening (102), and the display screen (500) is exposed to the mounting cabinet or the mounting wall.

9. The water softening equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The water softening equipment also includes a salt shortage alarm component, which is disposed inside the housing (100) and is configured to trigger an alarm when the remaining salt in the salt tank (200) is lower than a preset salt level.

10. The water softening equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The salt deficiency alarm component includes: A detection element is disposed within the housing (100) for detecting the amount of salt remaining in the salt tank (200); An alarm element is electrically connected to the detection element to trigger an alarm when the remaining salt level is lower than a preset salt level.

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