Supporting middle shell and water softener

Abstract

The utility model provides a supporting middle shell and a water softener, the supporting middle shell is configured on a salt box of the water softener, the supporting middle shell comprises a connecting base body, the connecting base body is connected with the salt box, and the connecting base body covers a top opening of the salt box; the limiting base body is provided with a first receding opening and a first limiting groove, the first receding opening vertically penetrates through the limiting base body, the first receding opening communicates with the first limiting groove, the first receding opening is used for allowing the top of the resin tank to penetrate through, and the first limiting groove is configured to be arranged around the outer wall of the resin tank; the first limiting groove is used for being matched with the outer wall of the resin tank, and the limiting base body and the connecting base body are integrally arranged together. Due to the fact that the limiting base body and the connecting base body are integrally arranged together, namely the limiting base body and the connecting base body are integrally formed, the limiting base body is connected with the connecting base body without additional connecting pieces, the connecting pieces are omitted, the number of parts is remarkably reduced while installation stability is ensured, the structure is simplified, and therefore the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the maintenance process can be simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water softener technology, and more particularly to a supporting shell and a water softener. Background Technology

[0002] Commercially available water softeners mainly consist of a brine tank, a resin tank, and a valve control assembly. Their working principle involves the exchange of functional ions in the resin tank with calcium and magnesium ions in the water, thereby reducing the concentration of hardness ions. When the resin becomes saturated, it needs to be regenerated using specialized brine in the brine tank, achieving recycling.

[0003] In existing water softeners, the bottom of the resin tank is installed at the bottom of the brine tank's inner cavity, while the top passes through the supporting shell and is locked in place by a fixing plate. However, the fixing plate requires an additional connection structure to assemble with the supporting shell, complicating the overall structure and increasing manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulties. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a supporting shell and a water softener to solve the problem in related technologies where the fixed plate requires an additional connection structure to achieve assembly with the supporting shell, resulting in a complex overall structure. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a supporting shell, which is configured on the brine tank of a water softener, comprising:

[0006] A connecting base, the connecting base connecting to the salt tank, the connecting base covering the top opening of the salt tank; and

[0007] A limiting base has a first clearance opening and a first limiting groove. The first clearance opening extends through the limiting base from both the top and bottom and communicates with the first limiting groove. The first clearance opening is used for the top of the resin tank to pass through. The first limiting groove is configured to surround the outer wall of the resin tank and is used to cooperate with the outer wall of the resin tank. The limiting base and the connecting base are integrally formed together.

[0008] In one embodiment, the supporting shell further includes:

[0009] A first support base is integrally disposed together with the connecting base, at least a portion of the first support base is disposed within the inner cavity of the salt tank, and the first support base is used to support the valve control assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first support base has a second limiting groove located below the first limiting groove and connected to the first limiting groove. The second limiting groove is arranged around a portion of the outer wall of the resin tank and engages with the outer wall of the resin tank.

[0011] In one embodiment, the supporting shell further includes:

[0012] The second support base is integrally formed with the connecting base. The second support base is disposed within the inner cavity of the salt tank and abuts against the inner cavity sidewall of the salt tank.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first support base and the second support base are respectively placed on both sides of the limiting base along the length direction of the support shell. The first support base has a support part on the side opposite to the second support base, and the support part is used to be inserted into the support groove on the side wall of the salt tank.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first support base has a receiving cavity for accommodating at least a portion of the valve control assembly.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support has a second clearance opening that connects the receiving cavity and the support groove, and the second clearance opening is used for the passage of pipes on the valve control assembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second support base has a salt filling channel that extends through the second support base both vertically and horizontally, and the salt filling channel is used to connect to the inner cavity of the salt tank.

[0017] In one embodiment, the outer side wall of the second support base is provided with a plurality of support protrusions, the plurality of support protrusions are arranged at intervals around the second support base, and the plurality of support protrusions abut against the side wall of the inner cavity;

[0018] Each of the aforementioned support protrusions has a slot at its lower end, which engages with a snap-fit ​​protrusion within the inner cavity.

[0019] In one embodiment, the connecting substrate includes:

[0020] A connecting portion, the connecting portion being disposed around the limiting base, the connecting portion being mounted on the top of the salt tank, and the connecting portion being detachably connected to the salt tank; and

[0021] A positioning part is connected to the connecting part, and the positioning part abuts against the inner cavity sidewall of the salt tank.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a water softener, including the aforementioned supporting shell.

[0023] The advantages or beneficial effects of the above technical solutions include at least the following:

[0024] The supporting shell of this utility model is composed of a connecting base and a limiting base integrally set together, forming an integrated structure. The connecting base covers and is fixed to the top opening of the salt tank to achieve overall positioning of the supporting shell. The limiting base has a first clearance opening that runs vertically through the top of the resin tank for the top of the resin tank to pass through, which can avoid the pipeline on the top of the resin tank and prevent the resin tank from interfering with the valve control components. At the same time, the first limiting groove surrounding the resin tank directly cooperates with its outer wall, effectively limiting the upward and horizontal displacement of the resin tank. Since the limiting base and the connecting base are integrally set together, that is, the limiting base and the connecting base are integrally formed, the limiting base can be connected to the connecting base without additional connecting parts, eliminating the need for connecting parts. While ensuring installation stability, it significantly reduces the number of parts, simplifies the structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the maintenance process. Attached Figure Description

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the supporting shell of this utility model from a first-view perspective.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the supporting shell of this utility model from a second perspective.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water softener of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the water softener of this utility model.

[0030] Figure Labels

[0031] 1. Connecting base; 11. Connecting part; 12. Positioning part; 2. Limiting base; 21. First clearance opening; 22. First limiting groove; 3. First supporting base; 31. Second limiting groove; 32. Supporting part; 321. Second clearance opening; 33. Receiving cavity; 4. Second supporting base; 41. Salt adding channel; 42. Support protrusion; 421. Slot; 5. Salt tank; 51. Inner cavity; 6. Resin tank; 7. Top cover; 8. Valve control assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0033] See Figures 1-2 This illustration shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a supporting shell for mounting on the brine tank 5 of a water softener, comprising:

[0034] Connecting base 1, connecting base 1 connects to salt tank 5, connecting base 1 covers the top opening of salt tank 5; and

[0035] The limiting base 2 has a first clearance opening 21 and a first limiting groove 22. The first clearance opening 21 extends through the limiting base 2 from both the top and bottom and connects to the first limiting groove 22. The first clearance opening 21 is used for the top of the resin tank 6 to pass through. The first limiting groove 22 is configured to surround the outer wall of the resin tank 6 and is used to cooperate with the outer wall of the resin tank 6. The limiting base 2 and the connecting base 1 are integrally formed together, that is, the limiting base 2 and the connecting base 1 are integrally formed.

[0036] The supporting shell of this utility model is composed of a connecting base 1 and a limiting base 2 integrally set together, forming an integrated structure. The connecting base 1 covers and is fixed to the top opening of the salt tank 5 to achieve the overall positioning of the supporting shell. The limiting base 2 is provided with a first clearance opening 21 that runs vertically through the top of the resin tank 6 for the top to pass through. This not only avoids the pipeline on the top of the resin tank 6, but also prevents the resin tank 6 from interfering with the valve control component 8. At the same time, the first limiting groove 22 surrounding the resin tank 6 directly cooperates with its outer wall, effectively limiting the upward and horizontal displacement of the resin tank 6. Since the limiting base 2 and the connecting base 1 are integrally set together, that is, the limiting base 2 and the connecting base 1 are integrally formed, the limiting base 2 can be connected to the connecting base 1 without additional connecting parts. This eliminates the need for connecting parts, significantly reduces the number of parts while ensuring installation stability, simplifies the structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the maintenance process.

[0037] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the supporting shell further includes:

[0038] The first support base 3 is integrally formed with the connecting base 1, meaning that the first support base 3 and the connecting base 1 are integrally molded. At least a portion of the first support base 3 is disposed within the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5, and the first support base 3 is used to support the valve control assembly 8. By integrally forming the first support base 3 on the connecting base 1, allowing it to partially extend into the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5 to directly support the valve control assembly 8, not only is the overall structural stability of the supporting shell enhanced, but the assembly of separate supporting components is also eliminated, further simplifying the structure and thus further reducing production costs.

[0039] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the first support base 3 has a second limiting groove 31 located below the first limiting groove 22 and communicating with the first limiting groove 22. The second limiting groove 31 is arranged around a portion of the outer wall of the resin tank 6 and engages with the outer wall of the resin tank 6. By providing a second limiting groove 31 communicating with the first limiting groove 22 on the first support base 3, a double limiting structure is formed around the outer wall of the resin tank 6. This not only enhances the axial and radial fixing effect of the resin tank 6, preventing displacement and shaking, but also avoids additional fasteners through an integrated design, further simplifying the assembly process, improving structural stability, and reducing production costs.

[0040] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the supporting shell further includes:

[0041] The second support base 4 is integrally formed with the connecting base 1, meaning the second support base 4 and the connecting base 1 are integrally molded. The second support base 4 is disposed within the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5 and abuts against the side wall of the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5. By integrally forming the second support base 4 on the connecting base 1 and extending the second support base 4 into the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5 to abut against the side wall of the inner cavity 51, a stable lateral support structure is formed. This not only effectively disperses mechanical stress and enhances the overall structural rigidity, but also directly supports the salt tank 5 to prevent deformation, thereby avoiding changes in the water level or structure inside the salt tank 5 and ensuring the normal brine intake of the salt valve. At the same time, by reducing the number of independent support components, the assembly process can be significantly simplified, improving the reliability of the support shell while effectively controlling production costs.

[0042] See Figure 1In one embodiment, the outer wall of the second support base 4 is provided with a plurality of support protrusions 42, which are arranged at intervals around the second support base 4 and abut against the side wall of the inner cavity 51. Thus, by providing a plurality of spaced-apart support protrusions 42 on the outer wall of the second support base 4 to abut against the side wall of the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5, a multi-point uniform support structure is formed, which enhances overall stability and improves resistance to deformation, while ensuring precise alignment and optimizing stress distribution, significantly improving assembly reliability and long-term durability.

[0043] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, each supporting protrusion 42 has a slot 421 at its lower end, which engages with a snap-fit ​​protrusion (not shown in the figure) inside the inner cavity 51. Thus, the engagement of the slot 421 and the snap-fit ​​protrusion forms a locking structure, which enhances the connection stability between the second supporting base 4 and the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5, achieves rapid and accurate positioning, optimizes the force distribution, and effectively improves the overall structure's impact resistance and long-term reliability.

[0044] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the first support base 3 and the second support base 4 are respectively placed on both sides of the limiting base 2 along the length direction of the supporting shell. The side of the first support base 3 away from the second support base 4 is provided with a support part 32, which is used to insert into the support groove on the side wall of the salt tank 5. By placing the first support base 3 and the second support base 4 on both sides of the limiting base 2 to form a symmetrical support structure, and by utilizing the insertion and cooperation of the support part 32 on the first support base 3 with the support groove on the side wall of the salt tank 5, bidirectional force balance and precise positioning are achieved. This not only enhances the stability and deformation resistance of the overall supporting shell structure, but also simplifies the installation process and ensures the long-term reliability and durability of the salt tank 5.

[0045] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the first support base 3 has a receiving cavity 33 for accommodating at least a portion of the valve control assembly 8. By providing the receiving cavity 33 in the first support base 3 to support the valve control assembly 8, the space utilization of the first support base 3 is optimized, the structural compactness is improved, the fit stability between the first support base 3 and the valve control assembly 8 is enhanced, the assembly process is simplified, and the overall system reliability is improved.

[0046] See Figure 1In one embodiment, the support portion 32 has a second clearance opening 321, which connects the receiving cavity 33 and the support groove. The second clearance opening 321 is used for the pipes on the valve control assembly 8 to pass through. By providing the second clearance opening 321 in the support portion 32, unobstructed passage of the pipes of the valve control assembly 8 and efficient connection with the external water supply device are ensured, while maintaining a stable connection between the support portion 32 and the support groove. This optimizes the pipeline layout space while taking into account structural compactness and installation convenience, significantly improving the overall reliability and maintenance convenience of the system.

[0047] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the second support base 4 has a salt-adding channel 41 that extends vertically through the second support base 4. The salt-adding channel 41 connects to the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5 to facilitate the addition of salt to the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5. By providing a vertically extending salt-adding channel 41 in the second support base 4, efficient communication of the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5 is achieved, while fully utilizing the three-dimensional spatial structure of the second support base 4. This avoids the need for additional salt-adding components, optimizes the internal spatial layout of the salt tank 5, and significantly improves the overall space utilization efficiency of the structure.

[0048] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the connecting substrate 1 includes:

[0049] A connecting part 11 is provided around the limiting base 2, the connecting part 11 is mounted on the top of the salt tank 5, and the connecting part 11 is detachably connected to the salt tank 5; and

[0050] The positioning part 12 is connected to the connecting part 11 and abuts against the side wall of the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5. In this way, the connecting part 11 is detachably connected to the salt tank 5, and the positioning part 12 abuts against the side wall of the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5 to form a positioning structure, which not only ensures the stability and accurate positioning of the installation, but also facilitates maintenance and disassembly, thus optimizing the reliability and ease of use of the overall structure.

[0051] In one embodiment, the connecting part 11 has a first connecting hole, the salt tank 5 has a second connecting hole, and the supporting shell further includes:

[0052] The fastener has a head that abuts against the connecting part 11, and the shank of the fastener passes through the first connecting hole and is screwed into the second connecting hole, so as to detachably connect the connecting part 11 to the salt box 5.

[0053] In one embodiment, there are multiple positioning parts 12, which are arranged at intervals around the vertical center line of the connecting part 11. The multiple positioning parts 12 arranged at intervals around the center line of the connecting part 11 form a multi-point balanced support structure, which enhances the contact stability with the side wall of the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5, achieves a more precise radial positioning effect, effectively improves the overall structure's resistance to offset and assembly reliability, and also reduces the assembly difficulty between the positioning parts 12 and the inner cavity 51 of the salt tank 5.

[0054] See Figures 3-4 This invention illustrates a preferred embodiment of a water softener, comprising:

[0055] Salt tank 5, salt tank 5 has an inner cavity 51;

[0056] Resin tank 6, resin tank 6 is vertically installed in the inner cavity 51; and

[0057] The aforementioned supporting shell.

[0058] The water softener of this utility model, due to the adoption of the aforementioned supporting shell, is also based on the fact that it is composed of an integrally set connecting base 1 and a limiting base 2, forming an integrated structure. The connecting base 1 covers and is fixed to the top opening of the salt tank 5 to achieve the overall positioning of the supporting shell. The limiting base 2 has a first clearance opening 21 that runs vertically through the top of the resin tank 6 for the top to pass through, which can avoid the top pipe of the resin tank 6 and prevent the resin tank 6 from interfering with the valve control component 8. At the same time, the first limiting groove 22 surrounding the resin tank 6 directly cooperates with its outer wall, effectively limiting the upward and horizontal displacement of the resin tank 6. Since the limiting base 2 and the connecting base 1 are integrally set, that is, the limiting base 2 and the connecting base 1 are integrally formed, the limiting base 2 can be connected to the connecting base 1 without additional connecting parts, eliminating the need for connecting parts. While ensuring installation stability, it significantly reduces the number of parts, simplifies the structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the maintenance process.

[0059] See Figures 3-4 In one embodiment, the water softener further includes:

[0060] Top cover 7 is provided on the connecting base 1. Top cover 7 covers the top of the connecting base 1 and the top of the resin tank 6 to hide the resin tank 6 inside the water softener.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Furthermore, 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A supporting middle shell, said supporting middle shell being configured on the brine tank of a water softener, characterized in that, include: A connecting base is provided, which is connected to the salt tank and covers the top opening of the salt tank. as well as A limiting base has a first clearance opening and a first limiting groove. The first clearance opening extends through the limiting base from both the top and bottom, and is connected to the first limiting groove. The first clearance opening is used for the top of the resin tank to pass through, and the first limiting groove is configured to surround the outer wall of the resin tank. The first limiting groove is used to cooperate with the outer wall of the resin tank. The limiting base and the connecting base are integrally formed together.

2. The supporting middle shell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting shell also includes: A first support base is integrally disposed together with the connecting base, at least a portion of the first support base is disposed within the inner cavity of the salt tank, and the first support base is used to support the valve control assembly.

3. The supporting middle shell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first support base has a second limiting groove, which is located below the first limiting groove and is connected to the first limiting groove. The second limiting groove is arranged around a portion of the outer wall of the resin tank and cooperates with the outer wall of the resin tank.

4. The supporting middle shell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting shell also includes: The second support base is integrally formed with the connecting base. The second support base is disposed within the inner cavity of the salt tank and abuts against the inner cavity sidewall of the salt tank.

5. The supporting middle shell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first support base and the second support base are respectively placed on both sides of the limiting base along the length direction of the support shell. The first support base has a support part on the side away from the second support base. The support part is used to be inserted into the support groove on the side wall of the salt tank.

6. The supporting middle shell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first support base has a receiving cavity for receiving at least a portion of the valve control assembly; The support has a second clearance opening, which connects the receiving cavity and the support groove. The second clearance opening is used for the passage of pipes on the valve control assembly.

7. The supporting middle shell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second support base has a salt filling channel that extends through the second support base from both the top and bottom, and the salt filling channel is used to connect to the inner cavity of the salt tank.

8. The supporting middle shell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer side wall of the second support base is provided with a plurality of support protrusions, which are arranged at intervals around the second support base and abut against the side wall of the inner cavity. Each of the aforementioned support protrusions has a slot at its lower end, which engages with a snap-fit ​​protrusion within the inner cavity.

9. The supporting middle shell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting substrate includes: A connecting portion, the connecting portion being disposed around the limiting base, the connecting portion being mounted on the top of the salt tank, and the connecting portion being detachably connected to the salt tank; and A positioning part is connected to the connecting part, and the positioning part abuts against the inner cavity sidewall of the salt tank.

10. A water softener, characterized in that, Includes the supporting inner shell as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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