Float anti-disengagement structure of water tank and air treatment device

Abstract

The application relates to a water tank float anti-disengagement structure and an air treatment device. The anti-disengagement structure comprises a water tank body, a float groove arranged in the water tank body, and a float which is arranged in the float groove in a liftable manner. A water inlet groove for water inflow is arranged on the side wall of the float groove. The side wall of the float is provided with a convex bump which extends into the water inlet groove. A connecting section which spans the water inlet groove is arranged at the upper end of the water inlet groove. A guide inclined surface is arranged on the inner side wall of the connecting section. The area of the connecting section corresponding to the guide inclined surface forms a deformation part. The thickness of the deformation part gradually increases from top to bottom. The water tank float anti-disengagement structure and the air treatment device are characterized in that the connecting section is arranged at the top end of the water inlet groove, the guide inclined surface is arranged on the inner side wall of the connecting section, the connecting section is formed with the deformation part with gradually-changing thickness, and when the float is installed or taken out, the convex bump on one side of the float abuts against the deformation part. Therefore, only a small force is needed to make the connecting section elastically deform, so that the float can be smoothly slid into and out of the float groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dehumidification equipment technology, and in particular to a float anti-detachment structure for a water tank and an air handling device. Background Technology

[0002] A float, a key component that uses physical buoyancy to indicate water level, is widely used in the water tanks of various household water treatment devices (such as dehumidifiers). It typically works in conjunction with magnetic or photoelectric sensors to achieve functions such as automatic shut-off when the tank is full or water shortage warnings. To ensure the float can stably rise and fall within a preset track without detaching, and to facilitate easy removal and reinstallation by the user when cleaning the water tank, the anti-detachment structure between the float and its reservoir is crucial.

[0003] Currently, a common practice in mainstream float anti-detachment structures in the industry is to install a one-piece rigid buckle on the inner side of the top opening of the float groove. When installing or removing the float, users need to forcefully pry open the buckle or forcibly squeeze the float through. This operation is not only laborious and can easily give users the unpleasant feeling that the buckle is about to break, but long-term repeated operation may also cause plastic deformation or even breakage of the buckle or float, affecting the reliability of the structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a float anti-detachment structure and air treatment device for a water tank that enables convenient float installation and prevents float detachment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a float anti-detachment structure for a water tank, including a water tank body, a float groove disposed within the water tank body, and a float that is vertically and elliptically disposed within the float groove. The side wall of the float groove is provided with a water inlet groove for water supply. The side wall of the float is provided with a protrusion extending into the water inlet groove. The upper end of the water inlet groove is provided with a connecting section spanning the water inlet groove. The inner side wall of the connecting section is provided with a guide slope. The area of ​​the connecting section corresponding to the guide slope forms a deformation portion, and the thickness of the deformation portion gradually increases from top to bottom.

[0006] Preferably, the convex bulge is a frustum-shaped convex block, which includes a large-diameter end away from the water inlet trough and a small-diameter end close to the water inlet trough. The diameter of the large-diameter end is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter end, and the diameter of the small-diameter end is smaller than the width of the guide slope.

[0007] Preferably, the top of the connecting segment is provided with a notch, the width of the notch is greater than or equal to the width of the guide ramp, and the guide ramp extends downward from the notch.

[0008] Preferably, there is a gap between the bottom end of the guide slope and the bottom surface of the connecting segment.

[0009] Preferably, the inner wall of the float groove is provided with multiple vertical ribs.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an air handling device, including the float anti-detachment structure described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0011] Preferably, the inner bottom surface of the water tank body is recessed to form a receiving groove, a wireless water pump is installed in the receiving groove, the bottom of the wireless water pump has a receiving module, a transmitting module is fixed on the outer bottom surface of the receiving groove opposite to the receiving module, a water pump cover is provided at the opening of the receiving groove, the water pump cover and the receiving groove form a receiving cavity, and the wireless water pump is fastened to the bottom of the water pump cover; wherein, the float groove is arranged in the receiving cavity.

[0012] Preferably, the water pump cover includes a circular cover plate and a hollow protrusion protruding upward from the cover plate; the top surface of the cover plate has a structure that is low in the center and high around the edges, and the cover plate has a water inlet hole that extends at least partially to the protrusion; the top of the float groove is received within the protrusion.

[0013] Preferably, a flat section is formed on one side of the receiving groove, and a fixing groove is provided at the flat section opposite the position of the float. A water level detection plate that works in conjunction with the float is provided in the fixing groove.

[0014] Preferably, a snap fastener structure is provided between the water pump cover and the receiving groove, the snap fastener structure allowing the water pump cover to be elastically locked or unlocked when rotated relative to the receiving groove in a predetermined direction.

[0015] The float anti-detachment structure and air treatment device for the water tank designed in this application, by setting a connecting section at the top of the water inlet tank and setting a guide slope on the inner side wall of the connecting section, makes the connecting section form a deformation part with a gradual change in thickness. When the float is installed or removed, the convex bulge on one side of the float abuts against the deformation part, and only a small force is needed to make the connecting section elastically deform, so that the float can slide in and out of the float slot more smoothly. Compared with the prior art, this application integrates the anti-detachment function with the float slot structure, which not only effectively simplifies the structure, reduces the complexity of the mold and the manufacturing cost, but also improves the convenience of user operation while ensuring reliable anti-detachment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-detachment float structure of the water tank provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0018] Figure 3yes Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the float anti-detachment structure shown.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The 3D view of the float anti-detachment structure from another angle.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air handling device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top view of the water tank assembly in the air handling unit shown.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded 3D view of the water tank assembly shown.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Sectional view at point BB.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of the wireless water pump and the pump cover.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the water pump cover.

[0026] The components include: water tank body 10, float groove 20, water inlet groove 21, rib 22, float 30, bulge 31, small diameter end 311, connecting section 40, guide slope 41, deformation part 42, notch 43, receiving groove 50, flat part 51, fixing groove 52, water level detection plate 53, wireless water pump 60, receiving module 70, transmitting module 71, water pump cover 80, cover plate 81, protrusion 82, first end 821, second end 822, water inlet hole 83, locking block 91, fastening block 92, first arc-shaped protrusion 921, second arc-shaped protrusion 922, locking groove 923, through hole 924, arc-shaped protrusion 93, float anti-detachment structure 100, and air treatment device 200. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0028] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a float anti-detachment structure 100 for a water tank, which is mainly used in air handling equipment requiring water level detection, such as dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and integrated dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Figures 1 to 4As shown, the float anti-detachment structure 100 mainly includes a water tank body 10, a float groove 20 disposed within the water tank body 10, and a float 30 that is vertically and retractably disposed within the float groove 20. In specific implementation, the float groove 20 is integrally formed with the water tank body 10, and the float groove 20 can be completely located within the water tank body 10. The top surface of the float groove 20 can be set to be basically flush with the top surface of the water tank body 10 to ensure the accuracy of water level detection.

[0029] Specifically, the side wall of the float trough 20 is provided with a water inlet trough 21 for water supply, and the side wall of the float 30 is provided with a protrusion 31 that extends into the water inlet trough 21. The protrusion 31 is located in the center of the side wall. The upper end of the water inlet trough 21 is provided with a connecting section 40 that spans the water inlet trough 21. The inner side wall of the connecting section 40 is provided with a guide slope 41. The area of ​​the connecting section 40 corresponding to the guide slope 41 forms a deformation part 42. The thickness of the deformation part 42 gradually increases from top to bottom.

[0030] Thus, when the float 30 needs to be installed, it is pressed downward from the opening at the top of the float groove 20. During this process, the protrusion 31 on the float 30 will first contact the guide slope 41 of the connecting section 40 and slide along the slope as the float 30 moves downward. Due to the structure of the deformable part 42 being thin at the top and thick at the bottom, the elastic deformation capability of the connecting section 40 is better, so that the force required to be applied during the installation and removal of the float 30 is smaller. The setting of the guide slope 41 also allows the float 30 to slide into the float groove 20 more smoothly. As the float 30 continues to descend, once the protrusion 31 has completely passed the deformation section 42, the pressure-free connecting section 40 will return to its original shape due to its elasticity. At this point, the protrusion 31 is located below the connecting section 40 and is engaged in the water tank 21. The connecting section 40 acts as a physical limiter, reliably confining the float 30 within the float tank 20 and effectively preventing it from floating out due to buoyancy during subsequent use. When it is necessary to clean the water tank body 10 and remove the float 30, the process is the reverse of installation. Simply pull the float 30 upwards; the protrusion 31 will compress the connecting section 40, and the float 30 can be easily removed using its elastic deformation.

[0031] Through the above structural design, this embodiment eliminates the complex structure of setting a limiting pin in the float slot to prevent the float from falling out, without adding extra parts or complicating the structure. It achieves reliable anti-falling of the float and convenient assembly and disassembly, effectively improving the user experience.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the convex bulge 31 is a frustum-shaped protrusion, comprising a large-diameter end away from the water inlet 21 and a small-diameter end 311 close to the water inlet 21. The diameter of the large-diameter end is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter end 311, and the diameter of the small-diameter end 311 is smaller than the width of the guide slope 41. In the normal installation direction, its small-diameter end 311 faces the outside of the float groove 20. When the float 30 is pressed into the float groove 20, the small-diameter end 311 of the protrusion will first contact the guide slope 41. This makes the elastic deformation process of the connecting section 40 very gradual and stable, avoiding the jamming sensation that may occur with right-angle or rounded corner structures. As the float 30 continues to be pushed in, the convex bulge 31 will completely pass over the connecting section 40 and enter the water inlet 21. If reverse installation is attempted, the deformable part 42 of the connecting section 40 cannot undergo elastic deformation, so the float 30 cannot be installed into the float groove 20, thus preventing the float 30 from being installed backwards.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the top of the connecting segment 40 is provided with a notch 43, and a guide ramp 41 extends downward from the notch 43, with the width of the notch 43 being greater than or equal to the width of the guide ramp 41. The notch 43 can further enhance the elastic deformation capacity of the connecting segment 40. The notch 43 reduces the material cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting segment 40 at the point of stress deformation initiation, thereby reducing the initial force required for bending deformation. This reduces resistance in the initial stage of installing the float 30 and improves the smoothness of operation. In this embodiment, to balance the elastic deformation capacity and structural strength of the connecting segment 40, the width of the guide ramp 41 can be set to be greater than 50% and less than 80% of the total width of the connecting segment 40.

[0034] In some embodiments, to ensure that the connecting segment 40 possesses excellent elastic deformation capability while maintaining sufficient structural strength to withstand long-term repeated use, such as... Figure 3 As shown, there is a gap between the bottom end of the guide slope 41 and the bottom surface of the connecting section 40. That is, the bottom end of the guide slope 41 does not extend all the way to the bottom of the connecting section 40, but a gap is reserved between its bottom end and the bottom surface of the connecting section 40 to maintain the original thickness. The area where this gap is located can ensure the stability and durability of the connection between the entire connecting section 40 and the main body of the float groove 20, and prevent fatigue fracture caused by stress concentration.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, multiple vertical ribs 22 are arranged on the inner wall of the float groove 20. By setting these ribs 22, the outer wall of the float 30 no longer makes surface contact with the entire inner wall of the float groove 20, thereby reducing the contact area and lowering the frictional resistance during the lifting and lowering process of the float 30. More preferably, in order to make the sliding contact smoother, the side of the ribs 22 facing the float 30 is designed as a smooth arc surface to ensure that the float 30 will not be scratched or stuck by sharp edges during the lifting and lowering process, thus ensuring the stability and smoothness of its movement.

[0036] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an air handling device 200, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the air handling unit 200 utilizes the float anti-detachment structure 100 of the water tank in any of the aforementioned embodiments, thereby achieving convenient water tank maintenance at the overall unit level. The air handling unit can be a dehumidifier, a humidifier, or a dehumidifier-humidifier combo unit. The water tank system of the air handling unit 200 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the inner bottom surface of the water tank body 10 of the air handling unit 200 is recessed to provide a receiving groove 50 as a water pump assembly mounting area. Specifically, a wireless water pump 60 is installed in the receiving groove 50, and a receiving module 70 is located at the bottom of the wireless water pump 60. A transmitting module 71 is fixed on the outer bottom surface of the receiving groove 50, directly opposite the receiving module 70, to achieve wireless power supply. This internal and external isolation structure fundamentally achieves water and electricity separation, ensuring safety during use. In this embodiment, a filter cotton (not shown) is provided at the water inlet of the wireless water pump 60 to filter impurities in the water and prevent impurities from entering the wireless water pump 60 and causing blockage or wear.

[0038] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, a water pump cover 80 is installed at the opening of the receiving groove 50. The water pump cover 80 and the receiving groove 50 form a relatively independent receiving cavity, in which the wireless water pump 60 is housed. During assembly, the wireless water pump 60 can be pre-fixed to the bottom of the water pump cover 80 using clips or other methods. This design allows the water pump 60 and the water pump cover 80 to be installed and removed as a single module, facilitating maintenance. A float groove 20 is located within the receiving cavity to achieve more accurate water level detection.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10As shown, the water pump cover 80 includes a circular cover plate 81 and a hollow protrusion 82 protruding upward from the cover plate 81. The top surface of the cover plate 81 has a structure that is low in the center and high around the edges, that is, the cover plate 81 is concave downward, which allows water collected from various parts of the water tank body 10 to flow naturally towards the central area; at the same time, the cover plate 81 has a water inlet hole 83 that extends at least partially to the protrusion 82, which facilitates the rapid flow of water in the water tank body 10 from the water inlet hole 83 into the receiving cavity.

[0040] Furthermore, the protrusion 82 can be, for example, a knob, a wing-shaped handle, a groove for easy finger gripping, or an asymmetrical protrusion, allowing the user to easily remove or install the water pump cover 81, along with the wireless water pump 60 fixed thereon, as a whole from the water tank body 10 by holding it with one hand and applying twisting force, effectively simplifying the cleaning and maintenance process. In specific implementations, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 82 has a first end 821 and a second end 822, with the first end 821 close to the inner wall of the water tank body 10. The width of the protrusion 82 gradually increases from the first end 821 to the second end 822, allowing the protrusion 82 to apply torque more effectively when twisted. The top of the protrusion 82 may also be provided with force markings, such as a twisting direction indicator arrow, to provide clear operational guidance. In this embodiment, the top of the float groove 20 is housed within the protrusion 82. This arrangement not only makes the structure more compact but also allows the float 30 to respond promptly to changes in the water level entering the receiving cavity.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 8 As shown, a flat part 51 is formed on one side of the receiving groove 50. The flat part 51 provides a flat mounting reference surface, on which a fixing groove 52 for mounting the water level detection plate 53 is provided. The water level detection plate 53 is installed in the fixing groove 52, and its position is directly opposite to the predetermined lifting path of the float 30, so as to accurately sense the position change of the magnet inside the float 30 and realize accurate water level judgment.

[0042] In some embodiments, a snap-lock structure is provided between the pump cover 80 and the receiving groove 50. This snap-lock structure allows the pump cover 80 to be elastically locked or unlocked by rotating it relative to the receiving groove 50 in a predetermined direction. This means the user can lock or unlock the pump cover 80 without any tools; simply by holding the protrusion 82 on the pump cover 80 and rotating it a small angle in a predetermined direction, greatly simplifying the assembly and disassembly process. Specifically, an internal thread can be provided on the inner wall of the receiving groove 50, and a matching external thread can be provided on the periphery of the pump cover 81. By rotating the pump cover 81, the engagement of the threads allows the pump cover 81 to switch between a locked and unlocked state. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a resilient latch or claw can be provided on the pump cover 81 or the wall of the receiving groove 50, with corresponding slots on the components. By pressing, the latch / claw elastically deforms and moves over the obstacle into the slot, achieving locking. Disassembly typically requires pressing a specific area to disengage the latch / claw.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the snap-fit ​​structure includes multiple locking blocks 91 arranged circumferentially on the wall of the receiving groove 50 and multiple fastening blocks 92 arranged circumferentially on the bottom periphery of the water pump cover 81. One side of each fastening block 92 has a sliding groove that slides with the locking block 91. Each locking block 91 corresponds to each fastening block 92, ensuring correct alignment and even force distribution during installation. Simultaneously, the wall of the receiving groove 50 has arc-shaped protrusions 93 corresponding to the locking blocks 91. At least one fastening block 92 has a first arc-shaped protrusion 921 and a second arc-shaped protrusion 922 on its sidewall. A locking groove 923 is formed between the first arc-shaped protrusion 921 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 922. When the arc-shaped protrusion 93 slides past the first arc-shaped protrusion 921 and enters the locking groove 923, it elastically locks with the corresponding fastening block 92, keeping the water pump cover 81 in a locked state. The second arc-shaped protrusion 922 prevents the arc-shaped protrusion 93 from sliding further. In this embodiment, the pump cover 81 or the water tank 10 can be made of plastic, which has a certain degree of elasticity.

[0044] Specifically, when the water pump cover 81 is placed into the receiving groove 50 and rotated, the locking block 91 first slides freely within the groove. As rotation continues, the fixed arc-shaped protrusion 93 contacts the moving first arc-shaped protrusion 921. With a slight application of torque, the arc-shaped protrusion 93 is forced past the apex of the first arc-shaped protrusion 921 and falls into the locking groove 923. At this point, the arc-shaped protrusion 93 is held in the locking groove 923 by both the first and second arc-shaped protrusions 921, creating an elastic locking force that effectively prevents the water pump cover 81 from rotating backward and loosening due to vibration or accidental contact, ensuring the water pump cover 81 is securely locked. Furthermore, the second arc-shaped protrusion 922 also acts as a limit stop for the rotation endpoint, preventing the arc-shaped protrusion 93 from sliding further and ensuring that each locking stops at the predetermined position. This design not only provides reliable connection but also offers clear tactile feedback to the user, enhancing the operating experience. Figure 9 As shown, the latch block with the first arc-shaped protrusion 921 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 922 has a through hole 924 near the top. The width of the through hole 924 is slightly smaller than the overall width of the latch block 91. By setting the through hole 924, the latch block 92 has a greater deformation capacity, which facilitates the arc-shaped protrusion 93 to slide into the locking groove 923, and can more easily form an elastic locking state.

[0045] The float anti-detachment structure and air treatment device for the water tank provided in this application embodiment, by setting a connecting section at the top of the water inlet tank and setting a guide slope on the inner side wall of the connecting section, makes the connecting section form a deformation part with a gradually changing thickness. When the float is installed or removed, the convex bulge on one side of the float abuts against the deformation part, and only a small force is needed to make the connecting section elastically deform, so that the float can slide in and out of the float groove more smoothly. Compared with the prior art, this application integrates the anti-detachment function with the float groove structure, which not only effectively simplifies the structure, reduces the complexity of the mold and the manufacturing cost, but also improves the convenience of user operation while ensuring reliable anti-detachment.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", 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.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A float anti-detachment structure for a water tank, comprising a water tank body, a float groove disposed within the water tank body, and a float retractably disposed within the float groove, characterized in that, The float trough has a water inlet trough on its side wall for water supply. The side wall of the float has a protrusion that extends into the water inlet trough. The upper end of the water inlet trough has a connecting section that spans the water inlet trough. The inner side wall of the connecting section has a guide slope. The area of ​​the connecting section corresponding to the guide slope forms a deformation part. The thickness of the deformation part gradually increases from top to bottom.

2. The float anti-detachment structure of the water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The convex bulge is a frustum-shaped protrusion, which includes a large-diameter end away from the water inlet trough and a small-diameter end close to the water inlet trough. The diameter of the large-diameter end is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter end, and the diameter of the small-diameter end is smaller than the width of the guide slope.

3. The float anti-detachment structure of the water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the connecting section is provided with a notch, the width of which is greater than or equal to the width of the guide ramp, and the guide ramp extends downward from the notch.

4. The float anti-detachment structure of the water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a gap between the bottom end of the guide ramp and the bottom surface of the connecting section.

5. The float anti-detachment structure of the water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the float groove has multiple vertical ribs.

6. An air handling device, characterized in that, Includes the float anti-detachment structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The air handling apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner bottom surface of the water tank body is recessed to form a receiving groove, and a wireless water pump is installed in the receiving groove. The bottom of the wireless water pump has a receiving module, and a transmitting module is fixed on the outer bottom surface of the receiving groove, opposite to the receiving module. A water pump cover is installed at the opening of the receiving groove, and the water pump cover and the receiving groove form a receiving cavity. The wireless water pump is fastened to the bottom of the water pump cover; wherein, the float groove is set in the receiving cavity.

8. The air handling apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water pump cover includes a circular cover plate and a hollow protrusion protruding upward from the cover plate; the top surface of the cover plate has a structure that is low in the center and high around the edges, and the cover plate has a water inlet hole that extends at least partially to the protrusion; the top of the float groove is housed in the protrusion.

9. The air handling apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, A flat section is formed on one side of the receiving groove, and a fixing groove is provided at the flat section opposite the position of the float. A water level detection plate that works with the float is provided in the fixing groove.

10. The air handling apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, A snap-lock structure is provided between the water pump cover and the receiving groove. The snap-lock structure allows the water pump cover to be elastically locked or unlocked when rotated in a predetermined direction relative to the receiving groove.

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