Scale inhibition mechanism and water outlet device using it

Abstract

This utility model discloses a scale inhibition mechanism and a water outlet device with the scale inhibition mechanism. The scale inhibition mechanism includes: a support; a slow-release cylinder for storing scale inhibitor, the slow-release cylinder having several slow-release holes, and the slow-release cylinder being connected to the support; a movable member having a cavity, one end of which is open as a first port, the slow-release cylinder extending into the cavity through the first port, the movable member being movable relative to the support between a first position and a second position; an elastic member applying an elastic force to the movable member to move it to the second position; the movable member and the support are used to control whether the slow-release cylinder releases the slow-release liquid. Since the scale inhibition mechanism only releases the scale inhibitor when the water flow in the water outlet device is still, it slows down the flow rate of water and scale inhibitor through the slow-release holes, reduces the dissolution rate of the scale inhibitor, and slows down the consumption of the scale inhibitor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water equipment technology, and in particular to a scale inhibition mechanism and a water outlet device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Showerheads, as a common shower spray device, are prone to scale buildup in the nozzles due to water quality issues or long-term use. This scale buildup can clog the nozzles, affecting water flow and performance. Scale formation is even more pronounced in areas with high water hardness. Long-term clogging not only leads to uneven water flow and angled spray, but also results in a poor showering experience. Some showerheads incorporate scale-inhibiting mechanisms, where scale inhibitors dissolve into the spray nozzle to prevent scale buildup. However, these mechanisms remain constantly connected to the water flow, especially when water is flowing. This water flow accelerates the dissolution of the scale inhibitor, leading to significant consumption of the inhibitor. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the aforementioned technical problems in the related art. To this end, the present invention proposes a scale inhibition mechanism.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0005] This utility model also proposes a water outlet device having the above-mentioned scale inhibition mechanism.

[0006] The scale inhibition mechanism according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0007] Support;

[0008] The slow-release cartridge is used to store scale inhibitor. The slow-release cartridge has several slow-release holes and is connected to the support.

[0009] A movable component having a cavity, one end of which is open as a first port, the slow-release cylinder extending into the cavity through the first port, and the movable component being movable relative to the support between a first position and a second position;

[0010] An elastic element applies an elastic force to the movable element, causing it to move to a second position; wherein,

[0011] When the movable component moves to the first position, the support abuts against the first port to seal the first port, and the slow-release cartridge is hidden in the cavity;

[0012] When the movable component moves to the second position, the first port disengages from the support, and at least a portion of the slow-release cylinder with the slow-release hole extends out of the cavity.

[0013] The scale inhibition mechanism according to the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the movable part and the support cooperate to control whether the slow-release cylinder releases the slow-release liquid. Since the scale inhibition mechanism releases the scale inhibition liquid only when the water flow in the water outlet device is still, it slows down the flow rate of water and scale inhibition liquid through the slow-release hole, reduces the dissolution rate of the scale inhibitor, and slows down the consumption of the scale inhibitor.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer wall of the movable component is provided with a sliding groove, the sliding groove having a first groove wall and a second groove wall, the first groove wall and the second groove wall being arranged opposite to each other in the moving direction of the movable component, the support being provided with a pawl, the pawl being slidably engaged in the sliding groove; when the movable component moves between the first position and the second position, the pawl moves between the first groove wall and the second groove wall.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the slide extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the first port, and the support is provided with at least two claws, each of the claws being distributed at equal intervals along the circumference of the first port.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the moving member moves to the first position, the claw abuts against the first groove wall; when the moving member moves to the second position, the claw abuts against the second groove wall.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the claw includes an extension arm and a hook. The extension arm extends from the support along the relative movement direction of the support and the moving member. The extension arm is capable of elastically swinging relative to the support. The extension arm tends to swing towards the circumferential sidewall of the slide groove. The hook is provided on the extension arm in the form of a barb, and the hook faces the circumferential sidewall of the slide groove.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support includes a cover plate, the interior of the slow-release cylinder is a slow-release cavity, one end of the slow-release cylinder is an opening of a second port, the second port is connected to the slow-release cavity, the end of the slow-release cylinder where the second port is located is detachably connected to the cover plate, the cover plate blocks the second port, and when the moving part is in the first position, the cover plate blocks the first port.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the end of the slow-release cartridge is inserted into the cover plate portion and the two are threaded together.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic element is a spring, one end of the elastic element abuts against the cavity wall of the cavity away from the first port, and the other end abuts against the end of the slow-release cylinder away from the second port.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support further includes a connecting part, the side of the cover plate away from the moving member is spaced apart from the connecting part and the two are connected by a plurality of connecting rods, and the connecting part is provided with a water outlet.

[0022] The water outlet device according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a scale inhibition mechanism.

[0023] The water outlet device according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: it effectively inhibits the formation of scale, is easy to use, and has a long service life.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the scale inhibition mechanism.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the scale inhibition mechanism;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another usage state of the scale inhibition mechanism;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A sectional view;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A sectional view;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the support structure.

[0032] Reference numerals: Support 100; Claw 110; Extension arm 111; Hook 112; Cover plate 120; Threaded countersunk hole 121; Connecting part 130; Water outlet 131; Connecting rod 140; Slow-release cylinder 200; Slow-release hole 210; Second port 220; Moving part 300; Cavity 310; First port 320; Slide 330; First groove wall 331; Second groove wall 332; Elastic element 400. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0034] This utility model relates to a scale inhibition mechanism, including a support 100, a slow-release cylinder 200, a movable component 300, and an elastic component 400.

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the slow-release cylinder 200 is connected to the support 100, and the slow-release cylinder 200 and the support 100 are relatively fixed. They can be secured to each other by snap-fit, threaded connection, screw tightening, etc. The interior of the slow-release cylinder 200 is used to store the scale inhibitor, which is a solid particle that gradually dissolves upon contact with water. The slow-release cylinder 200 has several slow-release holes 210. The solid scale inhibitor cannot flow directly out of the slow-release cylinder 200 through the slow-release holes 210; external water can flow into the slow-release cylinder 200 through the slow-release holes 210, dissolving the scale inhibitor into a solution. The solution then flows out of the slow-release cylinder 200 through the slow-release holes 210. The movable part 300 can be configured as a box-shaped, cylindrical, or other shape, with a hollow interior forming a cavity 310. One end of the cavity 310 is open, defined as the first port 320. The cavity 310 is sealed except at the first port 320. The slow-release cartridge 200 extends into the cavity 310 through the first port 320. The movable member 300 can move relative to the support 100 between a first position away from the support 100 and a second position closer to the support 100. The elastic member 400 can be a spring or similar component. The elastic member 400 can be installed in the cavity 310 and applies an elastic force to the movable member 300, causing the movable member 300 to move towards the second position. Specifically, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, when the movable member 300 is subjected to an external force that drives it to move to the first position, the movable member 300 can move to the first position, and the elastic member 400 is elastically compressed. At this time, the support 100 abuts against the first port 320, and the support 100 blocks the first port 320. The slow-release cylinder 200 is completely hidden in the cavity 310, and external water cannot flow into the cavity 310, nor can the liquid in the cavity 310 be discharged outside the cavity 310. Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, when the moving part 300 loses external force, the elastic part 400 elastically resets, driving the moving part 300 to move relative to the support 100 to the second position. The support 100 releases the blockage of the first port 320. Simultaneously, at least a portion of the slow-release cylinder 200 extends outside the cavity 310. The cylinder extending outside the cavity 310 has a slow-release hole 210, allowing external water to enter the slow-release cylinder 200 through the slow-release hole 210 to dissolve the scale inhibitor. The resulting scale inhibitor is released from the slow-release hole 210 to the outside of the slow-release cylinder 200. The scale inhibition mechanism is mainly used in water outlet devices, such as shower heads, spray nozzles, and water tanks. The water outlet device is connected to an external water supply system. When the water supply is started, water flows through the scale inhibition mechanism, and the water pressure is applied to the moving part 300, causing it to move to the first position, allowing the water outlet device to dispense water normally. When the water supply stops, the moving part 300 loses the water flow and pressure, resetting to its second position. Residual water inside the outlet device enters the slow-release cylinder 200, dissolving the scale inhibitor to form a scale-inhibiting liquid. This liquid is released into the outlet device, thus inhibiting scale formation inside and effectively preventing scale blockage. Because the scale-inhibiting mechanism releases the scale-inhibiting liquid only when the water flow in the outlet device is still, it slows the flow rate of water and scale-inhibiting liquid through the slow-release orifice 210, reducing the dissolution rate of the scale inhibitor and slowing its consumption. This allows the scale inhibitor in the slow-release cylinder 200 to be used for a longer period.

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer wall of the movable component 300 is provided with a sliding groove 330. The sliding groove 330 has a first groove wall 331 and a second groove wall 332. In the illustrated direction, the moving component 300 moves relative to the support 100 in the up-down direction. The first groove wall 331 and the second groove wall 332 are arranged opposite to each other, and the second groove wall 332 and the first groove wall 331 are located on the upper and lower sides of the circumferential side wall of the sliding groove 330, respectively. The support 100 is provided with a pawl 110, which slides in the sliding groove 330. When the movable component 300 moves between the first position and the second position, the pawl 110 moves between the first groove wall 331 and the second groove wall 332. The movement stroke of the pawl 110 can be limited by the first groove wall 331 and the second groove wall 332, thereby controlling the movement stroke of the movable component 300 relative to the support 100. When scale inhibitor needs to be added, disengage the claw 110 from the slide groove 330, and then move the movable part 300 away from the support 100 until the slow-release cylinder 200 is completely detached from the cavity 310. Then, remove the slow-release cylinder 200 from the support 100. Alternatively, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, when the movable part 300 moves to the first position, the claw 110 abuts against the first groove wall 331. Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, when the movable part 300 moves to the second position, the claw 110 abuts against the second groove wall 332.

[0037] The slide groove 330 can be configured to extend in a ring shape along the circumference of the first port 320. The support 100 is provided with at least two claws 110, each claw 110 being evenly spaced along the circumference of the first port 320. The at least two claws 110, in conjunction with the slide groove 330, limit the movement of the movable component 300, improving stability. When the movable component 300 is loaded or unloaded relative to the support 100, the claws 110 can be loaded or unloaded at any position relative to the slide groove 330 in the circumferential direction. During use, the movable component 300 can also rotate relative to the support 100 without affecting its translation between the first and second positions.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the chuck 110 includes an extension arm 111 and a hook 112. The extension arm 111 extends in a strip shape from the support 100 along the relative movement direction of the support 100 and the movable member 300. In the illustrated direction, the movable member 300 moves vertically and is located below the support 100. The extension arm 111 extends downward from the side wall of the support 100. The extension arm 111 is capable of elastically swinging relative to the support 100, tending to swing towards the circumferential side wall of the slide groove 330. The hook 112 is provided on the extension arm 111 in a barb shape, facing the circumferential side wall of the slide groove 330. When the movable member 300 is in the first position, the lower end of the extension arm 111 can abut against the first groove wall 331. When the movable member 300 is in the second position, the hook 112 can abut against the second groove wall 332. The hook 112 is held in the slot by the elastic action of the extension arm 111. When it is necessary to disassemble the movable part 300, the extension arm 111 is moved to move the hook 112 away from the circumferential side wall of the slide 330 to disengage it from the slide 330, so that the movable part 300 can continue to move downward and completely disengage from the slow-release cylinder 200.

[0039] The slow-release cartridge 200 can be equipped with a screw cap or other components. After the slow-release cartridge 200 is detached from the cavity 310, the screw cap can be opened to add scale inhibitor to the slow-release cartridge 200. In one embodiment, such as... Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the support 100 includes a cover plate portion 120, which can be configured as a circular plate or similar shape. The interior of the slow-release cartridge 200 is hollow, forming a slow-release cavity. In the direction shown, the upper opening of the slow-release cartridge 200 is a second port 220, which communicates with the slow-release cavity. The end (upper end) of the slow-release cartridge 200 where the second port 220 is located is detachably connected to the cover plate portion 120. The cover plate portion 120 and the slow-release cartridge 200 can be detachably connected by snap-fit, threaded connection, or other methods. In this embodiment, specifically, a threaded countersunk hole 121 is provided on the lower side of the cover plate portion 120, and an external thread is provided on the upper outer wall of the buffer cartridge. The upper end of the slow-release cartridge 200 is inserted into the threaded countersunk hole 121 of the cover plate portion 120, and the two are connected by threads. After the slow-release cartridge 200 is installed onto the cover plate 120, the cover plate 120 seals the second port 220, and the scale inhibitor is stored in the slow-release chamber. When the scale inhibitor needs to be replenished, the slow-release cartridge 200 is removed from the cover plate 120, and the scale inhibitor is poured into the slow-release chamber through the second port 220. Simultaneously, when the moving part 300 moves to the first position, the cover plate 120 seals the first port 320.

[0040] Based on the above embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the elastic element 400 is a spring. In the direction shown, one end (lower end) of the elastic element 400 abuts against the cavity wall of the cavity 310 away from the first port 320 (the lower cavity wall of the cavity 310), and the other end (upper end) abuts against the end of the slow-release cylinder 200 away from the second port 220 (the lower end of the slow-release cylinder 200). The elastic element 400 is clamped by the slow-release cylinder 200 and the cavity 310. The elastic element 400, supported by the slow-release cylinder 200, applies an elastic force to the cavity 310 to drive the moving element 300 to move to the second position.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the support 100 also includes a connecting portion 130. In the illustrated direction, the connecting portion 130 is located above the cover plate portion 120. The side of the cover plate portion 120 away from the moving member 300 (the upper side of the cover plate portion 120) is spaced apart from the connecting portion 130, and the cover plate portion 120 and the connecting portion 130 are connected by several connecting rods 140. The connecting portion 130 can be plate-shaped, block-shaped, etc., and has a water inlet 131 that extends vertically through the connecting portion 130. When the scale inhibition mechanism is used in the water outlet device, it can be fixed in the pipe of the water outlet device via the connecting portion 130. After the water flow impacts the moving member 300, the water flow can continue to flow along the gap between the connecting portion 130 and the cover plate portion 120, as well as the water inlet 131.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0043] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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 according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some specific embodiments" 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 the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A scale inhibiting mechanism, characterized by, include: Support (100); Slow-release cylinder (200), the slow-release cylinder (200) is used to store scale inhibitor, the slow-release cylinder (200) is provided with a plurality of slow-release holes (210), and the slow-release cylinder (200) is connected to the support (100); A movable component (300) has a cavity (310) with one end of the cavity (310) open to a first port (320). The slow-release cylinder (200) extends into the cavity (310) through the first port (320). The movable component (300) is movable relative to the support (100) between a first position and a second position. An elastic element (400) applies an elastic force to the movable element (300) to move it to a second position; wherein, When the movable part (300) moves to the first position, the support (100) abuts against the first port (320) to block the first port (320), and the slow-release cylinder (200) is hidden in the cavity (310); When the movable part (300) moves to the second position, the first port (320) disengages from the support (100), and at least a portion of the slow-release cylinder (200) with the slow-release hole (210) extends out of the cavity (310).

2. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The outer wall of the movable component (300) is provided with a sliding groove (330), the sliding groove (330) has a first groove wall (331) and a second groove wall (332), the first groove wall (331) and the second groove wall (332) are arranged opposite to each other in the moving direction of the movable component (300), the support (100) is provided with a claw (110), the claw (110) slides in the sliding groove (330); when the movable component (300) moves between the first position and the second position, the claw (110) moves between the first groove wall (331) and the second groove wall (332).

3. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 2, wherein: The slide (330) extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the first port (320), and the support (100) is provided with at least two claws (110), each claw (110) being distributed at equal intervals along the circumference of the first port (320).

4. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 2, wherein: When the moving part (300) moves to the first position, the claw (110) abuts against the first groove wall (331); when the moving part (300) moves to the second position, the claw (110) abuts against the second groove wall (332).

5. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 2, wherein: The claw (110) includes an extension arm (111) and a hook (112). The extension arm (111) extends from the support (100) along the relative movement direction of the support (100) and the moving member (300). The extension arm (111) is elastically swinging relative to the support (100). The extension arm (111) tends to swing towards the circumferential sidewall of the slide groove (330). The hook (112) is provided on the extension arm (111) in the form of a barb and faces the circumferential sidewall of the slide groove (330).

6. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The support (100) includes a cover plate (120), the interior of the slow-release cylinder (200) is a slow-release cavity, one end of the slow-release cylinder (200) is an opening for a second port (220), the second port (220) is connected to the slow-release cavity, the end of the slow-release cylinder (200) where the second port (220) is located is detachably connected to the cover plate (120), the cover plate (120) blocks the second port (220), and when the moving part (300) is in the first position, the cover plate (120) blocks the first port (320).

7. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 6, wherein: The end of the slow-release cartridge (200) is inserted into the cover plate (120) and the two are threaded together.

8. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 6, wherein: The elastic element (400) is a spring. One end of the elastic element (400) abuts against the cavity wall of the cavity (310) away from the first port (320), and the other end abuts against the end of the slow-release cylinder (200) away from the second port (220).

9. The scale inhibiting mechanism of claim 6, wherein: The support (100) also includes a connecting part (130), the cover plate part (120) is spaced apart from the connecting part (130) on the side away from the moving part (300) and the two are connected by a plurality of connecting rods (140), and the connecting part (130) is provided with a water outlet (131).

10. A water outlet device characterized by comprising: Includes the scale inhibition mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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