Front shell structure and under-kitchen water purifier

CN224762620UActive Publication Date: 2026-09-18GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522263260.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-27
Publication Date
2026-09-18
Estimated Expiration
2035-10-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0003]然而,正是由于厨下净水机采用隐藏式安装的方式,主体位于水槽下方橱柜内,其工作状态并不容易被用户得知

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to a front shell structure and an under-kitchen water purifier. The front shell structure comprises a front shell body and a lamp strip assembly. The lamp strip assembly comprises a mounting base and an indicator lamp strip. The mounting base is connected to the front shell body and has a positioning groove. The indicator lamp strip is arranged in the positioning groove. The front shell body can serve as the front shell of the under-kitchen water purifier and provide a mounting base for the lamp strip assembly. The indicator lamp strip can be stably assembled on the mounting base through the positioning groove and mounted on the front shell body with the mounting base. In this way, the front shell structure integrates the indicator lamp strip and can reflect the working state of the under-kitchen water purifier through the indicator lamp strip, so that the user can learn the working state.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water purification equipment technology, and in particular to a front shell structure and a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] An under-sink water purifier is a water purification device that is concealed within a cabinet under the kitchen sink. It uses physical filtration technology to directly purify tap water, providing clean drinking water that is ready to drink immediately. Therefore, under-sink water purifiers have the advantage of being space-efficient.

[0003] However, precisely because under-sink water purifiers are installed in a concealed manner, with the main body located inside the cabinet under the sink, their working status is not easily known to users. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a front shell structure and an under-sink water purifier that makes it easier for users to know the status of the water purifier, in order to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] A front housing structure for an under-sink water purifier, the front housing structure comprising:

[0006] Front shell body; and

[0007] The light strip assembly includes a mounting base and an indicator light strip; the mounting base is connected to the front housing body and has a positioning groove; the indicator light strip is disposed in the positioning groove.

[0008] The aforementioned front housing structure allows the front housing body to serve as the front housing of the under-sink water purifier and provide a mounting base for the indicator light strip assembly. The indicator light strip can be stably mounted on the mounting base via a positioning slot and is then installed onto the front housing body along with the mounting base. Thus, the front housing structure integrates various elements to reflect the operating status of the under-sink water purifier through the indicator light strip, allowing the user to be informed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the front housing structure further includes an exterior trim piece that connects to the front housing body and covers the light strip assembly.

[0010] In this way, the exterior trim covers the entire light strip assembly, protecting it and reducing the probability of external impacts. Furthermore, the front shell structure combines the indicator light strip assembly with the originally purely decorative exterior trim, making it more practical.

[0011] In one embodiment, one of the exterior trim and the mounting base has an annular sealing groove, and the other has an annular sealing protrusion that mates with the annular sealing groove;

[0012] The front shell structure also includes a sealing ring, which is disposed within the annular sealing groove.

[0013] In this way, by utilizing the cooperation between the annular sealing groove and the annular sealing protrusion, as well as the sealing effect of the sealing ring, the exterior trim and the mounting base have good sealing performance, which helps to reduce the probability of external dust and liquid entering between the exterior trim and the light strip assembly, and helps to improve the working stability of the light strip assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the exterior trim has a frosted surface.

[0015] In this way, the frosted surface can evenly emit the light from the indicator light strip, reducing the occurrence of light spots or uneven brightness.

[0016] In one embodiment, the exterior trim is connected to the front shell body via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0017] In this way, the exterior trim can be quickly installed relative to the front shell body and form a reliable connection.

[0018] In one embodiment, the light strip assembly further includes a lampshade that is connected to the mounting base and covers the indicator light strip.

[0019] In this way, the lamp cover can stably confine the indicator light strip within the positioning groove and protect the indicator light strip.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mounting base is connected to the front shell body via a snap-fit ​​connection;

[0021] And / or, the lampshade is connected to the mounting base by a snap-fit.

[0022] In this way, a reliable and stable connection can be formed between the mounting base and the front shell body, and the connection method is simple. The lamp cover can also be quickly fitted with the mounting base through a snap-fit ​​connection, confining the indicator light strip between the two.

[0023] In one embodiment, the mounting base has a wire guide notch communicating with the positioning groove;

[0024] The light strip assembly also includes a cable and a sealing block. The cable is electrically connected to the indicator light strip through the wire pass-through notch. The sealing block is located at the wire pass-through notch and is sealed between the cable and the mounting base.

[0025] In this way, while using the cable to connect the light strip body through the wire gap, the sealing block can improve the sealing of the wire gap, reduce the possibility of dust and liquid entering, and improve the stability and service life of the indicator light strip.

[0026] In one embodiment, the indicator light bar includes at least two types of LEDs.

[0027] In this way, the indicator light strip can use the on / off state of different LED beads to send out different indication information, thus enriching the content of the information it can convey.

[0028] An under-sink water purifier includes the aforementioned front shell structure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front shell structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the front shell structure from another angle.

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the front shell body in the front shell structure shown.

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of the LED strip assembly in the front housing structure.

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the light strip assembly at point A.

[0035] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the outer trim and sealing ring in the front shell structure.

[0036] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the front shell structure at another angle.

[0037] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the front shell structure at point BB.

[0038] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the front shell structure at point C.

[0039] Figure 10 for Figure 8 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the front shell structure at point D.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, front shell structure; 10, front shell body; 11, primary assembly groove; 13, secondary assembly groove; 15, filter element mounting hole; 30, light strip assembly; 31, mounting base; 311, positioning groove; 313, screw; 315, wire notch; 317, annular sealing protrusion; 32, indicator light strip; 33, lamp cover; 34, cable; 35, sealing block; 36, face mask; 50, exterior trim; 51, annular sealing groove; 70, sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0043] Furthermore, where the term "and / or" appears, it merely describes the relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the relationship between A and B: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates an "or" relationship between the related objects before and after it. Where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, four, five, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0046] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0047] Please see Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment of this application provides a front housing structure 100, which includes a front housing body 10 and a light strip assembly 30. The light strip assembly 30 includes a mounting base 31 and an indicator light strip 32. The mounting base 31 is connected to the front housing body 10 and has a positioning groove 311. The indicator light strip 32 is disposed in the positioning groove 311.

[0048] In one embodiment, the front housing structure 100 is used for an under-sink water purifier. Specifically, the under-sink water purifier can be, but is not limited to, an under-sink water purifier and water heater combo.

[0049] Understandably, the indicator light strip 32 is luminous on at least one side, and the light emitted by it can be transmitted as an indicator signal to the outside of the front shell structure 100. The indicator light strip 32 is embedded in the positioning groove 311 and can be stably connected to the front shell body 10 through the mounting base 31.

[0050] The indicator light bar 32 is used to reflect the working status of the under-sink water purifier and can be electrically connected to the main board of the under-sink water purifier. The light emitted by it serves as an indicator signal that can be recognized by the user to know the working status of the under-sink water purifier. The working status of the under-sink water purifier includes, but is not limited to, the status of the filter cartridge, the installation status of the filter cartridge, or the start / stop status of the under-sink water purifier, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0051] The aforementioned front housing structure 100, with its main body 10 serving as the front housing of the under-sink water purifier, also provides a mounting base for the indicator light strip assembly 30. The indicator light strip 32 is stably mounted on the mounting base 31 via the positioning groove 311 and is installed onto the front housing body 10 along with the mounting base 31. Thus, the front housing structure 100 integrates [equipment name missing] to reflect the operating status of the under-sink water purifier via the indicator light strip 32, allowing the user to be informed.

[0052] In some embodiments, the indicator light bar 32 includes at least two types of LEDs.

[0053] Understandably, different LEDs are used to produce different light, and different light can refer to at least one different aspect such as the color of the light or the flashing frequency.

[0054] In this way, the indicator light bar 32 can use the on and off of different LED beads to send out different indication information, thereby enriching the content of the information it can convey.

[0055] Specifically, different LED beads are configured to produce different colors of light, indicating different working states of the under-sink water purifier, and can specifically indicate the status of the filter element of the under-sink water purifier.

[0056] Understandably, the indicator light bar 32 can emit the original colors of various LED beads by turning on only one type of LED bead, and can also emit a composite color by turning on two or more LED beads.

[0057] In one specific embodiment, the indicator light strip 32 includes three types of LED beads, which can respectively produce green light, orange light and red light; or, the indicator light strip 32 includes two types of LED beads, which can respectively produce green light and red light, and can form orange light by combining green light and red light.

[0058] When the filter cartridge life is more than 50% remaining, indicator light bar 32 displays green; when the filter cartridge life is between 0% and 50% remaining, indicator light bar 32 displays orange; when the filter cartridge life is 0%, indicator light bar 32 displays red, prompting the user to replace the filter cartridge.

[0059] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 In some embodiments, the mounting base 31 is connected to the front shell body 10 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0060] Understandably, the mounting base 31 and the front shell body 10 have mutually cooperating snap-fit ​​connection structures. The snap-fit ​​connection structures are used to form snap-fit ​​connections. The snap-fit ​​connection structures can be, but are not limited to, slots, snaps, etc.

[0061] In this way, a reliable and stable connection can be formed between the mounting base 31 and the front shell body 10, and the connection method is simple.

[0062] In some embodiments, the light strip assembly 30 further includes a lampshade 33, which is connected to the mounting base 31 and covers the indicator light strip 32.

[0063] Understandably, the indicator light strip 32 is located between the lamp cover 33 and the mounting base 31. To ensure that the light generated by the indicator light strip 32 can be transmitted smoothly outward, the lamp cover 33 is transparent or semi-transparent, and its material can be, but is not limited to, transparent plastic. In addition, the lamp cover 33 may also have a light-diffusing function.

[0064] In this way, the lamp cover 33 can stably confine the indicator light strip 32 within the positioning groove 311 and protect the indicator light strip 32.

[0065] In some embodiments, the lampshade 33 is connected to the mounting base 31 via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0066] In this way, the lampshade 33 can also be quickly fitted with the mounting base 31 through the snap-fit ​​connection, restricting the indicator light strip 32 between the two.

[0067] In some embodiments, the light strip assembly 30 further includes a face film 36, which is attached to the outer surface of the lampshade 33.

[0068] Understandably, in order to ensure that the light generated by the indicator light strip 32 can be transmitted outward smoothly, the mask 36 is transparent or semi-transparent.

[0069] Thus, the mask 36 protects the lampshade 33, preventing scratches from reducing its light transmittance. The mask 36 is replaceable.

[0070] In some embodiments, the mounting base 31 has a wire passage notch 315 communicating with the positioning groove 311. The light strip assembly 30 also includes a cable 34 and a sealing block 35, the cable 34 being electrically connected to the indicator light strip 32 through the wire passage notch 315. The sealing block 35 is located at the wire passage notch 315 and is sealed between the cable 34 and the mounting base 31.

[0071] Understandably, the indicator light bar 32 is electrically connected to the main board or power supply of the under-sink water purifier via cable 34. After the lamp cover 33 is connected to the mounting base 31, the cable 34 can extend outward from the self-positioning groove 311 through the cable pass-through notch 315.

[0072] In this way, while the cable 34 is connected to the light strip body through the wire notch 315, the sealing block 35 can improve the sealing performance at the wire notch 315, reduce the possibility of dust and liquid entering, and improve the stability and service life of the indicator light strip 32.

[0073] Please refer to the following: Figures 6 to 9 In some embodiments, the front housing structure 100 further includes an exterior trim 50, which is connected to the front housing body 10 and covers the light strip assembly 30.

[0074] Understandably, to ensure that the light generated by the indicator light strip 32 can be transmitted smoothly outward, the outer trim 50 is transparent or semi-transparent. The outer trim 50 is located outside the light strip assembly 30, and the light strip assembly 30 is located between the outer trim 50 and the front housing body 10.

[0075] Specifically, the front shell body 10 has a primary assembly groove 11 and a secondary assembly groove 13, with the secondary assembly groove 13 formed at the bottom of the primary assembly groove 11. The secondary assembly groove 13 is used to install the light strip assembly 30, and the primary assembly groove 11 is used to install the exterior trim 50. The exterior trim 50, the mounting base 31, and the lampshade 33 can all be injection molded parts.

[0076] Thus, the exterior trim 50 covers the entire light strip assembly 30, protecting it and reducing the probability of external impacts on the light strip assembly 30. In addition, the front shell structure 100 combines the indicator light strip assembly 30 with the exterior trim 50, which originally only had a decorative function, making the exterior trim 50 more practical.

[0077] Specifically, the mounting base 31 is connected to the exterior trim 50 by screws 313.

[0078] The mounting base 31 and the exterior trim 50 also have through holes for screws 313 to pass through or threaded holes for screws 313 to be connected, so that the two can form a screw 313 connection.

[0079] In this way, the light strip assembly 30 can form a more stable installation.

[0080] Please refer to the following: Figure 10 In some embodiments, one of the exterior trim 50 and the mounting base 31 has an annular sealing groove 51, and the other has an annular sealing protrusion 317 that mates with the annular sealing groove 51. The front shell structure 100 also includes a sealing ring 70 disposed within the annular sealing groove 51.

[0081] During assembly, the sealing ring 70 can be first assembled into the annular sealing groove 51. After both the outer trim 50 and the mounting base 31 are installed onto the front shell body 10, the annular sealing groove 51 and the annular sealing protrusion 317 of both cooperate with each other, with the annular sealing protrusion 317 at least partially extending into the annular sealing groove 51 and abutting against the sealing ring 70. In one specific embodiment, the outer trim 50 has an annular sealing groove 51, and the mounting base 31 has an annular sealing protrusion 317.

[0082] Thus, by utilizing the cooperation between the annular sealing groove 51 and the annular sealing protrusion 317, as well as the sealing effect of the sealing ring 70, the exterior trim 50 and the mounting base 31 have good sealing performance, which helps to reduce the probability of external dust and liquid entering between the exterior trim 50 and the light strip assembly 30, and helps to improve the working stability of the light strip assembly 30.

[0083] In some embodiments, the exterior trim 50 has a frosted surface.

[0084] In this way, the frosted surface can evenly emit the light of the indicator light strip 32, thereby reducing the occurrence of light spots or uneven brightness.

[0085] In some other embodiments, the exterior trim 50 may also be made of a translucent material and utilize its own properties to scatter light.

[0086] In some embodiments, the exterior trim 50 is snap-fitted to the front housing body 10. This allows the exterior trim 50 to be quickly installed relative to the front housing body 10 and to form a reliable connection.

[0087] In some embodiments, the longitudinal direction of the indicator light bar 32 is along the height direction of the under-sink water purifier (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (The X direction is shown in the image) setting.

[0088] Understandably, indicator light bar 32 is elongated. Under normal use, the height direction of the under-sink water purifier is the direction of gravity.

[0089] Thus, even if the under-sink water purifier is installed in a cabinet under the sink, the indicator light strip 32 can reduce the difficulty for users to perceive it through its wide range of illumination.

[0090] In some embodiments, the front housing 10 also has a filter cartridge mounting hole 15, so that the user can quickly install or remove the filter cartridge of the under-sink water purifier through the front housing 10.

[0091] The aforementioned front shell structure 100 integrates an indicator light strip 32, combining decorative and filter status display functions to enhance the product's aesthetics and intelligence. The front shell structure 100 includes a front shell body 10, an indicator light strip assembly 30, an outer trim piece 50, and a sealing strip. The indicator light strip assembly 30 includes a mounting base 31, an indicator light strip 32, and a lampshade 33. The indicator light strip 32 is fixed to the front shell body 10 via three injection-molded components: the mounting base 31, the lampshade 33, and the outer trim piece 50. The outer trim piece 50 is made of a semi-transparent material to allow light to pass through and display the color of the indicator light strip 32. The mounting base 31 holds the indicator light strip 32 and is fixed to the outer trim piece 50 with screws 313. The lampshade 33 is positioned between the indicator light strip 32 and the outer trim piece 50. The indicator light strip 32 has the following functions: filter status display, with its color changing according to the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge; and decorative function, as it transmits light through the outer trim 50, providing an aesthetically pleasing lighting effect for the entire unit. Specifically, the filter status display function is as follows: when the filter cartridge lifespan is above 50%, the indicator light strip 32 displays green; when the filter cartridge lifespan is between 0% and 50%, it displays orange; and when the filter cartridge lifespan is 0%, it displays red, prompting the user to replace the filter cartridge. A positioning groove 311 is provided on the side of the mounting base 31 that contacts the indicator light strip 32, and the indicator light strip 32 is embedded in the positioning groove 311 to ensure its stable fixation. The indicator light strip 32 is connected to the main board of the under-sink water purifier via cable 34. The controller of the under-sink water purifier controls the color change of the indicator light strip 32 according to the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge. The surface of the outer trim 50 is frosted to evenly diffuse the light from the indicator light strip 32, avoiding light spots or uneven brightness.

[0092] This application also provides an under-sink water purifier, including the aforementioned front housing structure 100. Specifically, the under-sink water purifier can be, but is not limited to, an under-sink water purifier and hot water integrated unit. To achieve its normal function, the under-sink water purifier may also include a main housing, filter element, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0093] Understandably, the front shell structure 100 serves as the front shell of the under-sink water purifier and can be connected to the main shell of the under-sink water purifier via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0094] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0095] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A front shell structure for an under-sink water purifier, characterized in that, The front shell structure includes: Front shell body (10); and The light strip assembly (30) includes a mounting base (31) and an indicator light strip (32); the mounting base (31) is connected to the front shell body (10) and has a positioning groove (311); the indicator light strip (32) is disposed in the positioning groove (311).

2. The front shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front shell structure also includes an exterior trim piece (50) that connects to the front shell body (10) and covers the light strip assembly (30).

3. The front case structure according to claim 2, characterized by One of the exterior trim (50) and the mounting base (31) has an annular sealing groove (51), and the other has an annular sealing protrusion (317) that mates with the annular sealing groove (51). The front shell structure also includes a sealing ring (70), which is disposed in the annular sealing groove (51).

4. The front case structure according to claim 2, characterized by The exterior trim (50) has a frosted surface.

5. The front case structure according to claim 2, wherein The exterior trim (50) is connected to the front shell body (10) by a snap fastener.

6. The front case structure of claim 1, wherein The light strip assembly (30) also includes a lampshade (33) which is connected to the mounting base (31) and covers the indicator light strip (32).

7. The front case structure according to claim 6, characterized by The mounting base (31) is connected to the front shell body (10) by a snap-fit. And / or, the lampshade (33) is connected to the mounting base (31) by a snap-fit.

8. The front case structure of claim 1, wherein The mounting base (31) has a wire notch (315) that communicates with the positioning groove (311). The light strip assembly (30) also includes a cable (34) and a sealing block (35). The cable (34) is electrically connected to the indicator light strip (32) through the wire pass-through notch (315). The sealing block (35) is located at the wire pass-through notch (315) and is sealed between the cable (34) and the mounting base (31).

9. The front shell structure according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The indicator light bar (32) includes at least two types of LED beads.

10. An under-the-counter water purifier characterized by comprising: Includes the front shell structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.