Brine tank and water softener

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of water treatment apparatuses. Provided are a brine tank and a water softener. The brine tank comprises a brine tank body, wherein a salt inlet is formed on the side of the brine tank body facing a front housing of the water softener. A cover is provided on the brine tank body at a position corresponding to the salt inlet. The cover is adapted to switch between an open position and a closed position relative to the salt inlet. In the open position, the cover is adapted to provide clearance for the salt inlet. The cover is provided with a guide surface, which is inclined downward and toward the side close to the salt inlet. In the closed position, the cover is adapted to block the salt inlet. The brine tank enables the space occupied by the water softener in the direction of height to be reduced. The cover can effectively block the salt inlet, preventing salt particles in the brine tank from getting damp, contaminated, or spilling out. During salt addition, the cover can also provide cushioning for the salt particles, thereby preventing the salt particles from directly falling into the brine tank body and causing an impact on an inner wall of the brine tank body. Furthermore, flow guide of the salt particles enables the salt particles to fall uniformly into the brine tank, thereby improving the uniformity of brine solution within the brine tank.

Description

Salt tank and water softener

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420394540.1, filed on February 29, 2024, entitled “Brine Box and Water Softener,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of water treatment equipment and provides a salt box and a water softener. Background Art

[0004] A water softener uses ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water, reducing water hardness. This softens water, removing calcium and magnesium ions and making it softer. This improves the quality of water used in daily life, such as washing, bathing, and shampooing.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application proposes a salt box, which can reduce the impact of salt particles on the inner wall of the salt box body and realize the miniaturization design of the water softener.

[0007] The present application also provides a water softener.

[0008] An embodiment of the present application provides a salt box, including a salt box body, wherein the salt box body is provided with a salt inlet on a side facing the front housing of a water softener, and a cover is provided on the salt box body at a position corresponding to the salt inlet, and the cover is suitable for switching between an open position and a closed position relative to the salt inlet. In the open position, the cover is suitable for avoiding the salt inlet, and the cover is provided with a guide surface, which is inclined obliquely downward toward a side close to the salt inlet. In the closed position, the cover is suitable for covering the salt inlet.

[0009] According to the salt box provided in the embodiment of the present application, by providing a salt inlet at a position on the salt box body corresponding to the front housing of the water softener and providing a cover at the position of the salt inlet, the space occupied by the water softener in the height direction can be reduced. By setting the cover to be switchable between an open position and a closed position, when the cover is in the closed position, the salt inlet can be effectively shielded to prevent the salt particles in the salt box from getting damp, contaminated or overflowing. When the cover is in the open position, the side of the cover facing the salt inlet can guide the salt particles into the salt box body, thereby achieving buffering of the salt particles and preventing the salt particles from falling directly into the salt box body and impacting the inner wall of the salt box body. At the same time, the salt particles can be evenly dropped into the salt box by guiding the salt particles, thereby improving the uniformity of the brine in the salt box.

[0010] In some embodiments, the salt box further includes a lining member, at least a portion of which is inserted into the salt box body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to be guided and matched with the salt box body via a guide assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the guide assembly includes a guide groove and a sliding block for guiding cooperation, the guide groove is opened in one of the salt box body and the cover body, and the sliding block is provided in the other one of the salt box body and the cover body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lining member isolates the guide groove from the salt inlet channel on the salt box body, and the salt inlet is communicated with the salt inlet channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover comprises:

[0015] Cover body;

[0016] A connecting plate is connected to the cover body, and the guide groove or the sliding block is arranged on the connecting plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one of the cover body and the connecting plate is provided with a hinge section, and the hinge section is adapted to be hingedly connected to the salt box body through a connecting member.

[0018] In some embodiments, a lamp is provided on the salt box body, a magnetic component is provided on the cover body, and a sensor is provided on the lining component. During the switching of the cover body between the closed position and the open position, the magnetic component is suitable for triggering the sensor to control the opening and closing of the lamp.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the salt box body is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0020] In some embodiments, the salt box body is formed with a first side portion and a second side portion opposite to the first side portion, the first side portion is suitable for connecting to the resin tank through a connecting assembly, and the second side portion is suitable for connecting to the front side housing of the water softener through a snap-on assembly.

[0021] An embodiment of the present application provides a water softener, comprising the above-mentioned salt box.

[0022] According to the water softener provided in the embodiment of the present application, by providing the above-mentioned salt box, the volume of the water softener can be reduced, the miniaturized design of the water softener can be achieved, and the service life of the water softener can be extended.

[0023] The above one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0024] According to the salt box provided in the embodiment of the present application, by providing a salt inlet at a position on the salt box body corresponding to the front housing of the water softener and providing a cover at the position of the salt inlet, the space occupied by the water softener in the height direction can be reduced. By setting the cover to be switchable between an open position and a closed position, when the cover is in the closed position, the salt inlet can be effectively shielded to prevent the salt particles in the salt box from getting damp, contaminated or overflowing. When the cover is in the open position, the side of the cover facing the salt inlet can guide the salt particles into the salt box body, thereby achieving buffering of the salt particles and preventing the salt particles from falling directly into the salt box body and impacting the inner wall of the salt box body. At the same time, the salt particles can be evenly dropped into the salt box by guiding the salt particles, thereby improving the uniformity of the brine in the salt box.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the water softener provided in the embodiment of the present application, by providing the above-mentioned salt box, the volume of the water softener can be reduced, the miniaturized design of the water softener can be achieved, and the service life of the water softener can be extended.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a salt box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG2 is a schematic perspective view of a salt box and a resin tank provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG3 is a schematic side view of a salt box and a resin tank provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG4 is a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG3 ;

[0032] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a cover body provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Reference numerals:

[0034] 100. Salt box body; 102. Salt inlet; 104. Cover; 106. Lining; 108. Guide groove; 110. Slider; 112. Cover body; 114. Connecting plate; 116. Hinge section; 118. Magnetic element; 120. Reinforcement rib; 122. Vertical plate; 124. Resin tank; 126. Casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] In the related art, when adding salt, salt particles will directly fall into the salt box and cause impact damage to the salt box. Moreover, the water softener in the related art is relatively large in size.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, an embodiment of the present application provides a salt box, including a salt box body 100, wherein a salt inlet 102 is provided on the side of the salt box body 100 facing the front casing 126 of the water softener, and a cover 104 is provided on the salt box body 100 at a position corresponding to the salt inlet 102. The cover 104 is suitable for switching between an open position and a closed position relative to the salt inlet 102. In the open position, the cover 104 is suitable for avoiding the salt inlet 102. The cover 104 is provided with a guide surface, which is inclined downward toward the side close to the salt inlet 102 to guide salt particles into the salt box body 100. In the closed position, the cover 104 is suitable for covering the salt inlet 102.

[0038] According to the salt tank provided in the embodiments of the present application, by providing a salt inlet 102 on the salt tank body 100 corresponding to the front housing 126 of the water softener and disposing a cover 104 at the location of the salt inlet 102, the height of the water softener can be reduced. By configuring the cover 104 to be switchable between an open and closed position, when the cover 104 is in the closed position, it effectively shields the salt inlet 102, preventing the salt particles within the salt tank from becoming damp, contaminated, or overflowing. When the cover 104 is in the open position, the side of the cover 104 facing the salt inlet 102 can guide the salt particles into the salt tank body 100, thereby buffering the salt particles and preventing them from directly falling into the salt tank body 100 and impacting the inner walls of the salt tank body 100. Furthermore, by guiding the salt particles, the salt particles can be evenly distributed within the salt tank, thereby improving the uniformity of the brine within the salt tank.

[0039] Continuing with Figures 1 to 5 , the present application relates to a salt tank designed specifically for a water softener, the core component of which includes a salt tank body 100. The salt tank body 100 is used to store salt particles and / or brine. Typically, the salt tank body 100 is designed with a certain capacity to meet the user's usage needs over a period of time.

[0040] A salt inlet 102 for adding salt particles is provided at a specific position of the salt box body 100, namely, on a side facing the front housing 126 of the water softener.

[0041] To ensure efficient salt addition and a secure seal, a removable cover 104 is installed on the salt box body 100, corresponding to the salt inlet 102. The cover 104 has two operating positions: open and closed. When in the open position, the cover 104 avoids the salt inlet 102, allowing salt to pass smoothly through the salt inlet 102 and into the salt box body 100.

[0042] In addition, when the cover 104 is in the open position, the side of the cover 104 facing the salt inlet 102 is also used to guide the salt particles to flow into the salt box body 100, so that during the salt adding process, the salt particles can enter the salt box body 100 efficiently and orderly along the side of the cover 104 facing the salt inlet 102, thereby achieving effective buffering of the salt particles, avoiding the salt particles directly impacting the inner wall of the salt box body 100, and further improving the working efficiency and operation stability of the water softener.

[0043] When the cover 104 is switched to the closed position, the cover 104 will be tightly attached to the salt box body 100 and cover the salt inlet 102 to prevent salt particles from overflowing or external impurities from entering the salt box.

[0044] In some embodiments, the salt box further includes a lining member 106 , at least a portion of which is inserted into the salt box body 100 to enhance the structural strength of the salt box body 100 .

[0045] As shown in FIG1 and FIG2 , by inserting an inner lining 106 into the salt box body 100 and increasing the thickness of the inner wall or providing additional support, the overall structural strength and durability of the salt box body 100 are significantly improved, thereby preventing the salt box from being deformed or damaged due to salt water erosion or other external forces.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present application, vertical panels 122 are provided on the liner 106 at positions corresponding to the sidewalls of the salt tank body 100. When the liner 106 is inserted into the salt tank body 100, the vertical panels 122 on the liner 106 abut against the sidewalls of the salt tank body 100. The abutment of the vertical panels 122 against the sidewalls of the salt tank body 100 not only improves the structural stability of the salt tank body 100 and reduces the risk of deformation of the salt tank body 100, but also enhances the sealing performance between the liner 106 and the salt tank body 100, effectively preventing brine leakage and ensuring that the water softener can efficiently and stably perform the ion exchange process.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cover 104 is adapted to be guided and matched with the salt box body 100 through a guide assembly;

[0048] The guide assembly includes a guide groove 108 and a slider 110 for guiding cooperation. The guide groove 108 is provided in one of the salt box body 100 and the cover 104 , and the slider 110 is provided in the other of the salt box body 100 and the cover 104 .

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in order to achieve smooth opening and closing and precise positioning between the cover 104 and the salt box body 100, a guide assembly is designed for guiding cooperation. The guide assembly is composed of a guide groove 108 and a slider 110 that cooperate with each other.

[0050] The guide groove 108 is defined in one of the salt box body 100 or the cover 104, while the slider 110 is disposed in the other of the salt box body 100 or the cover 104. When the cover 104 is opened or closed, the slider 110 slides smoothly along the guide groove 108, ensuring that the cover 104 can accurately and smoothly avoid or cover the salt inlet 102, while also preventing the cover 104 from shifting or getting stuck during the opening or closing process.

[0051] Furthermore, the lining 106 not only serves to enhance the structural strength of the salt box body 100 but also serves to isolate the guide groove 108 from the salt inlet channel within the salt box body 100, with the salt inlet 102 communicating with the salt inlet channel. The lining 106 also prevents salt particles and other impurities from entering the guide groove 108 and affecting the normal opening and closing of the lid 104 and the overall operational performance of the device. This prevents salt particles from spilling and salt water from leaking, thereby improving the sealing performance of the salt box body 100.

[0052] It should be noted that the salt inlet channel mentioned here refers to the channel from the salt inlet 102 to the internal space of the salt box body 100.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cover 104 includes:

[0054] Cover body 112;

[0055] The connecting plate 114 is connected to the cover body 112 , and the guide groove 108 or the slider 110 is disposed on the connecting plate 114 .

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, in the embodiment of the present application, the cover body 112 forms the main structure of the cover body 104, which is used to cover or avoid the salt inlet 102 of the salt box. The cover body 112 is usually made of a durable material, such as plastic or metal, to ensure its durability and dustproofness.

[0057] The connecting plate 114 is a part of the cover 104 and is connected to the cover body 112. The main function of the connecting plate 114 is to strengthen the structure of the cover 104 and to achieve connection with the salt box body 100 to provide guidance and limit the movement of the cover body 112.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, a guide groove 108 or a slider 110 is provided on a connecting plate 114. For example, in the case where the guide groove 108 is provided on the salt box body 100 and the slider 110 is provided on the connecting plate 114, the slider 110 on the connecting plate 114 cooperates with the guide groove 108 on the salt box body to enable the cover 104 to smoothly switch between an open position and a closed position relative to the salt inlet 102. The cooperation of the guide groove 108 or the slider 110 ensures that the cover 104 is precisely positioned and remains stable, ensuring dustproofing during use of the salt box. Furthermore, the cooperation of the guide groove 108 and the slider 110 also limits the movement of the cover 112, preventing it from falling off the salt box body 100.

[0059] The coordinated design of the cover body 112, connecting plate 114, guide slot 108, and slider 110 enhances the stability and ease of use of the cover 104. Furthermore, the coordinated design of the guide assembly allows for precise positioning of the cover 104, ensuring dust protection during use. This design is simple in structure, easy to manufacture and maintain, and also enhances the user experience.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one of the cover body 112 and the connecting plate 114 is provided with a hinge section 116 , and the hinge section 116 is adapted to be hingedly connected to the salt box body 100 via a connecting member.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , in the embodiment of the present application, the hinge section 116 can enhance the connection stability and operational convenience between the cover 104 and the salt box body 100 .

[0062] Taking the hinged section 116 disposed on the connecting plate 114 as an example, the design of the hinged section 116 enables the cover 104 to rotate or swing within a certain range relative to the salt box body 100, thereby facilitating the user's opening and closing of the cover 104. The use of this hinged structure makes the operation of the cover 104 more flexible and improves user convenience. A connector is used to connect the hinged section 116 to the salt box body 100. The specific connection method can be selected according to actual needs, for example, screws, latches, buckles, etc. The hinged connection between the cover 104 and the salt box body 100 achieved by the connector ensures that the cover 104 is firmly connected to the salt box body 100, ensuring stability and reliability during use.

[0063] With this arrangement, the user can easily pull the cover 104 to open or close the cover 104. At the same time, this design has a simple structure, is easy to produce and maintain, and is also conducive to improving the user experience.

[0064] In some embodiments, a light component is provided on the salt box body 100, a magnetic component 118 is provided on the cover body 112, and a sensor is provided on the lining member 106. When the cover body 104 switches between the closed position and the open position, the magnetic component 118 is suitable for triggering the sensor to control the opening and closing of the light component.

[0065] In this embodiment of the present application, in addition to its basic salt storage function, the salt box body 100 is also equipped with a light. This lighting feature enhances the user's convenience. For example, the light allows the user to clearly see the salt storage status within the salt box in dimly lit environments, or provides sufficient illumination for adding salt when needed. Alternatively, the light can serve as a reminder, prompting the user to add salt when the salt in the salt box body 100 is low.

[0066] Accordingly, to enhance the intelligence of the salt box, a magnetic element 118 is provided on the cover 104. When the cover 104 is close to the salt box body 100, the magnetic element 118 interacts with the corresponding magnetic structure on the salt box body 100, firmly adhering the cover 104 to the salt box body 100. Similarly, when the user needs to open the cover 104, a gentle pull overcomes the magnetic force between the magnetic element 118 and the magnetic structure on the salt box body 100, allowing the cover 104 to open smoothly and stably.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present application, a sensor for detecting the magnetic component 118 is also provided on the lining member 106. When the cover body 104 switches between the closed position and the open position, the magnetic component 118 can trigger the sensor action to realize the control of the opening and closing of the light component.

[0068] Specifically, when the cover 104 switches from the open position to the closed position, the magnetic element 118 triggers the sensor, thereby sending a signal to control the light fixture to turn off. When the cover 104 switches from the closed position to the open position, the induction between the magnetic element 118 and the sensor is cut off, and the light fixture is illuminated.

[0069] The coordinated operation of the magnetic element 118, the sensor, and the light not only improves the convenience of using the salt box, but also enhances the user experience. When the user opens the lid 104, the light illuminates the salt box, and when the user closes the lid 104, the light goes out, making operation simpler and more intelligent.

[0070] In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the salt box body 100 is provided with reinforcing ribs 120 .

[0071] The reinforcement ribs 120 increase the rigidity and deformation resistance of the salt box body 100, making it less susceptible to deformation or damage when subjected to external pressure or impact. The design of the reinforcement ribs 120 can be selected and adjusted according to actual needs. For example, a single or multiple layers of reinforcement ribs 120 can be provided, and various shapes and sizes can be selected. Through reasonable design and layout, the reinforcement ribs 120 can effectively improve the overall strength and stability of the salt box body 100, thereby extending its service life.

[0072] In addition, the reinforcing ribs 120 can also be locally reinforced as needed. For example, reinforcing ribs 120 can be provided at locations of the salt box body 100 that are subject to greater stress or are susceptible to damage, so as to improve the strength and stability of the local structure.

[0073] In some embodiments, the salt box body 100 is formed with a first side portion and a second side portion opposite to the first side portion. The first side portion is suitable for connecting to the resin tank 124 through a connecting assembly, and the second side portion is suitable for connecting to the front side housing 126 of the water softener through a snap-on assembly.

[0074] By separately providing a first side portion and a second side portion on the salt box body 100, the first side portion can be connected to the resin tank 124 via a connecting assembly, and the second side portion can be connected to the housing 126 via a snap-fit ​​assembly, thereby increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the salt box installation. Furthermore, the salt box installation structure adopts a modular design concept. By using different connecting assemblies and snap-fit ​​assemblies, it can be connected to different types of resin tanks 124 and housings 126, thereby increasing the applicability of the salt box.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present application, the connecting component includes a mounting seat and a mounting buckle, the mounting seat is arranged on the resin tank 124, the mounting buckle is arranged on the first side, and a connecting piece is passed through the mounting buckle and the mounting seat to connect the mounting buckle and the mounting seat; the snap-fit ​​component includes a snap-fitting buckle and a slot, the buckle is arranged on one of the second side and the housing 126, and the slot is arranged on the other of the second side and the housing 126.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in this embodiment of the present application, the design of the connection assembly enables quick and accurate connection between the salt tank body 100 and the resin tank 124. A mounting base is provided on the resin tank 124, while a mounting clip is provided on a first side portion of the salt tank body 100. Connectors, such as screws and bolts, are inserted between the mounting clip and the mounting base to securely connect the two. This connection ensures stability and reliability between the salt tank body 100 and the resin tank 124, while also facilitating installation and removal.

[0077] The design of the snap-fit ​​assembly ensures a secure connection between the brine tank body 100 and the water softener housing 126. A snap and a slot, respectively located on the second side of the brine tank body 100 and the housing 126, connect the two by snapping them together. This snap-fit ​​method is simple, quick, and ensures a stable connection.

[0078] This salt tank mounting structure, through the design of connecting and snap-on components, enables quick and accurate connection between the salt tank body 100, the resin tank 124, and the water softener housing 126, improving the overall performance and user experience of the device. Furthermore, this structure offers ease of installation and modular design, allowing for customization and expansion to accommodate different types of water softener equipment.

[0079] Of course, in other embodiments, the connection assembly can also be implemented using mounting holes provided on the resin tank 124 and lugs provided on the salt tank body 100. Accordingly, to secure the lugs and mounting holes, the lugs and mounting holes can be connected using connectors such as screws or bolts. Similarly, the snap-fit ​​assembly can also be implemented using a pair of snap-fit ​​adapters. The structures of the connection assembly and snap-fit ​​assembly will not be further described here.

[0080] An embodiment of the present application provides a water softener, comprising the above-mentioned salt box.

[0081] According to the water softener provided in the embodiment of the present application, by providing the above-mentioned salt box, the volume of the water softener can be reduced, the miniaturized design of the water softener can be achieved, and the service life of the water softener can be extended.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A salt box, comprising a salt box body (100), wherein a salt inlet (102) is provided on a side of the salt box body (100) facing a front housing (126) of a water softener, and a cover (104) is provided on the salt box body (100) at a position corresponding to the salt inlet (102), wherein the cover (104) is adapted to switch between an open position and a closed position relative to the salt inlet (102), wherein in the open position, the cover (104) is adapted to avoid the salt inlet (102), and wherein the cover (104) is provided with a guide surface, wherein the guide surface is inclined downwardly toward a side close to the salt inlet (102), and wherein in the closed position, the cover (104) is adapted to shield the salt inlet (102).

2. The salt box according to claim 1, further comprising a lining member (106), at least a portion of the lining member (106) being inserted into the salt box body (100).

3. The salt box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover (104) is adapted to be guided and matched with the salt box body (100) through a guide assembly; The guide assembly includes a guide groove (108) and a slider (110) for guiding cooperation. The guide groove (108) is opened in one of the salt box body (100) and the cover body (104), and the slider (110) is set in the other of the salt box body (100) and the cover body (104).

4. The salt box according to claim 3, wherein: The lining member (106) isolates the guide groove (108) from the salt inlet channel on the salt box body (100), and the salt inlet (102) is connected to the salt inlet channel.

5. The salt box according to claim 3, wherein: The cover (104) comprises: Cover body (112); A connecting plate (114) is connected to the cover body (112), and the guide groove (108) or the sliding block (110) is arranged on the connecting plate (114).

6. The salt box according to claim 5, wherein: At least one of the cover body (112) and the connecting plate (114) is provided with a hinge section (116), and the hinge section (116) is suitable for being hinged to the salt box body (100) through a connecting piece.

7. The salt box according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The salt box body (100) is provided with a lamp, the cover body (112) is provided with a magnetic member (118), and the lining member (106) is provided with a sensor. When the cover body (104) switches between the closed position and the open position, the magnetic member (118) is suitable for triggering the sensor to control the opening and closing of the lamp.

8. The salt box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The outer wall surface of the salt box body (100) is provided with reinforcing ribs (120).

9. The salt box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The salt box body (100) is formed with a first side portion and a second side portion opposite to the first side portion, the first side portion is suitable for connecting to the resin tank (124) through a connecting assembly, and the second side portion is suitable for connecting to the front side housing (126) of the water softener through a clamping assembly.

10. A water softener comprising the salt box according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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