Water softener

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water purification devices, and provides a water softener. The water softener comprises a machine body and a water leak detection sensor. A bottom shell of the machine body is provided with a water collecting part to form a water collecting area. The water leak detection sensor is detachably disposed within the water collecting area via a limiting structure, and a positive electrode probe and a negative electrode probe of the water leak detection sensor face the bottom shell. The present application can realize functions such as water collection and water leak detection, thereby achieving the purpose of water leak protection and improving user experience.

Description

water softener

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420388144.8, filed on February 29, 2024, entitled “Water Softener,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of water purification equipment, and in particular to a water softener. Background Art

[0004] A water softener is a device that 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 water quality for everyday uses like washing, bathing, and shampooing.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a water softener that can realize functions such as water collection and water leakage detection, thereby achieving the purpose of water leakage protection and improving user experience.

[0007] A water softener according to an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0008] A machine body, wherein a bottom shell of the machine body is provided with a water collecting portion to construct a water collecting area;

[0009] The water leakage detection sensor is detachably arranged in the water collection area via a limiting structure, and the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor face the bottom shell.

[0010] According to the water softener of the embodiment of the present application, a water collection portion is installed in the bottom shell of the water softener body to construct a water collection area for collecting water that may leak from various connection points or components within the water softener. By placing the water collection portion at the lowest point of the device, it can ensure that even trace water leaks in any direction are effectively collected. A water leakage detection sensor is detachably installed in the water collection area, and a limit structure ensures the stability of the sensor position and the ease of installation and removal. Once water is present in the water collection area within the body, the sensor can promptly detect the presence of water, thereby triggering a corresponding alarm mechanism or automatic shutdown process, preventing water waste and further equipment damage.

[0011] Through this design, the water softener can get immediate feedback and take corresponding measures when a minor leak occurs, thus preventing small problems from turning into major failures. It also improves the safety of the equipment and user experience, and reduces environmental pollution and safety hazards caused by water leaks.

[0012] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes:

[0013] A limit seat, wherein the top and the first side of the limit seat are open structures, and two limit holes are provided at intervals on the bottom of the limit seat, and the limit holes are provided with openings facing the first side, and the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor are correspondingly provided through the two limit holes;

[0014] A buckle is provided at the top of the second side of the limiting seat relative to the first side, and is suitable for clamping the water leakage detection sensor in the limiting seat.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bottom ends of the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor are lower than the height of the water collecting portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, there is a gap between the bottom ends of the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor and the bottom shell.

[0017] In some embodiments, the water softener further comprises:

[0018] an alarm, arranged on the machine body;

[0019] The controller is arranged on the machine body and is electrically connected to the water leakage detection sensor and the alarm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the bottom shell is provided with a closed-loop convex rib protruding upward, and the convex rib serves as the water collecting portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rib and the bottom shell are an integrally formed structure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the water softener further comprises:

[0023] a resin tank, disposed in the water collection area;

[0024] The water leakage detection sensor and the limiting structure are arranged on the bottom edge of the resin tank.

[0025] In some embodiments, two resin tanks are arranged side by side along the length direction of the body, and an accommodating gap is formed between the two resin tanks;

[0026] The water leakage detection sensor and the limiting structure are arranged in the accommodating gap.

[0027] In some embodiments, the water softener further comprises:

[0028] a salt box, disposed within the water collection area;

[0029] The water leakage detection sensor and the limiting structure are arranged at the bottom of the salt box.

[0030] 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

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0032] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a water softener provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG2 is a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG1 ;

[0034] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a position limiting structure provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Reference numerals:

[0036] 100: body; 101: bottom shell;

[0037] 1: water collection part; 2: water leakage detection sensor; 201: positive probe; 202: negative probe;

[0038] 3: Limiting seat; 301: Limiting hole; 4: Buckle; 401: Main body; 402: Snap-fit ​​part;

[0039] 5: Resin tank; 6: Salt box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] 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.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are contradictory.

[0045] The inventors have discovered that existing water softeners leak during use, which can easily pollute the environment and affect user experience.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 1-3, the present application provides a water softener, which mainly includes: a body 100 and a water leakage detection sensor 2. The bottom shell 101 of the body 100 is provided with a water collection portion 1 to form a water collection area. The water collection area can be understood as the area enclosed by the bottom shell 101 and the water collection portion 1 for collecting water leaking from the internal components of the body 100, thereby preventing water from leaking out of the body 100. The water leakage detection sensor 2 is detachably disposed within the water collection area via a limiting structure, with the positive and negative probes 201 and 202 of the water leakage detection sensor 2 facing the bottom shell 101 to facilitate water leakage detection.

[0047] Specifically, a water collection area is created by installing a water collection unit 1 on the bottom shell 101 of the water softener body 100 to collect water that may leak from various connections or components within the water softener. By placing the water collection unit 1 at the lowest point of the device, even small leaks in any direction are effectively collected. A water leakage detection sensor 2 is detachably mounted within the water collection area, and a retaining structure ensures the stability of the sensor's position and ease of installation and removal. If water is present in the water collection area within the body 100, the sensor promptly detects the presence of water, triggering an alarm or automatic shutdown process to prevent water waste and further equipment damage.

[0048] Through this design, the water softener in this embodiment of the application can receive immediate feedback and take appropriate measures when a minor leak occurs, thus preventing small problems from escalating into major failures. This also improves the safety of the device and the user experience, and reduces environmental pollution and safety hazards caused by water leaks. Furthermore, this design facilitates maintenance and replacement, enhancing the overall reliability and service life of the water softener.

[0049] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the limiting structure mainly includes: a limiting seat 3 and a buckle 4. The top and first side (outer side) of the limiting seat 3 are open structures, and two limiting holes 301 are provided at the bottom of the limiting seat 3. The limiting holes 301 have openings facing the first side and are generally U-shaped. The positive probe 201 and the negative probe 202 of the water leakage detection sensor 2 are correspondingly provided through the two limiting holes 301. The buckle 4 is provided at the top of the second side (inner side) of the limiting seat 3 relative to the first side, and is suitable for clamping the water leakage detection sensor 2 in the limiting seat 3.

[0050] Specifically, the buckle 4 includes: a main body 401 and a snap-on part 402. The main body 401 is horizontally arranged, and the inner end of the main body 401 is integrally formed at the top of the second side (inner side) of the limiting seat 3. The outer end of the main body 401 extends toward the first side (outer side) of the limiting seat 3, and the snap-on part 402 is connected to the outer end of the main body 401.

[0051] In some embodiments, the design of this limiting structure reflects practicality and ease of installation:

[0052] 1. Top and First Side Openings: The top opening of the retaining base 3 facilitates access to the wires of the water leak detection sensor 2, ensuring that they are not obstructed by the placement and securing of electrical or connecting wires, ensuring smooth connection between the sensor and the controller or other power and signal transmission equipment. The first (outer) side opening allows for intuitive and unobstructed insertion of the water leak detection sensor 2 into the retaining hole 301 from the outside.

[0053] 2. Two spaced-apart limit holes: designed to accommodate the positive and negative probes of the water leak detection sensor 2, ensuring that the probes are stably placed in the preset positions and maintain the correct working state, while effectively detecting when in contact with water.

[0054] 3. The limiting hole opening toward the first side facilitates the insertion of the probe and simplifies the assembly steps, allowing it to be aligned and installed in place without complicated operations.

[0055] 4. Snap-on Design: Snap-on 4, located at the top of the second (inner) side of the retaining base 3, securely secures the water leak detection sensor 2 within the retaining base 3, preventing displacement or loosening due to vibration or water impact. Once the sensor is pushed inward from the outside, snap-on 4 allows for easy, one-touch locking, improving installation efficiency and overall structural stability.

[0056] Therefore, the limiting structure in this embodiment has good compatibility and stability, which not only simplifies the installation process of the water leakage detection sensor 2, but also ensures that the sensor is always in an accurate and effective monitoring position during the operation of the water softener, thereby effectively improving the functionality and reliability of the entire water softener.

[0057] In some embodiments, the bottom ends of the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor 2 are lower than the height of the water collecting part 1 .

[0058] Specifically, since the probe is located at a lower position inside the water collection area, when water droplets or water flows into the water collection area, the water first contacts the probe. This ensures that water leakage can be detected quickly once it occurs, thereby improving the timeliness of detection.

[0059] In some embodiments, there is a gap between the bottom ends of the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor 2 and the bottom shell 101 .

[0060] Specifically, maintaining a certain gap can prevent the small amount of water remaining in the bottom shell 101 from directly contacting the probe and causing a false alarm. In this way, when there is no actual water leakage, the sensor will not send a false alarm due to contact with the humid environment that may exist in the bottom shell 101.

[0061] When an actual water leak occurs, as the water level rises, the water needs to reach a certain height before it can touch the probe. This process can improve the accuracy of the sensor's judgment of the leak situation, ensuring that the alarm is triggered only when water actually flows into the catchment area and reaches the set threshold.

[0062] In addition, keeping the probe from directly contacting the bottom shell 101 can reduce the physical wear of the probe caused by long-term immersion or friction, and can also reduce the direct effect of electrolytes or other harmful substances on the probe, thereby extending the service life of the sensor.

[0063] In some embodiments, the water softener further comprises: an alarm and a controller, wherein the alarm is disposed on the body 100 of the water softener; the controller is disposed on the body 100 of the water softener and is electrically connected to the water leakage detection sensor 2 and the alarm, respectively.

[0064] Specifically, by installing an alarm on the water softener body 100, when a water leak occurs, the alarm primarily emits a sound or light signal to alert the user. The alarm can be designed in various forms, such as audible and visual alarms, or through mobile app push notifications, ensuring that users are promptly notified of leaks regardless of their location.

[0065] The controller, also mounted on the water softener's body 100, is electrically connected to the water leak detection sensor 2 and receives and processes signals from the sensor in real time. Once the sensor detects moisture within the water collection area, indicating a potential leak, the controller immediately triggers an alarm and can also perform other pre-programmed actions, such as automatically shutting off the water supply and sending a remote alarm message.

[0066] Through this integrated design, the water softener in this embodiment not only effectively prevents water waste and equipment damage caused by leaks, but also significantly improves equipment safety, reduces the user's maintenance burden, and enhances the user experience. Furthermore, the intelligent controller adds the possibility of intelligent monitoring and remote control for the water softener, meeting the requirements of intelligent home appliances.

[0067] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the bottom shell 101 is provided with a closed-loop convex rib protruding upward, and the convex rib serves as the water collecting portion 1 .

[0068] With such a design, the closed-loop ribs can form a water collection area with the bottom shell 101 for collecting water leaking from the internal components of the body 100. The ribs can play a certain water-blocking role, collecting water that may leak from various connection points or components inside the water softener, preventing water leakage, and effectively improving the user experience.

[0069] In some embodiments, the rib and the bottom shell 101 are integrally formed.

[0070] Specifically, the bottom shell 101 and the convex ribs are integrally formed to realize the combination of the water collection function and the bottom shell protection function, reducing the number of independent components and assembly steps, making the overall structure of the water softener more simple and compact, and helping to reduce assembly complexity and production costs.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present application, the rib and the bottom shell 101 are detachably connected as separate structures. For example, the rib and the bottom shell 101 are snap-connected.

[0072] Such a design, on the one hand, facilitates the separate replacement and maintenance of the ribs or the bottom shell 101; on the other hand, the ribs of different heights can be adaptively replaced according to the water leakage situation in the water softener, thereby improving the water collection function, avoiding water leakage, and further improving the user experience.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the water softener further includes a resin tank 5, which is arranged in the body 100 and located in the water collection area; the water leakage detection sensor 2 and the limiting structure are arranged at the bottom edge of the resin tank 5.

[0074] Specifically, the resin tank 5 is a core component for ion exchange in the water softener, and leakage may occur in the bottom or surrounding area thereof due to aging, wear, or loose connections.

[0075] In this embodiment, the water leak detection sensor 2 is positioned directly on the bottom edge of the resin tank 5, enabling precise monitoring of this critical area and prompt detection of potential leaks. Because the sensor is located directly adjacent to the potential leak location, any water leak from the resin tank 5 is detected immediately and an alarm is triggered, enabling a rapid response and handling of the leak.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present application, two resin tanks 5 are arranged side by side along the length direction of the body 100, and an accommodating gap is formed between the two resin tanks 5; the water leakage detection sensor 2 and the limiting structure are arranged in the accommodating gap.

[0077] Specifically, the resin tank 5 can be cylindrical in shape to form an accommodation gap between the two resin tanks 5. In addition, the limiting seat 3 of the limiting structure is integrally formed on the bottom edge of the resin tank 5 within the accommodation gap, which can simplify the installation structure and help improve the installation stability of the sensor.

[0078] The embodiment of the present application places two resin tanks 5 side by side along the length direction of the body 100 and forms an accommodating gap between the two, which can effectively utilize the thickness space inside the water softener, making the overall structure more compact, facilitating overall miniaturization, and achieving an ultra-thin design.

[0079] Furthermore, no matter which resin tank 5 leaks, the water leakage detection sensor 2 located in the accommodating gap can detect the moisture in time, thereby quickly triggering an alarm, thereby enhancing the safety performance of the equipment.

[0080] Therefore, the embodiment of the present application cleverly integrates the spatial layout of multiple functional components, achieving the goal of miniaturization and efficient use of space while ensuring the functional integrity of the water softener.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present application, the water softener also includes a salt box 6, which is arranged in the body 100 and located in the water collection area. The salt box 6 and the resin tank 5 are arranged side by side along the length direction of the body 100, which is conducive to achieving an ultra-thin design; the water leakage detection sensor 2 and the limiting structure are arranged at the bottom of the salt box 6.

[0082] Specifically, the salt tank 6 is an important component of the water softener, and a salt solution for regenerating the resin is stored in the salt tank 6. If the salt tank 6 leaks, it will not only waste water resources, but also may affect the normal operation of the water softener.

[0083] The embodiment of the present application places the water leakage detection sensor 2 at the bottom of the salt box 6, which can fully utilize the internal space of the equipment and directly monitor whether the salt box 6 has leakage. When the salt box 6 leaks, the sensor can quickly sense it and transmit the signal to the controller, thereby triggering the alarm to prompt, effectively preventing safety hazards caused by long-term leakage, such as electrical short circuits, corrosion of surrounding components, etc.

[0084] 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 water softener, comprising: A machine body, wherein a bottom shell of the machine body is provided with a water collecting portion to construct a water collecting area; The water leakage detection sensor is detachably arranged in the water collection area via a limiting structure, and the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor face the bottom shell.

2. The water softener according to claim 1, wherein The limiting structure includes: A limit seat, wherein the top and the first side of the limit seat are open structures, and two limit holes are provided at intervals on the bottom of the limit seat, and the limit holes are provided with openings facing the first side, and the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor are correspondingly provided through the two limit holes; A buckle is provided at the top of the second side of the limiting seat relative to the first side, and is suitable for clamping the water leakage detection sensor in the limiting seat.

3. The water softener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The bottom ends of the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor are lower than the height of the water collecting part.

4. The water softener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: There is a gap between the bottom ends of the positive and negative probes of the water leakage detection sensor and the bottom shell.

5. The water softener according to claim 1, further comprising: an alarm, arranged on the machine body; The controller is arranged on the machine body and is electrically connected to the water leakage detection sensor and the alarm.

6. The water softener according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The bottom shell is provided with a closed-loop convex rib protruding upward, and the convex rib serves as the water collecting portion.

7. The water softener according to claim 6, wherein: The convex rib and the bottom shell are an integrally formed structure.

8. The water softener according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a resin tank, disposed in the water collection area; The water leakage detection sensor and the limiting structure are arranged on the bottom edge of the resin tank.

9. The water softener according to claim 8, wherein: Two resin tanks are arranged side by side along the length direction of the machine body, and an accommodating gap is formed between the two resin tanks; The water leakage detection sensor and the limiting structure are arranged in the accommodating gap.

10. The water softener according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a salt box, disposed within the water collection area; The water leakage detection sensor and the limiting structure are arranged at the bottom of the salt box.

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