Shunt valve, dish washing machine and control method of shunt valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a shunt valve, a dish washing machine and a control method of the shunt valve. The shunt valve comprises a valve body, a shifting piece, a rotating shaft and a position signal piece, and the shifting piece is rotatably arranged in the valve body; the rotating shaft is connected to the plectrum to drive the plectrum to rotate, the position signal piece is located on the rotating path of the rotating shaft and can trigger a pressing signal and a release signal of the position signal piece in the rotating process of the rotating shaft, and the position, corresponding to the position signal piece triggering the release signal, of the plectrum is calibrated as the zero point position of the plectrum. According to the scheme, the position corresponding to the calibration plectrum when the position signal piece triggers the release signal is used as the zero position of the plectrum, the position of the plectrum can be accurately represented, and the position of the plectrum when the position signal piece triggers the release signal is used as the zero position of rotation of the plectrum; the rotating shaft is controlled to rotate by a specific angle based on the reference, and the shifting piece can be controlled to accurately rotate to a specific position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of kitchen utensils, in particular to a water distribution valve, a dishwasher and a control method of the water distribution valve. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, dishwashers are increasingly widely used in daily life due to their better washing effect. The existing dishwasher is generally provided with multiple spray arms, and a washing pump delivers water to the corresponding spray arms through a pipeline to spray and wash the tableware. After spraying, the washing water is collected at the bottom of the dishwasher, and then the washing pump delivers the backflow washing water to each spray arm again to form a washing water circulation for cleaning the tableware. In order to save water, a water distribution valve is arranged on the pipeline of the dishwasher, and a water distribution paddle of the water distribution valve is used to control the opening or closing of each spray arm.

[0003] The dishwasher has multiple cleaning modes and cleaning stages, and the water distribution requirements are different under different modes and cleaning stages. During the cleaning process, the water needs to be accurately distributed to specific spray arms or water paths. By calculating the position of the water distribution paddle, it can be accurately controlled which water outlet is opened and which is closed, so as to ensure that the water flows to the corresponding spray arm according to the preset path, so as to accurately adjust the water distribution ratio and flow direction according to the selected mode.

[0004] The water distribution valve is usually arranged as follows: the water distribution paddle is connected to the rotating shaft and rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft. One or more protrusions are arranged on the rotating shaft, and a micro switch is arranged on the edge of the rotating shaft. During the rotation of the rotating shaft, the micro switch contact is in contact with the inclined surface of the protrusion and is gradually pressed down, thereby triggering the micro switch and obtaining the position of the water distribution paddle.

[0005] However, due to the vibration of the motor driving the rotating shaft during operation and the vibration caused by the friction of the motor, there is a risk of triggering the micro switch too early or too late. That is, in the prior art, the trigger point is a region near the critical point, not a point. Therefore, in the prior art, there will be errors in determining the position of the water distribution paddle by the signal triggered when the micro switch is pressed down, resulting in inaccurate indication of the position of the water distribution paddle.

[0006] It can be understood that when the position of the water distribution paddle is inaccurate, multiple water outlets may be opened at the same time or some water outlets may not be completely closed, causing water flow conflict, affecting the cleaning effect, or causing abnormal distribution of water flow pressure, causing some components to bear excessive water impact force and accelerating the wear of the components. Even it may cause water leakage problem, damage the electrical elements and other components inside the dishwasher. SUMMARY

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a water distribution valve, a dishwasher and a control method of the water distribution valve to solve the problem that the water distribution valve in the prior art cannot accurately indicate the position of the water distribution dial through the microswitch trigger signal.

[0008] A water distribution valve comprises a valve body, a dial, a rotating shaft and a position signal element, the dial is rotatably arranged in the valve body, the rotating shaft is connected to the dial to drive the dial to rotate, the position signal element is located on the rotating path of the rotating shaft and can trigger the pressing signal and the release signal of the position signal element during the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the position of the dial corresponding to the release signal triggered by the position signal element is defined as the zero position of the dial.

[0009] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft comprises a shaft body and a trigger portion protruding from the circumferential surface of the shaft body, the position signal element comprises a trigger button, the trigger button is located on the rotating path of the trigger portion, and during the rotation of the rotating shaft, the trigger portion sequentially abuts against the trigger button from the leading end to the trailing end, the trigger portion has a release end face located at the trailing end, the end of the release end face away from the circumferential surface of the shaft body is the last end of the trigger portion contacting the trigger button, when the trigger portion abuts against the trigger button to press the trigger button, when the release end face of the trigger portion is separated from the trigger button to release the trigger button to trigger the position signal element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the release end face extends obliquely from the end away from the circumferential surface of the shaft body to the leading end of the trigger portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the trigger portion comprises an ascending section located at the leading end, the length of the ascending section in the radial direction of the shaft body gradually increases in the direction towards the trailing end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ascending section has an abutting inclined surface towards the position signal element, the abutting inclined surface is arranged obliquely with an ascending slope from the leading end to the trailing end.

[0013] In one embodiment, the trigger portion comprises a retaining section located in the direction of the trailing end of the ascending section, the length of the retaining section in the radial direction of the shaft body is uniform and equal to the maximum length of the ascending section in the radial direction of the shaft body.

[0014] A dishwasher comprises the water distribution valve according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0015] A control method of a water diversion valve is applied to a water diversion valve, and the water diversion valve comprises a switch plate, a rotating shaft rotating synchronously with the switch plate, and a position signal piece located on a rotating path of the rotating shaft. The control method of the water diversion valve comprises the following steps: controlling the rotating shaft to rotate to trigger a pressing signal and a release signal of the position signal piece in sequence; and calibrating a position of the switch plate corresponding to a time when the position signal piece triggers the release signal as a zero position of the switch plate.

[0016] In one of the embodiments, the step of "calibrating a position of the switch plate corresponding to a time when the position signal piece triggers the release signal as a zero position of the switch plate" comprises the following steps: calculating a time interval between the time when the position signal piece triggers the release signal and the time when the position signal piece triggers the pressing signal, and comparing the time interval with a theoretical time deviation range; if the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range, calibrating the position of the switch plate corresponding to the time when the position signal piece triggers the release signal as the zero position of the switch plate; if the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, reporting an error, or controlling the rotating shaft to continue rotating to trigger the pressing signal and the release signal of the position signal piece in sequence until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the theoretical time deviation range is 0.9 to 1.1 times of a theoretical time interval between the time when the position signal piece triggers the release signal and the time when the position signal piece triggers the pressing signal.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, the step of "if the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, reporting an error, or controlling the rotating shaft to continue rotating to trigger the pressing signal and the release signal of the position signal piece in sequence until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range" comprises the following steps: if the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, judging whether a rotating time of the rotating shaft exceeds a set time; if yes, reporting an error; if no, controlling the rotating shaft to continue rotating to trigger the pressing signal and the release signal of the position signal piece in sequence until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range.

[0019] In one of the embodiments, the set time is n times of a time required for the rotating shaft to rotate a whole circle, where n≥2.

[0020] In one of the embodiments, after the step of "calibrating a position of the switch plate corresponding to a time when the position signal piece triggers the release signal as a zero position of the switch plate", the method further comprises the following step: controlling the rotating shaft to rotate from the zero position of the switch plate for a preset time to make the switch plate reach a preset position.

[0021] The water distribution valve provided in the above solution uses the position of the calibrated lever when the position signal element triggers the release signal as the zero point position of the lever. This allows the release signal of the trigger button to serve as the signal that triggers the position signal element. It can be clearly assumed that when the position signal element is triggered, i.e., when the trigger button releases the release signal, it is at a moment when the rotating shaft is far from the position signal. This allows for precise positioning of the rotation angle of the rotating shaft at this instant, thus accurately indicating the position of the lever. This position can be used as the zero point position for the lever's rotation. By controlling the rotation of the rotating shaft by a specific angle based on this, the lever can be accurately controlled to rotate to a specific position. This avoids the problem of inaccurate zero point positioning of the lever during the operation of the water distribution valve, which could prevent the lever from completely blocking or opening specific water passages when rotated. This achieves precise control of the dishwasher's water flow, including opening and closing the water passages. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the installation structure of the water distribution valve in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the central water distribution valve and the diversion cover.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection status of the central water distribution valve and the diversion cover. Figure 3 (a) in the diagram represents the first coordination state between the water distribution valve and the diversion cover; Figure 3 (b) in the diagram represents the second coordination state between the water distribution valve and the diversion cover; Figure 3 (c) in the diagram represents the third coordination state between the water distribution valve and the diversion cover; Figure 3 (d) in the diagram represents the fourth coordination state between the water distribution valve and the diversion cover.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the central water distribution valve.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the rotating shaft in the diagram.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the positions of the transfer shaft and position signal components Figure 1 .

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the positions of the transfer shaft and position signal components Figure 2 .

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 1Schematic diagram of the positions of the transfer shaft and position signal components Figure 3 .

[0030] Figure 4 This is a logic diagram of a water distribution valve control method in one embodiment of this application.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 100. Diverter valve; 110. Valve body; 111. Water chamber; 112. Inlet; 120. Paddle; 121. Outlet; 130. Shaft; 131. Shaft body; 1311. Circumferential surface; 132. Trigger; 1321. Release end face; 1322. Rising section; 1323. Abutting inclined surface; 1324. Holding section; 1325. Abutting arc surface; 140. Position signal component; 141. Trigger button; 150. Drive component; 160. Cover; 170. Sealing ring; 200. Water cup; 210. Diverter cover; 211. First water inlet; 212. Second water inlet; 213. Third water inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] One embodiment of this application provides a dishwasher for washing dishes. The dishwasher includes a water distribution valve 100 as described in any of the following embodiments, combined with... Figure 4 and Figure 1As shown, the dishwasher also includes a water cup 200 and a diversion cover 210 connected to the water cup 200. The diversion cover 210 has multiple water outlets. In this embodiment, the diversion cover 210 has three water outlets spaced apart and located in the same plane. For ease of explanation, they are named the first water outlet 211, the second water outlet 212, and the third water outlet 213, respectively. Exemplarily, the first water outlet 211 can be connected to the lower spray arm of the dishwasher, the second water outlet 212 can be connected to the middle spray arm of the dishwasher, and the third water outlet 213 can be connected to the top spray arm and the zone wash spray arm of the dishwasher. The first water inlet 211, the second water inlet 212, and the third water inlet 213 of the water distribution valve 100 and the diversion cover 210 can be fluidly connected to achieve water flow diversion and multi-water flow switching control. The water inlets are opened or closed by rotating the following toggle 120 to control the opening and closing of the water flow and diversion. By controlling the distribution of water flow, the dishwasher can supply water to the spray arms of different areas in different washing stages.

[0040] See Figure 4 , Figure 1 An exploded view of a water distribution valve 100 in one embodiment of this application is shown. The water distribution valve 100 provided in one embodiment of this application can be applied to the dishwasher described above, or to other fields, without limitation.

[0041] like Figure 4 and Figure 1 As shown, the water distribution valve 100 includes a valve body 110 and a lever 120. The valve body 110 has an open water-receiving cavity 111 and an inlet 112 connected to the water-receiving cavity 111. The lever 120 covers the valve body 110 and covers the open water-receiving cavity 111. The lever 120 has an outlet 121 connected to the water-receiving cavity 111, forming a water flow channel in which the inlet 112, the water-receiving cavity 111, and the outlet 121 are connected in sequence.

[0042] like Figure 4 and Figure 3 As shown, the water distribution valve 100 also includes a rotating shaft 130 and a driving component 150 for driving the rotating shaft 130 to rotate. The rotating shaft 130 is connected to the lever 120 to drive the lever 120 to rotate. The rotating shaft 130 and the lever 120 rotate synchronously to open or close the water passage by rotating the lever 120, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the water passage and the diversion of the water.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 3As shown, the water distribution valve 100 also includes a position signal element 140. The position signal element 140 is located on the rotation path of the rotating shaft 130, and can trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element 140 during the rotation of the rotating shaft 130. The corresponding position of the lever 120 when the position signal element 140 triggers the releasing signal is the zero point position of the lever 120, so as to clearly locate the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 130 at this time, thereby accurately indicating the position of the lever 120 at this time, and making the position of the lever 120 at this time the zero point position of the lever 120 rotation. By controlling the rotating shaft 130 to rotate a specific angle based on this, the lever 120 can be accurately controlled to rotate to a specific position, thereby accurately indicating the position of the lever 120, thus avoiding water flow conflicts or even water leakage problems caused by inaccurate position of the lever 120. Compared to using the position signal element 140 to trigger a press signal, the zero point position of the paddle 120 is more accurate, especially in push-type signal triggers such as microswitches. When the trigger button 141 is pressed, a slope or arc surface is usually required as a guide surface; otherwise, it will be impossible to apply a pressing force to the trigger button 141. Therefore, the timing of the position signal element 140 triggering the press signal will have a certain range, and the corresponding position of the paddle 120 at the timing of the position signal element 140 triggering the press signal will also be within a certain angular range. Thus, the zero point position of the paddle 120 will be inaccurate.

[0044] In this embodiment, the position signal element 140 is located on one side of the rotating shaft 130. The position signal element 140 is fixedly installed. When the rotating shaft 130 rotates, the relative position between the trigger part 132 and the position signal element 140 changes, thereby triggering the position signal element 140.

[0045] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the engagement state of the water distribution valve 100 and the diversion cover 210 in one embodiment of this application. Figure 3 (a) in the diagram represents the first coordination state between the water distribution valve 100 and the diversion cover 210; Figure 3 (b) in the diagram represents the second coordination state between the water distribution valve 100 and the diversion cover 210; Figure 3 (c) in the diagram represents the third coordination state between the water distribution valve 100 and the diversion cover 210; Figure 3 (d) in the diagram represents the fourth coordination state between the water distribution valve 100 and the diversion cover 210. In this manual, the following example is used: the first water inlet 211 can be connected to the lower spray arm of the dishwasher, the second water inlet 212 can be connected to the middle spray arm of the dishwasher, and the third water inlet 213 can be connected to the top spray arm and the zone spray arm of the dishwasher.

[0046] In this embodiment, the peripheral surface of the lever 120 used to define the water outlet 121 is a continuously concave-convex arc surface to adapt to the different water outlets opened on the diversion cover 210 in the dishwasher, but this is not a limitation. In this embodiment, the distance between the third water outlet 213 and the first water outlet 211, and the distance between the third water outlet 213 and the second water outlet 212 are both smaller than the distance between the second water outlet 212 and the first water outlet 211, so that the water outlet 121 of the lever 120 can selectively be located at the first water outlet 211, the second water outlet 212 and the third water outlet 213, and can also simultaneously be located at the first water outlet 211 and the second water outlet 212.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the water outlet 121 of the deflector 120 is positioned opposite the first water outlet 211 and the second water outlet 212, the deflector 120 blocks the third water outlet 213. At this time, water is discharged from the lower spray arm and the middle spray arm of the dishwasher, and the dishwasher is in full-cavity wash mode with water discharged from the upper spray arm and the middle spray arm simultaneously. Figure 5 As shown in (b), when the outlet 121 of the deflector 120 is positioned opposite the second outlet 212, the deflector 120 blocks the first outlet 211 and the third outlet 213. At this time, water is discharged from the middle spray arm of the dishwasher, and the dishwasher is in middle spray arm mode. Figure 5 As shown in (c), when the water outlet 121 of the deflector 120 is located at the third water outlet 213, the deflector 120 blocks the second water outlet 212 and the first water outlet 211. At this time, water is discharged from the dishwasher's zone wash arms and top spray arms, and the dishwasher is in zone intensive wash and top spray mode. Figure 1 As shown in (d), when the water outlet 121 of the lever 120 is located at the first water outlet 211, the lever 120 blocks the second water outlet 212 and the third water outlet 213. At this time, water is discharged from the lower spray arm of the dishwasher, and the dishwasher is in the lower spray mode.

[0048] Combination Figure 4 As shown, Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of the structure of the rotating shaft 130 in a water distribution valve 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The rotating shaft 130 includes a shaft body 131 and a trigger portion 132 protruding from the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft body 131. Under the drive of the driving member 150, the rotating shaft 130 rotates around the axis of the shaft body 131 itself. Figure 4 and Figure 1 As shown, the end of the rotating shaft 130 away from the drive member 150 passes through the center of the valve body 110 to connect to the paddle 120. Figure 4 and Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the water distribution valve 100 also includes a sealing ring 170 sleeved on the outer periphery of the shaft 131 to seal the gap between the shaft 131 and the valve body 110, so as to prevent water from leaking out of the water-containing cavity 111.

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the water distribution valve 100 also includes a cover 160, and a position signal element 140 is fixedly connected to the cover 160 to prevent the position signal element 140 from shifting and interfering with the triggering of the position signal element 140.

[0050] Combination Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the position signal element 140 includes a trigger button 141, which has the following characteristics: Figure 6 As shown in the pressed state, the trigger button 141 triggers a press signal and also has the following functions: Figure 7 The state shown is the release state, at which point the trigger button 141 triggers the release signal.

[0051] In this specification, as Figure 8 From the perspective of [the source], the rotating shaft 130 rotates counterclockwise, but this is only for the purpose of illustration and is not intended as a limitation. In other embodiments, the direction of rotation of the rotating shaft 130 is not limited. Figures 3 to 5 , Figures 5 to 8 and Figures 6 to 8 The positional relationship between the trigger part 132 and the trigger button 141 during the rotation of the rotating shaft 130 is shown in sequence. Clearly, during the rotation of the rotating shaft 130, the trigger part 132 aligns with the trigger button 141 sequentially from its first end to its last end. It can be understood that, as... Figure 6 From the perspective of [the diagram], the first end is the right side of the diagram and the last end is the left side of the diagram, but this is not a limitation. In practical applications, the direction of rotation of the shaft 130 and different perspectives should be used to make independent judgments.

[0052] like Figure 7 As shown, the trigger part 132 has a release end face 1321 at its end. The end of the release end face 1321 away from the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft 131 is the farthest end of the trigger part 132 that contacts the trigger button 141.

[0053] like Figure 8 As shown, the trigger button 141 is located on the rotation path of the trigger part 132, but the trigger button 141 is located outside the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft 131, and there is no contact between the shaft 131 and the trigger button 141. And as... Figures 6 to 8 and Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the trigger part 132 abuts against the trigger button 141 when it is located to press the trigger button 141, as... Figures 5 to 8 As shown, when the release end face 1321 of the trigger part 132 disengages from the trigger button 141, the trigger button 141 is released to trigger the position signal element 140.

[0054] When the end of the release face 1321 away from the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft 131 contacts the trigger button 141, the shaft 130 continues to rotate, and the trigger button 141 is released immediately. There are no other parts or manufacturing and assembly errors that interfere with the release timing of the trigger button 141, so that the release timing of the trigger button 141 is specific and brief, almost at the instant after the end of the release face 1321 away from the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft 131 contacts the trigger button 141.

[0055] When the trigger button 141 is released, it triggers the position signal element 140. The release signal of the trigger button 141 serves as the signal that the position signal element 140 is triggered. It can be clearly understood that when the position signal element 140 is triggered, that is, when the trigger button 141 is released, the trigger signal is the instant after the end of the release end face 1321 away from the shaft body 131 contacts the trigger button 141. It can clearly locate the rotation angle of the trigger part 132 and the shaft body 131 at this time, and thus accurately indicate the position of the paddle 120 at this time. It can also make the position of the paddle 120 at this time the zero point of the rotation of the paddle 120. By controlling the rotation of the shaft 130 by a specific angle based on this, the paddle 120 can be accurately controlled to rotate to a specific position, thereby accurately indicating the position of the paddle 120 and avoiding water flow conflicts or even water leakage caused by inaccurate position of the paddle 120.

[0056] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the release end face 1321 extends obliquely towards the beginning of the trigger portion 132 from one end away from the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft 131 to the circumferential surface 1311 near the shaft 131. In this case, the release end face 1321 does not have a position that protrudes further than the end away from the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft 131, thus avoiding contact between the release end face 1321 and the trigger button 141 and prolonging the release time range of the trigger button 141. This ensures that the trigger button 141 releases immediately upon disengaging from the end away from the circumferential surface 1311 of the release end face 1321. In other embodiments, the release end face 1321 may also be arranged radially parallel to the shaft 131. In this case, the end of the release end face 1321 away from the circumferential surface 1311 of the shaft 131 remains the end point where the trigger portion 132 contacts the trigger button 141.

[0057] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the trigger portion 132 has a rising section 1322 at the beginning end, the length of the rising section 1322 in the radial direction of the shaft 131 gradually increases in the direction toward the end end, so that the trigger portion 132 gradually contacts and abuts the trigger button 141, thereby pressing the trigger button 141.

[0058] likeFigure 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the rising section 1322 includes an abutting slope 1323 facing the position signal element 140. The abutting slope 1323 is inclined from the first end to the last end with an upward slope so that the force applied in the circumferential direction by the rotating shaft 130 during rotation is converted into the pressing force on the trigger button 141 through the abutting slope 1323, thereby realizing the pressing of the trigger button 141.

[0059] like Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the trigger portion 132 includes a holding portion 1324 located at the end of the rising portion 1322. The holding portion 1324 is located between the rising portion 1322 and the release end face 1321. The length of the holding portion 1324 in the radial direction of the shaft 131 is uniform and equal to the maximum length of the rising portion 1322 in the radial direction of the shaft 131, so as to maintain the pressing of the trigger button 141, thereby making the trigger button 141 remain in a pressed state for a certain period of time after being pressed, and then release it, so as to more clearly capture the moment of release of the trigger button 141.

[0060] like Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the trigger part 132 includes an abutting arc surface 1325 located in the holding section 1324. The abutting arc surface 1325 is used to abut the trigger button 141. During the rotation of the trigger part 132 with the shaft 131, the abutting arc surface 1325 maintains the pressure on the trigger button 141, so that the trigger button 141 is kept in a pressed state for a certain period of time after being pressed, and then released, so as to more clearly capture the moment when the trigger button 141 is released.

[0061] like Figure 9 As shown, this application also provides a control method for a water distribution valve 100, which can be the water distribution valve 100 in any of the above embodiments, or the water distribution valve 100 in the prior art. The water distribution valve 100 used in this method includes a paddle 120 and a rotating shaft 130 that rotates synchronously with the paddle 120, and also includes a position signal element 140 located on the rotation path of the rotating shaft 130.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, the control method for the water distribution valve 100 includes the following steps:

[0063] S10: Control the rotation of the rotating shaft 130 to sequentially trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element 140. In practical applications, the driving member drives the rotating shaft 130 to rotate. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 130 includes a triggering part 132 for triggering the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element 140. At this time, the triggering part 132 approaches, abuts against, and releases the position signal element 140 due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 130. During one revolution of the rotating shaft 130, the triggering part 132 will cause the position signal element 140 to trigger one pressing signal and one releasing signal.

[0064] S20: When the calibrated position signal element 140 triggers the release signal, the corresponding position of the paddle 120 is the zero point position of the paddle 120, so as to clearly locate the rotation angle of the trigger part 132 and the shaft 131 at this time, thereby accurately indicating the position of the paddle 120 at this time, and making the position of the paddle 120 at this time the zero point position of the paddle 120 rotation. Based on this, controlling the rotation of the shaft 130 by a specific angle can accurately control the paddle 120 to rotate to a specific position, thereby achieving accurate indication of the position of the paddle 120, thereby avoiding water flow conflicts or even water leakage problems caused by inaccurate position of the paddle 120. Compared to using the position signal element 140 to trigger a press signal, the zero point position of the paddle 120 is more accurate, especially in push-type signal triggers such as microswitches. When the trigger button 141 is pressed, a slope or arc surface is usually required as a guide surface; otherwise, it will be impossible to apply a pressing force to the trigger button 141. Therefore, the timing of the position signal element 140 triggering the press signal will have a certain range, and the corresponding position of the paddle 120 at the timing of the position signal element 140 triggering the press signal will also be within a certain angular range. Thus, the zero point position of the paddle 120 will be inaccurate.

[0065] like ​ As shown, in one embodiment, step "S20: calibrating the position of the paddle 120 when the position signal element 140 triggers the release signal, as the zero point position of the paddle 120" includes the following steps:

[0066] S21: Calculate the time interval between the trigger release signal and the trigger press signal of the position signal component 140, and compare it with the theoretical time deviation range.

[0067] Under normal circumstances, during one revolution of the rotating shaft 130, the trigger unit 132 will cause the position signal element 140 to sequentially trigger a pressing signal and a releasing signal. The time interval between these two signals is related to the structure of the trigger unit 132 itself and the angular velocity of the rotating shaft 130 driven by the driving component. During use, the structure of the trigger unit 132 itself does not change, so the theoretical time interval between the pressing and releasing signals can be calculated based on the angular velocity of the rotating shaft 130. In one embodiment, the theoretical time deviation ranges from 0.9 to 1.1 times the theoretical time interval between the position signal element 140 triggering the releasing signal and the pressing signal. This allows for some error in the operation of the rotating shaft 130 and the position signal element 140 to avoid problems such as high cost due to excessively high installation precision.

[0068] S22: If the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range, the position of the calibrated lever 120 when the position signal element 140 triggers the release signal is used as the zero point position of the lever 120. At this time, the rotation of the shaft 130 is normal, and it can be directly determined that the corresponding position of the lever 120 when the position signal element 140 triggers the release signal is accurate. Therefore, the calibrated position of the lever 120 when the position signal element 140 triggers the release signal is the accurate and reliable zero point position of the lever 120.

[0069] S23: If the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, an error is reported, or the rotating shaft 130 is controlled to continue rotating to sequentially trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element 140 until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range. Thus, one of the following results is obtained: successful calibration of the zero position of the lever 120 or machine error reporting.

[0070] like ​ As shown, in one embodiment, step "S23: If the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, an error is reported, or the rotating shaft 130 is controlled to continue rotating to sequentially trigger the pressing signal and releasing signal of the position signal element 140 until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range" includes the following steps:

[0071] S231: If the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, determine whether the rotation time of the rotating shaft 130 exceeds the set time. Multiple attempts are made to verify again whether the time interval between the pressing signal and the releasing signal is within the theoretical time deviation range, avoiding frequent or unnecessary error reports caused by a single abnormality.

[0072] In one embodiment, the set time is n times the time required for the rotating shaft 130 to complete one revolution, where n≥2. Under normal circumstances, the rotating shaft 130 rotates at a certain angular velocity, and the time from the pressing signal to the releasing signal is within the set time range. If the time is abnormal, the rotating shaft 130 will rotate one more revolution. If all n rotations fail, an error will be reported.

[0073] S232: If so, an error will be reported. At this point, the error has undergone multiple verifications and requires repair before the machine can continue to operate. Continuing to operate the machine could easily damage parts or cause excessive water loss in the dishwasher.

[0074] S233: If not, control the rotating shaft 130 to continue rotating to sequentially trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element 140 until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range. Repeat this process multiple times to verify again whether the time interval between the pressing and releasing signals is within the theoretical time deviation range.

[0075] like ​ As shown, in one embodiment, after step "S20: calibrating the position of the lever 120 when the position signal element 140 triggers the release signal, as the zero point position of the lever 120", the following step is also included: S30: controlling the rotating shaft 130 to rotate from the zero point position of the lever 120 for a preset time, so that the lever 120 reaches the preset position. The position of the lever 120 when the position signal element 140 triggers the release signal is taken as the zero point position of the lever 120 rotation, and the rotating shaft 130 is controlled to rotate for a preset time based on this, thereby controlling the rotating shaft 130 and the lever 120 to rotate at a specific angle. This allows for accurate control of the lever 120 to rotate to a specific position, thus achieving accurate control of the lever 120's position. This avoids the problem that the lever 120 cannot completely block or fully open a specific water path when rotating it during the operation of the water distribution valve 100 due to inaccurate positioning of the zero point position of the lever 120. This enables the dishwasher to precisely control the opening and closing of the water path and the diversion of the water flow.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 water distribution valve, characterized in that, The water distribution valve includes: Valve body; A lever is rotatably mounted within the valve body; A pivot shaft, connected to the paddle to drive the paddle to rotate; and A position signal element is located on the rotation path of the rotating shaft, and can trigger a pressing signal and a releasing signal of the position signal element during the rotation of the rotating shaft. The position of the paddle corresponding to the position signal element triggering the release signal is the zero point position of the paddle.

2. The water distribution valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft includes a shaft body and a trigger portion protruding from the circumferential surface of the shaft body. The position signal element includes a trigger button located on the rotation path of the trigger portion. During the rotation of the rotating shaft, the trigger portion sequentially aligns with the trigger button from its first end to its last end. The trigger portion has a release end face located at its last end, and the end of the release end face away from the circumferential surface of the shaft body is the farthest end of the trigger portion that contacts the trigger button. When the trigger portion is aligned with the trigger button, it abuts against the trigger button to press it. When the release end face of the trigger portion disengages from the trigger button, it releases the trigger button to trigger the position signal element.

3. The water distribution valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The release end face extends obliquely toward the head end of the trigger portion from one end away from the circumferential surface of the shaft to the direction close to the circumferential surface of the shaft.

4. The water distribution valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The trigger section includes a rising section located at the beginning, the length of which gradually increases in the radial direction of the shaft towards the end.

5. The water distribution valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ascending section has an abutting slope facing the position signal element, and the abutting slope is inclined from the first end to the last end with an upward slope.

6. The water distribution valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The triggering part includes a retaining section located at the end of the rising section, the retaining section having a uniform length in the radial direction of the shaft and being equal to the maximum length of the rising section in the radial direction of the shaft.

7. A dishwasher, characterized in that, Includes the water distribution valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for controlling a water distribution valve, characterized in that, The method for controlling a water distribution valve includes the following steps: A lever, a rotating shaft that rotates synchronously with the lever, and a position signal element located on the rotation path of the rotating shaft. Controlling the rotation of the shaft to sequentially trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element; and The position of the paddle when the signal element triggers the release signal is calibrated and used as the zero point position of the paddle.

9. The control method for the water distribution valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step "calibrating the position of the paddle when the position signal element triggers the release signal, as the zero point position of the paddle" includes the following steps: Calculate the time interval between the trigger release signal and the trigger press signal at this position, and compare it with the theoretical time deviation range; If the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range, then the position of the paddle when the signal device at that position triggers the release signal is calibrated as the zero point position of the paddle. If the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, an error will be reported, or the shaft will be controlled to continue rotating to sequentially trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range.

10. The control method for the water distribution valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The theoretical time deviation range is 0.9 to 1.1 times the theoretical time interval between the trigger release signal and the trigger press signal of the position signal element.

11. The control method for the water distribution valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step "If the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, an error will be reported, or the shaft will be controlled to continue rotating to sequentially trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal device until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range" includes the following steps: If the time interval is outside the theoretical time deviation range, then determine whether the rotation time of the shaft exceeds the set time; If so, then report an error; If not, control the shaft to continue rotating to sequentially trigger the pressing and releasing signals of the position signal element until the time interval is within the theoretical time deviation range.

12. The control method for the water distribution valve according to claim 11, characterized in that, The set time is n times the time required for the shaft to rotate a full revolution, where n≥2.

13. The control method for the water distribution valve according to claim 11, characterized in that, After the step of "calibrating the position of the paddle when the position signal triggers the release signal, so as to take the zero position of the paddle", the following step is also included: controlling the shaft to rotate from the zero position of the paddle for a preset time so that the paddle reaches the preset position.

Images