Dispenser and dishwasher

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of dishwashers, and particularly relates to a dispenser and a dishwasher. The dispenser comprises a box body, a sliding cover, a transmission mechanism, a driving member and a sealing member. The box body is configured with a liquid inlet cavity, a first liquid waiting cavity, a second liquid waiting cavity and a liquid outlet cavity. The liquid inlet cavity and the first liquid waiting cavity are communicated through a flow limiting port. The sliding cover controls the opening / closing of the second cavity. The transmission mechanism is connected with the sliding cover. The telescopic rod of the driving member provides power for unlocking the sliding cover. The sealing member is connected with the telescopic rod. When the sealing member is in the first state, the sealing member cuts off the first liquid waiting cavity and the second liquid waiting cavity. When the sealing member is in the second state, the sealing member cuts off the second liquid waiting cavity and the liquid outlet cavity. When the sealing member is switched from the second state to the first state, the first liquid waiting cavity is not filled with the first dishwashing medium flowing from the liquid inlet cavity through the flow limiting port. The dispenser of the present application can realize quantitative control of the liquid outlet of the first dishwashing medium in the first cavity, and simplify the structure of the box body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of dishwashers, and in particular relates to a dispenser and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] The dispenser is an important component of a dishwasher. Its function is to automatically and precisely release a predetermined amount of detergent (such as dishwasher powder, dishwasher tablets, dishwasher liquid, and rinse aid) at specific stages of the dishwasher's washing program.

[0003] Currently, in dishwasher dispensers that use reciprocating motion of sealing components to achieve quantitative addition of rinse aid, the layout design of the inlet channel for the rinse aid inlet stage is rather unreasonable. This unreasonable layout leads to the supporting structure of the inlet channel occupying too much internal space of the dispenser, and at the same time makes the overall structure of the dispenser more complicated. This not only reduces the effective volume of the dispenser that can be used to store rinse aid, but also increases the manufacturing cost of the dispenser. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a dispenser and dishwasher for solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] This application provides a dispenser, the dispenser comprising:

[0006] The box body is constructed with a first chamber and a second chamber that are independent of each other. The first chamber includes an inlet chamber, a first waiting chamber, a second waiting chamber and an outlet chamber that are connected in sequence. The inlet chamber and the first waiting chamber are connected through a flow-limiting port.

[0007] A sliding cover, slidably connected to the housing, is used to control the opening / closing of the second chamber;

[0008] A transmission mechanism is movably mounted on the housing and can engage with the sliding cover;

[0009] A driving component is installed on the housing. The driving component includes a telescopic rod, which is connected to the transmission mechanism and can provide the transmission mechanism with the power to unlock the sliding cover.

[0010] A sealing element is at least partially housed within the second liquid-receiving chamber and connected to the telescopic rod portion. The sealing element is capable of switching between a first state and a second state under the action of the telescopic rod portion. When the sealing element is in the first state, the sealing element disconnects the first liquid-receiving chamber from the second liquid-receiving chamber. When the sealing element is in the second state, the sealing element disconnects the second liquid-receiving chamber from the liquid-discharging chamber.

[0011] When the seal switches from the second state to the first state, the first liquid chamber is not filled by the first dishwashing medium flowing into the liquid inlet through the flow restriction port.

[0012] It is understandable that by using two waiting chambers to transfer and control the discharge of the first dishwashing medium, and using a flow-limiting port to limit the flow of the first dishwashing medium introduced into the first waiting chamber, the dispenser simplifies the structure of the box while achieving quantitative control of the discharge of the first dishwashing medium in the first chamber. This increases the effective volume of the first chamber for storing the first dishwashing medium and simplifies the internal structure of the box, thus reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the dispenser.

[0013] In one embodiment, the diameter of the flow-limiting port gradually increases from the first liquid-receiving chamber toward the liquid-inlet chamber.

[0014] It is understandable that setting the diameter of the flow-limiting port to gradually increase along the direction from the first liquid-waiting chamber to the liquid-inlet chamber, forming a gradually expanding structure, can significantly reduce the flow resistance of the first dishwashing medium when it flows through the flow-limiting port, thereby helping to improve the smoothness and stability of the first dishwashing medium flowing from the liquid-inlet chamber to the first liquid-waiting chamber.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first chamber further includes a liquid storage chamber, which is in communication with the liquid inlet chamber;

[0016] The box body has an overflow groove on the wall of the liquid inlet chamber. The overflow groove is connected to both the liquid inlet chamber and the liquid storage chamber. The first dishwashing medium in the liquid inlet chamber can flow back to the liquid storage chamber through the overflow groove.

[0017] It is understandable that by limiting the total volume of the first dishwashing medium added at one time through the overflow trough, and by adjusting the flow rate into the first waiting chamber through the flow limiting port, the two work together to provide a reliable guarantee for the accurate and stable quantitative dispensing of the first dishwashing medium in the first chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes:

[0019] A sliding frame is slidably connected to the housing and is drively connected to the telescopic rod.

[0020] The transmission plate has an input end and an output end that are arranged opposite to each other. The input end is located at the position of the sliding frame and is respectively connected to the sliding frame and the telescopic rod.

[0021] A rotating rod is rotatably connected to the housing and circumferentially limited by the output end. The rotating rod is provided with a hook, and the hook can engage with the sliding cover to lock the sliding cover, which closes the second chamber, onto the housing.

[0022] It is understandable that by adopting the aforementioned transmission mechanism that combines the sliding frame, transmission plate, and rotating rod, the sliding connection between the sliding frame and the box provides a stable motion guide for the entire transmission process and constrains the power transmission path of the transmission mechanism. This improves the continuity and transmission accuracy of the movement from the telescopic rod to the sliding cover, thereby ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the second chamber opening operation.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sliding frame includes a first plate, a second plate, and a connecting base plate. The connecting base plate is disposed on the same side of the first plate and the second plate and is connected to the first plate and the second plate respectively. The sliding frame can be slidably connected to the box body through the connecting base plate.

[0024] After passing through the first plate, the telescopic rod abuts against and is limited to the input end, and the telescopic rod can abut against and be limited to the first plate in its retraction direction; the second plate can abut against and be limited to the input end in the retraction direction of the telescopic rod.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second plate is provided with an extension protrusion that extends along the retraction direction of the telescopic rod and extends into the input end.

[0026] The telescopic rod is capable of pushing the extended protrusion along its extension direction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sliding frame further includes a top rod that extends along the elongation direction of the telescopic rod portion;

[0028] The sealing element is fitted onto the top rod and connected to the top rod.

[0029] Understandably, by directly mounting and fixing the seal to the top rod of the sliding frame, the top rod not only provides stable installation support and motion guidance for the seal, but also enables the telescopic rod to synchronously drive the seal and the transmission mechanism. This allows the distributor to reliably control the liquid discharge action of the first chamber and the second chamber separately with a single drive unit, thereby improving the overall space utilization of the distributor.

[0030] In one embodiment, the output end is fitted onto the rotating rod and engages with the keyway of the rotating rod;

[0031] The output end is provided with multiple spring clips, which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the rotating rod, and the rotating rod can abut against and limit the spring clips after passing through them.

[0032] Understandably, by using multiple circumferentially spaced spring clips to achieve elastic clamping between the output end and the rotating rod, the assembly process of the transmission plate and the rotating rod is simplified, allowing for quick installation and fixation without the need for additional fasteners. This also improves the matching accuracy between the two during transmission and the reliability of long-term connection.

[0033] In one embodiment, the sliding cover is slidably connected to a manual switch;

[0034] The rotating rod is also provided with a push block, which abuts against and limits the manual switch, and the push block can control the hook to release the lock on the sliding cover when the manual switch pushes it.

[0035] Understandably, by incorporating a manual switch that slides into the lid, users can manually unlock and open the second chamber as needed, outside of the automatic dispensing program. This enhances user flexibility, allowing for the addition or pre-addition of a second dishwashing medium within the second chamber, better accommodating diverse washing needs.

[0036] This application also provides a dishwasher, including the dispenser described above.

[0037] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0038] The dispenser and dishwasher claimed in this application use two liquid-holding chambers to transfer and control the discharge of the first dishwashing medium, and use a flow-limiting port to limit the flow of the first dishwashing medium introduced into the first liquid-holding chamber. This allows the dispenser to achieve quantitative control of the discharge of the first dishwashing medium in the first chamber, while simplifying the structure of the container. This increases the effective volume of the first chamber for storing the first dishwashing medium and simplifies the internal structure of the container, thus reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the dispenser. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a distributor provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a dispenser structure provided in an embodiment of this application; wherein the flip cover and the sliding cover are in a hidden state.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the distributor provided in this application from another perspective.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the distributor provided in this application in its vertical state.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower shell provided in this application.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upper shell provided in this application.

[0046] Figure 7 A partial structural diagram of the distributor provided in this application.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding cover when locked, as provided in this application.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding cover and manual switch provided in this application.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a connection diagram of the drive component and transmission mechanism provided in this application.

[0050] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the drive component and transmission mechanism provided in this application.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission plate and rotating rod provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Reference numerals: 100, Dispenser; 10, Box body; 101, Flow limiting port; 102, First through hole; 103, Second through hole; 111, Liquid inlet chamber; 1111, Overflow groove; 112, First waiting chamber; 113, Second waiting chamber; 114, Liquid outlet chamber; 115, Liquid storage chamber; 116, Liquid outlet; 117, Vent chamber; 12, Second chamber; 13, Upper shell; 131, Notch; 132, Adding port; 133, Vent; 134, Slide groove; 1341, First slide groove; 1342, Second slide groove; 14, Lower shell; 15, First sealing ring; 16, Second sealing ring; 18, Buckle; 19, Flip cover; 20, Sliding cover; 21, Hook mating part 22. Manual switch; 221. Pushing engagement part; 23. Sliding protrusion; 30. Transmission mechanism; 31. Sliding frame; 311. First plate; 312. Second plate; 3121. Extending protrusion; 313. Connecting base plate; 314. Top rod; 32. Transmission plate; 321. Input end; 3211. Pushing slope; 322. Output end; 3221. Groove; 3222. Spring clip; 33. Rotating rod; 331. Pushing block; 332. Hook; 333. Protruding rib; 40. Driving component; 41. Telescopic rod part; 411. Pushing part; 43. Spring; 44. Fixed iron core; 50. Sealing component; 60. Torsion spring; 70. Hall circuit board; 80. Float. Detailed Implementation

[0053] 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.

[0054] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0055] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0056] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0058] The dispenser 100 claimed in this application is used in a dishwasher to control the quantitative dispensing of a first and a second dishwashing medium. Specifically, the dispenser 100 is installed inside the dishwasher door, and its working position changes synchronously with the opening and closing of the door. When the door is open, the dispenser 100 is in a horizontal position, facilitating the user to add the first and second dishwashing media to their respective dispensing ports. After the door is closed, the dispenser 100 turns to a vertical position and enters a dispensing mode. The dispenser 100 is electrically connected to the dishwasher's main control board for signal transmission and power supply. When the dishwasher reaches the detergent dispensing step, the main control board sends a control signal to the dispenser 100, which then dispenses the first and second dishwashing media in a quantitative manner. Here, the first dishwashing medium is rinse aid, and the second dishwashing medium is dishwashing tablets, dishwashing powder, or dishwashing liquid.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 12As shown, a dispenser 100 provided in one embodiment of this application includes a housing 10, a sliding cover 20, a transmission mechanism 30, a driving member 40, and a sealing member 50. The housing 10 is constructed with independent first and second chambers 12. The first chamber includes a liquid inlet chamber 111, a first liquid waiting chamber 112, a second liquid waiting chamber 113, and a liquid outlet chamber 114 connected in sequence. The liquid inlet chamber 111 and the first liquid waiting chamber 112 are connected through a flow-limiting port 101. The sliding cover 20 is slidably connected to the housing 10 and is used to control the opening / closing of the second chamber 12. The transmission mechanism 30 is movably installed on the housing 10 and can engage with the sliding cover 20. The driving member 40 is installed on the housing 10 and includes a telescopic rod portion 41. 1. It is connected to the transmission mechanism 30 and the telescopic rod 41 can provide the transmission mechanism 30 with the power to unlock the sliding cover 20; the sealing member 50 is at least partially housed in the second liquid-holding chamber 113 and connected to the telescopic rod 41, and the sealing member 50 can switch between the first state and the second state under the drive of the telescopic rod 41. When the sealing member 50 is in the first state, the sealing member 50 cuts off the first liquid-holding chamber 112 and the second liquid-holding chamber 113. When the sealing member 50 is in the second state, the sealing member 50 cuts off the second liquid-holding chamber 113 and the liquid outlet chamber 114. When the sealing member 50 switches from the second state to the first state, the first liquid-holding chamber 112 is not filled by the first dishwashing medium flowing in through the flow restriction port 101 from the liquid inlet chamber 111.

[0060] As can be seen from the above, the dispenser 100 of this application uses two waiting chambers to transfer and control the discharge of the first dishwashing medium, and uses a flow limiting port 101 to limit the flow of the first dishwashing medium introduced into the first waiting chamber 112. This allows the dispenser 100 to achieve quantitative control of the discharge of the first dishwashing medium in the first chamber, while simplifying the structure of the box 10. This increases the effective volume of the first chamber for storing the first dishwashing medium and simplifies the internal structure of the box 10, which helps to reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the dispenser 100.

[0061] Here, when the seal 50 switches from the second state to the first state, the switching action takes approximately 0.5 seconds. Subsequently, the seal 50 cuts off the connection between the first liquid-holding chamber 112 and the second liquid-holding chamber 113. At this time, the dispenser 100 enters the dwell stage, and the dwell time can be flexibly set according to the control instructions of the dishwasher main control board, such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds. After the seal 50 cuts off the connection between the first liquid-holding chamber 112 and the second liquid-holding chamber 113, the first dishwashing medium in the liquid inlet chamber 111 is replenished to the first liquid-holding chamber 112 through the flow restrictor 101. Based on the flow restriction effect of the flow restrictor 101, if the dwell time is set to 5 seconds, the first dishwashing medium flowing into the liquid inlet chamber 111 cannot fill the first liquid-holding chamber 112 within this 5-second period.

[0062] It should be noted that, under another operating condition of the dispenser 100, if the dishwasher main control board sets the dwell time after the seal 50 cuts off the connection between the first liquid-holding chamber 112 and the second liquid-holding chamber 113 to 10 seconds, the first dishwashing medium flowing into the inlet chamber 111 can fill the first liquid-holding chamber 112 due to the extended dwell time; even so, at the instant the seal 50 switches from the first state to the second state, due to the small diameter of the flow-limiting port 101, the first dishwashing medium in the inlet chamber 111 passes through the flow-limiting port 101. The flow rate to the first liquid-holding chamber 112 is relatively small, which effectively reduces the amount of the first dishwashing medium in the first liquid-holding chamber 112 that leaks into the second liquid-holding chamber 113 through the first through hole 102. At the same time, the amount of the first dishwashing medium in the second liquid-holding chamber 113 that flows into the liquid-outflow chamber 114 through the second through hole 103 is also reduced accordingly. This makes the distributor 100 significantly reduce the leakage of the first dishwashing medium during the state switching of the seal 50, thereby improving the flow control accuracy of the distributor 100 during operation.

[0063] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the diameter of the flow-limiting port 101 gradually increases from the first liquid-receiving chamber 112 toward the liquid-inlet chamber 111, forming a gradually expanding structure. This gradually expanding structure can significantly reduce the flow resistance of the first dishwashing medium when it flows through the flow-limiting port 101, thereby helping to improve the smoothness and stability of the first dishwashing medium flowing from the liquid-inlet chamber 111 to the first liquid-receiving chamber 112.

[0064] It should be noted that when the first dishwashing medium flows through the small-diameter section of the flow-limiting port 101, it is easily affected by its own surface tension, resulting in flow stagnation. This application adopts a gradually expanding large-diameter structure, so that during the introduction process, the first dishwashing medium located in the large-diameter section can generate a continuous downward pushing force on the first dishwashing medium located in the small-diameter section, thereby helping the first dishwashing medium to effectively overcome the flow resistance caused by surface tension, and thus improving the smoothness and stability of the first dishwashing medium flowing from the liquid inlet chamber 111 to the first liquid waiting chamber 112.

[0065] Specifically, the small diameter end of the flow-limiting port 101 is set as D1, where 1mm≤D1≤3mm, for example, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm or 3mm; the large diameter end of the flow-limiting port 101 is set as D2, where 3.5mm≤D2≤6mm, for example, 3.5mm, 4.5mm or 6mm.

[0066] like Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, the first chamber further includes a liquid storage chamber 115, which is connected to the liquid inlet chamber 111. The housing 10 has an overflow channel 1111 on the wall of the liquid inlet chamber 111, which is connected to both the liquid inlet chamber 111 and the liquid storage chamber 115. A portion of the first dishwashing medium in the liquid inlet chamber 111 can flow back to the liquid storage chamber 115 through the overflow channel 1111. In other words, this embodiment limits the total volume of the first dishwashing medium added in a single batch through the overflow channel 1111, and adjusts the flow rate into the first liquid-holding chamber 112 using the flow-limiting port 101. These two mechanisms work together to provide a reliable guarantee for accurate and stable quantitative dispensing of the first dishwashing medium from the first chamber.

[0067] It should be noted that when the dispenser 100 is in a horizontal position, the first dishwashing medium in the storage chamber 115 flows into the inlet chamber 111 through the overflow channel 1111; when the dispenser 100 switches from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the first dishwashing medium in the inlet chamber 111 that exceeds the height of the overflow channel 1111 will flow back to the storage chamber 115 through the overflow channel 1111. That is, the height of the overflow channel 1111 determines the maximum liquid level height that the inlet chamber 111 can maintain in the vertical position, thereby limiting the total amount of the first dishwashing medium that can be added at one time to the volume range corresponding to the height of the overflow channel 1111, so as to achieve automatic limitation of the capacity of the first dishwashing medium added at one time.

[0068] When the dispenser 100 is in a vertical position, the first dishwashing medium in the storage chamber 115 will gather and be stored at the bottom of the storage chamber 115 under the action of gravity. When the dispenser 100 switches from a vertical position to a horizontal position again, the first dishwashing medium in the storage chamber 115 can flow into the inlet chamber 111 through the overflow channel 1111. This ensures that when the user closes the door and the dispenser 100 enters the next dispensing mode, there is always a sufficient amount of the first dishwashing medium in the inlet chamber 111, ensuring the smooth progress of subsequent dispensing processes.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the dispenser 100 housing 10 includes an upper housing 13 and a lower housing 14, with a first sealing ring 15 provided between the upper housing 13 and the lower housing 14, which ensures the overall sealing of the housing 10.

[0070] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the upper housing 13 is provided with an addition port 132 corresponding to the liquid storage chamber 115. This addition port 132 is used to add the first dishwashing medium. A flip cover 19 is rotatably connected to the upper housing 13. The flip cover 19 is connected to the upper housing 13 by a snap fastener 18, and the flip cover 19 is provided with a second sealing ring 16. The second sealing ring 16 can ensure the sealing of the addition port 132 after it is closed. When the first dishwashing medium needs to be added, the snap fastener 18 is released and the flip cover 19 is opened. The first dishwashing medium can then be added into the liquid storage chamber 115 through the addition port 132. The added first dishwashing medium flows directly into the liquid storage chamber 115 for storage. A single addition of the first dishwashing medium can last for about half a month for the dishwasher.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, a Hall effect circuit board 70 is fixedly installed on the lower housing 14 at a position corresponding to the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 115. A float 80 is movably installed inside the liquid storage chamber 115. The float 80 has a magnet embedded inside and can float up and down vertically according to the remaining amount of the first dishwashing medium in the liquid storage chamber 115. When the remaining amount of the first dishwashing medium in the liquid storage chamber 115 is sufficient, the float 80 is at a high position under the action of the medium's buoyancy. At this time, the magnet inside the float 80 maintains a preset distance from the Hall effect circuit board 70, and the Hall effect circuit board 70 does not trigger a signal. With repeated use of the dishwasher, when the remaining amount of the first dishwashing medium is lower than a preset threshold, the float 80 moves down to a designated position under the action of gravity. Its internal magnet approaches the Hall effect circuit board 70 and triggers the Hall effect. After sensing the signal, the Hall effect circuit board 70 generates a liquid addition signal. After receiving the signal, the main control board prompts the user to add the first dishwashing medium through the dishwasher's display panel or indicator light.

[0072] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the upper housing 13 has a liquid outlet 116 at the bottom of the liquid outlet chamber 114. When the dispenser 100 enters the dispensing state, the first dishwashing medium in the liquid outlet chamber 114 can flow out through the liquid outlet 116 under the action of gravity and enter the inner drum of the dishwasher to participate in washing.

[0073] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the first chamber further includes a venting chamber 117, and the upper housing 13 is provided with a vent 133 at a position corresponding to the venting chamber 117. The vent 133 is connected to the venting chamber 117 and the liquid outlet chamber 114 respectively, which can realize the pressure balance between the inside and outside of the liquid outlet chamber 114, avoid the obstruction of the flow of the first dishwashing medium due to the negative pressure generated in the liquid outlet chamber 114, and ensure that the first dishwashing medium can be smoothly discharged into the inner drum of the dishwasher.

[0074] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the upper housing 13 is recessed inward to form a second chamber 12, which is used to store a second dishwashing medium. The second dishwashing medium added to the second chamber 12 at one time can be used by the dishwasher to complete one washing cycle. Here, the sliding cover 20 is slidably connected to the upper housing 13.

[0075] Meanwhile, the upper housing 13 has a notch 131 at the corresponding position of the second chamber 12. When the dishwasher performs the pre-wash process, the water sprayed into the dishwasher tub can enter the second chamber 12 through the notch 131, thereby pre-dissolving the second dishwashing medium in the second chamber 12 so that it can quickly take effect when the second dishwashing medium is added later.

[0076] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, the transmission mechanism 30 includes a sliding frame 31, a transmission plate 32, and a rotating rod 33. The sliding frame 31 is slidably connected to the box body 10 and is drivenly connected to the telescopic rod part 41. The transmission plate 32 has an input end 321 and an output end 322 that are arranged opposite to each other. The input end 321 is located at the position of the sliding frame 31 and is drivenly connected to the sliding frame 31 and the telescopic rod part 41 respectively. The rotating rod 33 is rotatably connected to the box body 10 and is circumferentially limited by the output end 322. The rotating rod 33 is provided with a hook 332, and the hook 332 can abut against the sliding cover 20 to lock the sliding cover 20 that closes the second chamber 12 onto the box body 10. In other words, this embodiment uses a transmission mechanism 30 that combines the sliding frame 31, the transmission plate 32, and the rotating rod 33. The sliding connection between the sliding frame 31 and the box 10 provides a stable motion guide for the entire transmission process and constrains the power transmission path of the transmission mechanism 30. This improves the continuity of movement and transmission accuracy from the telescopic rod 41 to the sliding cover 20, thereby ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the opening operation of the second chamber 12.

[0077] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, the sliding frame 31 includes a first plate 311, a second plate 312, and a connecting base plate 313. The connecting base plate 313 is disposed on the same side of the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 and is connected to the first plate 311 and the second plate 312 respectively. The sliding frame 31 can be slidably connected to the box 10 through the connecting base plate 313. The telescopic rod 41 abuts against the input end 321 after passing through the first plate 311, and the telescopic rod 41 can abut against the first plate 311 in its retraction direction. The second plate 312 can abut against the input end 321 in the retraction direction of the telescopic rod 41.

[0078] like Figure 10 , Figure 11As shown, in one embodiment, the end of the input terminal 321 facing the second plate 312 has a pushing slope 3211. The pushing slope 3211 is inclined relative to the second plate 312, so that when the sliding frame 31 slides on the box 10, the second plate 312 can drive the transmission plate 32 to rotate by pushing against the pushing slope 3211.

[0079] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, the second plate 312 is provided with an extension protrusion 3121, which extends along the retraction direction of the telescopic rod 41 and extends into the input end 321; wherein, the telescopic rod 41 is capable of pushing the extension protrusion 3121 along its extension direction.

[0080] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, the sliding frame 31 further includes a top rod 314, which extends along the extension direction of the telescopic rod portion 41; wherein, the sealing member 50 is fitted onto the top rod 314 and connected to the top rod 314. That is to say, in this embodiment, by directly fitting and fixing the sealing member 50 onto the top rod 314 of the sliding frame 31, the top rod 314 not only provides stable installation support and motion guidance for the sealing member 50, but also realizes the synchronous drive of the telescopic rod portion 41 on the sealing member 50 and the transmission mechanism 30. In this way, the distributor 100 can reliably control the liquid discharge action of the first chamber and the second chamber 12 separately with a single drive member 40, thereby improving the overall space utilization of the distributor 100.

[0081] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, in one embodiment, the output end 322 is fitted onto the rotating rod 33 and engages with the keyway of the rotating rod 33. The output end 322 is provided with multiple spring-loaded clips 3222, which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the rotating rod 33. The rotating rod 33 can abut against and be limited by the spring-loaded clips 3222 after passing through them. In other words, this embodiment achieves an elastic clamping engagement between the output end 322 and the rotating rod 33 by using multiple circumferentially spaced spring-loaded clips 3222. This not only simplifies the assembly process of the transmission plate 32 and the rotating rod 33, allowing for quick installation and fixation without the need for additional fasteners, but also improves the engagement accuracy and long-term connection reliability during transmission. Here, the number of spring-loaded clips 3222 is four. It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of spring-loaded clips 3222 may also be three, five, etc., which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0082] In one embodiment, the rotating rod 33 is provided with a rib 333, and the output end 322 is provided with a matching groove 3221. The rib 333 and the groove 3221 form a snap-fit ​​engagement, so that the output end 322 and the rotating rod 33 form a circumferential limit, and the two cannot rotate relative to each other, so that the rotating rod 33 can follow the transmission plate 32 to perform rotational actions synchronously and accurately.

[0083] In one embodiment, the sliding cover 20 is provided with a hook engagement part 21, and the box body 10 is provided with a sliding groove 134, which includes a first sliding groove 1341 and a second sliding groove 1342, with an arc transition design between them. Sliding protrusions 23 are formed on both sides of the sliding cover 20, and sliding is achieved by the engagement of the sliding protrusions 23 with the first sliding groove 1341 and the second sliding groove 1342. In order to achieve automatic opening after the sliding cover 20 is unlocked, a torsion spring 60 is installed between the box body 10 and the sliding cover 20. One end of the torsion spring 60 is fixed to the box body 10, and the other end is fixed to the sliding cover 20. The torsion spring always has an elastic restoring force to drive the sliding cover 20 to slide upward. When the sliding cover 20 is closed, the hook 3 at the end of the rotating rod 33... 32 can be inserted into and abut against the hook engagement part 21. Under the downward pressure limiting action of the hook 332, the elastic force of the torsion spring 60 cannot drive the sliding cover 20 to move, and the sliding cover 20 is locked on the box body 10. At this time, the sliding protrusion 23 is simultaneously limited in the first slide groove 1341 to prevent the sliding cover 20 from sliding to the second slide groove 1342 and accidentally unlocking, thereby preventing the sliding cover 20 from moving upward. When the rotating rod 33 is driven by the transmission mechanism 30 to rotate, and the hook 332 is disengaged from the hook engagement part 21, the locking state of the sliding cover 20 is released, and the elastic restoring force of the torsion spring 60 is released, causing the sliding protrusions 23 on both sides of the sliding cover 20 to slide upward along the first slide groove 1341, automatically opening the second chamber 12. It should be noted that the illustration of the torsion spring 60 in this application is only for structural display and does not represent its actual installation position; the specific working method of the torsion spring 60 driving the sliding cover 20 to slide upward to open the second chamber 12 can be achieved by conventional technical means in this field, and will not be elaborated here.

[0084] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 12As shown, in one embodiment, the sliding cover 20 is slidably connected to a manual switch 22; wherein, the rotating rod 33 is also provided with a push block 331, which abuts against and limits the manual switch 22, and the push block 331 can control the hook 332 to release the lock on the sliding cover 20 under the push of the manual switch 22. That is to say, by providing a manual switch 22 slidably connected to the sliding cover 20, this embodiment allows the user to manually unlock and open the second chamber 12 according to actual needs outside of the automatic dispensing program. This enhances the flexibility of user operation and makes it easier for the user to add or pre-add a second dishwashing medium in the second chamber 12, better adapting to diverse washing needs. Here, the manual switch 22 is provided with a push engagement part 221, through which the manual switch 22 pushes the push block 331.

[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, the driving component 40 is configured as a solenoid valve, which includes an electromagnetic coil, a spring 43, and a fixed iron core 44. Under the cyclic control of power on and off, the electromagnetic coil drives the telescopic rod 41 to engage and release with the fixed iron core 44, thereby realizing the continuous telescopic movement of the telescopic rod 41. The spring 43 is used to reset the telescopic rod 41 when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized. By inputting multiple pulse signals to the solenoid valve, the amount of the first dishwashing medium in the first chamber can be precisely controlled to ensure accurate quantitative dispensing of the first dishwashing medium. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the driving component 40 may also be configured as a telescopic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or other actuator capable of controlling the telescopic movement of the telescopic rod 41.

[0086] The working principle of the dispenser 100 in this application is as follows: When the dishwasher is running, a certain amount of first washing medium is pre-stored in the liquid inlet chamber 111 and the first liquid waiting chamber 112. When the main control board sends a control signal to the solenoid valve, the solenoid valve is energized, driving the telescopic rod 41 to retract towards the fixed iron core 44. The pushing part 411 of the telescopic rod 41 pushes the first plate 311 of the sliding frame 31 and moves synchronously in the retraction direction. The second plate 312 of the sliding frame 31 pushes the pushing slope 3211 of the input end 321, driving the transmission plate 32 to rotate relative to the sliding frame 31, thereby driving the rotating rod 33 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the sliding cover 20 (e.g., Figure 8 At the same time, the hook 332 on the rotating rod 33 moves away from the manual switch 22 and disengages from the hook engagement part 21 of the sliding cover 20. After the sliding cover 20 is unlocked, it slides upward, and the second dishwashing medium in the second liquid chamber 113 enters the dishwasher tub; at the same time, the top rod 314 on the sliding frame 31 drives the sealing element 50 to move to the right (e.g., Figure 4The first through-hole 102 between the first waiting chamber 112 and the second waiting chamber 113 is opened, while the second through-hole 103 between the second waiting chamber 113 and the outlet chamber 114 is closed. The first dishwashing medium in the first waiting chamber 112 flows into the second waiting chamber 113 through the first through-hole 102. After the first dishwashing medium is delivered, the solenoid valve is de-energized, and the sealing element 50 moves to the left to block the first through-hole 102. The second through-hole 103 is then opened, and the first dishwashing medium in the second waiting chamber 113 flows into the outlet chamber 114 through the gap between the wall of the second through-hole 103 and the sealing element 50. Under the action of gravity, it flows out from the outlet 116 and enters the dishwasher inner tub. The main control board sends multiple pulse signals to the solenoid valve to precisely control the extension and retraction frequency of the telescopic rod 41, ultimately achieving the quantitative dispensing of the first dishwashing medium.

[0087] In addition, this application also provides a dishwasher, including the dispenser 100 described above.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser, characterized in that, The distributor (100) includes: The box body (10) is constructed with a first chamber and a second chamber (12) that are independent of each other. The first chamber includes an inlet chamber (111), a first waiting chamber (112), a second waiting chamber (113) and an outlet chamber (114) that are connected in sequence. The inlet chamber (111) and the first waiting chamber (112) are connected by a flow restrictor (101). From the first waiting chamber (112) toward the inlet chamber (111), the diameter of the flow restrictor (101) gradually increases. The small diameter end diameter of the flow restrictor (101) is set as D1, where 1mm≤D1≤3mm. The large diameter end diameter of the flow restrictor (101) is set as D2, where 3.5mm≤D2≤6mm. A sliding cover (20) is slidably connected to the housing (10) for controlling the opening / closing of the second chamber (12); The transmission mechanism (30) is movably mounted on the housing (10) and can engage with the sliding cover (20); A drive unit (40) is installed on the housing (10). The drive unit (40) includes a telescopic rod (41), which is connected to the transmission mechanism (30) and can provide the transmission mechanism (30) with the power to unlock the sliding cover (20). A sealing element (50) is at least partially housed in the second liquid-receiving chamber (113) and connected to the telescopic rod (41). The sealing element (50) can switch between a first state and a second state under the action of the telescopic rod (41). When the sealing element (50) is in the first state, the sealing element (50) cuts off the first liquid-receiving chamber (112) from the second liquid-receiving chamber (113). When the sealing element (50) is in the second state, the sealing element (50) cuts off the second liquid-receiving chamber (113) from the liquid-discharging chamber (114). When the seal (50) switches from the second state to the first state, the first liquid chamber (112) is not filled by the first dishwashing medium flowing into the liquid inlet chamber (111) through the flow restriction port (101); The transmission mechanism (30) includes a sliding frame (31), a transmission plate (32), and a rotating rod (33). The sliding frame (31) is slidably connected to the box body (10) and is connected to the telescopic rod (41) in a transmission manner. The transmission plate (32) has an input end (321) and an output end (322) arranged opposite to each other. The input end (321) is located at the position of the sliding frame (31) and is connected to the sliding frame (31) and the telescopic rod (41) in a transmission manner, respectively. The rotating rod (33) is rotatably connected to the box body (10) and is circumferentially limited by the output end (322). The rotating rod (33) is provided with a hook (332), and the hook (332) can abut against the sliding cover (20) to lock the sliding cover (20) that closes the second chamber (12) onto the box body (10). The sliding frame (31) also includes a top rod (314), which extends along the extension direction of the telescopic rod (41); the sealing element (50) is fitted onto the top rod (314) and connected to the top rod (314).

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chamber further includes a liquid storage chamber (115), which is connected to the liquid inlet chamber (111); The box body (10) has an overflow groove (1111) on the wall of the liquid inlet chamber (111). The overflow groove (1111) is connected to the liquid inlet chamber (111) and the liquid storage chamber (115) respectively, and the first dishwashing medium in the liquid inlet chamber (111) can flow back to the liquid storage chamber (115) through the overflow groove (1111).

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding frame (31) includes a first plate (311), a second plate (312), and a connecting base plate (313). The connecting base plate (313) is disposed on the same side of the first plate (311) and the second plate (312) and is connected to the first plate (311) and the second plate (312) respectively. The sliding frame (31) can be slidably connected to the box (10) through the connecting base plate (313). The telescopic rod (41) abuts against the input end (321) after passing through the first plate (311), and the telescopic rod (41) can abut against the first plate (311) in its retraction direction; the second plate (312) can abut against the input end (321) in the retraction direction of the telescopic rod (41).

4. The dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second plate (312) is provided with an extension protrusion (3121), which extends along the retraction direction of the telescopic rod (41) and extends into the input end (321); The telescopic rod (41) is capable of pushing the extended protrusion (3121) along its extension direction.

5. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output end (322) is fitted onto the rotating rod (33) and engages with the keyway of the rotating rod (33); The output end (322) is provided with multiple spring clips (3222), which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the rotating rod (33), and the rotating rod (33) can abut against and limit the spring clips (3222) after passing through the multiple spring clips (3222).

6. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding cover (20) is slidably connected to a manual switch (22); The rotating rod (33) is also provided with a push block (331), which abuts against the manual switch (22) for a limited position, and the push block (331) can control the hook (332) to release the lock on the sliding cover (20) under the push of the manual switch (22).

7. A dishwasher, characterized in that, The dispenser (100) includes any one of claims 1 to 6.

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