Feeding device and washing electric appliance

Abstract

The invention discloses a putting device and a washing electric appliance. The putting device comprises a first executing mechanism, a third executing mechanism and a driving mechanism, the first executing mechanism is suitable for controlling putting of a first detergent, and the third executing mechanism is suitable for controlling putting of a third detergent; the driving mechanism is suitable for driving the first executing mechanism and the third executing mechanism to move, when the driving mechanism drives the first executing mechanism to move, the first executing mechanism controls putting of the first detergent, and when the driving mechanism drives the third executing mechanism to move, the third executing mechanism controls putting of the third detergent. According to the technical scheme, the driving mechanism is arranged and is configured to be suitable for driving the first executing mechanism and the third executing mechanism to move, so that putting of various types of detergents can be controlled under the action of the same set of driving mechanism, and compared with putting devices in related technologies, the number of the putting devices is greatly reduced; the cost of the throwing device is reduced, and the size of the throwing device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of washing appliance technology, and in particular to a dispensing device and a washing appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Washing appliances need to automatically dispense detergent during the washing process, so these washing motors are equipped with a dispensing device. The dispensing device can be set with two or more types of detergent, which are dispensed in sequence according to different washing conditions. However, the current dispensing device has a drive mechanism for each type of detergent, which takes up a lot of space and is costly. How to simplify the structure of the dispensing device has become one of the urgent problems to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, this application proposes a dispensing device.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a dispensing device, the dispensing device comprising:

[0005] The first actuator is suitable for controlling the dispensing of the first detergent;

[0006] A third actuator, suitable for controlling the dispensing of a third detergent; and

[0007] A drive mechanism is adapted to drive the first actuator and the third actuator to move, such that when the drive mechanism drives the first actuator to move, the first actuator controls the dispensing of a first detergent, and when the drive mechanism drives the third actuator to move, the third actuator controls the dispensing of a third detergent.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the driving mechanism includes a power source and a connecting component. The power source is adapted to move along a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite. When the power source moves along the first direction, the power source is adapted to drive the connecting component to move so that the connecting component drives the first actuator. When the power source moves along the second direction, the power source is adapted to drive the connecting component to move so that the connecting component drives the third actuator.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the connection component includes an input element, an intermediate element, a first output element, and a second output element;

[0010] The power source is connected to the input component, and the input component is connected to the intermediate component. The intermediate component is adapted to move to a first position when the power source moves along the first direction and drive the first output component to move, so that the first output component drives the first actuator to move. The intermediate component is adapted to move to a second position when the power source moves along the second direction and drive the second output component to move, so that the second output component drives the third actuator to move. The first position and the second position are the limit positions of the reciprocating movement of the intermediate component.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting component includes an input gear, an intermediate gear, a first output gear, and a second output gear;

[0012] The power source and the input gear are connected to drive the input gear to rotate. The rotation direction of the input gear when the power source moves in the first direction is opposite to the rotation direction when the power source moves in the second direction.

[0013] The input gear and the intermediate gear mesh; the intermediate gear is adapted to move to a first position and mesh with the first output gear when the power source moves along the first direction, so as to drive the first output gear to rotate, thereby driving the first actuator to move; the intermediate gear is adapted to move to a second position and mesh with the second output gear when the power source moves along the second direction, so as to drive the second output gear to rotate, thereby driving the third actuator to move, wherein the first position and the second position are the limit positions of the reciprocating movement of the intermediate gear.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the power source is a stepper motor.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first actuator includes a pump body, and the drive mechanism is adapted to drive the pump body to move, so that the pump body draws in and discharges the first detergent.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the drive mechanism includes a first output gear, the drive mechanism being adapted to drive the rotating shaft of the pump body to rotate via the first output gear, the first output gear and the rotating shaft of the pump body being coaxially arranged.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the drive mechanism is adapted to drive the third actuator to move so that the third actuator disengages from the communication port of the dispensing device and causes the third detergent to flow out from the communication port.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the third actuator is provided with a rack portion, and the drive mechanism is adapted to mesh with the rack portion to drive the third actuator to move.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the drive mechanism includes a second output gear, the drive mechanism is adapted to drive the rack portion to move through the second output gear, the second output gear is provided with a toothed portion, and the second output gear is adapted to drive the third actuator to move through the meshing of the toothed portion and the rack portion when rotating.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the prying teeth are adapted to separate from the rack after the third actuator disengages from the communication port, and the dispensing device further includes a third elastic element adapted to generate a force on the third actuator to drive the third actuator toward the communication port to block the communication port after the prying teeth and the rack separate.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the gear portion is adapted to alternately engage and disengage with the rack portion when the second output gear rotates.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the third actuator includes a flexible sealing plug, the third actuator being adapted to disengage from and block the communication port via the sealing plug.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the first detergent is a liquid detergent; and / or the third detergent is a rinse aid.

[0024] The second aspect of this application discloses a washing appliance, which includes the aforementioned dispensing device.

[0025] The technical solution of this application sets up a drive mechanism, which is configured to drive the first and third actuators. In this way, the dispensing of various types of detergents can be controlled by the same set of drive mechanisms. Compared with the dispensing devices in related technologies, the number of dispensing devices is greatly reduced, which helps to reduce the cost and size of the dispensing devices.

[0026] Other advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other designs can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device in some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial structure of the dispensing device in some embodiments (arrows in the diagram indicate the dispensing of the corresponding detergent);

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the dispensing device in some embodiments (viewpoint and) Figure 1 different);

[0031] Figure 4 These are schematic diagrams of the drive mechanism in some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting mechanism in some embodiments (the power source moves along the first direction, and the intermediate component / intermediate gear is in the first position);

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting mechanism in some embodiments (the power source moves along the second direction, and the intermediate component / intermediate gear is in the second position);

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the power source and input element / input gear engagement in some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the first output element / first output gear and the first actuator in some embodiments;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the second output element / second output gear and the third actuator and the communication port in some embodiments (the third actuator is disengaged from the communication port);

[0037] Figure 10 An exploded view showing the interaction between the second output element / second output gear and the third actuator in some embodiments.

[0038] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0039] First actuator 1000, pump body 1100, third actuator 3000, skeleton 3100, support rod 3110, transmission rod 3120, rack 3121, sealing plug 3200, drive mechanism 4000, power source 4001, connecting assembly 4002, input component / input gear 4100, intermediate component / intermediate gear 4200, first output component / first output gear 4300, second output component / second output gear 4400, gear tooth 4410, gear tooth 4420, third elastic component 5300, first cavity 6100, third cavity 6300, connecting port 6310.

[0040] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0045] The first aspect of this application discloses a dispensing device, combined with... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the dispensing device includes a first actuator 1000, a third actuator 3000, and a drive mechanism 4000. The first actuator 1000 controls the dispensing of the first detergent, and the third actuator 3000 controls the dispensing of the third detergent. That is, the dispensing device has two locations for storing the first detergent and the third detergent respectively: a first cavity 6100 for storing the first detergent and a third cavity 6300 for storing the third detergent. The first actuator 1000 controlling the dispensing of the first detergent means that, under the action of the first actuator 1000, the first detergent can be removed from the location storing the first detergent (first cavity 6100) and directly or indirectly dispensed into the washing cavity. The third actuator 3000 controlling the dispensing of the third detergent means that, under the action of the third actuator 3000, the third detergent can be removed from the location storing the detergent (third cavity 6300) and directly or indirectly dispensed into the washing cavity.

[0046] The first detergent is one type of detergent, designed primarily for cleaning and stain removal. The third detergent is another type of detergent, designed to assist in cleaning and stain removal, such as accelerating drying, increasing shine, antibacterial properties, and deodorizing. It is understood that the first and third detergents are not limited to the examples mentioned above and can be other types. Taking the application of the dispensing device to a washing appliance as an example, the first detergent can be a liquid detergent, such as dish soap, and the third detergent can be a liquid detergent, such as rinse aid or deodorizer.

[0047] The activities of the first actuator 1000 and the third actuator 3000 are realized through the drive mechanism 4000. The drive mechanism 4000 is a component that outputs power. By configuring the drive mechanism 4000, it is adapted to drive the activities of the first actuator 1000 and the third actuator 3000. This means that when the first detergent needs to be added, the drive mechanism 4000 can drive the first actuator 1000; when the third detergent needs to be added, the drive mechanism 4000 can drive the third actuator 3000. When the drive mechanism 4000 drives the first actuator 1000, the first actuator 1000 performs an action to control the addition of the first detergent. When the drive mechanism 4000 drives the third actuator 3000, the third actuator 3000 performs an action to control the addition of the third detergent. Understandably, the activities of the first actuator 1000 and the third actuator 3000, driven by the drive mechanism 4000, can take many forms, including but not limited to rotation, swinging, translation, curvilinear motion, linear reciprocating motion, or compound motion (such as rotation followed by translation), and the activities of other components are also the same.

[0048] Taking the application of the dispensing device in a washing appliance as an example, washing appliances include, but are not limited to, dishwashers, with a detailed explanation using dishwashers as an example. The drive mechanism 4000 drives the first actuator 1000 and the third actuator 3000 to move. The drive mechanism 4000 drives the first actuator 1000 to move, so that the first actuator 1000 controls the dispensing of the first detergent, thereby achieving the cleaning of dishes. The drive mechanism 4000 drives the third actuator 3000 to move, so that the third actuator 3000 controls the dispensing of the third detergent, thereby improving the drying effect of the dishes and increasing their gloss.

[0049] Therefore, this embodiment sets up a drive mechanism 4000, which is configured to drive the first actuator 1000 and the third actuator 3000. Thus, the dispensing of various types of detergents can be controlled by the same set of drive mechanisms 4000. Compared with the dispensing devices in related technologies, this greatly reduces the number of dispensing devices, which helps to reduce the cost and size of the dispensing devices.

[0050] Combination Figures 5 to 7As shown, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 4000 includes a power source 4001 and a connecting component 4002. The power source 4001 and the connecting component 4002 cooperate to achieve output, and the connecting component 4002 plays a transmission role between the power source 4001 and the actuators (first actuator 1000 and third actuator 3000). The power source 4001 is adapted to move along a first direction and a second direction, which are opposite to each other; that is, the power source 4001 can move along either the first direction or the second direction. When the power source 4001 moves along the first direction, it is adapted to drive the connecting component 4002 to move. The movement of the connecting component 4002, in turn, drives the first actuator 1000 to move, and the movement of the first actuator 1000 controls the dispensing of the first detergent. When the power source 4001 moves along the second direction, the power source 4001 is adapted to drive the connecting component 4002 to move. The movement of the connecting component 4002 thereby drives the third actuator 3000 to move. The movement of the third actuator 3000 can control the dispensing of the third detergent.

[0051] In this embodiment, the movement of the power source 4001 along the first direction and along the second direction can drive the connecting component 4002 to produce different actions. That is, the action produced by the connecting component 4002 when the power source 4001 moves along the first direction is different from the action produced when the power source 4001 moves along the second direction. This enables the driving of the corresponding first actuator 1000 and third actuator 3000. The same power source 4001 can achieve selective delivery of the delivery device, which helps to reduce the structural complexity of the drive mechanism 4000. It is understood that the movement of the power source 4001 along the first direction and along the second direction can be rotation, translation, etc.

[0052] For example, as shown in the attached diagram, a power source 4001 is used. The dispensing device stores a first detergent and a third detergent. When the first detergent and the third detergent need to be dispensed, the power source 4001 moves along a first direction, thereby driving the connecting component 4002 to move. The connecting component 4002 then drives the first actuator 1000 to move, and the first actuator 1000 dispenses the first detergent. The power source 4001 moves along a second direction, thereby driving the connecting component 4002 to move. The connecting component 4002 then drives the third actuator 3000 to move, and the third actuator 3000 dispenses the third detergent.

[0053] To accommodate the different actions produced by the power source 4001 when it moves along the first direction and the second direction, the following combination... Figures 5 to 7As shown, in some embodiments, the connection component 4002 includes an input component 4100, an intermediate component 4200, a first output component 4300, and a second output component 4400. A power source 4001 is connected to the input component 4100, and the power source 4001 can drive the input component 4100 to move. Since the power source 4001 can move along a first direction and a second direction, the action produced by the input component 4100 when the power source 4001 moves along the first direction is different from the action produced when the power source 4001 moves along the second direction. The input component 4100 is connected to the intermediate component 4200, and the input component 4100 can drive the intermediate component 4200 to move. The different actions produced by the input component 4100 when the power source 4001 moves in opposite directions also cause the intermediate component 4200 to produce different actions, thereby correspondingly driving the first output component 4300 and the second output component 4400.

[0054] Specifically, when the power source 4001 moves along the first direction, it drives the input component 4100 to move, which in turn drives the intermediate component 4200 to move. Simultaneously, the input component 4100 moves the intermediate component 4200 to a first position, allowing the intermediate component 4200 to cooperate with the first output component 4300 and drive the first output component 4300 to move. The movement of the first output component 4300 then drives the first actuator 1000 to move, thus dispensing the first detergent. When the power source 4001 moves along the second direction, it drives the input component 4100 to move, which in turn drives the intermediate component 4200 to move. Simultaneously, the input component 4100 moves the intermediate component 4200 to a second position, allowing the intermediate component 4200 to cooperate with the second output component 4400 and drive the second output component 4400 to move. The movement of the second output component 4400 then drives the third actuator 3000 to move, thus dispensing the third detergent. It is understandable that the intermediate component 4200 can reciprocate between the first position and the second position. The first position is the extreme position of the intermediate component 4200 when the power source 4001 moves in the first direction, and the second position is the extreme position of the intermediate component 4200 when the power source 4001 moves in the second direction. That is, the first position and the second position are the extreme positions of the reciprocating movement of the intermediate component 4200.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connecting component 4002 includes an input gear 4100, an intermediate gear 4200, a first output gear 4300, and a second output gear 4400. The input gear 4100, intermediate gear 4200, first output gear 4300, and second output gear 4400 are all configured to be rotatable. It can be understood that the input gear 4100 constitutes the input element 4100 mentioned above, the intermediate gear 4200 constitutes the intermediate element 4200 mentioned above, the first output gear 4300 constitutes the first output element 4300 mentioned above, and the second output gear 4400 constitutes the second output element 4400 mentioned above.

[0056] The power source 4001 is connected to the input gear 4100. The power source 4001 can drive the input gear 4100 to rotate. Since the power source 4001 can move along the first direction and the second direction, the rotation direction of the input gear 4100 when the power source 4001 moves along the first direction is opposite to the rotation direction when the power source 4001 moves along the second direction. That is, the actions produced by the input gear 4100 are different. The input gear 4100 meshes with the intermediate gear 4200, and the input gear 4100 can drive the intermediate gear 4200 to rotate. Since the input gear 4100 has two opposite rotation directions, the intermediate gear 4200 also has two opposite rotation directions. Thus, the different actions produced by the input gear 4100 when the power source 4001 moves in opposite directions also cause the intermediate gear 4200 to produce different actions, thereby correspondingly driving the first output component 4300 and the second output component 4400.

[0057] Specifically, when the power source 4001 moves in the first direction, it drives the input gear 4100 to rotate. The rotation of the input gear 4100 drives the intermediate gear 4200 to rotate. Simultaneously, the input gear 4100 moves the intermediate gear 4200 to a first position, causing the intermediate gear 4200 to mesh with the first output gear 4300 and rotate. The rotation of the first output gear 4300 then drives the first actuator 1000 to move, thus dispensing the first detergent. When the power source 4001 moves in the second direction, it drives the input gear 4100 to rotate. The rotation of the input gear 4100 drives the intermediate gear 4200 to rotate. Simultaneously, the input gear 4100 moves the intermediate gear 4200 to a second position, causing the intermediate gear 4200 to mesh with the second output gear 4400 and rotate. The rotation of the second output gear 4400 then drives the third actuator 3000 to move, thus dispensing the third detergent.

[0058] The power source 4001 can be of various types. For example, the power source 4001 can be a motor, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Specifically, the motor can be a stepper motor, a servo motor, etc. When the power source 4001 is a motor, the specific form of the motor's movement in the first and second directions is rotation. That is, the motor's shaft can rotate in the first direction or in the second direction. By configuring the power source 4001 as a motor, it is easier to control the movement of the connecting component 4002.

[0059] Combination Figures 5 to 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the first actuator 1000 includes a pump body 1100, and the drive mechanism 4000 is adapted to drive the pump body 1100 to move, thereby causing the pump body 1100 to suck in and discharge the first detergent. It is understood that the pump body 1100 is also called a pump, which is a machine that can suck in and discharge fluids. The type of pump body 1100 includes, but is not limited to, peristaltic pumps, piston pumps, etc. In this embodiment, the first detergent is a liquid detergent. When the first detergent needs to be added, the drive mechanism 4000 drives the first actuator 1000 to move. The movement of the first actuator 1000 is specifically manifested in the drive mechanism 4000 driving the corresponding structure of the pump body 1100 to move (such as driving the shaft of the pump body 1100 to rotate), so that the pump body 1100 sucks in the first detergent from the first cavity 6100 and discharges the first detergent, thereby realizing the addition of the first detergent.

[0060] It is understandable that current dispensing devices use different dispensing methods to dispense detergent in order to adapt to different similar washing appliances. As washing appliances are updated and replaced, the dispensing methods of the dispensing devices also need to be improved to meet more needs. Therefore, the aforementioned drive mechanism 4000 driving the pump body 1100 can not only be applied to the dispensing device in this application, but also to other types of dispensing devices. For example, in some other embodiments, the dispensing device includes a drive mechanism 4000 and a first actuator 1000. The first actuator 1000 includes the pump body 1100, and the drive mechanism 4000 is adapted to drive the shaft of the pump body 1100 to rotate, so that the pump body 1100 sucks and discharges the first detergent.

[0061] Furthermore, combined Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 4000 includes a first output gear 4300, which is coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft of the pump body 1100. The drive mechanism 4000 is adapted to drive the rotating shaft of the pump body 1100 to rotate through the first output gear 4300, thereby causing the pump body 1100 to suck and discharge the first detergent.

[0062] Specifically, by making the first output gear 4300 coaxial with the rotating shaft of the pump body 1100, the first output gear 4300 can drive the rotating shaft of the pump body 1100 to rotate coaxially, which helps to save space. Taking the drive mechanism 4000, which includes a power source 4001 and a connecting component 4002, and the connecting component 4002, which includes an input gear 4100, an intermediate gear 4200, a first output gear 4300, and a second output gear 4400, as an example, when the power source 4001 moves along the first direction, the power source 4001 drives the input gear 4100 to rotate. The rotation of the input gear 4100 drives the intermediate gear 4200 to rotate. At the same time, the input gear 4100 drives the intermediate gear 4200 to move to the first position, so that the intermediate gear 4200 meshes with the first output gear 4300 and drives the first output gear 4300 to rotate. The rotation of the first output gear 4300 drives the shaft of the pump body 1100 to rotate. The pump body 1100 draws in the first detergent and discharges the first detergent, thereby realizing the dispensing of the first detergent.

[0063] Combination Figures 5 to 7 as well as Figures 9 to 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 4000 is adapted to actuate the third actuator 3000 to disengage the third actuator 3000 from the communication port 6310 of the dispensing device, and to allow the third detergent to flow out from the communication port 6310. It is understood that the dispensing device has a location (third cavity 6300) for storing the third detergent, which has a communication port 6310. The third actuator 3000 is used to disengage from and block the communication port 6310. When the third detergent is placed in this location, the third actuator 3000 needs to block the communication port 6310, preventing the third detergent from leaving the third cavity 6300 and flowing out from the communication port 6310. When the third actuator 3000 disengages from the communication port 6310, the third detergent can flow out from the communication port 6310, thereby achieving the dispensing of the third detergent. In this embodiment, the third detergent is a liquid detergent such as rinse aid. When the third detergent needs to be added, the drive mechanism 4000 drives the third actuator 3000 to move, so that the third actuator 3000 is disengaged from the connection port 6310, and the third detergent flows out from the connection port 6310, thereby directly or indirectly realizing the addition.

[0064] It is understandable that current dispensing devices use different dispensing methods to dispense detergent in order to adapt to different similar washing appliances. As washing appliances are updated and replaced, the dispensing methods of the dispensing devices also need to be improved to meet more needs. Therefore, the cooperation between the third actuator 3000 and the drive mechanism 4000 and the connection port 6310 can not only be applied to the dispensing device in this application, but also to other types of dispensing devices. For example, in some other embodiments, the dispensing device includes a drive mechanism 4000 and a third actuator 3000. The drive mechanism 4000 is adapted to drive the third actuator 3000 to move, so that the third actuator 3000 disengages from the connection port 6310 of the dispensing device, and the third detergent flows out from the connection port 6310.

[0065] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the third actuator 3000 is provided with a rack portion 3121, and the drive mechanism 4000 is adapted to mesh with the rack portion 3121 to drive the third actuator 3000 to move. Specifically, the movement of the third actuator 3000 is manifested by the drive mechanism 4000 driving the rack portion 3121 to move, thereby causing the third actuator 3000 to displace and disengage from the communication port 6310. The rack configuration enables linear displacement of the third actuator 3000, allowing for more effective disengagement from the communication port 6310.

[0066] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 4000 includes a second output gear 4400. The drive mechanism 4000 is adapted to drive the rack portion 3121 to move through the second output gear 4400. The second output gear 4400 is provided with a toothed portion 4420. The second output gear 4400 is adapted to drive the third actuator 3000 to move through the meshing of the toothed portion 4420 and the rack portion 3121 when rotating. When the second output gear 4400 rotates, the toothed portion 4420 rotates accordingly. Since the toothed portion 4420 meshes with the rack portion 3121, the rotation of the second output gear 4400 can drive the rack portion 3121 to move. The movement of the rack portion 3121 can cause the third actuator 3000 to disengage from the communication port 6310.

[0067] Taking the drive mechanism 4000, which includes a power source 4001 and a connecting component 4002, and the connecting component 4002, which includes an input gear 4100, an intermediate gear 4200, a first output gear 4300, and a second output gear 4400, as an example, when the power source 4001 moves in the second direction, the power source 4001 drives the input gear 4100 to rotate. The rotation of the input gear 4100 drives the intermediate gear 4200 to rotate. At the same time, the input gear 4100 drives the intermediate gear 4200 to move to the second position, so that the intermediate gear 4200 meshes with the second output gear 4400 and drives the second output gear 4400 to rotate. The rotation of the second output gear 4400 drives the rack part 3121 to move through the gear part 4420. The movement of the rack part 3121 causes the third actuator 3000 to disengage from the communication port 6310, thereby realizing the dispensing of the third detergent.

[0068] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the second output gear 4400 is provided with a toothed portion 4410, and the drive lever mechanism further includes an input gear 4100. The input gear 4100 is adapted to drive the second output gear 4400 to rotate via the toothed portion 4410. The toothed portion 4410 and the shifting tooth portion 4420 are arranged along the axial direction of the second output gear 4400. In this embodiment, the toothed portion 4410 of the second output gear 4400 is used for transmission connection (directly or indirectly) with the input gear 4100. If the toothed portion 4410 of the second output gear 4400 also meshes with the rack portion 3121, it is not conducive to reducing the space occupation. However, arranging the toothed portion 4410 and the shifting tooth portion 4420 along the axial direction of the second output gear 4400 is conducive to reducing the space occupation.

[0069] Optionally, combined Figure 9 As shown, along the radial direction of the second output gear 4400, the maximum distance between the center of the second output gear 4400 and the tooth portion 4410 is greater than the maximum distance between the center of the second output gear 4400 and the gear portion 4420. With this arrangement, along the axial direction of the second output gear 4400, the rack portion 3121 and even the entire third actuator 3000 at least partially overlap with the second output gear 4400, thus helping to reduce space occupation.

[0070] Combination Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the toothed portion 4420 is adapted to separate from the rack portion 3121 after the third actuator 3000 disengages from the communication port 6310. The dispensing device also includes a third elastic member 5300, which is adapted to generate force on the third actuator 3000 to drive the third actuator 3000 toward the communication port 6310 to block the communication port 6310 after the toothed portion 4420 and the rack portion 3121 separate.

[0071] Specifically, the shifting tooth 4420 is not arranged along the entire circumference of the second output gear 4400, but at a certain position on the circumference of the second output gear 4400. Thus, when the second output gear 4400 rotates, the shifting tooth 4420 meshes with the rack 3121 and drives the third actuator 3000 to disengage from the communication port 6310. When the second output gear 4400 continues to rotate at a certain angle, the shifting tooth 4420 separates from the rack 3121. In this embodiment, by providing a third elastic element 5300, the third elastic element 5300 generates force on the third actuator 3000. That is, when the second output gear 4400 rotates and the toothed part 4420 meshes with the rack part 3121, thereby causing the third actuator 3000 to disengage from the communication port 6310, the third elastic element 5300 undergoes elastic deformation to accumulate elastic potential energy and generate force on the third actuator 3000. When the toothed part 4420 separates from the rack part 3121, the third elastic element 5300 releases elastic potential energy, thereby causing the third actuator 3000 to move toward the communication port 6310 and block the communication port 6310. In this way, when the drive mechanism 4000 drives the third actuator 3000, the blocking of the communication port 6310 can be achieved without changing the direction of movement, which is more conducive to the control of the drive mechanism 4000.

[0072] Optionally, in some embodiments, the gear 4420 is adapted to alternately engage and disengage with the rack 3121 when the second output gear 4400 rotates, thus enabling multiple dispensings of the third detergent. For example, when the second output gear 4400 rotates, the gear 4420 engages and disengages with the rack 3121 in sequence through four steps: engagement, disengagement, engagement, and disengagement. The first step causes the third actuator 3000 to disengage from the communication port 6310; the second step causes the third actuator 3000 to block the communication port 6310; the third step causes the third actuator 3000 to disengage from the communication port 6310; and the fourth step causes the third actuator 3000 to block the communication port 6310, thus completing two dispensings of the third detergent.

[0073] Combination Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the third actuator 3000 includes a flexible sealing plug 3200, which is adapted to disengage from and block the communication port 6310 via the sealing plug 3200. Specifically, the flexible sealing plug 3200 is elastically deformable. For example, the sealing plug 3200 is made of materials such as silicone or rubber. With this configuration, when the third actuator 3000 blocks the communication port 6310, the sealing plug 3200 contacts the communication port 6310 and blocks it. The sealing plug 3200 deforms, thereby better sealing the communication port 6310.

[0074] Optionally, the third actuator 3000 includes a skeleton member 3100 and a sealing plug 3200, which is sealed and connected to the skeleton member 3100. The skeleton member 3100 is provided with a rack portion 3121. It can be understood that the skeleton member 3100, as a supporting skeleton for the sealing plug 3200, is designed to have high structural strength. Through the arrangement of the skeleton member 3100, the skeleton member 3100 can drive the sealing plug 3200 to disengage from the connecting port 6310 and to block the connecting port 6310. When blocking the connecting port 6310, the skeleton member 3100 can compress the sealing plug 3200 to achieve a better sealing effect.

[0075] Furthermore, combined Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the skeleton component 3100 includes a support rod 3110 and a transmission rod 3120. The support rod 3110 and the transmission rod 3120 are separate components but connected to each other. A sealing plug 3200 is provided on the support rod 3110, and the transmission rod 3120 is provided with a rack portion 3121. The support rod 3110 and the transmission rod 3120 are separate components, that is, the support rod 3110 and the transmission rod 3120 constitute independent components, and are then connected together by a connecting means. By setting the support rod 3110 and the transmission rod 3120 separately, it is more conducive to the manufacturing of the skeleton component 3100, reducing manufacturing difficulty and facilitating structural layout. There are various ways to connect the support rod 3110 and the transmission rod 3120, such as screws, plug-in, snap-fit, and fastening. In this embodiment, the support rod 3110 and the transmission rod 3120 are plugged in, which is convenient and quick.

[0076] The second aspect of this application discloses a washing appliance, including but not limited to dishwashers and washing machines. The washing appliance includes the dispensing device described in the above embodiments. This embodiment, by setting a drive mechanism 4000, is configured to drive the first actuator 1000 and the third actuator 3000. Thus, the dispensing of multiple types of detergent can be controlled by the same drive mechanism 4000. Compared to dispensing devices in related technologies, this significantly reduces the number of dispensing devices, thereby lowering costs and reducing the size of the dispensing devices. It is understood that the dispensing device of this washing appliance adopts the technical solution of the above embodiments, and therefore possesses at least the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0077] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A dispensing device, characterized in that, include: The first actuator (1000) is adapted to control the dispensing of the first detergent; The third actuator (3000) is suitable for controlling the dispensing of the third detergent; as well as A drive mechanism (4000) is adapted to drive the first actuator (1000) and the third actuator (3000) to move. When the drive mechanism (4000) drives the first actuator (1000) to move, the first actuator (1000) controls the dispensing of a first detergent. When the drive mechanism (4000) drives the third actuator (3000) to move, the third actuator (3000) controls the dispensing of a third detergent.

2. The dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (4000) includes a power source (4001) and a connecting component (4002). The power source (4001) is adapted to move along a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposite. When the power source (4001) moves along the first direction, the power source (4001) is adapted to drive the connecting component (4002) to move so that the connecting component (4002) drives the first actuator (1000) to move. When the power source (4001) moves along the second direction, the power source (4001) is adapted to drive the connecting component (4002) to move so that the connecting component (4002) drives the third actuator (3000) to move.

3. The dispensing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connection component (4002) includes an input component (4100), an intermediate component (4200), a first output component (4300), and a second output component (4400); The power source (4001) is connected to the input device (4100), and the input device (4100) is connected to the intermediate device (4200). The intermediate device (4200) is adapted to move to a first position when the power source (4001) moves along the first direction and drive the first output device (4300) to move, so that the first output device (4300) drives the first actuator (1000) to move. The intermediate device (4200) is adapted to move to a second position when the power source (4001) moves along the second direction and drive the second output device (4400) to move, so that the second output device (4400) drives the third actuator (3000) to move. The first position and the second position are the limit positions of the reciprocating movement of the intermediate device (4200).

4. The dispensing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (4002) includes an input gear (4100), an intermediate gear (4200), a first output gear (4300), and a second output gear (4400); The power source (4001) and the input gear (4100) are connected to drive the input gear (4100) to rotate. The rotation direction of the input gear (4100) when the power source (4001) moves in the first direction is opposite to the rotation direction when the power source (4001) moves in the second direction. The input gear (4100) and the intermediate gear (4200) mesh; the intermediate gear (4200) is adapted to move to a first position and mesh with the first output gear (4300) when the power source (4001) moves along the first direction, so as to drive the first output gear (4300) to rotate, so that the first output gear (4300) drives the first actuator (1000) to move; the intermediate gear (4200) is adapted to move to a second position and mesh with the second output gear (4400) when the power source (4001) moves along the second direction, so as to drive the second output gear (4400) to rotate, so that the second output gear (4400) drives the third actuator (3000) to move, and the first position and the second position are the limit positions of the reciprocating movement of the intermediate gear (4200).

5. The dispensing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The power source (4001) is a stepper motor.

6. The dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first actuator (1000) includes a pump body (1100), and the drive mechanism (4000) is adapted to drive the pump body (1100) to move, so that the pump body (1100) sucks and discharges the first detergent.

7. The dispensing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (4000) includes a first output gear (4300), and the drive mechanism (4000) is adapted to drive the rotating shaft of the pump body (1100) to rotate through the first output gear (4300). The first output gear (4300) and the rotating shaft of the pump body (1100) are coaxially arranged.

8. The dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (4000) is adapted to drive the third actuator (3000) to move so that the third actuator (3000) is disengaged from the communication port (6310) of the dispensing device and the third detergent flows out from the communication port (6310).

9. The dispensing device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The third actuator (3000) is provided with a rack portion (3121), and the drive mechanism (4000) is adapted to mesh with the rack portion (3121) to drive the third actuator (3000) to move.

10. The dispensing device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (4000) includes a second output gear (4400), which is adapted to drive the rack portion (3121) to move through the second output gear (4400). The second output gear (4400) is provided with a toothed portion (4420), which is adapted to drive the third actuator (3000) to move through the meshing of the toothed portion (4420) and the rack portion (3121) when rotating.

11. The dispensing device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The prying tooth portion (4420) is adapted to separate from the rack portion (3121) after the third actuator (3000) disengages from the communication port (6310). The dispensing device further includes a third elastic element (5300), which is adapted to generate force on the third actuator (3000) to drive the third actuator (3000) toward the communication port (6310) to block the communication port (6310) after the prying tooth portion (4420) and the rack portion (3121) separate.

12. The dispensing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The gear section (4420) is adapted to alternately engage and disengage with the rack section (3121) when the second output gear (4400) rotates.

13. The dispensing device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The third actuator (3000) includes a flexible sealing plug (3200) adapted to disengage from and block the communication port (6310) via the sealing plug (3200).

14. The dispensing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first detergent is a liquid detergent; and / or the third detergent is a rinse aid.

15. A washing appliance, characterized in that, Includes the dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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