Clutch assembly, double-station pump and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of household appliances, in particular to a clutch assembly which comprises a driving clutch piece and a driven clutch piece, the driving clutch piece and the driven clutch piece can rotate around a rotating axis, and the driven clutch piece comprises a columnar part extending along the rotating axis; the spiral spring is wound on the columnar part and comprises a driven part connected to the driving clutch part so as to be driven by the driving clutch part to rotate around the rotating axis, and under the condition that the driving clutch part rotates in the first rotating direction, the spiral spring is tightly wound on the surface of the columnar part so as to drive the driven clutch part to rotate; and under the condition that the driving clutch piece rotates in the second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction, the spiral spring slides relative to the surface of the columnar part so as not to drive the driven clutch piece to rotate. According to the clutch assembly, the operation noise is low, abrasion between related parts is small, and the fatigue life is long. The utility model further discloses a pump, a double-station pump and a household appliance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of household appliance, specifically relates to a kind of clutch assembly, the pump comprising clutch assembly, such as double-station pump, and a kind of household appliance. BACKGROUND

[0002] Washing machine, dishwasher mostly have automatic detergent dispensing dispensing system, which is usually equipped with pump in the dispensing system.Washing machine needs to use washing liquid and softener two liquids, dishwasher also needs to use dishwashing liquid and brightener two liquids.Therefore, some dispensing systems are equipped with double-station pump, which can respectively dispense two liquids, to avoid the adverse reaction of mixing two liquids.

[0003] Due to cost control, double-station pump usually only has one motor, which drives one pump cavity to work when rotating, and drives another pump cavity to work when reversing, so that the two pump cavities do not work at the same time.In order to realize the separate driving of the same motor to the two pump cavities, a clutch assembly needs to be set.

[0004] The existing clutch assembly still needs to be improved.For example, some clutch assemblies make loud noise when running.Some components of some clutch assemblies wear out quickly, leading to a failure state of bidirectional slip.In addition, the components of some clutch assemblies are also prone to fatigue fracture, reducing the reliability of the clutch assembly.

[0005] Therefore, a clutch assembly capable of good operation is needed, which can improve at least some aspects of the existing clutch assembly. SUMMARY

[0006] To solve the above problems, according to the first aspect of the utility model, a clutch assembly is provided, comprising: a driving clutch part, which can rotate around a rotation axis; a driven clutch part, which can rotate around the rotation axis, the driven clutch part comprising a columnar portion extending longitudinally along the rotation axis; a spiral spring wound on the columnar portion, the spiral spring comprising a driven portion engaged to the driving clutch part to be driven by the driving clutch part to rotate around the rotation axis, wherein: in the case that the driving clutch part rotates around the rotation axis in a first rotation direction, the spiral spring is wound tightly on the surface of the columnar portion to drive the driven clutch part to rotate, to define a locked state of the clutch assembly; in the case that the driving clutch part rotates around the rotation axis in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the spiral spring slides relative to the surface of the columnar portion to not drive the driven clutch part to rotate, to define a slip state of the clutch assembly.

[0007] The clutch assembly according to the first aspect of the present application has a low operating noise, especially in its slipping state. In addition, the relative parts of the clutch assembly have a low wear, and the helical spring in the clutch assembly does not periodically alternate deformation with the rotation of the driving clutch part, thus having a high fatigue life. Due to the above-mentioned arrangement of the parts of the clutch assembly, when the clutch assembly needs to operate in the locked state, the helical spring can be immediately wound on the surface of the columnar part for transmission, reducing the transmission virtual position error.

[0008] The clutch assembly according to the present application can have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0009] According to one embodiment, preferably, the columnar part has an external shape of a cylinder, and the helical spring is a cylindrical helical spring. The clutch assembly according to this embodiment at least has a reduced manufacturing cost.

[0010] According to one embodiment, preferably, the helical spring has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the columnar part when not wound on the columnar part. In the clutch assembly according to this embodiment, the helical spring can contact the radial outer surface of the columnar part with its radial inner surface after being installed to the columnar part, facilitating the generation of friction force between the radial inner surface of the helical spring and the radial outer surface of the columnar part for transmission in the locked state of the clutch assembly.

[0011] According to one embodiment, preferably, the driven part of the helical spring is one end of a spring wire of the helical spring. The clutch assembly according to this embodiment at least has a simplified manufacturing process.

[0012] According to one embodiment, preferably, the driven part of the helical spring extends beyond the main body shape of the helical spring in at least one of the axial direction and the radial direction. In the clutch assembly according to this embodiment, the driving clutch part is easy to drive the driven part of the helical spring.

[0013] According to one embodiment, preferably, the driving clutch part comprises a driving part engaged with the driven part, and the driving part comprises a driving part first opening accommodating the driven part. The clutch assembly according to this embodiment at least has a stable structure, and the driving clutch part is easy to drive the driven part of the helical spring.

[0014] According to one embodiment, preferably, the driving part further comprises two driving walls to drive the driven part in the circumferential direction. The clutch assembly according to this embodiment has a further stable structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment, preferably, the two driving walls extend in a radial direction. The clutch assembly according to this embodiment has at least a further simplified manufacturing process, which helps to avoid damage to the driven part and the driving part.

[0016] According to one embodiment, preferably, the driving part further comprises a stop wall, which blocks movement of the driven part relative to the driving clutch in an axial direction. In the clutch assembly according to this embodiment, unnecessary abrasion between the end of the non-driven part of the coil spring and the driven clutch is avoided.

[0017] According to one embodiment, preferably, the stop wall is connected to the two driving walls respectively on both sides in a circumferential direction. The clutch assembly according to this embodiment has a further stable structure.

[0018] According to one embodiment, preferably, the other end of the spring wire of the coil spring, which is opposite to the end, extends beyond the main body shape of the coil spring in at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction. In the clutch assembly according to this embodiment, unnecessary cutting or abrasion of the surface of the driven clutch by the end of the non-driven part of the coil spring is avoided.

[0019] According to one embodiment, preferably, the driving clutch comprises a first shaft hole, the driven clutch comprises a second shaft hole, the clutch assembly further comprises a support shaft extending longitudinally along the rotation axis, the support shaft passes through the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole, and the driving clutch and the driven clutch are configured to rotate around the support shaft.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the utility model, a pump is provided, which comprises one or more of any of the above clutch assemblies.

[0021] The pump according to the second aspect of the utility model has the corresponding advantages brought by the above clutch assemblies.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the utility model, a double-station pump is provided, which comprises a driving component, a first clutch assembly and a second clutch assembly, the first clutch assembly and the second clutch assembly are any of the above clutch assemblies, wherein the driving component is configured to engage the driving clutch of the first clutch assembly and the driving clutch of the second clutch assembly to drive, so that when the driving component rotates forward, the first clutch assembly is in the locked state and the second clutch assembly is in the slipping state, and when the driving component rotates reversely, the first clutch assembly is in the slipping state and the second clutch assembly is in the locked state.

[0023] The double-station pump according to the third aspect of the utility model has the corresponding advantages brought by the above clutch assemblies.

[0024] The double-station pump according to the utility model can also have the following features.

[0025] According to one embodiment, preferably, the driving component is a worm, and the double-station pump further comprises a motor, the worm being driven by the motor to be able to rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction, and each of the first clutch assembly and the second clutch assembly is provided with a tooth portion engaged with the worm. According to the double-station pump of this embodiment, only one motor and a worm driven by the motor are needed, i.e. two clutch assemblies can be driven to operate respectively.

[0026] According to the fourth aspect of the utility model, a household appliance is provided, which comprises any one of the double-station pumps described above.

[0027] The household appliance according to the fourth aspect of the utility model has the corresponding advantages brought by the double-station pump. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the utility model, the drawings of the embodiments of the utility model will be briefly introduced hereinafter. Among them, the drawings are only used to show some embodiments of the utility model, and the utility model is not limited to this.

[0029] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the double-station pump according to the utility model, showing the shell of the double-station pump, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the double-station pump according to the utility model, not showing the shell of the double-station pump.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the clutch assembly according to the utility model.

[0031] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the driving clutch part of the clutch assembly according to the utility model, FIG. 3B shows the cross section of the driving clutch part along the rotation axis.

[0032] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the driven clutch part of the clutch assembly according to the utility model, FIG. 4B shows the cross section of the driven clutch part along the rotation axis.

[0033] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the spiral spring of the clutch assembly according to the utility model, FIG. 5B is a top view of the spiral spring along the rotation axis.

[0034] FIG. 6A is a side view of the clutch assembly according to the utility model, FIG. 6BIt is a cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly cut along the axis of rotation.

[0035] FIG. 7A This is a perspective view of the clutch assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 7B The cross-section of the clutch assembly, cut perpendicular to the axis of rotation, is shown.

[0036] List of reference numerals

[0037] 1 Dual-position pump

[0038] 10 First Clutch Assembly

[0039] 20 Second Clutch Assembly

[0040] 100 Active Clutch

[0041] 110 First tooth

[0042] 120 First shaft hole

[0043] 130 Drive Unit

[0044] 131 First opening in the drive section

[0045] 135 First Drive Wall

[0046] 136 Second Drive Wall

[0047] 137 Stop wall

[0048] 141 First recess

[0049] 150 circumferential protrusion

[0050] 200 Driven Clutch

[0051] 210 Second tooth

[0052] 220 Second shaft hole

[0053] 230 columnar portion

[0054] 241 Second recessed portion

[0055] 250 Annular Depression

[0056] 300 coil spring

[0057] The first end of the spring wire of the 310 helical spring

[0058] 311 Driven Unit

[0059] The second end of the spring wire of a 320 helical spring

[0060] 350 coil spring body

[0061] 400 pivot

[0062] 50 Drive Mechanism Housing

[0063] 51 First Pump Casing

[0064] 52 Second Pump Casing

[0065] 61 motor

[0066] 62 worm gear

[0067] 71 First Transmission Component

[0068] 72 Second transmission assembly

[0069] 75 First pump chamber

[0070] 76 Second pump chamber

[0071] L rotation axis

[0072] Axial direction

[0073] R radial direction Detailed Implementation

[0074] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” indicate that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0076] The present invention will be described in detail below by way of example embodiments.

[0077] FIG. 1A This is a perspective view of the dual-station pump 1 according to the present invention, showing the housing of the dual-station pump 1. FIG. 1B This is a perspective view of the dual-station pump 1 according to the present invention, which does not show the housing of the dual-station pump 1. The housing of the dual-station pump 1 includes, for example, a drive mechanism housing 50 disposed around a drive mechanism, a first pump housing 51 disposed around a first pump chamber 75, and a second pump housing 52 disposed around a second pump chamber 76. The drive mechanism housing 50, the first pump housing 51, and the second pump housing 52 are configured to be assembled together with each other. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B As shown, the inlet and outlet connected to the first pump chamber 75 can extend to the outside of the first pump housing 51, and the inlet and outlet connected to the second pump chamber 76 can extend to the outside of the second pump housing 52.

[0078] like FIG. 1B As shown, the drive mechanism of the dual-station pump 1 may include a motor 61, a worm gear 62, a first clutch assembly 10, a second clutch assembly 20, a first transmission assembly 71, and a second transmission assembly 72. The worm gear 62 is connected to the motor 61 and is driven by the motor 61 to rotate in both forward and reverse directions. The worm gear 62 also serves as a drive component, driving the operation of the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20. The first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 can respectively drive the operation of the first transmission assembly 71 and the second transmission assembly 72, which are respectively configured to drive the operation of the first pump chamber 75 and the second pump chamber 76.

[0079] Specifically, the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 can be clutch assemblies with identical structures, both including an active clutch element (the structure of the active clutch element is as follows: ...). FIG. 1B The active clutch 100 and the driven clutch (the structure of the driven clutch is as follows) are indicated in the label. FIG. 1B (The driven clutch component 200 is indicated in the diagram). Each of the driving clutch components of the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 is provided with teeth that mesh with the worm gear 62 to obtain power from the worm gear 62. Thus, the worm gear 62 is configured to engage the driving clutch components of the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 respectively to drive the driving clutch components of the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20.

[0080] exist FIG. 1B In this design, the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the worm 62 in the radial direction and are oriented substantially the same. Viewing the worm 62 from the end away from the motor 61, if the worm 62 rotates clockwise (or forward rotation), the first clutch assembly 10 is in a locked state and drives the first transmission assembly 71, thereby operating the first pump chamber 75, while the second clutch assembly 20 is in a slipping state, thus the second transmission assembly 72 does not operate and the second pump chamber 76 does not operate. If the worm 62 rotates counterclockwise (or reverse rotation), the first clutch assembly 10 is in a slipping state, thus the first transmission assembly 71 does not operate and the first pump chamber 75 does not operate, while the second clutch assembly 20 is in a locked state and drives the second transmission assembly 72, thereby operating the second pump chamber 76. In other words, the dual-station pump 1 can include only one motor 61, enabling the motor 61 to drive the two pump chambers separately.

[0081] The dual-station pump 1 described above can be used in various household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, to achieve separate control and dispensing of two liquids.

[0082] The construction of the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 will be described in detail below. As mentioned earlier, the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 may have the same construction. Therefore, the first clutch assembly 10 and the second clutch assembly 20 will be collectively referred to as clutch assemblies and described below.

[0083] FIG. 2 An exploded view of the clutch assembly according to the present invention is shown. FIG. 2 As shown, the clutch assembly includes an active clutch element 100, a driven clutch element 200, a coil spring 300, and a support shaft 400. See also... FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The support shaft 400 is a fixed component, for example, fixed relative to the housing of the dual-position pump 1. The active clutch 100 includes a first shaft bore 120 (see also...).FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B The driven clutch 200 includes a second shaft hole 220 (see also...). FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B For the assembled clutch assembly, the support shaft 400 passes through the first shaft hole 120 and the second shaft hole 220, allowing the active clutch 100 and the driven clutch 200 to rotate about the support shaft 400; that is, the active clutch 100 and the driven clutch 200 are configured to rotate about the axis of rotation L. Figure 1 shows the axis of rotation L of the first clutch assembly 10. FIG. 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the position of the rotation axis L relative to the various components of the clutch assembly. For each component of the clutch assembly, the rotation axis L can be approximately the central axis of that component. Accordingly, in the structural description of each component below, the axial, radial, and circumferential directions defined with respect to the rotation axis L are used.

[0084] FIG. 3A This is a perspective view of the active clutch component 100 of the clutch assembly according to this utility model. FIG. 3B A cross-section of the active clutch 100 along the rotation axis L is shown. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B As shown, the active clutch 100 includes a first shaft hole 120 located at its center and a first toothed portion 110 located on its outer periphery. The active clutch 100 also includes a drive portion 130 for driving the driven portion 311 of the coil spring 300. Specifically, the active clutch 100 may have the first toothed portion 110 provided on its outer periphery along its entire longitudinal direction, and a first recessed portion 141 provided radially inward at one end along its longitudinal direction. The drive portion 130 may be disposed in the first recessed portion 141, radially inward near the first toothed portion 110. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B As shown, the drive unit 130 includes a first drive unit opening 131, which opens radially toward the rotation axis L and axially away from the bottom surface of the first recess 141. Additionally, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B An annular protrusion 150 provided in the first recess 141 is also shown.

[0085] FIG. 4A This is a perspective view of the driven clutch component 200 of the clutch assembly according to this utility model. FIG. 4B A cross-section of the driven clutch 200 along the axis of rotation L is shown. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4BAs shown, the driven clutch 200 includes a second shaft hole 220 located at its center and a second toothed portion 210 located on its outer periphery. The driven clutch 200 also includes a columnar portion 230 extending longitudinally along the rotation axis L, which, for example, has a cylindrical external shape. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B As shown, the second shaft hole 220 passes through the center of the columnar portion 230 along the rotation axis L. The driven clutch 200 may have a second recess 241 provided at one end along its longitudinal direction, radially inward. The columnar portion 230 may extend longitudinally along the rotation axis L from the axial bottom surface of the second recess 241, and extend beyond the second toothed portion 210 in the axial direction. Furthermore, as... FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B As shown, at the end of the columnar portion 230 away from the axial bottom surface of the second recessed portion 241, an annular recess 250 surrounding the second shaft hole 220 may be provided.

[0086] FIG. 5A This is a perspective view of the helical spring 300 of the clutch assembly according to this utility model. FIG. 5B This is a top view of the helical spring 300 viewed along the axis of rotation L. (Example) FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B As shown, the helical spring 300 may include a body 350, which is formed by the portion of the spring wire of the helical spring 300 that generates the winding. In other words, the body 350 of the helical spring 300 has an integral shape, also referred to as the body shape. This body shape is, for example, FIG. 3A The cylindrical shape shown includes a radially outer side and two end faces at opposite axial ends. The spring wire of the helical spring 300 also includes a segment as its first end 310 and a segment as its second end 320. As detailed later, the first end 310 serves as the driven portion 311 of the helical spring 300 and can extend beyond the main body shape of the helical spring 300 in at least one of the axial and radial directions. For example, in... FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B In this configuration, the first end 310 extends radially beyond the main body shape of the coil spring 300. Additionally, the second end 320 may also extend beyond the main body shape of the coil spring 300 in at least one of the axial and radial directions. For example, in... FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B In the middle, the second end 320 extends in the tangential direction beyond the main body shape of the helical spring 300.

[0087] FIG. 6A This is a side view of the clutch assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly cut along the axis of rotation L. FIG. 7A This is a perspective view of the clutch assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 7BA cross-section of the clutch assembly, cut perpendicular to the axis of rotation L, is shown. FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B The driving mechanism between the active clutch 100, the coil spring 300, and the driven clutch 200 is specifically shown in the figure.

[0088] like FIG. 6B As shown, for the assembled clutch assembly, the active clutch 100 and the driven clutch 200 are arranged axially. For example, the first recess 141 of the active clutch 100 and the second recess 241 of the driven clutch 200 are opposite to each other. A support shaft 400 is arranged to extend longitudinally along the rotation axis L and passes through the first shaft hole 120 of the active clutch 100 and the second shaft hole 220 of the second clutch 200. Thus, the active clutch 100 and the second clutch 200 are rotatable about the fixed support shaft 400. In other words, the active clutch 100 is rotatable about the rotation axis L, and the driven clutch 200 is rotatable about the rotation axis L. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the annular protrusion 150 of the active clutch 100 is embedded in the annular recess 250 of the driven clutch 200; however, the driven clutch 200 is still rotatable relative to the active clutch 100 about the rotation axis L. For example, the annular protrusion 150 has a cylindrical outer surface, while the annular recess 250 has a cylindrical inner surface. The active clutch 100 does not drive the driven clutch 200 to rotate through the interaction between the annular protrusion 150 and the annular recess 250; instead, the annular protrusion 150 and the annular recess 250 are only used for the correct positioning between the active clutch 100 and the driven clutch 200. According to the present invention, the active clutch 100 is configured to drive the rotation of the driven clutch 200 via a coil spring 300.

[0089] like FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B As shown, the helical spring 300 is wound around the cylindrical portion 230 of the driven clutch 200. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the helical spring 300 has a shape corresponding to the cylindrical portion 230; for example, the cylindrical portion 230 has a cylindrical outer shape, and the helical spring 300 is a cylindrical helical spring. Therefore, when the helical spring 300 is wound tightly on the surface of the cylindrical portion 230, frictional force can be applied to the surface of the cylindrical portion 230 more effectively. For example, when the helical spring 300 is not wound around the cylindrical portion 230, its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 230, making it easier to generate frictional force between the radially inner surface of the helical spring 300 and the radially outer surface of the cylindrical portion 230.

[0090] Furthermore, such as FIG. 6B and FIG. 7BAs shown, the first end 310 of the helical spring 300, i.e., its driven portion 311, extends into the drive portion 130 of the active clutch 100. Specifically, the first opening 131 of the drive portion 130 accommodates the driven portion 311 of the helical spring 300. Thus, the helical spring 300 is driven by the active clutch 100 to rotate about the rotation axis L.

[0091] like FIG. 7B See also for details. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B The driving unit 130 includes a first driving wall 135 and a second driving wall 136, which are configured to drive the driven unit 311 in the circumferential direction. FIG. 7B As shown, in the circumferential direction, the driven part 311 is arranged between the first drive wall 135 and the second drive wall 136.

[0092] exist FIG. 7B In the cross-section shown, when the active clutch 100 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis L (e.g., referred to as the first rotation direction), the first drive wall 135 pushes the driven part 311 to move, thereby driving the coil spring 300 to rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the coil spring 300 is wound tightly on the surface of the columnar part 230, thereby driving the driven clutch 200 to rotate. This state is referred to as the locked state of the clutch assembly, in which the active clutch 100 is driven to rotate by the worm gear 61 and drives the driven clutch 200 to rotate via the coil spring 300, thereby driving the corresponding transmission assembly to operate.

[0093] exist FIG. 7B In the cross-section shown, when the active clutch 100 rotates clockwise about the rotation axis L (for example, referred to as the second rotation direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction), the second drive wall 136 pushes the driven part 311 to move, thereby driving the coil spring 300 to rotate clockwise. At this time, the coil spring 300 expands to a certain extent in the radial direction relative to its aforementioned coiled state, thereby being able to slide relative to the surface of the columnar part 230, and the driven clutch 200 is thus not driven to rotate by the coil spring 300. In other words, the coil spring 300 slips on the surface of the columnar part 230 of the driven clutch 200, a state referred to as the slip state of the clutch assembly, in which, although the active clutch 100 is driven to rotate by the worm gear 61, this rotation is not transmitted to the driven clutch 200, and the corresponding transmission assembly is not driven to operate.

[0094] Therefore, according to FIG. 7B The clutch assembly shown can achieve clutch engagement between the active clutch 100 and the driven clutch 200.

[0095] like FIG. 7BSpecifically, the first drive wall 135 and the second drive wall 136 can extend in a radial direction. Here, "the first drive wall 135 and the second drive wall 136 extend in a radial direction" means that the first drive wall 135 and the second drive wall 136 extend substantially in a radial direction, and their extension directions are substantially parallel. The first end 310 of the helical spring 300, which is the driven portion 311, can contact at least one of the first drive wall 135 and the second drive wall 136 on both sides of its circumference and along a radial section of a certain length. Therefore, thrust can be transmitted between the first end 310 and the corresponding drive wall, while minimizing damage to the first end 310 and the corresponding drive wall.

[0096] like FIG. 6B See also for details. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B The drive unit 130 also includes a stop wall 137. The stop wall 137 can be arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the first recess 141 of the active clutch 100 to prevent the driven part 311 of the coil spring 300 from moving relative to the active clutch 100 in the axial direction. As a result, the other end of the coil spring 300, namely the second end 320, is less likely to come into contact with other surfaces of the driven clutch 200 due to the movement of the coil spring 300, thereby avoiding unnecessary wear on the second end 320 and the driven clutch 200.

[0097] Continue to refer to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B The two sides of the stop wall 137 in the circumferential direction can be connected to the first drive wall 135 and the second drive wall 136 respectively, thereby forming a continuous wall surface. The drive part 130 constructed in this way makes the active clutch 100 have a more stable structure and is less prone to fatigue fracture during long-term use of the clutch assembly.

[0098] FIGS. 6A-7B Further details on the clutch assembly's construction are shown. For example, the active clutch 100 may also have another recess at the end opposite to the first recess 141 in the axial direction to reduce the material required to manufacture the active clutch 100. The first opening 131 of the drive portion 130 may communicate with the bottom surface of this other recess to ensure the manufacturing quality of the aforementioned drive wall and stop wall. Additionally, this other recess may also have another annular protrusion surrounding the first shaft hole 120 and a plurality of spoke portions extending from this other annular protrusion toward the first tooth portion 110 to enhance the structure of the active clutch 100. Furthermore, the driven clutch 200 may also have other recesses at the end opposite to the second recess 241 in the axial direction.

[0099] According to embodiments of this utility model, the aforementioned clutch assembly can be used not only for... FIG. 1A and FIG. 1BThe dual-station pump 1 shown can also be used in other pumps. Furthermore, the corresponding pump may not be limited to including two of the aforementioned clutch assemblies, but may include one or more of the aforementioned clutch assemblies.

[0100] The foregoing description, with reference to preferred embodiments, details exemplary implementations of the clutch assembly, pump, dual-position pump, and household appliance proposed by this invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above-described specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of this invention, and various combinations can be made to the various technical features and structures proposed by this invention without exceeding the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly, characterized in that, The clutch assembly includes: The active clutch (100) is capable of rotating about the rotation axis (L); Driven clutch (200) is rotatable about the rotation axis (L), and the driven clutch (200) includes a columnar portion (230) extending longitudinally along the rotation axis (L); A helical spring (300) is wound around the columnar portion (230), the helical spring (300) including a driven portion (311) engaged with the active clutch (100) to rotate about the rotation axis (L) driven by the active clutch (100), wherein: When the active clutch (100) rotates about the rotation axis (L) in a first rotation direction, the helical spring (300) is wound on the surface of the columnar portion (230) to drive the driven clutch (200) to rotate, thereby defining the locking state of the clutch assembly; When the active clutch (100) rotates about the rotation axis (L) in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the helical spring (300) slides relative to the surface of the column (230) so as not to drive the driven clutch (200) to rotate, thereby limiting the slippage state of the clutch assembly.

2. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The columnar portion (230) has a cylindrical external shape, and the helical spring (300) is a cylindrical helical spring.

3. The clutch assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the helical spring (300) when it is not wound around the column (230) is smaller than the outer diameter of the column (230).

4. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driven part (311) of the helical spring (300) is one end (310) of the spring wire of the helical spring (300).

5. The clutch assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The driven portion (311) of the helical spring (300) extends beyond the body shape of the helical spring (300) in at least one of the axial direction (A) and the radial direction (R).

6. The clutch assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The active clutch (100) includes a drive portion (130) that engages with the driven portion (311), the drive portion (130) including a first drive portion opening (131) that receives the driven portion (311).

7. The clutch assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving part (130) further includes two driving walls to drive the driven part (311) in the circumferential direction.

8. The clutch assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The two drive walls extend in the radial direction (R).

9. The clutch assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive unit (130) further includes a stop wall (137) that prevents the driven unit (311) from moving relative to the active clutch (100) in the axial direction (A).

10. The clutch assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The two sides of the stop wall (137) in the circumferential direction are respectively connected to the two drive walls.

11. The clutch assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The other end (320) of the spring wire of the helical spring (300), opposite to the end (310), extends beyond the body shape of the helical spring (300) in at least one of the axial direction (A) and the radial direction (R).

12. The clutch assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The active clutch (100) includes a first shaft hole (120), the driven clutch (200) includes a second shaft hole (220), and the clutch assembly further includes a support shaft (400) extending longitudinally along the rotation axis (L), the support shaft (400) passing through the first shaft hole (120) and the second shaft hole (220), the active clutch (100) and the driven clutch (200) being configured to rotate about the support shaft (400).

13. A pump, characterized in that, The pump includes one or more clutch components according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A dual-position pump, characterized in that, The dual-station pump (1) includes a drive component, a first clutch assembly (10), and a second clutch assembly (20), wherein the first clutch assembly (10) and the second clutch assembly (20) are clutch assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The drive component is configured to engage with the active clutch of the first clutch assembly (10) and the active clutch of the second clutch assembly (20), such that when the drive component rotates in the forward direction, the first clutch assembly (10) is in the locked state and the second clutch assembly (20) is in the slipping state, and when the drive component rotates in the reverse direction, the first clutch assembly (10) is in the slipping state and the second clutch assembly (20) is in the locked state.

15. The dual-station pump according to claim 14, characterized in that, The driving component is a worm gear (62), and the dual-station pump (1) also includes a motor (61). The worm gear (62) is driven by the motor (61) to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. The active clutch components of the first clutch assembly (10) and the second clutch assembly (20) are each provided with teeth that mesh with the worm gear (62).

16. A household appliance, characterized in that, The household appliance includes the dual-station pump (1) according to claim 14 or 15.

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