Automatic putting device with function of switching between single waterway and multiple waterways

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic putting device with a function of switching a single water channel to multiple water channels, which relates to the field of water distribution of household washing machines and comprises a water channel plate. The water distribution mechanisms are arranged in the water path plate and can be independently closed, each water distribution mechanism comprises a plurality of water inlet pipes and switching valves communicated with the flow outlet ends of the water inlet pipes, the flow outlet end of each switching valve is provided with an electrified water outlet flow channel and a non-electrified water outlet flow channel, and the flow inlet end of the water path plate is provided with a water inlet valve; the water inlet valve comprises a plurality of groups of flow dividing ends with the same number as the water dividing mechanisms, and each group of flow dividing ends is communicated with one water dividing mechanism. On the premise that the requirement for multiple water inlet channels of the washing machine is met, the occupied space of the structure is reduced, multiple parallel pipelines are not needed, and internal layout redundancy is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water distribution in household washing machines, specifically to an automatic dispensing device with single-water-path switching and multi-water-path functions. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve refined functionality, maximized washing efficiency, and system safety redundancy, washing machines are equipped with multiple independent flow channels. These include the main wash water channel, which injects a large amount of water into the washing tub; the rinse / softener water channel, which injects fabric softener during rinsing; an anti-overflow water channel, which automatically drains water when the water level is too high; and an emergency drainage water channel. Some models also include a high-temperature washing water channel and a self-cleaning water channel. The current mainstream design is a multi-inlet valve system, with each function (main wash, pre-wash, fabric softener, etc.) corresponding to a dedicated inlet valve, which is directly connected to the inlet pipe. Each valve body is connected to the detergent dispenser or inner tub through independent pipes, forming a parallel water channel network. During washing, the program sequentially powers on and opens the corresponding valves to achieve staged water injection. This also means that for each additional function (such as spraying or disinfection), an additional solenoid valve is required, which not only occupies installation space but also requires multiple parallel pipes to avoid crossing and tangling, resulting in redundant internal layout. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an automatic dispensing device for switching from a single water path to multiple water paths, which can solve the technical problems existing in the mainstream design of the prior art. The mainstream design uses a multi-inlet system, and each function corresponds to a dedicated solenoid valve. This means that for each additional function, an additional solenoid valve is required, which not only occupies installation space, but also requires multiple parallel pipelines to avoid crossing and tangling, resulting in redundant internal layout.

[0004] This application provides an automatic dispensing device with single-channel to multi-channel switching function, comprising:

[0005] Waterway board; and

[0006] Several water distribution mechanisms are installed within the water circuit board and can be closed independently. Each water distribution mechanism includes several inlet pipes and a switching valve connecting the outlet ends of two adjacent inlet pipes. The outlet end of each switching valve forms an energized water outlet channel and a non-energized water outlet channel. The inlet end of the water circuit board is provided with an inlet valve. The inlet valve includes multiple sets of branch ends equal in number to the water distribution mechanisms, and each set of branch ends is connected to one of the water distribution mechanisms.

[0007] In one embodiment, the energized water outlet channel formed by the plurality of switching valves is located on one side of the water circuit board, and the non-energized water outlet channel formed by the plurality of switching valves is located on the other side of the water circuit board.

[0008] In one embodiment, the inlet valve is provided with a main inlet that communicates with the branching end, each branching end includes multiple branch outlets, and the multiple branch outlets are arranged along the long side of the inlet valve.

[0009] In one embodiment, the number of water outlets in each branching end is equal to the number of water inlet pipes in a single water distribution mechanism, and each of the water outlets is connected to a water inlet pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, the outer periphery of the main inlet is provided with external threads for connecting to an external inlet end.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water distribution mechanism includes two inlet pipes, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the switching valve.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the switching valves includes a main valve body and two branch valve bodies communicating with the main valve body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outlet end of one valve body forms an energized water outlet channel, and the outlet end of the energized water outlet channel is provided with a first water outlet pipe extending out of the water circuit board.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outlet end of another valve body forms a non-electrically powered water outlet channel, and the outlet end of the non-electrically powered water outlet channel is provided with a second water outlet pipe extending out of the water circuit board.

[0015] In one embodiment, the switching valve is a one-way valve.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include:

[0017] This application utilizes multiple independently closable water distribution mechanisms within the water circuit board. Each water distribution mechanism forms an energized water outlet channel and a non-energized water outlet channel via a switching valve. These multiple water outlet channels are formed within the water circuit board, resulting in a highly integrated structure that eliminates the need for additional independent piping. This reduces the space occupied by the structure while meeting the basic functional requirements of the washing machine. An inlet valve is installed at the inlet end of the water circuit board, and the closing state of each branch end of the inlet valve is controlled by the washing machine control program. In conjunction with the switching valve, the multiple water distribution mechanisms can work independently or collaboratively, achieving a more refined and comprehensive functional division system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying 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.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the distribution valve structure in an automatic dispensing device that switches between single and multi-channel water flow.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Water circuit board; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Switching valve; 301. Main valve body; 302. Sub-valve body; 4. Powered water outlet channel; 5. Unpowered water outlet channel; 6. Inlet valve; 601. Main inlet; 602. Sub-outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] This application provides an automatic dispensing device for switching from a single water path to multiple water paths. It solves the technical problem in the mainstream design of the prior art that uses a multi-inlet system, where each function corresponds to a dedicated solenoid valve. This results in the need to add a new solenoid valve for each new function, which not only occupies installation space but also requires multiple parallel pipelines to avoid crossing and tangling, leading to redundant internal layout.

[0025] The single-water-path switching multi-water-path automatic dispensing device in this application includes a water path plate 1 and multiple water distribution mechanisms installed in the internal flow channel of the water path plate 1. As the core support structure, the internal water flow channel is integrated and is responsible for distributing and managing the water path system of the washing machine. The water distribution mechanism can divide the incoming water into multiple streams in the water path plate 1, and independently close / coordinate with each other according to the program settings of the washing machine to cope with the different water uses of the washing machine. The overall structure is highly integrated and there is no need to install separate independent pipes.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a single-water-path switching multi-water-path automatic dispensing device provided in this application; Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function provided in this application is shown below. Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the water distribution mechanism is disposed opposite to each other in the water circuit plate 1. The water distribution mechanism is independently opened and closed by the internal control program of the washing machine. In one embodiment of this application, there are two sets of water distribution mechanisms, which can respectively correspond to the main wash water inlet, pre-wash or fabric softener water inlet, spray water inlet or drum self-cleaning water inlet, and special path (such as dual agent simultaneous dispensing) functions. It should be noted that the above four functions are only illustrative examples and are not limited to the above four functions in the solution of this application. The water distribution mechanism includes several water inlet pipes 2 and a switching valve 3 connected to the outlet end of the water inlet pipes 2. The water inlet pipes 2 are connected to the external water inlet to deliver the washing machine water to the switching valve 3. The switching valve 3 is opened and closed by the internal control program of the washing machine, and the washing machine water flowing out through the switching valve 3 is divided into two branches, corresponding to an electrically powered water outlet channel 4 and a non-electrically powered water outlet channel 5, to meet the multiple functional requirements of the washing machine.

[0027] The water inlet of the water circuit board 1 is equipped with an inlet valve 6. The inlet valve 6 includes multiple sets of diversion ends equal to the number of water distribution mechanisms. Each set of diversion ends is connected to a water distribution mechanism. Each set of diversion ends is also connected and closed by the washing machine program. With the secondary switching of the switching valve, the independent closing / cooperative function of multiple water distribution mechanisms can be realized.

[0028] Each switching valve 3 forms a non-energized water outlet channel 5 and an energized water outlet channel 4, and each channel is set independently. That is to say, taking two sets of water distribution mechanisms as an example, the water circuit board 1 is arranged with four channels. In one possible implementation, the water demand of different functions of the washing machine is not the same. Therefore, according to the channel of different functions, a flow chamber can be added adaptively in the flow path of the channel to control the water flow (e.g., the main wash channel).

[0029] Furthermore, each switching valve 3 includes a main valve body 301 and two branch valve bodies 302 connected to the main valve body 301. All switching valves 3 are one-way valves to be suitable for scenarios of switching between electric drive and mechanical backup dual paths and to prevent backflow. The outlet end of one branch valve body 302 forms an energized water outlet channel 4. When the main valve body 301 is connected to the branch valve body 302, the energized water outlet channel 4 is opened. The outlet end of the other branch valve body 302 forms a non-energized water outlet channel 5. When the main valve body 301 is connected to the branch valve body 302, the non-energized water outlet channel 5 is opened. When the switching valve 3 is de-energized, the non-energized water outlet channel 5 is connected by default. After the switching valve 3 is briefly energized, it switches to the energized water outlet channel 4. The switching valve 3 is a commonly used component. Its internal structure and switching principle will not be described in detail here.

[0030] Furthermore, the inlet valve 6 is provided with a main inlet 601 that communicates with the branching end, and each branching end includes multiple branch outlets 602 to form a one-inlet-multiple-outlet structure. The total number of branch outlets 602 of the multiple branching ends is equal to the number of all inlet pipes 2 in the water distribution mechanism, so that each branch outlet 602 is connected to an inlet pipe 2. In one possible embodiment, the branch outlets 602 of the inlet valve 6 in this application are arranged in four ways along the length of the inlet valve 6. This means that there are two groups of water distribution mechanisms. Each water distribution mechanism includes a switching valve 3 and two inlet pipes 2 connected to the switching valve 3. In this application, there are a total of four inlet pipes 2. The inlet end of each inlet pipe 2 is connected to a branch outlet 602. The outlet ends of two adjacent inlet pipes 2 are connected to a switching valve 3. The main inlet 601 of the inlet valve 6 is connected to an external water source, and its outer periphery is provided with an external thread for connecting to the external inlet end.

[0031] In practical use, the four water outlet channels can be flexibly connected according to actual usage. For ease of description, one of the switching valves 3 is referred to as valve A, and the other switching valve 3 is referred to as valve B. In the washing machine's control program settings, the main wash channel has the highest priority, meaning that the non-energized water outlet channel 5 of valve A must be connected to the main wash channel, and water flow should preferentially enter the main wash channel. The other three water outlet channels can be flexibly configured. Taking the non-energized water outlet channel 5 of valve B connected to the spray channel, the energized water outlet channel 4 of valve A connected to the fabric softener channel, and the energized water outlet channel 4 of valve B connected to the drum self-cleaning channel as an example, when A... When valve A and valve B are closed simultaneously, under the control of the upper system, the water flow defaults to the non-energized water outlet channel 5 of valve A (i.e., the main wash channel). Here, the water flow can be synchronously controlled to enter the non-energized water outlet channel 5 of valve B (i.e., the spray channel). This ensures improved washing efficiency while increasing system fault tolerance and achieving functional redundancy design. When valve A is energized and valve B remains de-energized (controlling water flow), the energized water outlet channel 4 of valve A is connected (i.e., the fabric softener channel is opened), and the fabric softener dispensing program begins. Similarly, when valve B is de-energized, the spray program begins; when valve B is energized, the drum self-cleaning program begins.

[0032] In one possible implementation, during the on / off process of the A / B valve, in order to prevent the non-energized water outlet channels 5 in the two water distribution mechanisms from simultaneously discharging water when the A / B valve is de-energized, each water distribution mechanism achieves independent on / off or independent opening and closing of each water outlet 602 by closing the diversion end of the inlet valve 6. That is, the inlet valve 6 can be selected according to its function and, under the control of the washing machine program, close or open the corresponding diversion end. For example, during the main wash stage, the diversion end connected to the B valve can be closed, and during the spray stage, the diversion end connected to the A valve can be closed.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the two energized water outlet channels 4 formed by the two switching valves 3 are located on one side of the water circuit board 1, and the two non-energized water outlet channels 5 formed by the two switching valves 3 are located on the other side of the water circuit board 1. The outlet ends of both the energized water outlet channel 4 and the non-energized water outlet channel 5 form pipes, which extend horizontally out of the water circuit board 1 to facilitate connection with the pipes of the corresponding functional areas, thereby improving the overall layout rationality, aesthetics and compactness.

[0034] The switching valve 3 in the two-way water distribution mechanism can divide the water circuit board 1 into multiple independent channels, and each channel works independently without affecting each other, realizing precise switching between different water circuits. The energized water outlet channel 4 and the non-energized water outlet channel 5 formed by the switching valve 3 can correspond to different washing machine functions. The design of dual channels plus multiple switching valves 3 gives the washing machine water circuit system advantages such as high reliability, low energy consumption, and precise control, which is suitable for the complex washing needs of modern smart washing machines. At the same time, a water inlet valve 6 is divided into four channels by multiple switching valves 3. Compared with the traditional method of adding a solenoid valve for each function, it can reduce valve body configuration, reduce space occupation, and also reduce pipeline layout.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0037] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function, characterized in that, include: Waterway board (1); and Several water distribution mechanisms are set in the water circuit plate (1) and can be closed independently. The water distribution mechanism includes several inlet pipes (2) and switching valves (3) that connect the outlet ends of two adjacent inlet pipes (2). The outlet end of each switching valve (3) forms an energized water outlet channel (4) and a non-energized water outlet channel (5). The inlet end of the water circuit plate (1) is provided with an inlet valve (6). The inlet valve (6) includes multiple sets of diversion ends equal to the number of the water distribution mechanisms, and each set of diversion ends is connected to one of the water distribution mechanisms.

2. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The energized water outlet channel (4) formed by the multiple switching valves (3) is located on one side of the water circuit board (1), and the non-energized water outlet channel (5) formed by the multiple switching valves (3) is located on the other side of the water circuit board (1).

3. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet valve (6) is provided with a main inlet (601) that communicates with the branch end. Each branch end includes multiple branch outlets (602), and the multiple branch outlets (602) are arranged along the long side of the inlet valve (6).

4. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The number of branch outlets (602) in each branch end is equal to the number of inlet pipes (2) of a single water distribution mechanism, and each branch outlet (602) is connected to an inlet pipe (2).

5. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The main inlet (601) has an external thread on its outer periphery for connecting to the external inlet end.

6. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The water distribution mechanism includes two inlet pipes (2), and the outlet end of the inlet pipes (2) is connected to the inlet end of the switching valve (3).

7. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the switching valves (3) includes a main valve body (301) and two branch valve bodies (302) communicating with the main valve body (301).

8. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 7, characterized in that: One of the valve bodies (302) has an outlet end that forms an electrically powered water outlet channel (4), and the outlet end of the electrically powered water outlet channel (4) is provided with a first water outlet pipe extending out of the water circuit plate (1).

9. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 7, characterized in that: Another valve body (302) has a non-electric water outlet channel (5) at its outlet end, and the non-electric water outlet channel (5) has a second water outlet pipe extending out of the water circuit plate (1).

10. The automatic dispensing device with single-channel switching and multi-channel function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching valve (3) is a one-way valve.

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