A flexible pipe clamping valve and a washing machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to a flexible pipe clamping valve and a washing machine. The flexible pipe clamping valve includes: a pipe fitting having a flexible pipe section; a valve body having an internal cavity and a limiting part on the outer wall that fits the flexible pipe section, the flexible pipe section passing through the limiting part and partially located within the cavity; and a valve core movably disposed within the cavity for pressing the flexible pipe section to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible pipe section. The valve core is connected to the output end of a drive component. Compared with the previous generation of clamping valves, this design simplifies the structure and saves space and cost while achieving rapid pipe cutting and release.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of washing machine valve technology, specifically to a flexible pipe clamping valve and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most smart washing machines use traction valves for drainage. However, traction valves are prone to malfunction and cannot be reset. Furthermore, the traction-type drain valves used in traditional washing machines are bulky and cannot meet the installation size requirements of small washing machines. The field requires drain valves that are small in size, resistant to negative pressure, can control flow, and prevent impurities from remaining in the drain valve. Based on this, the applicant previously applied for a flexible pipe clamping valve to solve the above problems. However, the clamping valve has a relatively complex structure, which puts pressure on the control of processing costs and may increase the difficulty of later maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0003] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a flexible pipe clamping valve and a washing machine. Compared with the existing flexible pipe clamping valves, it simplifies the structure and saves space and cost while realizing the rapid cutting off and releasing of the pipe.

[0004] This utility model provides a flexible pipe clamping valve to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, comprising:

[0005] The valve body has an internal cavity and a restrictive portion on its outer wall for a flexible pipe section that fits the fitting. The flexible pipe section passes through the restrictive portion and is partially located within the cavity.

[0006] The valve core is movably disposed within the cavity and has a guide portion between it and the cavity, used to compress the flexible pipe segment to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible pipe segment, and the valve core is connected to the output end of the drive component.

[0007] Furthermore, the valve body includes:

[0008] A housing with an opening at the bottom and an arch on the bottom sidewall, the housing being detachably mounted on a mounting surface, and a limiting portion being formed between the arch and the mounting surface;

[0009] A top cover is placed on top of the housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve core includes:

[0011] The upper pressure plate is connected to the output end of the drive component;

[0012] The lower pressure plate is connected to the upper pressure plate via an elastic connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the driving element includes:

[0014] A lead screw is rotatably disposed within the cavity, and the upper pressure plate is threadedly engaged with the lead screw. The outer peripheral wall of the upper pressure plate forms a limiting portion that adapts to the inner peripheral wall of the cavity.

[0015] A rotary drive mechanism, the output end of which is connected to one end of the lead screw.

[0016] Furthermore, the rotary drive mechanism includes:

[0017] The power unit is located on the support plate on the outside of the valve body;

[0018] The transmission device includes a first gear and a second gear that mesh with each other. The first gear is connected to the output end of the power device, and the second gear is rotatably supported on the lead screw pressure plate in the cavity and connected to one end of the lead screw.

[0019] Furthermore, the elastic connector includes:

[0020] The tubing has a threaded hole extending axially along its upper end, the lower end of which is fixed to the lower pressure plate, and the upper end of which movably passes through a mounting hole on the upper pressure plate.

[0021] A fixing bolt is threaded into the threaded hole and has a limiting flange that can abut against the upper surface of the upper pressure plate;

[0022] An elastic element is sleeved on the column and located between the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate.

[0023] Furthermore, the bottom of the lower pressure plate has an arc-shaped surface.

[0024] Furthermore, the surface of the lower pressure plate has an adhesive coating.

[0025] Furthermore, the valve body is provided with a position detection element.

[0026] Furthermore, the position detection element includes:

[0027] A light sensor is mounted on a circuit board, which is mounted on the valve body;

[0028] A blocking plate is provided on the upper pressure plate of the valve core and cooperates with the photosensor.

[0029] This utility model also provides a washing machine, including a washing machine shell and the aforementioned flexible pipe clamping valve, wherein the cover of the flexible pipe clamping valve is detachably disposed on the washing machine shell.

[0030] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0031] 1. By reducing the redundant expansion joints of the rubber nails, base, guide columns, and pipe fittings, the structure is simplified, the volume of the flexible pipe clamping valve is reduced, and the processing cost is lowered. In this utility model, the redundant expansion joints of the rubber nails and pipe fittings are reduced, and the limiting part on the valve body is used to restrict the pipe fitting to keep its position stable. At the same time, it is beneficial to maintain the overall structure when the pipe fitting deforms, and it is beneficial to the natural rebound of the flexible pipe, reducing the pulling of the pipe fitting on other connected components. The setting of the guide column in the cavity is reduced, and the guide part between the inner peripheral wall of the valve body cavity and the upper pressure plate restricts the movement of the upper pressure plate, which not only prevents the upper pressure plate from rotating, but also guides the movement of the upper pressure plate, ensuring that the valve core moves linearly along the axis of the screw and acts on the flexible pipe section of the pipe fitting. The setting of the base is reduced, and the cover is directly installed on the washing machine shell, further saving materials and space.

[0032] 2. The valve core is moved by the driving component to compress or release the flexible pipe section of the pipe fitting, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the flexible pipe section. The compression amount of the flexible pipe section by the clamping valve can be controlled by the position detection element to achieve flow regulation. It can achieve the functions of negative pressure resistance, flow regulation, low leakage rate and high airtightness. Moreover, the clamping valve acts on the outside of the pipe fitting, and the internal channel of the pipe fitting is unobstructed, so that there is no space for impurities to remain, avoiding the risk of impurities.

[0033] 3. By setting the valve core as an upper pressure plate and a lower pressure plate, and connecting the two through an elastic connector, the risk of hard contact damage between the valve core and the flexible pipe section can be effectively reduced, resulting in better fault tolerance and improved service life of the clamping valve for flexible pipes.

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention along the axial direction of the pipe fitting;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention along the radial direction of the pipe fitting;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve body of this utility model.

[0040] In the attached diagram: 100-pipe fitting, 110-flexible pipe section, 200-valve body, 210-cavity, 211-screw pressure plate, 220-limiting part, 230-cover, 231-arch, 240-top cover, 250-circuit board, 300-valve core, 310-upper pressure plate, 320-lower pressure plate, 321-pipe column, 330-elastic connector, 331-fixing bolt, 332-limiting flange, 333-elastic element, 400-driving element, 410-screw, 420-rotary drive mechanism, 421-power unit, 422-first gear, 423-second gear, 500-washing machine shell, 610-photosensor, 620-blocking plate. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This utility model provides an embodiment of a flexible pipe clamping valve.

[0043] A flexible pipe clamping valve includes a pipe fitting 100, a valve body 200, and a valve core 300. The pipe fitting 100 has a flexible pipe section 110. The flexible pipe section 110 of the pipe fitting 100 can be made of silicone tubing or other flexible tubing, as long as the flexible pipe section 110 can deform and change its passage cross-section when compressed. In this embodiment, the flexible pipe section 110 is made of silicone tubing.

[0044] The valve body 200 has an internal cavity 210 and a limiting portion 220 on its outer wall that fits the flexible tube segment 110. The flexible tube segment 110 passes through the limiting portion 220 and is partially located within the cavity 210. The limiting portion 220 is not restricted in its direction and can be located on opposite sides of the cavity 210 of the valve body 200 or on adjacent sides of the cavity 210 of the valve core 300, as long as it can limit both ends of the flexible tube segment 110. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 220 is located on opposite side walls of the cavity 210.

[0045] At this time, the cavity 210 is used to accommodate the valve core 300 and the flexible tube segment 110 passing through the valve body 200. The limiting part 220 is attached to the outer wall of the flexible tube segment 110, restraining both ends of the flexible tube segment 110. When the flexible tube segment 110 is flattened and deformed by the valve core 300 in the middle, the overall structure can be maintained. When the flexible tube segment 110 is compressed, it is flattened. During this process, the flexible tube segment 110 expands to both sides. Due to the limitation of the limiting part 220, the two sides of the flexible tube segment 110 cannot be fully unfolded, which restrains the lateral displacement of the flexible tube segment 110 and reduces the deformation of the two ends of the flexible tube segment 110 when compressed. When the external pressure is removed, the area of ​​the flexible tube segment 110 that needs to recover its deformation is reduced, and the energy required for reset is smaller. It can naturally rebound from the flat ellipse shape to a circle using its own elasticity. The constraint of the limiting part 220 also provides a physical support point and guide path for the reset of the flexible tube segment 110, accelerating its reset speed. When the two ends of the flexible pipe section 110 naturally rebound, they can pull the flattened part in the middle back to its original shape. Even if it cannot rebound completely, the collapsed part can naturally restore its shape when fluid passes through it. Furthermore, when the flexible pipe section 110 is compressed, it expands to both sides and interacts with the limiting part 220, thereby reducing the traction of the flexible pipe section 110 on other components and reducing the impact on other connected pipes.

[0046] The valve core 300 is movably disposed within the cavity 210 and has a guide portion between it and the cavity 210 for pressing the flexible tube segment 110 to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible tube segment 110. The valve core 300 is connected to the output end of the drive member 400.

[0047] The guide section guides and prevents the movement of the valve core 300. The movement of the valve core is restricted by the inner circumferential wall of the cavity within the valve body 200 and the outer circumferential wall of the valve core, eliminating the need for a separate guide post, simplifying internal components, saving space, and further reducing the volume of the flexible pipe clamping valve. The drive component 400 then drives the valve core 300 to press or release towards the flexible pipe section 110 to achieve the opening and closing of the flexible pipe section 110. The valve cores 300 can be configured as one, two, or more sets as needed. The movement direction of the valve cores 300 is staggered with the axis of the flexible pipe section 110 so that the valve cores 300 can compress the flexible pipe section 110, changing its cross-sectional area. In this embodiment, the valve cores 300 are configured as one set, and the movement direction of the valve cores 300 is perpendicular to the axis of the flexible pipe section 110.

[0048] Based on the above, in some embodiments, the valve body 200 includes a cover 230 and a top cover 240. The cover 230 is detachably mounted on the mounting surface, and the top cover 240 illuminates the top of the cover 230, sealing and protecting the interior of the valve body 200. This reduces the need for a base design, allowing the cover 230 to be directly connected to the mounting surface, saving materials and space, and further reducing the volume. The cover 230 can be connected to the mounting surface via bolts or other methods, as long as it allows the cover 230 to be attached to the mounting surface. The detachable design of the cover 230 from the mounting surface facilitates its installation and also allows the flexible pipe section 110 of the fitting 100 to be inserted into the valve body 200.

[0049] Furthermore, the cover 230 has an opening at the bottom and an arch 231 on its bottom sidewall, forming a limiting portion 220 between the arch 231 and the mounting surface. At this time, the arch 231 communicates with the cavity 210, and the arch 231 and the mounting surface together restrict the flexible pipe segment 110 of the fitting 100. Furthermore, the edge of the arch 231 has a chamfer to prevent stress concentration from occurring when the flexible pipe segment 110 is compressed, thus improving the service life of the fitting 100. The shape and position of the mounting surface are not limited, as long as the cover 230 can be installed, forming the limiting portion 220 between the mounting surface and the cover 230 to restrict the fitting 100. In this embodiment, the valve body 200 can be installed on the washing machine shell 500; preferably, the valve body 200 is installed on the bottom shell of the washing machine.

[0050] Based on the above, in some embodiments, the valve core 300 includes an upper pressure plate 310 and a lower pressure plate 320, wherein the upper pressure plate 310 is connected to the output end of the drive member 400, and the lower pressure plate 320 is connected to the upper pressure plate 310 through an elastic connector 330. Multiple sets of elastic connectors 330 can be provided, and the structure of the elastic connectors 330 is not limited. For example, springs, elastic pads, or other materials capable of deformation can be used to connect the upper pressure plate 310 and the lower pressure plate 320, as long as their buffering function can be achieved. In this embodiment, two sets of elastic connectors 330 are provided, and they are equiangularly distributed in the circumferential direction of the upper pressure plate 310.

[0051] When the driving component 400 drives the upper pressure plate 310 to move towards the flexible pipe section 110, the upper pressure plate 310 and the lower pressure plate 320 move synchronously. When the lower pressure plate 320 abuts against the flexible pipe section 110, the lower pressure plate 320, supported by the flexible pipe section 110, squeezes the elastic connector 330, causing the elastic connector 330 to deform. The upper pressure plate 310 continues to press down until it abuts against the lower pressure plate 320, which then drives the lower pressure plate 320 to continue pressing the flexible pipe section 110, changing its cross-sectional area. At this time, the elastic connector 330 can provide a buffer to prevent damage to the pipe fitting 100 caused by hard contact when the valve core 300 presses against the flexible pipe section 110.

[0052] The shape of the lower pressure plate 320 is not limited, as long as it can compress the flexible pipe 100. For example, ribs can be provided on one side of the lower pressure plate 320 that compresses the flexible pipe 100, and the number of ribs is not limited and can be set as needed; the bottom of the lower pressure plate 320 can also be set as an arc surface. Furthermore, the surface of the lower pressure plate 320 has an adhesive layer, which reduces the contact hardness between the lower pressure plate 320 and the flexible pipe section 110, and avoids damaging the flexible pipe section 110.

[0053] Based on the above, in some embodiments, the elastic connector 330 includes a column 321, a fixing bolt 331, and an elastic element 333.

[0054] The lower end of the tubular column 321 is fixed to the lower pressure plate 320, while the upper end movably passes through the mounting hole on the upper pressure plate 310. The tubular column 321 and the lower pressure plate 320 can be integrally formed or connected as a whole by welding, screws, or other methods. In this embodiment, the tubular column 321 and the lower pressure plate 320 are integrally formed to improve the strength of the lower pressure plate 320. The upper end of the tubular column 321 has a threaded hole extending axially along the tubular column 321. A fixing bolt 331 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole and has a limiting flange 332 that can abut against the upper surface of the upper pressure plate 310. At this time, the tubular column 321 movably passes through the mounting hole on the upper pressure plate 310 and connects with the fixing bolt 331, connecting the upper pressure plate 310 and the lower pressure plate 320 as a whole. The upper pressure plate 310 can move relative to the lower pressure plate 320 with uniform force. The limiting flange 332 prevents the tubular column 321 from detaching from the upper pressure plate 310. The elastic element 333 is sleeved on the tube column 321 and located between the upper pressure plate 310 and the lower pressure plate 320. The elastic element 333 can be a spring, and the tube column 321 can also guide and limit the spring to prevent the spring from shifting position. By adjusting the screwing amount of the fixing bolt 331, the distance between the lower surface of the upper pressure plate 310 and the upper surface of the lower pressure plate 320 can be adjusted, thereby achieving adjustment and control of the spring preload.

[0055] Based on the above, in some embodiments, the driving component 400 includes a lead screw 410 and a rotary driving mechanism 420. The output end of the rotary driving mechanism 420 is connected to one end of the lead screw 410, and the lead screw 410 is driven to rotate through the rotary driving mechanism 420. The lead screw 410 is rotatably disposed within the cavity 210. The upper pressure plate 310 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 410. A lead screw and nut pair is used between the upper pressure plate 310 and the lead screw 410 to convert the rotational motion of the lead screw 410 into the linear motion of the upper pressure plate 310, so that the upper pressure plate 310 presses against or releases the flexible pipe section 110.

[0056] The outer peripheral wall of the upper pressure plate 310 forms a guide portion that adapts to the inner peripheral wall of the cavity 210. The outer peripheral wall of the upper pressure plate and the inner peripheral wall of the cavity can be configured in matching non-circular shapes, such as square or rhomboid, as long as they can restrict the movement direction of the valve core 300 within the cavity 210, directing it towards the flexible pipe section 110, ensuring that the valve core 300 moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw 410 and acts on the flexible pipe section 110 of the pipe fitting 100. Furthermore, an outwardly protruding rib is formed on the peripheral wall of the upper pressure plate 310. The rib is cylindrical, and a guide groove adapted to the rib is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the cavity 210. The guide groove is an arc-shaped groove that mates with the cylindrical shape. The rib slides within the guide groove, guiding and preventing rotation of the upper pressure plate 310. Preferably, the upper pressure plate 310 has a square cross-section, with protruding ribs at the four corners of the upper pressure plate 310. This not only allows for chamfering of the edges of the upper pressure plate 310 to reduce wear, but also saves space.

[0057] Furthermore, the rotary drive mechanism 420 includes a power unit 421 and a transmission device. The power unit 421 is mounted on a support plate on the outside of the valve body 200. The power unit 421 can be a stepper motor, servo motor, or any other type capable of driving the lead screw 410 to rotate. The transmission device includes a first gear 422 and a second gear 423 that mesh with each other. The first gear 422 is connected to the output end of the power unit 421, and the second gear 423 is rotatably supported on the lead screw pressure plate 211 within the cavity 210 and connected to one end of the lead screw 410. In this configuration, the power unit 421 drives the first gear 422 to rotate, and the first gear 422 drives the second gear 423 to rotate, thereby driving the lead screw 410 to rotate. The sizes of the first gear 422 and the second gear 423 can be designed according to the required transmission ratio to achieve the effect of a speed reducer.

[0058] Based on the above, in some embodiments, the valve body 200 is provided with a position detection element, which is used to detect the position of the upper pressure plate 310. The position detection element may be an infrared detector, an optocoupler detector, a toggle switch, etc.

[0059] In this embodiment, the position detection element includes a photosensor 610 and a blocking plate 620. The photosensor 610 is mounted on a circuit board 250, which is located on the valve body 200. The blocking plate 620 is mounted on the upper pressure plate 310 of the valve core 300 and cooperates with the photosensor 610. A notch is provided on the cover 230 to allow the blocking plate 620 to pass through and cooperate with the photosensor 610. Furthermore, the circuit board 250 is located near the motor, and the blocking plate 620 blocks the photosensor 610, thereby determining the position. In other embodiments, a magnetic sheet and a Hall effect sensor can be used to achieve a similar effect.

[0060] This utility model also provides an embodiment of a washing machine.

[0061] A washing machine includes a washing machine housing 500 and the aforementioned flexible pipe clamping valve, wherein the housing 230 of the flexible pipe clamping valve is detachably disposed on the washing machine housing 500.

[0062] At this point, the flow rate within pipe fitting 100 is controlled by a flexible pipe clamping valve, thereby controlling the water level in the washing machine's water tank. The flexible pipe clamping valve can be installed on the washing machine's fluid piping to control water inlet or outlet.

[0063] In this embodiment, one end of the pipe 100 is connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine, and the other end is connected to the drain end. The cover 230 of the flexible pipe clamping valve is connected to the bottom shell of the washing machine.

[0064] When the washing machine does not need to drain or vent, the rotary drive mechanism 420 drives the lead screw 410 to rotate. The lead screw 410 is threadedly engaged with the upper pressure plate 310, causing the upper pressure plate 310 to press against the flexible pipe section 110 of the pipe fitting 100. This causes the lower pressure plate 320 to compress the flexible pipe section 110, causing it to deform and change its cross-sectional area, thereby cutting off the fluid. When pipe connection is required, the rotary drive mechanism 420 drives the lead screw 410 to rotate in the opposite direction. The upper pressure plate 310 moves away from the flexible pipe section 110, thereby causing the lower pressure plate 320 to lose pressure on the flexible pipe section 110, opening the passage of the pipe fitting 100. At the same time, the position detection element ensures that the valve core 300 moves into position to achieve pipe closure or connection.

[0065] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0066] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A clamp valve for flexible pipe characterised in that, include: The valve body (200) has an internal cavity (210) and a limiting part (220) on its side wall for a flexible pipe section (110) that fits the fitting (100), the flexible pipe section (110) passing through the limiting part (220) and partially located within the cavity (210); The valve core (300) is movably disposed within the cavity (210) and has a guide portion between it and the cavity (210). The valve core (300) is used to press the flexible tube segment (110) to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible tube segment (110). The valve core (300) is connected to the output end of the drive member (400).

2. The pinch valve for flexible pipe according to claim 1, wherein, The valve body (200) includes: The cover (230) has an opening at the bottom and an arch (231) on the bottom side wall. The cover (230) is detachably mounted on the mounting surface, and a limiting part (220) is formed between the arch (231) and the mounting surface. A top cover (240) is placed on top of the housing (230).

3. The pinch valve for flexible pipe according to claim 1, wherein, The valve core (300) includes: The upper pressure plate (310) is connected to the output end of the drive unit (400); The lower pressure plate (320) is connected to the upper pressure plate (310) via an elastic connector (330).

4. A pinch valve for flexible pipe according to claim 3, wherein, The drive unit (400) includes: The lead screw (410) is rotatably disposed in the cavity (210), the upper pressure plate (310) is threadedly engaged with the lead screw (410), and the outer peripheral wall of the upper pressure plate (310) forms a guide portion that adapts to the inner peripheral wall of the cavity (210); A rotary drive mechanism (420) has its output end connected to one end of the lead screw (410).

5. A pinch valve for flexible pipe according to claim 4, wherein, The rotary drive mechanism (420) includes: The power unit (421) is located on the support plate on the outside of the valve body (200); The transmission device includes a first gear (422) and a second gear (423) that mesh with each other. The first gear (422) is connected to the output end of the power device (421), and the second gear (423) is rotatably supported on the lead screw plate (211) in the cavity (210) and connected to one end of the lead screw (410).

6. The pinch valve for flexible pipe according to claim 3, wherein, The elastic connector (330) includes: The tube column (321) has a threaded hole at its upper end that extends axially along the tube column (321), the lower end of the tube column (321) is fixed to the lower pressure plate (320), and the upper end moves through the mounting hole on the upper pressure plate (310); The fixing bolt (331) is threaded to the threaded hole and has a limiting flange (332) that can abut against the upper surface of the upper pressure plate (310). The elastic element (333) is sleeved on the column (321) and located between the upper pressure plate (310) and the lower pressure plate (320).

7. The pinch valve for flexible pipe according to claim 3, wherein, The bottom of the lower pressure plate (320) is an arc-shaped surface.

8. A pinch valve for flexible pipe according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The valve body (200) is provided with a position detection element.

9. A pinch valve for flexible pipe according to claim 8, characterised in that, The position detection element includes: A light sensor (610) is disposed on a circuit board (250), which is disposed on the valve body (200); A blocking plate (620) is provided on the upper pressure plate (310) of the valve core (300) and cooperates with the photosensitive sensor (610).

10. A washing machine, characterized in that, It includes a washing machine housing (500) and a flexible pipe clamping valve having any one of the above claims 1-9, wherein the housing (230) of the flexible pipe clamping valve is detachably disposed on the washing machine housing (500).

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