A water diversion valve and a cleaning machine using the same

Abstract

This utility model relates to a water distribution valve and a cleaning machine using the water distribution valve. The water distribution valve includes a valve body with a water inlet chamber. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet connected to the water inlet chamber. The inlet is located on the side wall of the valve body and is used to connect with the drain outlet of the cleaning machine. A cylinder is rotatably inserted into the water inlet chamber. The cylinder has a through hole that corresponds to or is offset from the inlet and a water outlet that corresponds to or is offset from the outlet. A drive mechanism includes a motor and a drive shaft connected to the motor. The drive shaft partially extends into the water inlet chamber and is connected to the cylinder. A fixing member is fixedly disposed in the water inlet chamber and inserted into the cylinder. The edge of the upper surface of the fixing member is flush with the bottom wall of the inlet. After the operation is completed, the water in the valve body will flow back into the water cup from the inlet, thus reducing the presence of residual water in the valve body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of cleaning machines that can clean tableware and / or fruits and vegetables, and specifically to a water distribution valve and a cleaning machine that uses the water distribution valve. Background Technology

[0002] For countertop and cabinet dishwashers, due to their large washing space, they are generally designed with three spray arms: top, middle, and bottom, to achieve better washing results. During operation, the wash pump delivers water through pipes to the top, middle, and bottom spray arms. The water sprays out from these arms, rinsing the dishes before falling back into the water cup at the bottom of the dishwasher. The wash pump then delivers the fallen water back to the top, middle, and bottom spray arms, completing one cycle. Because there are many pipes leading to each spray arm, if all pipes are open, a large amount of water is required to maintain the system's circulation.

[0003] To save water, current dishwashers are generally designed with a water distribution valve. This valve controls the connection or disconnection of pipes leading to each spray arm, thereby controlling the spraying state of each spray arm as needed and conserving water. For example, the Chinese utility model patent application CN202222347049.7 (publication number CN218543266U) discloses a water distribution valve structure, which includes a water cup and a water distribution valve housing. The water cup has a housing mounting groove, and the water distribution valve housing is mounted on the housing mounting groove. The side wall of the water distribution valve housing has a water inlet and several side water outlets. The bottom surface of the housing mounting groove has several water passage holes. A connecting shaft is installed inside the water distribution valve housing, and a lever is mounted on the connecting shaft. The lever has an upper water outlet that matches the water passage holes. The lever is placed on the bottom surface of the housing mounting groove and is movably connected to it. The lever also has a stop arm that matches the side water outlets. The stop arm is placed on the side wall of the water distribution valve housing where the side water outlets are located and is movably connected to it.

[0004] In this patent, if the paddle and the housing mounting groove cannot fit tightly, it will cause water leakage between them, resulting in inaccurate water flow distribution. For example, the water inlet and the top outlet, the side outlet and the notch cannot be reliably connected.

[0005] In addition, water may remain in the water distribution valve after the work is finished, and bacteria may grow if the residual water is left for a long time. Utility Model Content

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a water distribution valve that prevents water from accumulating, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a cleaning machine that uses the above-mentioned water distribution valve, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a water distribution valve, comprising...

[0009] The valve body has a water inlet chamber, and the valve body is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet that are connected to the water inlet chamber. The water inlet is located on the side wall of the valve body and is used to connect with the drain outlet of the cleaning machine.

[0010] A cylindrical body is rotatably inserted into the water inlet chamber. The cylindrical body is provided with a through hole that corresponds to or is offset from the water inlet and a water outlet that corresponds to or is offset from the water outlet.

[0011] The drive mechanism includes a motor and a drive shaft connected to the motor drive, wherein the drive shaft extends partially into the water inlet cavity and is connected to the cylinder.

[0012] Its characteristic is that it also includes

[0013] A fixing component is fixedly installed in the water inlet cavity and partially inserted into the cylinder. The edge of the upper surface of the fixing component is flush with the bottom wall of the water inlet.

[0014] Preferably, the upper surface of the fixing member is a conical surface that gradually expands in diameter from top to bottom. The conical surface can play a guiding role, directing water to the edge of the upper surface of the fixing member and finally discharging it from the inlet, so as to further reduce the residual water in the water distribution valve.

[0015] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the fixing component and the valve body to prevent water from leaking into the space between the fixing component and the valve body and accumulating in the valve body.

[0016] In the above scheme, the water outlet includes a first water outlet and a second water outlet, the first water outlet is located on the side wall of the valve body, and the second water outlet is located on the top wall of the valve body;

[0017] The bottom of the cylinder is open and can rotate around its axis. The water inlet includes a first water inlet and a second water inlet. The first water inlet is located on the peripheral wall of the cylinder and can correspond to or be offset from the first water outlet. The second water inlet is located on the top wall of the cylinder and can correspond to or be offset from the second water outlet. The cylinder allows water to flow out from the top and / or from the side.

[0018] To improve the working stability of the cylinder, the cylinder can move up and down relative to the water inlet chamber. The water distribution valve also includes an elastic element acting on the cylinder, which keeps the cylinder moving upward under the action of the elastic element. In this way, the top walls of the cylinder and the valve body are pressed tightly together to prevent water from leaking out between the cylinder and the valve body. Furthermore, the elastic element ensures elastic contact between the cylinder and the valve body, preventing them from jamming.

[0019] In order to drive the cylinder and valve body to be connected, the top of the cylinder extends downward to form a connecting post. The connecting post is inserted into the drive shaft and the two are fixed relative to each other in the circumferential direction. The connecting post can move relative to the drive shaft in the vertical direction. The elastic element acts on the connecting post, so that the connecting post maintains the upward movement trend.

[0020] In the above solution, the top of the fixing member is provided with a receiving groove, the drive shaft passes vertically through the fixing member, and the elastic member is a spring, with its lower end abutting against the receiving groove and its upper end abutting against the connecting column.

[0021] Because dishwasher installation space is limited, if the water distribution valve is too high, the height of the dishwasher's washing chamber needs to be reduced, thus limiting the number of dishes that can be placed in the washing chamber. Conversely, if the washing chamber space is not reduced, the overall height of the dishwasher will be too high, making it inconvenient to install drain pipes, etc. To reduce the height of the water distribution valve, the motor is directly connected to the drive shaft. For this motor, with the drive shaft extending vertically, the motor's height is L1; with the drive shaft extending horizontally, the motor's height is L2, where L1 < L2. This is equivalent to the motor lying horizontally, resulting in a lower height.

[0022] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a cleaning machine, characterized in that: it includes a box and a water cup located at the bottom of the box, the bottom wall of the water cup has a recessed cavity, the drain outlet is opened on the cavity, and the water distribution valve is provided on the outer bottom wall of the water cup.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: By setting a fixing component, and the edge of the upper surface of the fixing component is flush with the bottom wall of the water inlet, the water in the valve body will flow back into the water cup from the water inlet after the operation is finished, thus reducing the presence of residual water in the valve body and preventing the growth of bacteria; in addition, the fixing component occupies the space in the water inlet cavity, which also plays a role in reducing residual water to a certain extent. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water distribution valve and water cup according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view from another direction;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, and the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "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 adhesive connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model patent based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the cleaning machine of this preferred embodiment includes a housing, a water cup 1, and a water distribution valve. The water cup 1 is located at the bottom of the housing, and the bottom wall of the water cup 1 has a recessed cavity 11. A drain outlet 12 is opened on the cavity 11, and the water distribution valve is located on the outer bottom wall of the water cup 1. This is prior art.

[0033] The water distribution valve includes a valve body 2, a cylinder 3, a drive mechanism, and a fixing component 4. The valve body 2 and the water cup 1 are integrally formed.

[0034] The valve body 2 has a water inlet chamber 21, and the valve body 2 is provided with a water inlet 22 and a water outlet that communicate with the water inlet chamber 21. The water inlet 22 is located on the side wall of the valve body 2 and is used to connect with the drain outlet 12 of the cleaning machine. The cylinder 3 is rotatably inserted into the water inlet chamber 21. The cylinder 3 is provided with a through hole 31 that corresponds to or is offset from the water inlet 22 and a water outlet that corresponds to or is offset from the water outlet. There are multiple water outlets, and each water outlet is connected to a spray arm.

[0035] In this embodiment, the water outlet includes a first water outlet 23 and a second water outlet 24. The first water outlet 23 is located on the side wall of the valve body 2, and the second water outlet 24 is located on the top wall of the valve body 2. The first water outlet 23 is connected to the connection port 20 on the valve body 2 that is connected to the spray arm.

[0036] The bottom of the cylinder 3 is open and can rotate around its axis. The water inlet includes a first water inlet 32 ​​and a second water inlet 33. The first water inlet 32 ​​is located on the peripheral wall of the cylinder 3 and can correspond to or be offset from the first water outlet 23. The second water inlet 33 is located on the top wall of the cylinder 3 and can correspond to or be offset from the second water outlet 24. The cylinder 3 allows water to flow out from the top and / or from the side. In this embodiment, there are two second water inlets 33, and correspondingly, there are also two second water outlets 24.

[0037] The fixing part 4 is fixed in the water inlet chamber 21 and partially inserted into the cylinder 3. The edge of the upper surface of the fixing part 4 is flush with the bottom wall of the water inlet 22. In this way, when the work is finished, the water in the valve body 2 will flow back from the water inlet 22 to the water cup 1, which reduces the presence of residual water in the valve body 2 and prevents the growth of bacteria.

[0038] The upper surface of the fixing member 4 is a tapered surface 41 that gradually expands in diameter from top to bottom. The tapered surface 41 can play a guiding role, guiding water to the edge of the upper surface of the fixing member 4 and finally discharging it from the inlet 22, so as to further reduce the residual water in the water distribution valve.

[0039] In addition, a sealing ring 42 is provided between the fixing member 4 and the valve body 2 to prevent water from leaking into the space between the fixing member 4 and the valve body 2 and accumulating in the valve body 2.

[0040] The drive mechanism includes a motor 51 and a drive shaft 52 connected to the motor 51. The drive shaft 52 partially passes through the fixing member 4 and extends into the water inlet chamber 21. The top of the cylinder 3 extends downward to form a connecting post 34. The connecting post 34 is inserted into the drive shaft 52 and the two are fixed relative to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0041] The cylinder 3 can move up and down relative to the inlet chamber 21. The water distribution valve also includes an elastic element 5 acting on the cylinder 3. Under the action of the elastic element 5, the cylinder 3 maintains an upward tendency. In this way, the top wall of the cylinder 3 and the valve body 2 are pressed together to prevent water from leaking out between the cylinder 3 and the valve body 2. Furthermore, the elastic element 5 ensures that the cylinder 3 and the valve body 2 are in elastic contact and will not get stuck.

[0042] In this embodiment, the connecting post 34 can move vertically relative to the drive shaft 52, and the elastic element 5 acts on the connecting post 34, so that the connecting post 34 maintains an upward moving trend.

[0043] The top of the fixing member 4 is provided with a receiving groove 43, the drive shaft 52 passes vertically through the fixing member 4, the elastic member 5 is a spring, the lower end abuts against the receiving groove 43, and the upper end abuts against the connecting column 34.

[0044] Because dishwasher installation space is limited, if the water distribution valve is too high, the height of the dishwasher's washing chamber needs to be reduced, thus limiting the number of dishes that can be placed in the washing chamber. Conversely, if the washing chamber space is not reduced, the overall height of the dishwasher will be too high, making it inconvenient to install drain pipes, etc. To reduce the height of the water distribution valve, the motor 51 is directly connected to the drive shaft 52. For the motor 51, when the drive shaft 52 extends vertically, the height of the motor 51 is L1; when the drive shaft 52 extends horizontally, the height of the motor 51 is L2, where L1 < L2. This is equivalent to the motor 51 lying horizontally, resulting in a lower height.

[0045] Alternatively, a first micro switch and a second micro switch can be provided, and a first triggering part and a second triggering part can be provided on the drive shaft 52. When the first triggering part triggers the first micro switch, it indicates that the first water inlet 32 ​​and the first water outlet 23 are connected. When the second triggering part triggers the second micro switch, it indicates that the second water inlet 33 and the second water outlet 24 are connected.

[0046] The projections of the first and second microswitches in the horizontal direction fall on the motor 51, so that the first and second microswitches do not increase the height of the water distribution valve.

[0047] The water distribution valve in this embodiment can have the following operating states:

[0048] 1. The through hole 31 and the inlet 22 are connected to each other, the first outlet 23 and the first through outlet 32 ​​are staggered, and the second outlet 24 and the second through outlet 33 are connected to each other.

[0049] 2. The through hole 31 and the inlet 22 are connected, the first outlet 23 and the first through outlet 32 ​​are connected, and the second outlet 24 and the second through outlet 33 are connected.

[0050] 3. The through hole 31 and the inlet 22 are connected to each other, the first outlet 23 and the first through outlet 32 ​​are connected to each other, and the second outlet 24 and the second through outlet 33 are staggered.

[0051] 4. The through hole 31 and the inlet 22 are connected, the first outlet 23 and the first through outlet 32 ​​are connected, one of the second outlets 24 and the corresponding second through outlet 33 are staggered, and the other second outlet 24 and the corresponding second through outlet 33 are connected.

Claims

1. A water distribution valve, comprising: Valve body (2), the valve body (2) has a water inlet chamber (21), the valve body (2) is provided with a water inlet (22) and a water outlet connected to the water inlet chamber (21), the water inlet (22) is located on the side wall of the valve body (2) and is used to connect with the drain outlet (12) of the cleaning machine. The cylinder (3) is rotatably inserted into the water inlet cavity (21). The cylinder (3) is provided with a through hole (31) that corresponds to or is offset from the water inlet (22) and a water outlet that corresponds to or is offset from the water outlet. The drive mechanism includes a motor (51) and a drive shaft (52) connected to the motor (51), wherein the drive shaft (52) extends partially into the water inlet chamber (21) and is connected to the cylinder (3); Its features are, Also includes The fixing member (4) is fixed in the water inlet cavity (21) and partially inserted into the cylinder (3). The edge of the upper surface of the fixing member (4) is flush with the bottom wall of the water inlet (22).

2. The water distribution valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the fastener (4) is a tapered surface (41) that gradually expands in diameter from top to bottom.

3. The water distribution valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring (42) is provided between the fixing member (4) and the valve body (2).

4. The water distribution valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water outlet includes a first water outlet (23) and a second water outlet (24). The first water outlet (23) is located on the side wall of the valve body (2), and the second water outlet (24) is located on the top wall of the valve body (2). The bottom of the cylinder (3) is open and can rotate around its axis. The water inlet includes a first water inlet (32) and a second water inlet (33). The first water inlet (32) is located on the peripheral wall of the cylinder (3) and can correspond to or be offset from the first water outlet (23). The second water inlet (33) is located on the top wall of the cylinder (3) and can correspond to or be offset from the second water outlet (24).

5. The water distribution valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cylinder (3) can move up and down relative to the water inlet chamber (21). The water distribution valve also includes an elastic element (5) acting on the cylinder (3). Under the action of the elastic element (5), the cylinder (3) maintains an upward trend.

6. The water distribution valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top of the cylinder (3) extends downward to form a connecting post (34). The connecting post (34) is inserted into the drive shaft (52) and the two are fixed relative to each other in the circumferential direction. The connecting post (34) can move relative to the drive shaft (52) in the vertical direction. The elastic element (5) acts on the connecting post (34) so ​​that the connecting post (34) maintains the tendency to move upward.

7. The water distribution valve according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top of the fixing member (4) is provided with a receiving groove (43), the drive shaft (52) passes vertically through the fixing member (4), the elastic member (5) is a spring, the lower end abuts against the receiving groove (43), and the upper end abuts against the connecting column (34).

8. The water distribution valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The motor (51) is directly connected to the drive shaft (52). When the drive shaft (52) extends vertically, the height of the motor (51) is L1. When the drive shaft (52) extends horizontally, the height of the motor (51) is L2, where L1 < L2.

9. A cleaning machine, characterized in that: The device includes a housing and a water cup (1) located at the bottom of the housing. The bottom wall of the water cup (1) has a recessed bottom cavity (11), and the drain outlet (12) is opened on the bottom cavity (11). The water distribution valve described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided on the outer bottom wall of the water cup (1).

10. The cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The valve body (2) and the water cup (1) are integrally formed.

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