A bidirectional valve suitable for use in a waterpik
The funnel-shaped valve design, which combines magnetic beads and magnetic components, solves the problems of complex structure and easy leakage of existing two-way valves in oral irrigators, improves sealing reliability and service life, simplifies the production process and reduces costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN RJC IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing oral irrigators have complex two-way valve structures, which are prone to leakage due to poor sealing. They also have many parts, making the manufacturing process difficult and affecting the stability of the water pressure. Furthermore, the seals are prone to fatigue and aging, shortening their service life.
The funnel-shaped valve design, which uses magnetic beads and magnetic components, enables automatic switching control of bidirectional water flow, reduces the number of parts, simplifies the structure, enhances sealing, and facilitates disassembly and maintenance through threaded connection.
It significantly reduces the risk of leakage, improves sealing reliability, extends service life, reduces production costs, simplifies processes, and improves the stability of water pressure.
Smart Images
Figure CN224497523U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dental cleaning instruments, specifically a two-way valve suitable for oral irrigators. Background Technology
[0002] Most existing oral irrigators use a split-type valve design, with the inlet and outlet channels located on different sides of the valve body. Two independent check valves are needed to control the water inlet and outlet processes separately. This structure not only increases the number of valve openings and sealing points, making it prone to leakage due to poor sealing, but also increases the number of parts, complicates the overall structure, and requires separate calibration of the two check valves during assembly, making the process more difficult. Furthermore, the independent operation of the two check valves increases the resistance to water flow during switching, affecting the stability of the oral irrigator's outlet pressure. Over long-term use, the seals of the check valves are prone to fatigue and aging due to frequent opening and closing, further increasing the risk of leakage, shortening the overall lifespan of the oral irrigator, and increasing the user's maintenance costs.
[0003] Therefore, designing an integrated two-way valve that achieves bidirectional coordinated control through magnetic beads to reduce the number of parts, simplify the structure, improve sealing reliability, reduce the risk of leakage, and extend the product's service life has become an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of complex overall structure and water leakage risk at the inlet of existing oral irrigators, and to provide a two-way valve suitable for oral irrigators.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a two-way valve suitable for oral irrigators, comprising:
[0006] A plunger cylinder is provided with a tube platform. The top surface of the tube platform is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe that communicate with the plunger cylinder. The inlet pipe is provided with a first mesh cover, a first magnetic bead and a first magnetic element in sequence from bottom to top. The first magnetic bead and the first magnetic element are magnetically connected. The first mesh cover is supported below the first magnetic bead.
[0007] The water outlet pipe is provided with a second magnetic element, a second magnetic bead and a second mesh cover arranged from bottom to top. The second magnetic bead and the second magnetic element are magnetically connected, and the second mesh cover is upside down on top of the second magnetic bead.
[0008] The piston is located inside the plunger cylinder.
[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the inlet pipe near the plunger cylinder extends circumferentially toward the center line of the pipe to form a funnel-shaped inlet valve that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.
[0010] Furthermore, the first magnetic element is disposed on the inner wall of the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve.
[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the first magnetic bead is larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve.
[0012] Furthermore, the inner wall of the outlet pipe near the plunger cylinder extends circumferentially toward the center line of the pipe to form a funnel-shaped outlet valve that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.
[0013] Furthermore, a second magnetic element is disposed on the inner wall of the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve.
[0014] Furthermore, the diameter of the second magnetic bead is larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve.
[0015] Furthermore, the inner wall of the plunger cylinder is provided with internal threads, and the outer wall of the tube platform is provided with external threads that mesh with the internal threads. The external threads of the tube platform are threadedly connected to the internal threads of the plunger cylinder.
[0016] Furthermore, the inner wall of the water inlet pipe is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the cover ring of the first mesh cover is provided with an external thread that meshes with the internal thread. The external thread of the first mesh cover is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the water inlet pipe.
[0017] Furthermore, the inner wall of the water outlet pipe is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the cover ring of the second mesh cover is provided with an external thread that meshes with the internal thread. The external thread of the second mesh cover is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the water outlet pipe.
[0018] The technical advantages of this solution are as follows: By combining the magnetic attraction between magnetic beads and magnetic elements within the inlet and outlet pipes with the funnel-shaped valve design, automatic switching control of bidirectional water flow is achieved. This replaces the complex structure of traditional bidirectional valves where the inlet pipe is located on the side, significantly reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall structure of the water flosser valve body. The tight fit between the magnetic beads and magnetic elements forms a reliable seal when there is no water flow. Combined with the guiding effect of the funnel-shaped valve, this effectively improves sealing stability and solves the problem of leakage easily occurring in the side inlet pipe of traditional bidirectional valves. The first and second mesh covers restrict the movement range of the magnetic beads, preventing them from falling off and blocking impurities in the water from entering the channel, reducing the risk of blockage. The threaded connection design between the plunger cylinder and the pipe platform, and between the mesh cover and the pipe, not only ensures the sealing of the connection but also facilitates disassembly and maintenance, allowing for timely cleaning of internal impurities and extending the equipment's maintenance cycle. Through the synergistic effect of all components, the overall structure significantly improves the sealing reliability and service life of the bidirectional valve while simplifying the process and reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and form part of this application, do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the two-way valve provided by this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the pipe platform for the bidirectional valve provided by this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 A first structural diagram of the bidirectional valve provided by this utility model;
[0023] Figure 4 The second structural diagram of the bidirectional valve provided by this utility model.
[0024] Figure label:
[0025] 1-Plunger cylinder; 2-Pipe platform; 3-Inlet pipe; 4-Outlet pipe; 5-First magnetic element; 6-First magnetic bead; 7-First mesh cover; 8-Second mesh cover; 9-Second magnetic bead; 10-Second magnetic element; 11-Piston; 12-Funnel-shaped inlet valve; 13-Funnel-shaped outlet valve. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", 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 utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 utility model.
[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0031] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of this utility model.
[0032] In the following description, suffixes such as "module," "part," "component," or "unit" are used only for the purpose of describing this utility model and have no specific meaning in themselves. Therefore, they can be used in combination.
[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0034] According to one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to the following: Figures 1-4 A two-way valve for a dental flosser, comprising:
[0035] A plunger cylinder 1 is provided with a tube platform 2. The top surface of the tube platform 2 is provided with an inlet pipe 3 and an outlet pipe 4 that communicate with the plunger cylinder 1. The inlet pipe 3 is provided with a first mesh cover 7, a first magnetic bead 6 and a first magnetic element 5 arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The first magnetic bead 6 and the first magnetic element 5 are magnetically connected. The first mesh cover 7 is supported below the first magnetic bead 6.
[0036] The water outlet pipe 4 is provided with a second magnetic element 10, a second magnetic bead 9 and a second mesh cover 8 arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The second magnetic bead 9 and the second magnetic element 10 are magnetically connected, and the second mesh cover 8 is upside down on top of the second magnetic bead 9.
[0037] Piston 11, which is disposed inside plunger cylinder 1.
[0038] In this embodiment, both the plunger cylinder 1 and the pipe platform 2 are injection molded from food-grade ABS material, and the inner walls are polished to a high gloss finish to reduce water flow resistance. A food-grade silicone sealing ring is fitted around the edge of the piston 11, forming a tight sliding fit with the inner wall of the plunger cylinder 1 to improve sealing performance. The first magnetic element 5 and the second magnetic element 10 are both neodymium iron boron strong magnets, embedded in pre-set grooves on the corresponding pipe inner walls, ensuring stable and long-lasting magnetic force. The first magnetic bead 6 and the second magnetic bead 9 are made of 304 stainless steel, with mirror-polished surfaces to reduce water flow impact and wear. The first mesh cover 7 and the second mesh cover 8 are also made of 304 stainless steel, with a mesh diameter of 0.5-1mm, which both restricts the movement range of the magnetic beads and filters impurities in the water.
[0039] During operation, piston 11 is driven by a motor to reciprocate within plunger cylinder 1. When piston 11 is pulled outward, a negative pressure is created within plunger cylinder 1, and the pressure on the inlet pipe 3 side is lower than that on the outside. The first magnetic bead 6 overcomes the magnetic attraction of the first magnetic element 5 and moves downward under the negative pressure, disengaging from the funnel-shaped inlet valve 12. External water enters plunger cylinder 1 through inlet pipe 3. Simultaneously, the second magnetic bead 9 on the outlet pipe 4 side, under the attraction of the second magnetic element 10, tightly adheres to the funnel-shaped outlet valve 13, sealing the outlet pipe 4 and preventing air from entering and affecting water absorption efficiency. When piston 11 is squeezed inward, the water pressure within plunger cylinder 1 increases. The water flow on the outlet pipe 4 side impacts the second magnetic bead 9, causing it to overcome the magnetic attraction and move upward, disengaging from the valve. Water is discharged through outlet pipe 4. At this time, the first magnetic bead 6 on the inlet pipe 3 side, under the combined action of water pressure and the magnetic attraction of the first magnetic element 5, tightly adheres to the funnel-shaped inlet valve 12, preventing water from flowing back out and achieving stable bidirectional water flow control.
[0040] Compared to traditional split-type two-way valves, this structure replaces the independent operation of two one-way valves with the rolling opening and closing of magnetic beads. The combination of 304 stainless steel and neodymium iron boron magnets avoids the fatigue aging and leakage problems of traditional seals, significantly improving the durability and sealing reliability of the two-way valve.
[0041] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the inlet pipe 3 near the plunger cylinder 1 extends circumferentially toward the center line of the pipe to form a funnel-shaped inlet valve 12 that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.
[0042] In this embodiment, the funnel-shaped inlet valve 12 has a taper of 30°-45° and is integrally injection molded with the inlet pipe 3, using food-grade ABS material. This taper ensures smooth water flow, reduces water resistance, and provides a guide for the first magnetic bead 6: when the first magnetic bead 6 moves upward under magnetic attraction, the inner wall of the funnel guides it to precisely fit the narrow end port, forming an annular sealing surface and enhancing the sealing effect. Simultaneously, the funnel-shaped structure disperses the impact force of the water flow on the magnetic bead, reducing localized wear and extending the service life of the magnetic bead.
[0043] In one possible implementation, the first magnetic element 5 is disposed on the inner wall of the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve 12.
[0044] In this embodiment, an annular groove is pre-set on the inner wall of the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve 12. The first magnetic element 5 (neodymium iron boron strong magnet) is embedded in the groove, with its outer surface flush with the inner wall of the pipe to avoid protrusion and water flow resistance. The magnet is 1-2mm thick, and the magnetic strength has been tested to ensure that the first magnetic bead 6 fits tightly against the port when there is no water flow impact, and can easily detach under water pressure (the pressure threshold matches the working water pressure of the water flosser). This installation method makes the magnetic element less likely to fall off, and the magnetic force is stable and durable, suitable for long-term high-frequency use scenarios of water flossers.
[0045] In one possible implementation, the diameter of the first magnetic bead 6 is larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve 12.
[0046] In this embodiment, the diameter of the first magnetic bead 6 is 1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve 12. This dimensional difference design ensures that the magnetic bead completely covers the port, forming a gapless seal: when the magnetic bead fits the port, its spherical surface is in close contact with the annular edge of the narrow end of the funnel, avoiding leakage caused by minor deformation or burrs at the port, ensuring structural stability, and ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of the bidirectional valve.
[0047] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the outlet pipe 4 near the plunger cylinder 1 extends circumferentially toward the center line of the pipe to form a funnel-shaped outlet valve 13 that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.
[0048] In this embodiment, the funnel-shaped water outlet valve 13 has a taper of 30°-45° and is integrally injection molded with the water outlet pipe 4, made of food-grade ABS. This structure is symmetrically designed with the funnel-shaped water inlet valve 12, which facilitates the smooth pushing of the second magnetic bead 9 by the water flow under pressure, and also guides the magnetic bead to precisely fit the narrow end port when there is no pressure.
[0049] In one possible implementation, the second magnetic element 10 is disposed on the inner wall of the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve 13.
[0050] In this embodiment, the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve 13 has a pre-set annular groove on its inner wall. The second magnetic element 10 (neodymium iron boron strong magnet) is embedded in the groove, and its installation method is the same as that of the first magnetic element 5. Its outer surface is flush with the inner wall of the pipe. Its magnetic strength matches the weight of the second magnetic bead 9 and the working water pressure: when the piston 11 pulls to form a negative pressure, it can firmly attract the second magnetic bead 9 to seal the port; when the piston squeezes to form a positive pressure, the water flow pressure can smoothly overcome the magnetic attraction to push the magnetic bead to move, ensuring smooth water flow.
[0051] In one possible implementation, the diameter of the second magnetic bead 9 is larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve 13.
[0052] In this embodiment, the diameter of the second magnetic bead 9 is 1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve 13, consistent with the design principle of the first magnetic bead 6. This dimensional difference ensures that the second magnetic bead 9 can completely cover the port, forming a reliable seal and preventing air from entering the plunger cylinder 1 under negative pressure; at the same time, it prevents the second magnetic bead 9 from falling into the plunger cylinder 1 under the impact of water flow, ensuring structural stability.
[0053] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the plunger cylinder 1 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the tube platform 2 is provided with an external thread that engages with the internal thread. The external thread of the tube platform 2 is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the plunger cylinder 1.
[0054] In this embodiment, the threads of the plunger cylinder 1 and the tube platform 2 are fine-pitch threads, and the thread surfaces are coated with food-grade sealant. This design ensures both the tightness of the connection, preventing the tube platform from loosening under the vibration of the water jet or the impact of water flow, and enhances the sealing of the connection through the sealant, preventing water leakage. At the same time, the fine-pitch threads provide good ease of disassembly and assembly. When it is necessary to maintain the internal magnetic beads or clean the pipes, the tube platform can be unscrewed directly for operation without disassembling the entire plunger cylinder, reducing maintenance difficulty.
[0055] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the water inlet pipe 3 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the cover ring of the first mesh cover 7 is provided with an external thread that engages with the internal thread. The external thread of the first mesh cover 7 is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the water inlet pipe 3.
[0056] In this embodiment, the threads on the inner wall of the water inlet pipe 3 and the outer wall of the first mesh cover 7 are matching fine threads to ensure a stable connection. After the mesh cover 7 is tightened, a 1-2mm gap is maintained between its top surface and the bottom of the first magnetic bead 6. This not only does not affect the movement of the magnetic bead but also reliably supports it, preventing it from excessively shifting downwards and leaving the control range. The threaded connection facilitates the installation and removal of the mesh cover: when it is necessary to clean impurities from the mesh or replace the magnetic bead, the mesh cover can be directly unscrewed, making maintenance more convenient than traditional fixed structures.
[0057] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the water outlet pipe 4 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the cover ring of the second mesh cover 8 is provided with an external thread that engages with the internal thread. The external thread of the second mesh cover 8 is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the water outlet pipe 4.
[0058] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A two-way valve suitable for a dental flosser, characterized in that, include: A plunger cylinder is provided with a tube platform. The top surface of the tube platform is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe that communicate with the plunger cylinder. The inlet pipe is provided with a first mesh cover, a first magnetic bead and a first magnetic element in sequence from bottom to top. The first magnetic bead and the first magnetic element are magnetically connected. The first mesh cover is supported below the first magnetic bead. The water outlet pipe is provided with a second magnetic element, a second magnetic bead, and a second mesh cover arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The second magnetic bead and the second magnetic element are magnetically connected, and the second mesh cover is upside down on top of the second magnetic bead. A piston, which is disposed inside a plunger cylinder.
2. A two-way valve suitable for a dental flosser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the inlet pipe near the plunger cylinder extends circumferentially toward the center line of the pipe to form a funnel-shaped inlet valve that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.
3. A two-way valve suitable for a dental flosser according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first magnetic element is disposed on the inner wall of the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve.
4. A two-way valve suitable for a dental flosser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the first magnetic bead is larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water inlet valve.
5. A two-way valve suitable for a dental flosser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the outlet pipe near the plunger cylinder extends circumferentially toward the center line of the pipe to form a funnel-shaped outlet valve that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.
6. A two-way valve for a dental flosser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second magnetic element is disposed on the inner wall of the narrow end of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve.
7. A two-way valve for a dental flosser according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diameter of the second magnetic bead is larger than the diameter of the narrow end port of the funnel-shaped water outlet valve.
8. A two-way valve for a dental flosser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the plunger cylinder is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the tube platform is provided with an external thread that meshes with the internal thread. The external thread of the tube platform is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the plunger cylinder.
9. A two-way valve for a dental flosser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the water inlet pipe is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the first mesh cover is provided with an external thread that meshes with the internal thread. The external thread of the first mesh cover is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the water inlet pipe.
10. A two-way valve for a dental flosser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the water outlet pipe is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the cover ring of the second mesh cover is provided with an external thread that engages with the internal thread. The external thread of the second mesh cover is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the water outlet pipe.