A water distribution valve and a cleaning machine using the water distribution valve

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water distribution valve and a cleaning machine applying the water distribution valve. The water distribution valve comprises a shell; a lifting rod; a driving mechanism; including a motor, the motor includes a main body and an output shaft drivingly connected to the main body, the output shaft extends vertically, the main body is located below the output shaft, and the output shaft is drivingly connected to both lifting rods; when the output shaft extends vertically, the vertical distance between the highest point and the lowest point of the main body is L1, when the output shaft extends horizontally, the vertical distance between the highest point and the lowest point of the main body is L2, and L1 < L2, so the design of the utility model reduces the height of the whole water distribution valve.

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 water spraying status of each spray arm as needed and saving water. For example, Chinese invention patent application CN202011635828.6 (publication number CN114688300A) discloses a water distribution valve and a washing machine using the same valve. The water distribution valve includes a housing, a fixed base, a movable column, and a drive assembly. The housing has a first water outlet and a second water outlet. A partition is vertically arranged in the water distribution chamber to divide it into a first cavity corresponding to the first water outlet and a second cavity corresponding to the second water outlet. The bottom of the partition has an opening that connects the first cavity and the second cavity. The top of the movable column has a sealing plug that can close the second water outlet when it rises to the top of the second cavity and close the opening when it descends to the bottom of the second cavity.

[0004] The drive assembly includes a drive wheel and a drive component, which is a motor that makes the drive wheel rotate, thereby causing the guide column to pull the movable column up and down through the guide groove, so as to realize the alternating opening and closing of the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0005] From its Figure 4 As can be seen, the output shaft of the drive component is arranged horizontally, which makes the main body of the drive component have a large vertical height, resulting in a high overall height of the water distribution valve and a large vertical space occupied. Furthermore, due to this design of the drive component, both the first and second microswitches are located below the output shaft of the drive component, and the lowest point of the microswitches is lower than the lowest point of the drive component as a whole, further increasing the vertical height of the water distribution valve.

[0006] Because dishwashers have limited installation space, if the water distribution valve is too high, the height of the dishwasher's washing chamber needs to be reduced, resulting in fewer dishes that can be placed in the washing chamber. 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.

[0007] For example, the Chinese invention patent application CN202011629703.2 (publication number CN114688311A), entitled "A water distribution valve and a cleaning machine using the water distribution valve", also has the above-mentioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0008] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a water distribution valve with a small height, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0009] 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.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a water distribution valve, comprising...

[0011] The housing has a hollow water-dividing cavity, which is divided into two chambers. Each chamber has a corresponding water outlet. The side of the water-dividing cavity has a water inlet for connecting with the drain outlet of the cleaning machine, and the water inlet is connected to both chambers at the same time.

[0012] There are two lifting rods, which are installed in two corresponding chambers. The lifting rods can move up and down relative to the corresponding chambers to open or close the corresponding water outlets.

[0013] The drive mechanism is located below the water distribution chamber. The drive mechanism is used to drive the two sets of lifting rods to move up and down, and always keep one water outlet open and the other water outlet closed.

[0014] The characteristic feature is that the driving mechanism includes a motor, the motor includes a main body and an output shaft that is driven and connected to the main body, the output shaft extends vertically, the main body is located below the output shaft, and the output shaft is drivenly connected to two lifting rods;

[0015] When the output shaft extends vertically, the vertical distance between the highest and lowest points of the main body is L1; when the output shaft extends horizontally, the vertical distance between the highest and lowest points of the main body is L2. <L2。

[0016] In the above scheme, the lowest point of the main body is the lowest point of the entire water distribution valve.

[0017] Two output shafts can be set, each driving a corresponding lifting rod. The output shafts and lifting rods are arranged and connected vertically, and the output shafts move up and down. However, this structure is relatively complex. Therefore, preferably, the output shafts and the two lifting rods are connected by a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a vertically extending transmission rod and a first gear. The first gear is mounted on the output shaft and the two are fixed relative to each other. There are two transmission rods, which are inserted into one lifting rod respectively. The transmission rod has a first threaded part that is threaded to the corresponding lifting rod. The lower end of the transmission rod extends out of a corresponding cavity. The lower end of the transmission rod has a second gear that meshes with the first gear. The second gears on the two transmission rods are symmetrically located on both sides of the first gear.

[0018] To prevent debris from damaging the transmission rod, first gear, etc., a mounting base is provided at the bottom of the housing. The motor is located below the mounting base. The bottom wall of the housing has a through hole for the transmission rod to pass through and extend into the mounting base. A sealing ring is provided on the outer ring of the through hole in the mounting base, and the transmission rod passes through the corresponding sealing ring. The mounting base serves to protect the components.

[0019] Preferably, a protrusion is fixedly provided on the peripheral wall of the transmission rod above the second gear, and a micro switch is provided on the side of the transmission rod below the water distribution chamber. When the lifting rod moves to the state of closing the corresponding water outlet, the protrusion on the transmission rod corresponding to the lifting rod triggers the micro switch. This improves the working reliability of the water distribution valve.

[0020] In the above scheme, the water outlet is located on the side or top of the corresponding cavity.

[0021] To improve the reliability of the water distribution valve, a sealing element is provided at the water outlet. When the lifting rod blocks the water outlet, the lifting rod and the water outlet are sealed in contact by the corresponding sealing element to prevent water leakage.

[0022] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a cleaning machine using the above-mentioned water distribution valve, comprising a box body and a water cup located at the bottom of the box body, characterized in that: the bottom wall of the water cup has a recessed bottom cavity, a water pumping mechanism corresponding to the bottom cavity is installed at the bottom of the box body, the drain outlet is opened on the side of the bottom cavity, the water distribution valve is provided on the outer bottom wall of the water cup, and the water inlet of the water distribution valve is connected to the water outlet of the water cup.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present utility model are as follows: By vertically arranging the output shaft of the motor and placing the main body below the output shaft, the main body of the motor lies horizontally, which can significantly reduce the overall height of the motor. When the output shaft extends vertically, the vertical distance between the highest point and the lowest point of the main body is L1. When the output shaft extends horizontally, the vertical distance between the highest point and the lowest point of the main body is L2, and L1 < L2. Therefore, the design of the present utility model reduces the height of the entire water distribution valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram in another direction of

[0026] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 2 another cross-sectional view of

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of part A of

[0029] Figure 6 is Figure 4 an enlarged view of part B of

[0030] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the water distribution valve in

[0031] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a partial structural diagram of

[0032] Figure 9 is Figure 7 a schematic structural diagram of the lifting rod in

[0033] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram in which the output shaft of the motor extends horizontally. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The technical solution of the present utility model will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments of the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the cleaning machine of this preferred embodiment includes a housing, a water distribution valve, and a water cup 1 located at the bottom of the housing. The bottom wall of the water cup 1 has a recessed cavity 11. A water pumping mechanism corresponding to the cavity 11 is installed at the bottom of the housing. A drain outlet 12 is provided on the side of the cavity 11. The water distribution valve is located on the outer bottom wall of the water cup 1.

[0038] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the water distribution valve includes a housing 2, a lifting rod 3, and a driving mechanism. The housing 2 has a hollow water distribution chamber 21, which is divided into two cavities 22. Each cavity 22 has a corresponding water outlet 23. The side of the water distribution chamber 21 has a water inlet 24 for connecting with the drain outlet 12 of the water cup 1, and the water inlet 24 is connected to both cavities 22.

[0039] There are two lifting rods 3, which are installed in the two cavities 22 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the lifting rods 3 can move up and down relative to the corresponding cavity 22 to open or close the corresponding water outlet 23.

[0040] The drive mechanism is located below the water distribution chamber 21. The drive mechanism is used to drive the two sets of lifting rods 3 to move up and down, and always keeps one outlet 23 open and the other outlet 23 closed. The drive mechanism includes a motor 4, which includes a main body 41 and an output shaft 42 that is driven and connected to the main body 41.

[0041] All of the above are prior arts and have the same structure as the patent CN114688311A cited in the background art. Compared with the prior patents in the background art, the main purpose of this application is to reduce the overall height of the water distribution valve. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output shaft 42 extends vertically, and the main body 41 is located below the output shaft 42. When the output shaft 42 extends vertically, the vertical distance between the highest point and the lowest point of the main body 41 is L1. When the output shaft 42 extends horizontally, the vertical distance between the highest point and the lowest point of the main body 41 is L2, and L1 < L2. Therefore, the design of this embodiment reduces the height of the entire water distribution valve. In this embodiment, the lowest point of the main body 41 is the lowest point of the entire water distribution valve. In this design method, compared with the existing method in which the output shaft 42 of the motor 4 is horizontally arranged (such as Figure 10 the placement method of the motor 4 in

[0042] The output shaft 42 is传动相连 with the two lifting rods 3 through transmission components respectively. The transmission components include a vertically extending transmission rod 5 and a first gear 43. The first gear 43 is installed on the output shaft 42 and is relatively fixed to it. There are two transmission rods 5 and they are correspondingly inserted into one lifting rod 3. The transmission rod 5 is provided with a first thread portion 51 that is in threaded cooperation with the corresponding lifting rod 3. The lower end of the transmission rod 5 extends out of the corresponding cavity 22, and the lower end of the transmission rod 5 is provided with a second gear 52 that meshes with the first gear 43. The second gears 52 on the two transmission rods 5 are symmetrically located on both sides of the first gear 43.

[0043] The motor 4 works, driving the first gear 43 to rotate. The rotation directions of the two second gears 52 are opposite, so that the rotation directions of the two transmission rods 5 are opposite. Because the lifting rod 3 and the transmission rod 5 are in threaded transmission, the moving directions of the two lifting rods 3 are related, so that one water outlet 23 is opened and the other water outlet 23 is closed.

[0044] A convex portion 53 is fixedly provided on the peripheral wall of the transmission rod 5 above the second gear 52. A microswitch 6 is provided beside the transmission rod 5 below the water distribution cavity 21. In the state where the lifting rod 3 moves to close the corresponding water outlet 23, the convex portion 53 on the transmission rod � corresponding to the lifting rod 3 triggers the microswitch 6. This improves the working reliability of the water distribution valve. In addition, the installation position of the microswitch does not increase the height of the water distribution valve.

[0045] An installation seat 7 is provided below the housing 2. The motor 4 is located below the installation seat 7. A through hole 25 for the transmission rod 5 to pass through and extend into the installation seat 7 is provided on the bottom wall of the housing 2. A sealing ring 71 is provided outside the through hole 25 in the installation seat 7. The transmission rod 5 passes through the corresponding sealing ring 71. The installation seat 7 plays a role in protecting components and preventing sundries from damaging the transmission rod 5, the first gear 43, etc.

[0046] The water outlet 23 is located on the side or top of the corresponding cavity 22. In this embodiment, one water outlet 23 is located on the top of the corresponding cavity 22, and the other water outlet 23 is located on the side of the corresponding cavity 22. It is connected to the water inlet 26 on the housing 2 through the water pipe 27. A spray arm can be installed on the water inlet 26.

[0047] At least one of the outlets 23 is equipped with a sealing element 8. When the lifting rod 3 blocks the outlet 23, the lifting rod 3 and the outlet 23 are in sealed contact through the corresponding sealing element 8 to prevent leakage. Sealing elements 8 can be provided at both outlets 23, or only at one of the outlets 23. In this embodiment, due to the action of the motor 4, the lifting rod 3 can be pressed tightly against the sealing element 8, resulting in a good sealing effect.

Claims

1. A water distribution valve, comprising: The housing (2) has a hollow water distribution cavity (21), which is divided into two cavities (22). Each cavity (22) is provided with a corresponding water outlet (23). The side of the water distribution cavity (21) has a water inlet (24) for connecting with the drain outlet (12) of the cleaning machine, and the water inlet (24) is connected to both cavities (22). There are two lifting rods (3), which are installed in the two cavities (22) in a one-to-one correspondence. The lifting rods (3) can move up and down relative to the corresponding cavities (22) to open or close the corresponding water outlets (23). The drive mechanism is located below the water distribution chamber (21). The drive mechanism is used to drive the two sets of lifting rods (3) to move up and down, and always keep one outlet (23) open and the other outlet (23) closed. characterized in that The driving mechanism includes a motor (4), which includes a main body (41) and an output shaft (42) that is driven and connected to the main body (41). The output shaft (42) extends vertically, and the main body (41) is located below the output shaft (42). The output shaft (42) is driven and connected to two lifting rods (3). When the output shaft (42) extends vertically, the vertical distance between the highest and lowest points of the main body (41) is L1; when the output shaft (42) extends horizontally, the vertical distance between the highest and lowest points of the main body (41) is L2. <L2。 2. The water diversion valve of claim 1, wherein: The lowest point of the main body (41) is the lowest point of the entire water distribution valve.

3. The water diversion valve of claim 1, wherein: The output shaft (42) is connected to the two lifting rods (3) by a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a vertically extending transmission rod (5) and a first gear (43). The first gear (43) is mounted on the output shaft (42) and the two are fixed relative to each other. There are two transmission rods (5) and they are inserted into one lifting rod (3). The transmission rod (5) is provided with a first threaded part (51) that is threaded to the corresponding lifting rod (3). The lower end of the transmission rod (5) extends out of a corresponding cavity (22). The lower end of the transmission rod (5) is provided with a second gear (52) that meshes with the first gear (43). The second gears (52) on the two transmission rods (5) are symmetrically located on both sides of the first gear (43).

4. The water diversion valve of claim 3, wherein: The housing (2) is provided with a mounting base (7) below it. The motor (4) is located below the mounting base (7). The bottom wall of the housing (2) is provided with a through hole (25) for the transmission rod (5) to pass through and extend into the mounting base (7). The mounting base (7) is provided with a sealing ring (71) on the outer ring of the through hole (25). The transmission rod (5) passes through the corresponding sealing ring (71).

5. The water diversion valve of claim 3, wherein: The transmission rod (5) has a protrusion (53) fixed on its peripheral wall above the second gear (52). A micro switch (6) is located on the side of the transmission rod (5) below the water distribution chamber (21). When the lifting rod (3) moves to the state of closing the corresponding water outlet (23), the protrusion (53) on the transmission rod (5) corresponding to the lifting rod (3) triggers the micro switch (6).

6. The water diversion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The water outlet (23) is located on the side or top of the corresponding cavity (22).

7. The water diversion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: At least one of the outlets (23) is provided with a seal (8), and when the lifting rod (3) blocks the outlet (23), the lifting rod (3) and the outlet (23) are in sealed contact through the corresponding seal (8).

8. A cleaning machine using a water distribution valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a housing and a water cup (1) located at the bottom of the housing, characterized in that: The bottom wall of the water cup (1) has a recessed bottom cavity (11). A water pumping mechanism corresponding to the bottom cavity (11) is installed at the bottom of the box. The water outlet (23) is opened on the side of the bottom cavity (11). The water distribution valve is located on the outer bottom wall of the water cup (1). The water inlet (24) of the water distribution valve is connected to the water outlet (23) of the water cup (1).

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