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

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 extending laterally, with an inlet and an outlet communicating with its interior. The inlet is used to communicate with the drain outlet of the cleaning machine. A water distributor is rotatably disposed in the valve body, with its rotation axis extending laterally. The water distributor can open or close the outlet. A motor includes a main body and a laterally extending output shaft. The main body is located outside the valve body, one end of the output shaft is driven and connected to the main body, and the other end extends laterally into the valve body and is connected to the water distributor. The horizontal projection of the motor falls within the horizontal projection range of the valve body, or vice versa. This results in a relatively small overall height of the 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 drive component and the movable column have a certain height in the vertical direction, and the two do not completely overlap in the vertical direction, which results in the overall water distribution valve occupying a large space in the vertical direction.

[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. Utility Model Content

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a water distribution valve, characterized in that it includes...

[0010] The valve body extends laterally and has an inlet and an outlet that communicate with its interior. The inlet is used to communicate with the drain outlet of the cleaning machine.

[0011] A water distributor is rotatably mounted in the valve body, the rotation axis of the water distributor extends laterally, and the water distributor can open or close the outlet;

[0012] The motor includes a main body and a laterally extending output shaft. The main body is located outside the valve body. One end of the output shaft is driven and connected to the main body, and the other end extends laterally into the valve body and is connected to the water distributor. The horizontal projection of the motor falls within the horizontal projection range of the valve body, or the horizontal projection of the valve body falls within the horizontal projection range of the motor.

[0013] In order to enable the water distributor to allocate different water paths, the valve body is divided into a first part and a second part arranged in sequence along the horizontal direction. The first part and the second part are connected by an opening. The inner diameter of the first part is smaller than the inner diameter of the second part, thereby forming a stepped surface between the two. The water outlet includes a first water outlet, which is set corresponding to and connected to the first part. The water inlet is set corresponding to and connected to the second part.

[0014] The water distributor includes a water distribution plate, which is disposed against the stepped surface and can correspond to or be offset from the opening.

[0015] To increase the number of different water paths that the water distributor can distribute, a second water outlet is provided on the valve body at the position corresponding to the second part, and the water inlet is located between the first water outlet and the second water outlet; the water distributor also includes a water distribution component that is fixedly connected to the water distribution plate, and the water distribution component can connect or disconnect the water inlet and the second water outlet.

[0016] Preferably, a fixing block is fixedly provided in the second part. The fixing block has a channel connecting the inlet and the second outlet. The water distributor is plate-shaped and opposite to the first water distributor plate, and the two are connected by a connecting column. The output shaft is fixed to the connecting column. The water distributor is attached to the wall of the fixing block and is positioned corresponding to or offset from the inlet end of the channel. The fixing block not only guides the water flow but also acts as a seal, reducing residual water accumulation in the valve body.

[0017] 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 side of the cavity, and the water distribution valve is provided on the outer bottom wall of the water cup.

[0018] In the above solution, the valve body and the water cup are integrally formed.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: This utility model achieves water flow distribution by setting the valve body horizontally and the output shaft of the motor horizontally to connect with the water distributor. In addition, the horizontal projection of the motor falls within the horizontal projection range of the valve body, or the horizontal projection of the valve body falls within the horizontal projection range of the motor. In this way, the overall height of the water distributor valve is the height of the valve body or the motor. Compared with the existing method where the valve body and the motor only partially overlap in the height direction, the overall height of the water distributor valve of this utility model is smaller. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water cup and the water distribution valve according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water distributor in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed block. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] 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. The drain outlet 12 is opened on the side of the cavity 11, and the water distribution valve is located on the outer bottom wall of the water cup 1. This is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0030] The water distribution valve includes a valve body 2, a water distributor 3, and a motor 4. The valve body 2 and the water cup 1 are integrally formed.

[0031] The valve body 2 extends laterally and has an inlet 21 and an outlet that are connected to its interior. The inlet 21 is used to connect with the drain outlet of the cleaning machine. The water distributor 3 is rotatably installed in the valve body 2. The rotation axis of the water distributor 3 extends laterally and the water distributor 3 can open or close the outlet.

[0032] The valve body 2 is divided into a first part 22 and a second part 23 arranged in sequence along the transverse direction. The first part 22 and the second part 23 are connected by an opening 24. The inner diameter of the first part 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second part 23, thus forming a stepped surface 25 between them.

[0033] The outlet includes a first outlet 26 and a second outlet 27. The first outlet 26 is provided corresponding to and connected to the first part 22. The valve body 2 is provided with a second outlet 27 at a position corresponding to the second part 23. The inlet 21 is provided corresponding to and connected to the second part 23. The inlet 21 is located between the first outlet 26 and the second outlet 27.

[0034] The water distributor 3 includes a water distribution plate 31 and a water distribution component 32 fixedly connected to the water distribution plate 31. The water distribution plate 31 is set against the stepped surface 25. The water distribution plate 31 can correspond to or be offset from the opening 24. The water distribution component 32 can connect or disconnect the inlet 21 and the second outlet 27.

[0035] A fixing block 5 is fixedly installed in the second part 23. The fixing block 5 has a channel 51 connecting the inlet 21 and the second outlet 27. The water divider 32 is plate-shaped and is arranged opposite to the first water divider plate 31. The two are connected by a connecting column 33. The motor 4 includes a main body 41 and a laterally extending output shaft 42. The output shaft 42 is fixed to the connecting column 33. The water divider 32 is set against the wall of the fixing block 5. The water divider 32 can be positioned corresponding to or offset from the inlet end of the channel 51. The fixing block 5 not only guides the water flow but also acts as a seal, reducing the residual water accumulated in the valve body 2.

[0036] The water distributor 3 in this embodiment can have the following working states:

[0037] 1. The water distribution plate 31 and the opening 24 are staggered, and the water inlet 21 and the second water outlet 27 are connected;

[0038] 2. The water distribution plate 31 corresponds to the opening 24, and the water inlet 21 is connected to the second water outlet 27;

[0039] 3. The water distribution plate 31 and the opening 24 correspond to each other, and the water inlet 21 and the second water outlet 27 are staggered.

[0040] In addition, the main body 41 is located outside the valve body 2, one end of the output shaft 42 is driven and connected to the main body 41, and the other end extends laterally into the valve body 2 and is connected to the water distributor 3. The horizontal projection of the motor 4 falls within the horizontal projection range of the valve body 2, or the horizontal projection of the valve body 2 falls within the horizontal projection range of the motor 4.

[0041] In this embodiment, the valve body 2 is arranged horizontally, and the output shaft 42 of the motor 4 is also arranged horizontally to drive and connect with the water distributor 3 to realize water flow distribution. In addition, the horizontal projection of the motor 4 falls within the horizontal projection range of the valve body 2, or the horizontal projection of the valve body 2 falls within the horizontal projection range of the motor 4. In this way, the overall height of the water distributor valve is the height of the valve body 2 or the height of the motor 4. Compared with the existing method where the valve body 2 and the motor 4 only partially overlap in the height direction, the overall height of the water distributor valve in this embodiment is smaller, below 90mm.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the structure of the water distribution component 32 is different.

[0044] In this embodiment, the water divider 32 is a cylindrical shape extending laterally along its axis. The water divider 32 is provided with a water inlet, which is always connected to the water inlet 21. The water divider plate 31 is provided at one end of the water divider 32 to form an end wall. The water divider plate 31 is provided with a notch that can correspond to or be offset from the opening 24. The side wall of the water divider 32 is provided with a through hole that can correspond to or be offset from the second water outlet 27.

[0045] There are at least two second outlets 27, which are spaced laterally, and correspondingly, there are at least two through holes, which are spaced axially along the water distribution element 32.

[0046] The second part 23 is equipped with a fixing component that is partially inserted into the water distribution component 32. The fixing component serves to seal and reduce the residual water accumulated in the valve body 2.

Claims

1. A water diversion valve characterized by, include The valve body (2) extends laterally. The valve body (2) is provided with an inlet (21) and an outlet that are connected to its interior. The inlet (21) is used to connect with the drain outlet of the cleaning machine. A water distributor (3) is rotatably disposed in a valve body (2). The rotation axis of the water distributor (3) extends laterally. The water distributor (3) can open or close the outlet. The motor (4) includes a main body (41) and a laterally extending output shaft (42). The main body (41) is located outside the valve body (2). One end of the output shaft (42) is driven and connected to the main body (41), and the other end extends laterally into the valve body (2) and is connected to the water distributor (3). The horizontal projection of the motor (4) falls within the horizontal projection range of the valve body (2), or the horizontal projection of the valve body (2) falls within the horizontal projection range of the motor (4).

2. The water diversion valve of claim 1, wherein: The valve body (2) is divided into a first part (22) and a second part (23) arranged in sequence along the transverse direction. The first part (22) and the second part (23) are connected by an opening (24). The inner diameter of the first part (22) is smaller than the inner diameter of the second part (23), thus forming a stepped surface (25) between them. The water outlet includes a first water outlet (26), which is arranged corresponding to the first part (22) and connected to the first part (22). The water inlet (21) is arranged corresponding to the second part (23) and connected to the second part (23). The water distributor (3) includes a water distribution plate (31), which is set against the step surface (25). The water distribution plate (31) can correspond to or be offset from the opening (24).

3. The water diversion valve of claim 2, wherein: The valve body (2) is provided with a second outlet (27) at the position corresponding to the second part (23), and the inlet (21) is located between the first outlet (26) and the second outlet (27); the water distributor (3) also includes a water distribution component (32) fixedly connected to the water distribution plate (31), and the water distribution component (32) can connect or disconnect the inlet (21) and the second outlet (27).

4. The water diversion valve of claim 3, wherein: The second part (23) is fixedly provided with a fixing block (5), and the fixing block (5) has a channel (51) connecting the water inlet (21) and the second water outlet (27). The water distribution component (32) is plate-shaped and is arranged opposite to the first water distribution plate (31), and the two are connected by a connecting column (33). The output shaft (42) is fixed to the connecting column (33). The water distribution component (32) is set against the wall of the fixing block (5). The water distribution component (32) can be positioned in a position corresponding to or offset from the water inlet end of the channel (51).

5. A cleaning machine characterized by: 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). The drain outlet is opened on the side of the bottom cavity (11). The water distribution valve described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided on the outer bottom wall of the water cup (1).

6. The cleaning machine of claim 5, wherein: The valve body (2) and the water cup (1) are integrally formed.

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