Water valve structure, drainage mechanism and dishwasher

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and provides a water valve structure, a drainage mechanism and a dishwasher. The water valve structure comprises a valve assembly and a driving assembly; the valve assembly comprises a valve body provided with a valve cavity and a valve core, the valve cavity is provided with a valve port, and the valve core is movably arranged in the valve cavity and used for plugging or opening the valve port; the driving assembly comprises a driving unit and a driving rod, the driving rod is connected with the valve core, the driving rod is provided with a fixed transmission part and a movable transmission part which are arranged at intervals along a first direction, the fixed transmission part can be in transmission cooperation with the driving unit to drive the driving rod to reciprocate along the first direction, the driving rod can drive the valve core to synchronously move to switch an open valve state and a closed valve state, and the movable transmission part can reciprocate along the first direction relative to the fixed transmission part to be in intermittent transmission cooperation with the driving unit. The water valve structure provided by the application can reduce the resistance generated on the motor during the driving process and improve the protection of the motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a water valve structure, a drainage mechanism, and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] The drain valve of a dishwasher is essentially a one-way valve controlled by electricity or electromagnetic force, and its core function is to allow water to drain out but not in. When drainage is needed, the valve opens; conversely, when washing or in standby mode, the valve closes, preventing dirty water, odors, and even small insects from the sewer from flowing back into the dishwasher's inner tub.

[0003] In related technologies, drain valves mostly use a motor and gear rack transmission to move the valve core and control the opening and closing of the drain valve. However, since the number of teeth on the rack is limited, there is a situation where the motor is still rotating when the gear and rack are engaged to their limit position, which in turn creates resistance to the motor's rotation and may even cause the motor to stall, easily damaging the motor. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a water valve structure that can reduce the resistance to the motor during the driving process and improve the protection of the motor.

[0005] This application provides a water valve structure, including a valve assembly and a drive assembly; the valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve core with a valve cavity, the valve cavity having a valve port, and the valve core being movably disposed in the valve cavity and used to block or open the valve port; the drive assembly includes a drive unit and a drive rod, the drive rod being connected to the valve core, the drive rod having a fixed transmission part and a movable transmission part arranged at intervals along a first direction, the fixed transmission part being able to drive the drive unit to reciprocate along the first direction, the drive rod being able to drive the valve core to move synchronously to switch between an open valve state and a closed valve state, and the movable transmission part being able to reciprocate relative to the fixed transmission part along the first direction to intermittently drive the drive unit.

[0006] Understandably, the drive rod engages with the drive unit via a fixed transmission part to satisfy reciprocating movement along the first direction, thereby driving the valve core to move within the valve cavity and switching between the open and closed valve states. During this process, the relative arrangement of the movable transmission part to the fixed transmission part ensures that even after the drive unit and fixed transmission part have reached their limit positions, the movable transmission part can still maintain its engagement with the drive unit. Furthermore, because the movable transmission part can reciprocate relative to the fixed transmission part along the first direction, its engagement with the drive unit is intermittent, thus altering the continuous force applied to the drive unit, reducing transmission resistance, and improving the protection of the drive unit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drive rod has an open valve side and a close valve side arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and the fixed transmission part is provided on the side near the open valve side and / or the side near the close valve side.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes a first elastic element connected between the movable drive portion and the fixed drive portion, the movable drive portion having a tendency to move away from the fixed drive portion under the action of the first elastic element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive rod is provided with a mounting groove, the movable transmission part and the first elastic element are disposed in the mounting groove, and a portion of the movable transmission part extends out of the mounting groove to engage with the drive unit in a transmission manner.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes a second elastic element, which is disposed on the side of the fixed transmission part away from the movable transmission part and connected between the drive rod and the valve body; the drive rod is capable of having a tendency to move away from the movable transmission part under the action of the second elastic element, and the end of the fixed transmission part away from the movable transmission part can intermittently engage with the drive unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the valve core has an inner cavity and an opening communicating with the inner cavity, the end of the drive rod extends into the inner cavity through the opening and is limitedly connected to the valve core, at least a portion of the second elastic member is accommodated in the inner cavity, and one end of the second elastic member abuts against the inner wall of the valve body through the opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, the edge of the opening is fixed to the valve body, and the valve core is capable of extending and retracting along the first direction under the action of the drive rod to switch between an open valve state and a closed valve state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drive rod has an open valve side and a close valve side facing away from each other, and the valve core includes a fixed end, a telescopic section and a blocking end connected sequentially from the open valve side toward the close valve side; the fixed end is fixed to the valve body, the blocking end is connected to the drive rod and can move relative to the fixed end to drive the telescopic section to extend and retract, and the blocking end is used to block the valve port.

[0014] In some embodiments, the drive rod includes a rod body and a snap-fit ​​portion connected to the rod body, the snap-fit ​​portion being limitedly connected to the valve core, and the second elastic element being sleeved on the rod body and abutting against the snap-fit ​​portion and the inner wall of the valve body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes at least a transmission gear, the fixed transmission part includes a plurality of fixed teeth, the movable transmission part includes movable teeth, the plurality of fixed teeth and the movable teeth are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the transmission gear meshes with the fixed teeth and the movable teeth for transmission.

[0016] This application also provides a drainage mechanism, including a drainage pump and the above-mentioned water valve structure. The valve body of the water valve structure has a first port and a second port spaced apart. One of the first port and the second port is connected to the inlet of the drainage pump, and the other is used to connect to the location to be drained.

[0017] This application also provides a dishwasher, including a sink and the aforementioned drainage mechanism, wherein the sink is provided with a water cup and the drainage mechanism is connected to the water cup. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a water valve structure provided in an embodiment of this application in the closed state; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a water valve structure provided in an embodiment of this application in the open state; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of a water valve structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a drainage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a drainage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application in the valve-open state; Figure 8 A partial schematic diagram of a dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a section at point C; Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the drain mechanism of a dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Reference numerals: 10. Water valve structure; 11. Valve assembly; 12. Drive assembly; 20. Drain pump; 21. Pump housing; 100. Drainage mechanism; 111. Valve body; 112. Valve core; 112a. Fixed end; 112b. Telescopic section; 112c. Sealing end; 121. Drive unit; 122. Drive rod; 122a. Open valve side; 122b. Close valve side; 123. Fixed transmission part; 124. Movable transmission part; 125. First elastic element; 126. Second elastic element; 127. Assembly housing; 200. Dishwasher basin; 210. Water cup; 201. Pump 1101, Valve cavity; 1102, Valve port; 1103, First port; 1104, Second port; 1111, Main body; 1112, Valve cover; 1120, Inner cavity; 1121, Opening; 1211, Transmission gear; 1212, Power source; 1213, Transmission unit; 1214, Reduction unit; 1215, First rotating shaft; 1216, Second rotating shaft; 1220, Assembly groove; 1221, Rod body; 1222, Snap-fit ​​part; 1231, Fixed tooth; 1240, Groove; 1241, Movable tooth; 1242, Sliding seat. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0022] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to," "set on," or "located on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0023] 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 at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is 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 can mean that the first feature is 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.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] In related technologies, drain valves mostly use a motor and rack and pinion transmission to move the valve core and control its opening and closing. Specifically, the valve core is connected to a rack, the gear is connected to a motor, the motor drives the gear to rotate, and the gear meshes with the rack to move the valve core. However, since the number of teeth on the rack is limited, there is a situation where the motor continues to rotate even when the gear and rack are engaged to their limit position. This creates resistance to the motor's rotation and may even cause the motor to stall, potentially damaging it.

[0027] Based on this, one embodiment of this application provides a water valve structure that can reduce the resistance generated on the motor during the driving process and improve the protection of the motor. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 4 Specifically, the water valve structure 10 includes a valve assembly 11 and a drive assembly 12. The valve assembly 11 includes a valve body 111 and a valve core 112. The valve body 111 has a valve cavity 1101, and a valve port 1102 is provided within the valve cavity 1101. The valve core 112 is movably disposed within the valve cavity 1101 and is used to block or open the valve port 1102. In actual use, the valve body 111 has a first port 1103 and a second port 1104 arranged at intervals, both of which connect to the valve cavity 1101. When the valve core 112 blocks the valve port 1102, the first port 1103 and the second port 1104 are not connected; conversely, when the valve core 112 releases the blockage, the first port 1103 and the second port 1104 connect. The drive assembly 12 is connected to the valve core 112 and is used to drive the valve core 112 to move to block or release the valve port 1102.

[0028] The drive assembly 12 includes a drive unit 121 and a drive rod 122, which is connected to the valve core 112. The drive rod 122 has a fixed transmission part 123 and a movable transmission part 124 arranged at intervals along a first direction. The fixed transmission part 123 can drive the drive rod 122 to reciprocate along the first direction, and the drive rod 122 drives the valve core 112 to move synchronously to switch between open and closed valve states. The movable transmission part 124 can reciprocate relative to the fixed transmission part 123 along the first direction to intermittently drive the drive unit 121.

[0029] The first direction can also be along the axial direction of the valve core 112, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the X-axis direction, the drive rod 122 can drive the valve core 112 to perform linear reciprocating motion along the axial direction of the valve core 112, realizing the sealing and unsealing of the valve port 1102. When the valve core 112 seals the valve port 1102, it is called the closed valve state; conversely, when the valve core 112 unseales, it is called the open valve state. The drive rod 122 can be a long strip rod, with its length along the axial direction of the valve core 112. Simultaneously, the valve core 112 can move synchronously with the drive rod 122 as a whole, or only a part of the valve core 112 can move synchronously with the drive rod 122, as long as it can satisfy the sealing and unsealing of the valve port 1102. The fixed transmission part 123 is fixedly connected to the drive rod 122, for example, it can be integrally injection molded, integrally machined, or fixed with screws, adhesives, etc. This is only an example.

[0030] by Figure 1 and Figure 3The left and right directions in the diagram are defined as the X-axis. The drive rod 122 moves the valve core 112 to the left to close the valve, and moves it to the right to open the valve. Taking this water valve structure 10 as an example for a drain valve, normally the valve core 112 needs to seal the valve port 1102 to prevent leakage; in this case, the valve core 112 is located on the left side. When drainage is required, the drive unit 121, through its transmission engagement with the fixed transmission part 123, drives the drive rod 122 to move to the right, thereby causing the valve core 112 to release the seal on the valve port 1102; that is, switching to the open valve state. After drainage is complete, the drive unit 121 can again engage with the fixed transmission part 123 to drive the drive rod 122 to move to the left, causing the valve core 112 to seal the valve port 1102; that is, switching to the closed valve state. In this process, the arrangement of the movable transmission part 124 relative to the fixed transmission part 123 ensures that even after the drive unit 121 and the fixed transmission part 123 are in transmission engagement to the limit position, the movable transmission part 124 can still engage with the drive unit 121. Furthermore, because the movable transmission part 124 can reciprocate relative to the fixed transmission part 123 along the X-axis, its transmission engagement with the drive unit 121 is intermittent, thereby changing the continuous force state on the drive unit 121, reducing the transmission resistance on the drive unit 121, and improving the protection of the drive unit 121.

[0031] The drive assembly 12 further includes a housing 127, which is connected to the valve body 111. The aforementioned drive unit 121 and drive rod 122 are partially housed within the housing 127. The movable transmission part 124 and the fixed transmission part 123 of the drive rod 122 are also housed within the housing 127. The housing 127 can be composed of two snap-fit ​​sub-housings for easy component assembly. The housing 127 is connected to the valve body 111. This is merely an example.

[0032] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the drive assembly 12 further includes a first elastic element 125, which is connected between the fixed transmission part 123 and the movable transmission part 124. The movable transmission part 124 has a tendency to move away from the fixed transmission part 123 under the action of the first elastic element 125.

[0033] The first extreme position is defined as the side of the fixed transmission part 123 closest to the movable transmission part 124. When the drive unit 121 and the fixed transmission part 123 are engaged at the first extreme position, they disengage, and the drive unit 121 engages with the movable transmission part 124, applying a force to the movable transmission part 124 in the same direction as the movement of the drive rod 122. The first elastic element 125 then deforms. Until the movable transmission part 124 disengages from the drive unit 121, it loses the force applied by the drive unit 121 and, under the action of the first elastic element 125, moves in the opposite direction to the movement of the drive rod 122 to engage with the drive unit 121 again. This creates an intermittent transmission engagement.

[0034] In other words, the elasticity of the first elastic element 125 can be used to achieve intermittent transmission between the movable transmission part 124 and the drive unit 121, resulting in a simple structure that does not require excessive assembly space. The first elastic element 125 can be a spring.

[0035] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the drive rod 122 has an open valve side 122a and a close valve side 122b arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. When the movable transmission part 124 is provided on the side of the fixed transmission part 123 near the open valve side 122a, the movable transmission part 124 has a tendency to move towards the close valve side 122b under the action of the first elastic member 125, thereby facilitating re-transmission engagement with the drive unit 121. Of course, the movable transmission part 124 can also be provided on the side of the fixed transmission part 123 near the close valve side 122b, in which case the movable transmission part 124 has a tendency to move towards the open valve side 122a under the action of the first elastic member 125.

[0036] Continue with the first direction as Figure 1 and Figure 3 Taking the left and right direction as an example, the valve opening side 122a is located on the right side of the drive rod 122, and the valve closing side 122b is located on the left side of the drive rod 122. The drive rod 122 moves to the left to drive the valve core 112 to block the valve port 1102, and the drive rod 122 moves to the right to drive the valve core 112 to release the blockage.

[0037] In some embodiments, the movable transmission part 124 is located on the right side of the fixed transmission part 123. The drive unit 121 engages with the fixed transmission part 123 to drive the drive rod 122 to move to the left. When the drive unit 121 engages with the fixed transmission part 123 to the right limit position of the fixed transmission part 123, the drive unit 121 disengages from the fixed transmission part 123 and engages with the movable transmission part 124, thereby applying a leftward force to the movable transmission part 124. When the drive unit 121 engages with the movable transmission part 124 to the right limit position of the movable transmission part 124, the drive unit 121 disengages from the movable transmission part 124. At this time, the movable transmission part 124 loses the leftward force and moves to the right under the action of the first elastic member 125 to approach the drive unit 121, thereby re-engaging with the drive unit 121. However, as the two engage to the right limit position of the movable transmission part 124, they disengage again, and then the movable transmission part 124 moves to the right again under the action of the first elastic member 125 to engage again. In this way, an intermittent transmission engagement can be formed between the movable transmission unit 124 and the drive unit 121.

[0038] In other embodiments, the movable transmission part 124 is located to the left of the fixed transmission part 123. The drive unit 121 engages with the fixed transmission part 123 to drive the drive rod 122 to move to the right. When the drive unit 121 engages with the fixed transmission part 123 to the left limit position of the fixed transmission part 123, the drive unit 121 disengages from the fixed transmission part 123 and engages with the movable transmission part 124, thereby applying a rightward force to the movable transmission part 124. When the drive unit 121 engages with the movable transmission part 124 to the left limit position of the movable transmission part 124, the drive unit 121 disengages from the movable transmission part 124. At this time, the movable transmission part 124 loses the rightward force and moves to the left under the action of the first elastic member 125 to approach the drive unit 121, thereby engaging with the drive unit 121 again.

[0039] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 4In some embodiments, the drive rod 122 is provided with a mounting groove 1220, and the movable transmission part 124 and the first elastic member 125 are disposed within the mounting groove 1220. A portion of the movable transmission part 124 extends out of the mounting groove 1220 to cooperate with the drive unit 121. The movable transmission part 124 can be slidably connected to the groove wall of the mounting groove 1220, for example, through a sliding groove fit, thereby guiding the movement of the movable transmission part 124 along the first direction and reducing the risk of misalignment or instability due to misalignment of the movable transmission part 124. The movable transmission part 124 has a groove 1240 on the side facing the first elastic member 125, and a portion of the first elastic member 125 is accommodated within the groove 1240 to improve the assembly stability of the first elastic member 125. The assembly slot 1220 not only satisfies the assembly of the first elastic element 125 and the movable transmission part 124, but also constrains the movement displacement of the movable transmission part 124, reducing the risk that the movable transmission part 124 and the fixed transmission part 123 are not easy to cooperate with the drive unit 121 due to the large distance between them.

[0040] One side wall of the assembly groove 1220 is integrally formed with the fixed transmission part 123.

[0041] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the drive assembly 12 further includes a second elastic element 126. The second elastic element 126 is disposed on the side of the fixed transmission part 123 facing away from the movable transmission part 124 along the first direction. The second elastic element 126 is connected between the drive rod 122 and the valve body 111. Under the action of the second elastic element 126, the drive rod 122 has a tendency to move away from the movable transmission part 124. The end of the fixed transmission part 123 facing away from the movable transmission part 124 can intermittently engage with the drive unit 121. That is, by utilizing the cooperation of the second elastic element 126 and the movable transmission part 124, the drive rod 122 can achieve intermittent engagement with the drive unit 121 in both the open and closed valve states, further reducing the transmission resistance of the drive unit 121 and improving the protection effect.

[0042] Taking the example where the valve-closing side 122b of the drive rod 122 is located on the left and the valve-opening side 122a is located on the right. When the valve needs to be opened, the drive unit 121 cooperates with the fixed transmission part 123 to drive the drive rod 122 to move to the right, and the second elastic element 126 deforms accordingly, for example, being compressed; when the drive unit 121 and the fixed transmission part 123 are engaged at their left extreme positions and disengaged, the elastic potential energy of the second elastic element 126 is released to drive the drive rod 122 to move the fixed transmission part 123 to the left, thereby causing the left end of the fixed transmission part 123 to engage with the drive unit 121 again. When the valve needs to be closed, the drive rod 122 moves to the left under the action of the drive unit 121 until the drive unit 121 disengages from the movable transmission part 124, and then the first elastic element 125 drives the movable transmission part 124 to move to the right to engage with the drive unit 121 again. In this way, an intermittent transmission engagement can be formed at the extreme positions of valve opening and closing, involving engagement, disengagement, re-engagement, and re-disengagement, thereby reducing the driving resistance of the drive unit 121.

[0043] The valve body 111 has an assembly hole for the drive rod 122 to pass through, and a portion of the drive rod 122 extends into the valve cavity 1101 through the assembly hole to connect with the valve core 112. A second elastic element 126 is disposed within the valve cavity 1101 and connects the cavity wall of the valve cavity 1101 to the drive rod 122. The second elastic element 126 is compressed when the valve is opened. Both the first elastic element 125 and the second elastic element 126 are springs.

[0044] Alternatively, the second elastic element 126 can also be located outside the valve cavity 1101 and connected between the outer wall of the valve body 111 and the drive rod 122. In this case, the second elastic element 126 is stretched. This is only an example.

[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In some embodiments, the drive unit 121 includes at least a transmission gear 1211, the fixed transmission part 123 includes a plurality of fixed teeth 1231, and the movable transmission part 124 includes a movable tooth 1241. The plurality of fixed teeth 1231 and movable teeth 1241 are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and the transmission gear 1211 meshes with the fixed teeth 1231 and the movable teeth 1241 for transmission.

[0046] The movable transmission unit 124 further includes a sliding seat 1242 slidably connected to the drive rod 122, and a movable tooth 1241 is disposed on the sliding seat 1242, for example, integrally formed. A first elastic member 125 is connected to the sliding seat 1242. One movable tooth 1241 is provided to intermittently mesh with the transmission gear 1211. Of course, two, three, or other movable teeth 1241 may also be provided, spaced apart along the first direction. In this case, the movable tooth 1241 furthest from the fixed tooth 1231 intermittently meshes with the transmission gear 1211. Simultaneously, when the valve is opened, the fixed tooth 1231 furthest from the movable tooth 1241 intermittently meshes with the transmission gear 1211.

[0047] In practical use, the drive unit 121 includes a power source 1212, a transmission part 1213 connected to the power source 1212, and a reduction part 1214 connected to the transmission part 1213. The reduction part 1214 meshes with the transmission gear 1211 for transmission. Specifically, the power source 1212 is a motor, the transmission part 1213 is a worm gear transmission, the worm is connected to the motor shaft, and the worm gear is connected to the reduction part 1214 for transmission. The reduction part 1214 includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a fourth gear, and a fifth gear. The first gear, the third gear, and the fifth gear are all located on a first rotating shaft 1215, and the second gear, the fourth gear, and the aforementioned transmission gear 1211 are all located on a second rotating shaft 1216. The first gear is connected to the worm gear and rotates with it. The first gear meshes with the second gear for transmission, and the diameter of the first gear is smaller than that of the second gear. The fourth gear is connected to the second gear and rotates with it. The fourth gear meshes with the third gear for transmission, and the diameter of the fourth gear is smaller than that of the third gear and also smaller than that of the second gear. The fifth gear is connected to the third gear and rotates with it. The fifth gear meshes with the transmission gear 1211, and the diameter of the fifth gear is smaller than the diameter of the third gear and smaller than the diameter of the transmission gear 1211.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the valve core 112 has an inner cavity 1120 and an opening 1121 communicating with the inner cavity 1120. The end of the drive rod 122 extends into the inner cavity 1120 through the opening 1121 and is limitedly connected to the valve core 112. At least a portion of the second elastic member 126 is accommodated in the inner cavity 1120, and one end of the second elastic member 126 abuts against the inner wall of the valve body 111 through the opening 1121. This arrangement can avoid problems such as corrosion or blockage by residues affecting the elastic function of the second elastic member 126 due to frequent contact with liquids, thereby improving safety in use.

[0049] Specifically, the valve body 111 includes a main body 1111 and a valve cover 1112 connected to the main body 1111, which together enclose a valve cavity 1101. The main body 1111 has a first port 1103 and a second port 1104 arranged at intervals, with the axis of the first port 1103 and the axis of the second port 1104 set at an angle, for example, perpendicular. A valve port 1102 is located on the side of the first port 1103 facing the second port 1104, and the valve port 1102 is coaxially arranged with the first port 1103. The main body 1111 has an assembly port on the side away from the first port 1103 for installing the valve core 112, and the valve cover 1112 is sealed at the assembly port. The aforementioned assembly hole is located on the valve cover 1112, and an extended protrusion protrudes from the edge of the assembly hole facing the valve cavity 1101 for fitting one end of the second elastic member 126. The valve cover 1112 is integrally formed with the aforementioned assembly housing 127.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive rod 122 includes a rod body 1221 and a locking portion 1222 connected to the rod body 1221. The locking portion 1222 is limitedly connected to the valve core 112. The second elastic member 126 is sleeved on the rod body 1221 and abuts against the inner wall of the valve body 111 between the locking portion 1222 and the valve body 111. That is, the second elastic member 126 is provided in the valve cavity 1101. The locking portion 1222 not only realizes the connection between the drive rod 122 and the valve core 112, but also serves as the assembly reference for the second elastic member 126, achieving multiple uses and simplifying the structure.

[0051] The inner cavity 1120 of the valve core 112 has a recessed groove, and the edge of the locking part 1222 can be locked into the groove to achieve a limiting connection. The locking part 1222 and the rod body 1221 can be integrally formed or threaded together for easy assembly and disassembly. The locking part 1222 has an assembly step for fitting the other end of the second elastic element 126. The rod body 1221 is integrally formed with the aforementioned fixed transmission part 123.

[0052] In some embodiments, the edge of the opening 1121 is fixed to the valve body 111, and the valve core 112 can extend and retract in a first direction under the action of the drive rod 122 to switch between the open and closed valve states. That is, one end of the valve core 112 facing the open valve side 122a is fixed to the valve body 111, and the other end of the valve core 112 facing the closed valve side 122b is used to seal the valve port 1102. The drive rod 122 is connected to the end of the valve core 112 facing the closed valve side 122b. The movement of the drive rod 122 in the first direction can drive the valve core 112 to extend and retract, thereby achieving the sealing and unsealing of the valve port 1102. This arrangement not only ensures the assembly reliability of the valve core 112, but also ensures that the second elastic member 126 is entirely housed within the inner cavity 1120 of the valve core 112, further improving assembly safety.

[0053] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some specific embodiments, the valve core 112 includes a fixed end 112a, a telescopic section 112b, and a blocking end 112c connected sequentially from the valve opening side 122a towards the valve closing side 122b. The fixed end 112a is fixed to the valve body 111, and the blocking end 112c is connected to the drive rod 122 and can move relative to the fixed end 112a under the action of the drive rod 122 to drive the telescopic section 112b to extend and retract. The blocking end 112c is used to block the valve port 1102. The telescopic section 112b may be corrugated. The fixed end 112a has an outwardly extending flange, which is pressed between the body 1111 and the valve cover 1112. The diameter of the blocking end 112c is larger than the diameter of the valve port 1102 so as to press against the sealing end face at the valve port 1102 to achieve blocking. The inner cavity 1120 corresponding to the blocking end 112c has the aforementioned groove on its wall.

[0054] When the sealing end 112c moves to the right with the drive rod 122, the telescopic section 112b is compressed, and the sealing end 112c releases the seal on the valve port 1102; conversely, when the sealing end 112c moves to the left with the drive rod 122, the telescopic section 112b is stretched, and the sealing end 112c seals the valve port 1102. This is only an example.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of this application provides a drainage mechanism 100, including a drain pump 20 and the aforementioned water valve structure 10. The valve body 111 of the water valve structure 10 has a first port 1103 and a second port 1104 spaced apart. One of the first port 1103 and the second port 1104 is connected to the inlet of the drain pump 20, and the other is used to connect to the location to be drained. The location to be drained can be the drain outlet of the dishwasher's water cup 210, or other drain outlets that need to be drained.

[0056] Taking the first port 1103 connected to the location to be drained as an example, the second port 1104 is connected to the inlet of the drain pump 20. In actual use, the valve body 111 of the water valve structure 10 is connected to the pump housing 21 of the drain pump 20. For example, the valve body 111 can be integrally formed with the front housing of the pump housing 21, and the rear housing is fixed to the front housing with screws or bolts. The front housing has an outlet 202 that connects to the pump chamber 201. When drainage is required, the drive unit 121 drives the valve core 112 to move through the drive rod 122 to release the blockage of the valve port 1102. The first port 1103 is connected to the second port 1104 through the valve port 1102, and the drain pump 20 draws the liquid from the location to be drained and discharges it from the outlet 202. After drainage is completed, the drive unit 121 drives the valve core 112 to move in the opposite direction through the drive rod 122 to block the valve port 1102.

[0057] Please see Figures 8 to 10 Another embodiment of this application provides a dishwasher, including a sink 200 and the aforementioned drain mechanism 100. The sink 200 is provided with a water cup 210, and the drain mechanism 100 is connected to the water cup 210. The water cup 210 is provided with a drain outlet, and the first port 1103 in the water valve structure 10 is connected to the drain outlet to facilitate the discharge of cleaning wastewater from the sink 200.

[0058] This dishwasher can be controlled by a voice module, which is equipped with a controller, a voice receiving module, and a voice parsing module. The voice receiving module receives user commands, and the voice parsing module parses the commands. Based on the parsed commands, the controller controls the dishwasher to perform corresponding operations, thereby realizing intelligent control of the dishwasher and improving the user experience.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water valve structure, characterized in that, include: The valve assembly (11) includes a valve body (111) having a valve cavity (1101) and a valve core (112). The valve cavity (1101) has a valve port (1102). The valve core (112) is movably disposed in the valve cavity (1101) and is used to block or open the valve port (1102). The drive assembly (12) includes a drive unit (121) and a drive rod (122). The drive rod (122) is connected to the valve core (112). The drive rod (122) is provided with a fixed transmission part (123) and a movable transmission part (124) arranged at intervals along a first direction. The fixed transmission part (123) can drive the drive unit (121) to reciprocate along the first direction. The drive rod (122) can drive the valve core (112) to move synchronously to switch between the open valve state and the closed valve state. The movable transmission part (124) can reciprocate relative to the fixed transmission part (123) along the first direction to intermittently drive the drive unit (121).

2. The water valve structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive rod (122) has an open valve side (122a) and a close valve side (122b) arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and the fixed transmission part (123) is provided with the movable transmission part (124) on the side near the open valve side (122a) and / or the side near the close valve side (122b).

3. The water valve structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (12) further includes a first elastic element (125), which is connected between the movable transmission part (124) and the fixed transmission part (123). Under the action of the first elastic element (125), the movable transmission part (124) has a tendency to move away from the fixed transmission part (123).

4. The water valve structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive rod (122) is provided with an assembly groove (1220), the movable transmission part (124) and the first elastic element (125) are provided in the assembly groove (1220), and a portion of the movable transmission part (124) extends out of the assembly groove (1220) to engage with the drive unit (121) for transmission.

5. The water valve structure according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly (12) further includes a second elastic element (126), which is disposed on the side of the fixed transmission part (123) away from the movable transmission part (124) and connected between the drive rod (122) and the valve body (111); The drive rod (122) is able to move away from the movable transmission part (124) under the action of the second elastic member (126), and the end of the fixed transmission part (123) away from the movable transmission part (124) can be intermittently transmitted and cooperated with the drive unit (121).

6. The water valve structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The valve core (112) has an inner cavity (1120) and an opening (1121) communicating with the inner cavity (1120). The end of the drive rod (122) extends into the inner cavity (1120) through the opening (1121) and is limitedly connected to the valve core (112). At least a portion of the second elastic member (126) is accommodated in the inner cavity (1120), and one end of the second elastic member (126) abuts against the inner wall of the valve body (111) through the opening (1121).

7. The water valve structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The edge of the opening (1121) is fixed to the valve body (111), and the valve core (112) can extend and retract along the first direction under the action of the drive rod (122) to switch between the open valve state and the closed valve state.

8. The water valve structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive rod (122) has an open valve side (122a) and a closed valve side (122b) facing away from each other. The valve core (112) includes a fixed end (112a), a telescopic section (112b) and a sealing end (112c) connected in sequence from the open valve side (122a) toward the closed valve side (122b). The fixed end (112a) is fixed to the valve body (111), the blocking end (112c) is connected to the drive rod (122) and can move relative to the fixed end (112a) to drive the telescopic section (112b) to extend and retract, and the blocking end (112c) is used to block the valve port (1102).

9. The water valve structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive rod (122) includes a rod body (1221) and a snap-fit ​​part (1222) connected to the rod body (1221). The snap-fit ​​part (1222) is limitedly connected to the valve core (112). The second elastic member (126) is sleeved on the rod body (1221) and abuts against the snap-fit ​​part (1222) and the inner wall of the valve body (111).

10. The water valve structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit (121) includes at least a transmission gear (1211), the fixed transmission part (123) includes a plurality of fixed teeth (1231), and the movable transmission part (124) includes a movable tooth (1241). The plurality of fixed teeth (1231) and the movable teeth (1241) are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the transmission gear (1211) meshes with the fixed teeth (1231) and the movable teeth (1241) for transmission.

11. A drainage mechanism, characterized in that, The device includes a drain pump (20) and a water valve structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The valve body (111) of the water valve structure (10) has a first port (1103) and a second port (1104) spaced apart. One of the first port (1103) and the second port (1104) is connected to the inlet of the drain pump (20), and the other is used to connect to the location to be drained.

12. A dishwasher, characterized in that, It includes a sink (200) and a drain mechanism (100) as described in claim 11, wherein the sink (200) is provided with a water cup (210) and the drain mechanism (100) is connected to the water cup (210).

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