Switching mechanism and liquid output device

Abstract

A switching mechanism, comprising: a housing assembly (10), which is provided with a liquid intake flow channel (100), a mounting cavity (200) and at least one liquid output flow channel (300); a switching assembly (20); and a driving assembly (30). The mounting cavity (200) is in communication between the liquid intake flow channel (100) and the liquid output flow channel (300), and is provided with a first cavity (201) and a second cavity (202). The driving assembly (30) can drive the switching assembly (20) to move from one of a plurality of switching positions and is at least partially accommodated in the second cavity (202), such that the switching assembly (20) can move to be in limiting connection with the housing assembly (10) in a first direction under the driving of a liquid.

Description

Switching mechanism and liquid outlet device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed on February 29, 2024, with application number 202410228010.4 and invention name “Switching mechanism and liquid outlet device”, the content of which should be understood as incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to but are not limited to kitchen and bathroom technologies, and in particular to a switching mechanism and a liquid outlet device. Background Art

[0003] Some liquid discharge devices generally use a switching mechanism with a ratchet, ratchet or cylindrical pen core structure to switch the liquid path. The structure of the switching mechanism is complex, resulting in high production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail in this disclosure. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a switching mechanism, including:

[0006] A housing assembly having a liquid inlet channel, a mounting cavity, and at least one liquid outlet channel, wherein the mounting cavity is connected between the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, the mounting cavity having a first cavity and a second cavity, and the first cavity having a plurality of switching positions;

[0007] a switching assembly movably mounted in the mounting cavity, the switching assembly being at least partially located in the first cavity and configured to be limitably connected to different switching positions to change the on-off state between the mounting cavity and at least one of the liquid outlet channels; and

[0008] A driving assembly is arranged in the shell assembly and is transmission-connected to the switching assembly. The driving assembly is configured to drive the switching assembly to move out of one of the multiple switching positions and be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity, so that the switching assembly can move along the first direction to be limitedly connected with the shell assembly under the drive of the liquid entering the mounting cavity through the liquid inlet channel, so that the driving assembly can drive the switching assembly and move out of the second cavity under the limitation of the shell assembly and be limitedly connected to another one of the multiple switching positions.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a liquid discharge device, including:

[0010] Switching mechanism as described above.

[0011] Implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure will have the following beneficial effects:

[0012] The switching mechanism of the above-mentioned scheme is applied and equipped in the liquid outlet device. In addition to making the liquid outlet device have excellent liquid circuit switching efficiency, it can also use the driving effect of the liquid to simplify the transmission structure of the switching mechanism, thereby reducing the structural complexity of the switching mechanism and reducing the production cost. Specifically, the switching mechanism includes a shell assembly having a liquid inlet channel, a mounting cavity and at least one liquid outlet channel, a switching assembly movably mounted in the mounting cavity, and a driving assembly. Among them, the mounting cavity is connected between the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and has a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity has a plurality of switching positions. The switching assembly can be limitedly connected to different switching positions to change the on-off state of the mounting cavity and at least one liquid outlet channel. The driving assembly can drive the switching assembly to move out of one of the multiple switching positions, so that the limiting effect of the shell assembly on the switching assembly fails, which facilitates the subsequent liquid drive entering the mounting cavity from the liquid inlet channel. The switching component is at least partially accommodated in the second cavity, so that the switching component can move along the first direction under the drive of the liquid to be limitedly connected with the shell component, so that the driving component can drive the switching component and move out of the second cavity under the limit of the shell component and be limitedly connected to another one of the multiple switching positions. In this way, the driving effect of the liquid can be used to achieve the purpose of moving the switching component a certain distance along the first direction, which is convenient for the subsequent limited connection of the switching component to another switching position to realize the switching of the liquid circuit, thereby avoiding the need to set up an additional transmission structure for the switching mechanism to achieve movement along the first direction, thereby simplifying the transmission structure of the switching mechanism.

[0013] Still other aspects will become apparent upon reading and understanding the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

[0014] Summary of the Figures

[0015] The accompanying drawings are used to provide an understanding of the technical solution of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are used to explain the technical solution of the present disclosure and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solution of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a switching mechanism in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the switching mechanism shown in FIG1 ;

[0018] FIG3 is an enlarged structural diagram of part A in FIG2 ;

[0019] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the switching mechanism shown in FIG1 from another perspective;

[0020] FIG5 is an enlarged structural diagram of part B in FIG4 ;

[0021] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of a switching mechanism in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of portion C in FIG6;

[0023] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of a switching mechanism from another perspective in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG9 is an enlarged structural diagram of portion D in FIG8 ;

[0025] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first housing in a switching mechanism in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a second housing in a switching mechanism in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a liquid outlet in which a switching component in a switching mechanism is limitedly connected to a first switching position in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a liquid outlet in which a switching component in a switching mechanism is limitedly connected to a second switching position in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of liquid discharge in which the switching assembly in the switching mechanism is limitedly connected to the third switching position in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of liquid discharge in which the switching assembly in the switching mechanism is limitedly connected to the fourth switching position in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 10. Shell assembly; 11. First shell; 111. Connecting portion; 12. Second shell; 20. Switching assembly; 21. Stopper; 22. Limiting member; 221. Inclined surface; 23. Elastic portion; 24. Main body; 241. Second positioning portion; 25. Rotating shaft; 30. Driving assembly; 31. Driving member; 32. Resetting member; 40. Flow guide; 41. Arc-shaped portion; 42. Flow limiting portion; 50. First limiting portion; 60. Second limiting portion; 61. Groove wall; 70. Liquid separation surface; 71. Annular protrusion; 80. Sealing assembly; 81. Sealing Seal; 82, cover plate; 90, first positioning portion; 100, liquid inlet channel; 200, mounting cavity; 201, first cavity; 202, second cavity; 203, connecting cavity; 300, liquid outlet channel; 301, first liquid outlet channel; 302, second liquid outlet channel; 400, groove structure; 500, liquid separation hole; 501, first liquid separation hole; 502, second liquid separation hole; 600, via hole; 700, notch.

[0032] Details

[0033] The present disclosure describes a number of embodiments, but this description is exemplary rather than restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there may be more embodiments and implementations within the scope of the embodiments described in the present disclosure. Although many possible feature combinations are shown in the drawings and discussed in the detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are also possible. Unless specifically limited, any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature or element in any other embodiment, or may replace any other feature or element in any other embodiment.

[0034] The present disclosure includes and contemplates combinations of features and elements known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed embodiments, features, and elements of the present disclosure may also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form a unique inventive solution defined by the claims. Any features or elements of any embodiment may also be combined with features or elements from other inventive solutions to form another unique inventive solution defined by the claims. Therefore, it should be understood that any feature shown and / or discussed in this disclosure may be implemented individually or in any appropriate combination. Therefore, the embodiments are not subject to other limitations except for the limitations set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents. In addition, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0035] In addition, when describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented the method and / or process as a specific sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the specific order of the steps described in the present disclosure, the method or process should not be limited to the steps in the specific order described. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other orders of steps are also possible. Therefore, the specific order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be interpreted as a limitation on the claims. In addition, the claims to the method and / or process should not be limited to performing their steps in the order written, and those skilled in the art can readily understand that these orders can be changed and still remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Some liquid discharge devices generally use a switching mechanism with a ratchet, ratchet or cylindrical pen core structure to switch the liquid path. The structure of the switching mechanism is complex, resulting in high production costs.

[0037] The disclosed embodiments provide a switching mechanism and a liquid discharge device. The liquid discharge device can be installed in various environments, such as companies, schools, homes, and factories, to clean items to be cleaned, thereby improving people's quality of life and health. The liquid discharge device can be, but is not limited to, a faucet, a showerhead, or a spray gun. The liquid discharge device includes a switching mechanism that can switch the liquid path to achieve different liquid discharge effects of the liquid discharge device.

[0038] The switching mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 and 12 to 15 The switching mechanism includes a housing assembly 10 , a switching assembly 20 and a driving assembly 30 .

[0039] The shell assembly 10 has a liquid inlet channel 100, a mounting cavity 200 and at least one liquid outlet channel 300. The mounting cavity 200 is connected between the liquid inlet channel 100 and the liquid outlet channel 300, and the mounting cavity 200 has a first cavity 201 and a second cavity 202, and the first cavity 201 has a plurality of switching positions. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of liquid outlet channels 300 is two, namely the first liquid outlet channel 301 and the second liquid outlet channel 302. The number of switching positions is four, namely the first switching position, the second switching position, the third switching position and the fourth switching position. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the number of liquid outlet channels 300 may also be other values. The number of switching positions may also be other values.

[0040] The switching component 20 can be movably mounted on the mounting cavity 200. The switching component 20 is at least partially located in the first cavity 201 and is configured to be limitedly connected to different switching positions to change the on-off state of the mounting cavity 200 and at least one liquid outlet channel 300. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching component 20 is limitedly connected to different switching positions, so that at least one of the two liquid outlet channels 300 can discharge liquid. As shown in Figure 12, the switching component 20 is limitedly connected to the first switching position, and only the first liquid outlet channel 301 discharges liquid. As shown in Figure 13, the switching component 20 is limitedly connected to the second switching position, and the first liquid outlet channel 301 and the second liquid outlet channel 302 discharge liquid at the same time. As shown in Figure 14, the switching component 20 is limitedly connected to the third switching position, and only the second liquid outlet channel 302 discharges liquid. As shown in Figure 15, the switching component 20 is limitedly connected to the fourth switching position, and the first liquid outlet channel 301 and the second liquid outlet channel 302 discharge liquid at the same time.

[0041] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the plurality of switching positions may include a fifth switching position. When the switching assembly 20 is limitedly connected to the fifth switching position, the first liquid outlet channel 301 and the second liquid outlet channel 302 stop discharging liquid at the same time.

[0042] The drive assembly 30 is disposed in the housing assembly 10 and is in transmission connection with the switching assembly 20. The drive assembly 30 is configured to drive the switching assembly 20 to move out of one of the multiple switching positions and to be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity 202, so that the switching assembly 20 can be driven by the liquid entering the mounting cavity 200 from the liquid inlet channel 100 to move in a first direction until it is limitedly connected to the housing assembly 10. That is, after the switching assembly 20 is moved out of one of the multiple switching positions, it can be driven by the liquid to move in the first direction until it is limitedly connected to the housing assembly 10, so that the drive assembly 30 can drive the switching assembly 20 and move out of the second cavity 202 under the limit of the housing assembly 10 and be limitedly connected to another of the multiple switching positions. Under the drive of the liquid and the limit of the housing assembly 10, the switching assembly 20 can move a certain distance, so that when the switching assembly 20 is driven by the drive assembly 30 again, it can be limitedly connected to another of the multiple switching positions, thereby switching the on / off state of the liquid flow channel 300. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first direction is the direction indicated by the arrow X in Figures 12 to 15.

[0043] In the disclosed embodiment, the housing assembly 10 is provided with a connection portion 111. The connection portion 111 can be connected to the external pipeline by, but not limited to, a threaded connection, a plug-in connection, a snap-on connection, or a welding connection. The external pipeline can be a hose or a rigid pipe. The external pipeline is configured to provide liquid to the liquid outlet device. The external pipeline can be provided with a manually or electrically controlled valve structure to control the on / off state of the external pipeline, thereby connecting or disconnecting the liquid outlet device from the liquid source. The liquid includes, but is not limited to, clean water or pure water from the municipal water network.

[0044] In summary, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will have the following beneficial effects: the switching mechanism of the above-mentioned scheme is applied to the liquid outlet device. In addition to making the liquid outlet device have excellent liquid path switching efficiency, it can also use the driving effect of the liquid to simplify the transmission structure of the switching mechanism, thereby reducing the structural complexity of the switching mechanism and reducing the production cost. Specifically, the switching mechanism includes a shell assembly 10 having a liquid inlet channel 100, a mounting cavity 200 and at least one liquid outlet channel 300, a switching assembly 20 movably mounted in the mounting cavity 200, and a driving assembly 30. Among them, the mounting cavity 200 is connected between the liquid inlet channel 100 and the liquid outlet channel 300, and has a first cavity 201 and a second cavity 202. The first cavity 201 has multiple switching positions. The switching assembly 20 can be limitedly connected to different switching positions to change the on-off state of the mounting cavity 200 and the at least one liquid outlet channel 300. The drive assembly 30 can drive the switching assembly 20 to move out of one of the multiple switching positions, so that the housing assembly 10's limit on the switching assembly 20 becomes invalid, facilitating the subsequent liquid drive entering the mounting cavity 200 from the liquid inlet channel 100. The switching assembly 20 is at least partially housed in the second cavity 202, so that the switching assembly 20 can be moved in the first direction under the drive of the liquid to be limitedly connected with the housing assembly 10, so that the drive assembly 30 can drive the switching assembly 20 and, under the limit of the housing assembly 10, move out of the second cavity 202 and be limitedly connected to another of the multiple switching positions. In this way, the driving effect of the liquid can be used to achieve the purpose of moving the switching assembly 20 a certain distance in the first direction, facilitating the subsequent limit connection of the switching assembly 20 to another switching position to achieve the switching of the liquid circuit, thereby avoiding the need for an additional transmission structure for the switching mechanism to achieve movement in the first direction, thereby simplifying the transmission structure of the switching mechanism.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 7, 9, and 10, the housing assembly 10 is provided with a flow guide 40. The flow guide 40 is disposed in the second cavity 202 and is configured to guide at least a portion of the liquid entering the second cavity 202 in a predetermined direction toward the portion of the switching assembly 20 located in the second cavity 202, thereby driving the switching assembly 20 to move in a first direction until it is positioned in a positional connection with the housing assembly 10. The provision of the flow guide 40 thus enables the liquid to have a predetermined flow direction, facilitating the driving of the switching assembly 20 in the predetermined first direction. In the disclosed embodiment, after the liquid drives the switching assembly 20, the switching assembly 20 moves in a rotational manner. The flow guide 40 includes an arcuate portion 41 and a flow restrictor 42. The arcuate portion 41 faces the direction of liquid flow into the second cavity 202 and protrudes in that direction. The arc of the arcuate portion 41 is coaxial with the axial direction of the switching assembly 20, so that when the liquid strikes the arcuate portion 41, it can follow the shape of the arcuate portion 41 to generate a clockwise flow or a counterclockwise flow around the axial direction of the switching assembly 20. The flow restrictor 42 is provided on the arcuate portion 41 to restrict the flow of one of the clockwise and counterclockwise flows, so that the liquid in the second cavity 202 can roughly drive the switching assembly 20 in the first direction in the direction of the other of the clockwise and counterclockwise flows. The flow restrictor 42 can be, but is not limited to, a slat-like structure that can stop the liquid flow.

[0046] It is understood that in other embodiments, after the liquid drives the switching assembly 20, the switching assembly 20 can move in a linear or curved manner. Accordingly, the flow guide 40 can also be configured based on the movement of the switching assembly 20. For example, the flow guide 40 can include a guide groove that can guide the liquid to the portion of the switching assembly 20 located in the second cavity 202, driving the switching assembly 20 to move linearly until it is locked with the housing assembly 10.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 , and FIG. 10 , the switching assembly 20 includes at least one stopper 21 . Each stopper 21 can be at least partially received in the second cavity 202 during the process of the driving assembly 30 driving the switching assembly 20 to move out of one of the plurality of switching positions.

[0048] The shell assembly 10 is provided with at least one first limiting portion 50, and the first limiting portion 50 is provided in the second cavity 202, wherein the number of at least one of the stopper 21 and the first limiting portion 50 is consistent with the number of switching positions, so as to ensure that the number of limiting matching positions of the switching assembly 20 and the shell assembly 10 in the second cavity 202 along the first direction can be consistent with the number of switching positions. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the stopper 21 is consistent with the number of switching positions, both of which are four. The number of the first limiting portions 50 is one. Since the position of the first limiting portion 50 is set in the movement path of the switching assembly 20 and protrudes from the shell assembly 10, it has a stopping effect on the liquid. Therefore, the smaller number of the first limiting portions 50 is conducive to the flow of the liquid guided by the guide member 40. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the number of the first limiting portions 50 can also be two, three or four.

[0049] The flow guide 40 is configured to direct at least a portion of the liquid entering the second cavity 202 toward the at least one stopper 21 in a predetermined direction, thereby driving the switching assembly 20 to move in the first direction until the at least one stopper 21 engages with the first limiting portion 50. This allows the stopper 21 to form a limiting engagement with the first limiting portion 50 while also increasing the area of ​​the switching assembly 20 that blocks the liquid, facilitating movement in the first direction under the influence of the liquid. Because the stopper 21 facilitates the liquid's drive of the switching assembly 20, a larger number of stoppers 21 facilitates at least one stopper 21 being positioned close to the upstream side of the liquid flow, thereby generating greater driving force.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 3, 7, 9 and 11 , the switching assembly 20 has at least one stopper 22 . The housing assembly 10 is provided with at least one second stopper 60 . The second stopper 60 is provided in the first cavity 201 .

[0051] The number of the limiting members 22 is consistent with the number of the switching positions, so that the number of the limiting matching positions of the limiting member 22 and the second limiting portion 60 is consistent with the number of the switching positions. The limiting matching positions of the limiting member 22 and the second limiting portion 60 may not overlap with the switching positions.

[0052] Each second limiting portion 60 can be connected to a different limiting member 22 to limit the switching assembly 20 to different switching positions.

[0053] The drive assembly 30 is configured to drive the switching assembly 20 so that the second limiting portion 60 can be separated from one of the multiple limiting members 22, so that the switching assembly 20 can be moved from one of the multiple switching positions, and each stop member 21 can be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity 202, so that the switching assembly 20 can move in the first direction under the drive of the liquid until at least one stop member 21 is limit-connected with the first limiting portion 50, so that the drive assembly 30 can drive the switching assembly 20 and move out of the second cavity 202 under the limit of the limit-connected stop member 21 and the first limiting portion 50, so that the second limiting portion 60 can be limit-connected with another of the multiple limiting members 22, so that the switching assembly 20 can be limit-connected to another of the multiple switching positions. In this way, the switching assembly 20 can complete the switching of one switching position and complete the switching of one liquid circuit. In the case where the movement mode of the switching assembly 20 is rotational motion, the switching assembly 20 can return to the initial switching position after the above switching process is repeated multiple times. If the switching assembly 20 moves in a linear or curved manner, the driving assembly 30 can be used to drive the switching assembly 20 back to the initial switching position. In the disclosed embodiment, there are four limiting members 22 and one second limiting portion 60. It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of second limiting portions 60 can be two, three, or four, allowing two, three, or four limiting members 22 to simultaneously engage with corresponding second limiting portions 60, thereby improving the stability of the switching assembly 20 in the switching position.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment, the switching assembly 20 has at least one limiting member 22 , and the housing assembly 10 is provided with at least one second limiting portion 60 , which is provided in the first cavity 201 .

[0055] The number of second limiting portions 60 matches the number of switching positions, ensuring that the number of positions where the limiting member 22 and the second limiting portion 60 can be engaged matches the number of switching positions. The position where the limiting member 22 and the second limiting portion 60 engage can be different from the switching position. The switching position can also be located on the second limiting portion 60, such that the position where the limiting member 22 and the second limiting portion 60 engage can be aligned with the switching position.

[0056] Each limiting member 22 can be connected to a different second limiting portion 60 so that the switching assembly 20 is limited and connected to different switching positions.

[0057] The drive assembly 30 is configured to drive the switching assembly 20 so that the limiting member 22 can be separated from one of the plurality of second limiting portions 60, so that the switching assembly 20 can be moved out of one of the plurality of switching positions, and each stop member 21 can be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity 202, so that the switching assembly 20 can be driven by the liquid to move in the first direction until at least one stop member 21 is limitatively connected to the first limiting portion 50, so that the drive assembly 30 can drive the switching assembly 20 and move out of the second cavity 202 under the limit of the limit-connected stop member 21 and the first limiting portion 50, so that the limiting member 22 can be limitatively connected to another of the plurality of second limiting portions 60, so that the switching assembly 20 can be limitatively connected to another of the plurality of switching positions. In this way, the switching assembly 20 can complete a switching position switch and complete a liquid circuit switch. In the case where the movement mode of the switching assembly 20 is rotational motion, the switching assembly 20 can return to the initial switching position after the above switching process is repeated multiple times. When the movement of the switching component 20 is linear motion or curved motion, the driving component 30 can be used to drive the switching component 20 back to the initial switching position.

[0058] Since each stop member 21 can be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity 202 during the process of the driving component 30 driving the switching component 20 to move out of one of the multiple switching positions, and the driving component 30 can drive the switching component 20 and move it out of the second cavity 202 under the limitation of the stop member 21 connected to the limit and the first limiting portion 50, that is, before the switching component 20 is completely moved out of one of the multiple switching positions and before the switching component 20 is completely moved out of the second cavity 202, the switching component 20 will be restricted by the housing component 10, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the switching component 20 under the drive of the driving component 30, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the liquid circuit switching.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 3, 7, 9, and 11, one of the stopper 22 and the second stopper 60 is a protruding structure, while the other has two groove walls 61 forming a groove structure 400. In the disclosed embodiment, the stopper 22 is a protruding structure. The second stopper 60 has a groove structure 400.

[0060] The two groove walls 61 are spaced apart along the first direction. The protruding structure can abut against one of the two groove walls 61 to limit the connection between the limiting member 22 and the second limiting portion 60, and is spaced apart from the other of the two groove walls 61 along the first direction, with the spacing distance being greater than the sum of the dimensions of the first limiting portion 50 along the first direction and the dimensions of the stopper 21 along the first direction.

[0061] This provides a larger space in the groove structure 400, facilitating the protrusion structure's movement into the groove structure 400 when restrained by the stopper 21 and the first limiting portion 50. When the stopper 21 is free from the first limiting portion 50, the liquid can drive the switching assembly 20 to continue moving in the first direction, causing the protrusion structure to abut against one of the two groove walls 61, thereby forming a retaining engagement. Furthermore, because the distance between the protrusion structure and the other of the two groove walls 61 along the first direction is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the first limiting portion 50 and the stopper 21 along the first direction, the distance the switching assembly 20 continues to move in the first direction allows the stopper 21, when again driven by the drive assembly 30, to move toward the second cavity 202, avoiding the first limiting portion 50. This facilitates at least partial accommodation of the stopper 21 within the second cavity 202, allowing the switching assembly 20 to once again, driven by the liquid, move in the first direction until at least one of the stopper 21 is retained in contact with the first limiting portion 50.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 3, 7, 9, and 11, the protruding structure has an inclined surface 221, which deflects from the side of the protruding structure close to the second cavity 202 to the side away from the second cavity 202. The protruding structure has inclined surfaces 221 on both sides along the first direction, so as to form a small end portion on the side of the protruding structure away from the second cavity 202. The provision of the inclined surfaces 221 facilitates the introduction of the protruding structure into the groove structure 400. When the protruding structure moves out of the groove structure 400 under the action of the driving assembly 30, the inclined surfaces 221 can further increase the distance that the switching assembly 20 continues to move in the first direction under liquid drive, further ensuring that the path of the stopper 21 driven by the driving assembly 30 to move toward the second cavity 202 again can avoid the first limiting portion 50.

[0063] In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, a small end portion having two inclined surfaces 221 arranged opposite to each other along the first direction may also be provided on the side of the stop member 21 close to the second cavity 202 to reduce the risk of the first limiting portion 50 stopping the stop member 21 from entering the second cavity 202.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figures 9 and 11 together, the housing assembly 10 is provided with a liquid separation surface 70 facing the first cavity 201, and each liquid outlet channel 300 can penetrate the liquid separation surface 70 to form a liquid separation hole 500 in communication with the installation cavity 200 on the liquid separation surface 70. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of liquid outlet channels 300 is two, namely the first liquid outlet channel 301 and the second liquid outlet channel 302. The first liquid outlet channel 301 can form a first liquid separation hole 501 in communication with the installation cavity 200 on the liquid separation surface 70. The second liquid outlet channel 302 can form a second liquid separation hole 502 in communication with the installation cavity 200 on the liquid separation surface 70.

[0065] The switching component 20 includes an elastic portion 23. The switching component 20 is limitedly connected to one of the multiple switching positions, and the elastic portion 23 can elastically abut against the liquid separation surface 70 to block at least one of the multiple liquid separation holes 500. In this way, the setting of the elastic portion 23 can utilize its elastic deformation ability to better fit the liquid separation surface 70, and when passing through the first liquid separation hole 501, it can be partially accommodated in the first liquid separation hole 501, increasing the sealing area of ​​the first liquid separation hole 501 and improving the blocking effect. Similarly, when passing through the second liquid separation hole 502, the elastic portion 23 can be partially accommodated in the second liquid separation hole 502, increasing the sealing area of ​​the second liquid separation hole 502 and improving the blocking effect. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic portion 23 can be made of an elastomeric material.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 9 and 11 , an annular protrusion 71 is provided on the side of the liquid separation surface 70 facing the elastic portion 23, and an annular protrusion 71 is provided around the circumferential outer side of each liquid separation hole 500. The provision of the annular protrusion 71 enhances the degree of deformation of the elastic portion 23 when it abuts the liquid separation surface 70, and at least wraps around the side of the annular protrusion 71 away from the liquid separation surface 70, forming a sealing structure around the circumferential outer side of the liquid separation hole 500, further enhancing the sealing effect of the elastic portion 23 on the liquid separation hole 500.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 3, 5, 9, and 12 to 15, the switching assembly 20 further includes a body 24, on which a stopper 21, a limiting member 22, and an elastic portion 23 are all disposed. The stopper 21 is located on the side of the body 24 facing the second cavity 202. The limiting member 22 and the elastic portion 23 are located on the side of the body 24 facing the first cavity 201. In the disclosed embodiment, the body 24 can be made of a hard material to enhance the strength of the switching assembly 20 and ensure the accuracy of the fluid circuit switching.

[0068] The switching assembly 20 is provided with at least one through-hole 600 that passes through the main body 24 and the elastic portion 23. The switching assembly 20 is limitedly connected to one of the multiple switching positions so that each through-hole 600 can connect at least one liquid separation hole 500 with the installation cavity 200, or the elastic portion 23 blocks each liquid separation hole 500. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of through-holes 600 is two. During the movement of the main body 24 relative to the shell assembly 10, the two through-holes 600 can connect at least one of the first liquid separation hole 501 and the second liquid separation hole 502 with the installation cavity 200. The two through-holes 600 can be connected to the first liquid separation hole 501 at the same time, or can be connected to the second liquid separation hole 502 at the same time, or the two through-holes 600 can be connected to the first liquid separation hole 501 and the second liquid separation hole 502 respectively. Two through-holes 600 are connected to one liquid separation hole 500 at the same time, which can increase the connection area between the liquid separation hole 500 and the installation cavity 200 and ensure the liquid flow rate. Moreover, compared with the method of increasing the size of a single hole to increase the connection area, the porous form can reduce the attenuation of the strength of the main body 24 and ensure the structural stability of the main body 24.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 5 to 9 , the switching assembly 20 further includes a rotating shaft 25 . The rotating shaft 25 is disposed on the body 24 . The body 24 is connected to the housing assembly 10 via the rotating shaft 25 and is rotatable relative to the housing assembly 10 about the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25 . The first direction is parallel to the rotation plane of the body 24 and is either clockwise or counterclockwise about the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25 . In other words, the switching assembly 20 operates in a rotational manner.

[0070] The drive assembly 30 is capable of driving the switching assembly 20 to move out of one of the multiple switching positions along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25, and is capable of driving the switching assembly 20 to move out of the second cavity 202 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25 under the limitation of the housing assembly 10 and to be limitedly connected to another of the multiple switching positions. In this way, the setting of the rotating shaft 25 can ensure the stability of the switching assembly 20 rotating along the first direction, and can also ensure the stability of the driving assembly 30 driving the switching assembly 20 to move. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25 is parallel to the direction indicated by the arrow Y in Figure 8. The limiting connection between the stopper 21 and the first limiting portion 50 and the limiting connection between the limiting member 22 and the second limiting portion 60 can both limit the switching assembly 20 from rotating in the first direction. The first cavity 201 and the second cavity 202 are arranged along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the positional relationship between the first cavity 201 and the second cavity 202 can also be in other forms, as long as it is ensured that the switching component 20 can be driven by the driving component 30 to move between the first cavity 201 and the second cavity 202 in linear motion, curved motion, or other motion modes.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figures 2, 4 and 6 to 9 together, the drive assembly 30 includes a drive member 31 and a reset member 32. The drive member 31 is arranged on the housing assembly 10 and can drive the switching assembly 20 to move out of one of the multiple switching positions along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25, and enable the reset member 32 to generate a driving force to drive the switching assembly 20 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25 and move out of the second cavity 202 under the limit of the housing assembly 10 and be limitedly connected to another of the multiple switching positions. In this way, the setting of the drive member 31 can facilitate the driving of the switching assembly 20 and facilitate the switching of the fluid circuit. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating shaft 25 partially extends from the housing assembly 10. The drive member 31 is exposed to the housing assembly 10 and is hinged to the housing assembly 10. It can drive the switching assembly 20 by rotating relative to the housing assembly 10 and pressing the rotating shaft 25. In order to improve the sealing performance of the housing assembly 10, a sealing assembly 80 is also provided at the position where the rotating shaft 25 extends from the housing assembly 10. The housing assembly 10 is provided with a mounting groove. The sealing assembly 80 includes a sealing member 81 and a cover plate 82. The sealing member 81 is mounted on the rotating shaft 25 and received in the mounting groove. The cover plate 82 is mounted on the housing assembly 10 and partially received in the mounting groove, thereby covering the mounting groove. The rotating shaft 25 passes through the sealing member 81 and the cover plate 82 in sequence, and then engages with the driving member 31.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 4, 7, and 9, the reset member 32 is a coil spring. The reset member 32 is clamped between the housing assembly 10 and the main body 24, and the housing assembly 10 and the main body 24 are respectively provided with a first positioning portion 90 and a second positioning portion 241 that are positioned and connected to the reset member 32. This allows the reset member 32 to form a positioning fit with the housing assembly 10 and the main body 24, ensuring the directional accuracy of the elastic force generated by the reset member 32 and the stability of the elastic contact force of the elastic portion 23 acting on the liquid separation surface 70. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the reset member 32 can be a block-shaped structure made of a spring or an elastomer.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figures 5, 7, 9 and 10 together, when the drive component 30 drives the switching component 20 to move out of one of the multiple switching positions and is at least partially accommodated in the second cavity 202, at least one of the first positioning portion 90 and the second positioning portion 241 is inserted into the other. In this way, the above-mentioned insertion structure can correct the movement path of the switching component 20, and avoid the excessive offset of the switching component 20 after the switching mechanism is used for a long time, resulting in a jamming phenomenon during the movement. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first positioning portion 90 has a positioning groove formed by a circumferential wall. The second positioning portion 241 has a positioning protrusion and an annular groove surrounding the positioning protrusion and arranged on the main body 24. The positioning protrusion can be inserted into the positioning groove, and the circumferential wall can be inserted into the annular groove. One end of the reset member 32 is arranged on the circumferential outer side of the circumferential wall, and the other end is accommodated in the annular groove and arranged on the positioning protrusion.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 to 15, the housing assembly 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be an integral structure, or they can be connected as a whole by means of snap-fitting, plug-in connection, etc. The liquid inlet channel 100, the second cavity 202, the flow guide 40, the first limiting portion 50, and the connecting portion 111 are all disposed on the first housing 11. The first liquid outlet channel 301, the second liquid outlet channel 302, the driving member 31, the second limiting portion 60, the liquid separation surface 70, and the annular protrusion 71 are all disposed on the second housing 12. The mounting cavity 200 also includes a connecting cavity 203 that connects the first cavity 201 and the second cavity 202. After the switching assembly 20 is removed from the second cavity 202, it can be located within the connecting cavity 203 and the first cavity 201. The first cavity 201, the connecting cavity 203, and the second cavity 202 are sequentially connected along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , the elastic portion 23 has a notch 700 , and the through-hole 600 communicates with the notch 700 . The notch 700 can connect both radial sides of the elastic portion 23 with each other along the rotation shaft 25 . The provision of the notch 700 prevents the formation of a vacuum between the elastic portion 23 and the liquid separation surface 70 after the elastic portion 23 abuts against the liquid separation surface 70 , thereby reducing the resistance when the drive assembly 30 drives the switching assembly 20 .

[0076] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "one side", "the other side", "one end", "the other end", "side", "relative", "four corners", "periphery", ""mouth"-shaped structure", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structure referred to has a specific orientation, is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present disclosure.

[0077] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connection", "direct connection", "indirect connection", "fixed connection", "installation", and "assembly" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection. The terms "installation", "connection", and "fixed connection" can refer to direct connection, indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0078] Although the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are as described above, the contents described are merely embodiments adopted to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It should be noted that the above embodiments or implementations are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents specifically shown and described herein. Various modifications, substitutions, or omissions may be made to the forms and details of the implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A switching mechanism, comprising: A housing assembly having a liquid inlet channel, a mounting cavity, and at least one liquid outlet channel, wherein the mounting cavity is connected between the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, the mounting cavity having a first cavity and a second cavity, and the first cavity having a plurality of switching positions; a switching assembly movably mounted in the mounting cavity, the switching assembly being at least partially located in the first cavity and configured to be limitably connected to different switching positions to change the on-off state between the mounting cavity and at least one of the liquid outlet channels; and A driving assembly is arranged in the shell assembly and is transmission-connected to the switching assembly. The driving assembly is configured to drive the switching assembly to move out of one of the multiple switching positions and be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity, so that the switching assembly can move along the first direction to be limitedly connected with the shell assembly under the drive of the liquid entering the mounting cavity through the liquid inlet channel, so that the driving assembly can drive the switching assembly and move out of the second cavity under the limitation of the shell assembly and be limitedly connected to another one of the multiple switching positions.

2. The switching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The shell assembly is provided with a flow guide, which is arranged in the second cavity and is configured to guide at least part of the liquid entering the second cavity in a certain direction to the part of the switching assembly located in the second cavity, so as to drive the switching assembly to move along the first direction until it is limitedly connected with the shell assembly.

3. The switching mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The switching assembly has at least one stopper, each of the stoppers being capable of being at least partially received in the second cavity during a process in which the driving assembly drives the switching assembly to move out of one of the plurality of switching positions; The housing assembly is provided with at least one first limiting portion, the first limiting portion being provided in the second cavity, wherein the number of at least one of the stopper and the first limiting portion is consistent with the number of the switching positions; The guide member is configured to guide at least part of the liquid entering the second cavity to at least one of the stop members in a certain direction, so as to drive the switching component to move along the first direction until at least one of the stop members is in limiting connection with the first limiting portion.

4. The switching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The switching assembly has at least one limiting member, and the housing assembly is provided with at least one second limiting portion, and the second limiting portion is provided in the first cavity; The number of the limiting members is consistent with the number of the switching positions, and each of the second limiting portions can be connected to a different limiting member to limit the switching assembly to be connected to a different switching position; The driving component is configured to drive the switching component so that the second limiting portion can be separated from one of the multiple limiting members, so that the switching component can be moved out of one of the multiple switching positions, and each of the stop members can be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity, so that the switching component can be driven by the liquid to move along the first direction until at least one of the stop members is limit-connected with the first limiting portion, so that the driving component can drive the switching component and move out of the second cavity under the limit of the limit-connected stop member and the first limiting portion, so that the second limiting portion can be limit-connected with another of the multiple limiting members, so that the switching component can be limit-connected to another of the multiple switching positions.

5. The switching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The switching assembly has at least one limiting member, and the housing assembly is provided with at least one second limiting portion, and the second limiting portion is provided in the first cavity; The number of the second limiting portions is consistent with the number of the switching positions, and each of the limiting members can be connected to a different second limiting portion, so that the switching assembly is connected to a different switching position; The driving component is configured to drive the switching component so that the limiting member can be separated from one of the multiple second limiting parts, so that the switching component can be moved out of one of the multiple switching positions, and each of the stop members can be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity, so that the switching component can move along the first direction under the drive of the liquid until at least one of the stop members is limit-connected with the first limiting part, so that the driving component can drive the switching component and move out of the second cavity under the limit of the limit-connected stop member and the first limiting part, so that the limiting member can be limit-connected with another one of the multiple second limiting parts, so that the switching component can be limit-connected to another one of the multiple switching positions.

6. The switching mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: One of the limiting member and the second limiting portion is a raised structure, and the other has two groove walls forming a groove structure, and the two groove walls are spaced apart along the first direction. The raised structure can abut against one of the two groove walls to make the limiting member and the second limiting portion connected in a limited manner, and spaced apart from the other of the two groove walls along the first direction, and the spacing distance is greater than the sum of the size of the first limiting portion along the first direction and the size of the stop member along the first direction.

7. The switching mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The protruding structure has an inclined surface, which deflects from the side of the protruding structure close to the second cavity to the side away from the second cavity. The protruding structure has the inclined surface on both sides along the first direction to form a small end on the side of the protruding structure away from the second cavity.

8. The switching mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The housing assembly is provided with a liquid separation surface facing the first cavity, and each of the liquid outlet channels can penetrate the liquid separation surface to form a liquid separation hole on the liquid separation surface that communicates with the mounting cavity; The switching component includes an elastic portion, and the switching component is limitedly connected to one of the multiple switching positions. The elastic portion can elastically abut against the liquid separation surface to block at least one of the multiple liquid separation holes.

9. The switching mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: An annular protrusion is provided on a side of the liquid separation surface facing the elastic portion, and the annular protrusion is provided around the circumferential outer side of each of the liquid separation holes.

10. The switching mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The switching component also includes a main body, the stopper, the limiting member and the elastic part are all arranged on the main body, the switching component is provided with at least one through hole passing through the main body and the elastic part, and the switching component is limitedly connected to one of the multiple switching positions, so that each of the through holes can connect at least one of the liquid separation holes with the mounting cavity, or the elastic part blocks each of the liquid separation holes.

11. The switching mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: The switching assembly further includes a rotating shaft, which is disposed on the body. The body is connected to the housing assembly via the rotating shaft and is rotatable relative to the housing assembly about an axial direction of the rotating shaft, wherein the first direction is parallel to a rotation plane of the body. The driving component is capable of driving the switching component to move out of one of the multiple switching positions along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and is capable of driving the switching component to move out of the second cavity along the axial direction of the rotating shaft and be limitedly connected to another one of the multiple switching positions under the limitation of the shell component.

12. The switching mechanism according to claim 11, wherein: The driving component includes a driving member and a reset member. The driving member is arranged on the housing component and can drive the switching component to move out from one of the multiple switching positions along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and enable the reset member to generate a driving force to drive the switching component along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and move out of the second cavity under the limitation of the housing component and be limitedly connected to another one of the multiple switching positions.

13. The switching mechanism according to claim 12, wherein: The reset member is a coil spring, and the reset member is clamped between the housing assembly and the body. The housing assembly and the body are respectively provided with a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion which are positioned and connected with the reset member.

14. The switching mechanism according to claim 13, wherein: When the driving component drives the switching component to move out of one of the plurality of switching positions and to be at least partially accommodated in the second cavity, at least one of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion is inserted into the other.

15. The switching mechanism according to claim 11, wherein: The elastic portion has a notch, the through hole is connected to the notch, and the notch can connect the two sides of the elastic portion along the radial direction of the rotating shaft.

16. A liquid discharge device comprising: A switching mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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