Driving mechanism, dispensing device and washing appliance

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a driving mechanism, a dispensing device and a washing appliance. The driving mechanism comprises a power source, an input gear, an intermediate gear, a first output gear and a second output gear, wherein the power source is adapted to move in a first direction and in a second direction; the input gear is connected to the power source and is adapted to rotate under the driving of the power source; the rotation direction of the input gear when the power source moves in the first direction is opposite to that of the input gear when the power source moves in the second direction; the intermediate gear meshes with the input gear, the intermediate gear is adapted to move to a first position when the power source moves in the first direction, and is further adapted to move to a second position when the power source moves in the second direction; and the first output gear is adapted to mesh with the intermediate gear when the intermediate gear moves to the first position, and the second output gear is adapted to mesh with the intermediate gear when the intermediate gear moves to the second position. By means of such an arrangement, the dispensing device can dispense a plurality of detergents by using the same driving mechanism.

Description

Drive mechanism, dispensing device and washing appliances

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411622291.8, filed on November 13, 2024, entitled “Drive Mechanism, Dispensing Device and Washing Appliance”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of washing appliance technology, and in particular to a drive mechanism, a dispensing device, and a washing appliance. Background Technology

[0004] Washing appliances need to automatically dispense detergent during the washing process, so these appliances are equipped with a dispensing device. The dispensing device can be set with two or more types of detergent, which are dispensed in sequence according to different washing conditions. However, the current dispensing device has a drive mechanism for each type of detergent, which takes up a lot of space and is costly.

[0005] Application content

[0006] This application aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, this application proposes a drive mechanism.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a driving mechanism, which includes:

[0008] A power source, suitable for movement along the first and second directions;

[0009] An input gear is connected to the power source to be adapted to rotate under the drive of the power source. The rotation direction of the input gear when the power source moves in the first direction is opposite to the rotation direction when the power source moves in the second direction.

[0010] An intermediate gear meshes with the input gear, the intermediate gear being adapted to move to a first position when the power source moves along the first direction, and also adapted to move to a second position when the power source moves along the second direction;

[0011] A first output gear is adapted to mesh with the intermediate gear when the intermediate gear moves to the first position, so as to rotate under the drive of the intermediate gear; and

[0012] The second output gear is adapted to mesh with the intermediate gear when the intermediate gear moves to the second position, so as to rotate under the drive of the intermediate gear.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the drive mechanism further includes a base, the base having a groove, and the intermediate gear being supported in the groove.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the groove is straight.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the base includes a first base body and a second base body, the first base body and the second base body are respectively provided with the slide groove, a first support is provided on one axial side of the intermediate gear and the first support is inserted into the slide groove of the first base body, and a second support is provided on the other axial side of the intermediate gear and the second support is inserted into the slide groove of the second base body.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the input gear is rotatably disposed between the first seat and the second seat.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the first output gear is rotatably disposed between the first base and the second base.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the second output gear is rotatably disposed between the first base and the second base.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the power source is located outside the base.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the central shaft portion of the first output gear is exposed in the first housing and / or the second housing.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the central shaft portion of the second output gear is exposed in the first housing and / or the second housing.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the number of teeth of the first output gear is greater than the number of teeth of the second output gear.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the intermediate gear has fewer teeth than the first output gear.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the number of teeth of the intermediate gear is not less than the number of teeth of the second output gear.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the number of teeth of the input gear is greater than the number of teeth of the intermediate gear.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, a first straight line and a second straight line are defined. The first straight line connects the center of the first output gear and the center of the second output gear. The second straight line passes through the midpoint of the first straight line and is perpendicular to the first straight line. The center of the input gear is located on either side of the second straight line.

[0027] A second aspect of this application discloses a dispensing device, which includes the aforementioned drive mechanism.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the dispensing device further includes a first actuator and a second actuator, wherein the first output gear is adapted to drive the first actuator to dispense the first detergent, and the second output gear is adapted to drive the second actuator to dispense the second detergent.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the first actuator is located on one side of the dispensing device, and the second actuator is located on the other side of the dispensing device.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, one side and the other side of the dispensing device are oriented in a third direction, and along the third direction, the center of the first output gear and the center of the second output gear are offset.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the drive mechanism is exposed on the back of the dispensing device, which is adapted to be installed on the door of the washing appliance and conceals the back.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the dispensing device is adapted to be installed on the door of the washing appliance, and when the door is closed, the drive mechanism is located below half the height of the dispensing device.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the base of the drive mechanism is no more than one-third of the thickness of the dispensing device.

[0034] A third aspect of this application discloses a washing appliance, which includes the aforementioned dispensing device.

[0035] The technical solution of this application utilizes a power source, an input gear, an intermediate gear, a first output gear, and a second output gear. The intermediate gear can move to a first position and a second position. When the power source drives the intermediate gear to the first position, it can output through the first output gear. The first output gear can drive the corresponding component to move, thereby dispensing the corresponding detergent. When the power source drives the intermediate gear to the second position, it can output through the second output gear. The second output gear can drive the corresponding component to move, thereby dispensing the corresponding detergent. In this way, the dispensing device can dispense multiple detergents through the same set of drive mechanisms, which helps to reduce the volume and cost.

[0036] Other advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other designs can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device in some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device in some embodiments (viewpoint different from Figure 1);

[0040] Figure 3 is a partial structural diagram of the dispensing device in some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the dispensing device in some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the drive mechanism, the first actuator, and the second actuator in some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the structure shown in Figure 5;

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the drive mechanism, the first actuator, and the second actuator in some embodiments (the perspective is different from that in Figure 5);

[0045] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the structure shown in Figure 7;

[0046] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism in some embodiments;

[0047] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism in some embodiments (viewpoint different from Figure 9);

[0048] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the drive mechanism in some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the engagement between the base and the intermediate gear in some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the intermediate gear in the second position in some embodiments (the power source moves along the second direction);

[0051] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the intermediate gear in the first position in some embodiments (the power source moves along the first direction).

[0052] Reference numerals in the attached figures: Dispensing device 100, back side 101, drive mechanism 1000, power source 1100, input gear 1200, intermediate gear 1300, first support column 1310, second support column 1320, first output gear 1400, central shaft portion of the first output gear 1410, second output gear 1500, central shaft portion of the second output gear 1420, base 1600, slide 1601, first seat 1610, second seat 1620, first actuator 2100, second actuator 2200, first linear actuator 3100, second linear actuator 3200.

[0053] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0056] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0057] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0058] This application proposes a drive mechanism 1000. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 to 9, 11, 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 1000 includes a power source 1100, an input gear 1200, an intermediate gear 1300, a first output gear 1400 and a second output gear 1500.

[0059] The power source 1100 can move along both the first and second directions. That is, the power source 1100 can move along both the first and second directions. There are various types of power sources 1100. For example, the power source 1100 can be a motor. A motor can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Specifically, a motor can be a stepper motor, a servo motor, etc. When the power source 1100 is a motor, the specific form in which the motor can move along the first and second directions is rotation. That is, the motor shaft can rotate along the first direction or the second direction.

[0060] The power source 1100 is used to connect to the input gear 1200 to drive the input gear 1200 to rotate. Since the power source 1100 can move along the first direction and the second direction, the rotation direction of the input gear 1200 when the power source 1100 moves along the first direction is opposite to the rotation direction when the power source 1100 moves along the second direction.

[0061] The input gear 1200 meshes with the intermediate gear 1300, and the input gear 1200 can drive the intermediate gear 1300 to rotate. Since the input gear 1200 has two opposite rotation directions, the input gear 1200 driving the intermediate gear 1300 to rotate also causes the intermediate gear 1300 to have two opposite rotation directions. The different actions produced by the input gear 1200 when the power source 1100 moves in opposite directions also cause the intermediate gear 1300 to produce different actions, thereby correspondingly driving the first output gear 1400 and the second output gear 1500.

[0062] Specifically, when the power source 1100 moves along the first direction, it drives the input gear 1200 to rotate, which in turn drives the intermediate gear 1300 to rotate. Simultaneously, the input gear 1200 moves the intermediate gear 1300 to a first position, causing it to mesh with the first output gear 1400 and rotate. When the power source 1100 moves along the second direction, it drives the input gear 1200 to rotate (in the opposite direction), which in turn drives the intermediate gear 1300 to rotate (in the opposite direction). Simultaneously, the input gear 1200 moves the intermediate gear 1300 to a second position, causing it to mesh with the second output gear 1500 and rotate.

[0063] Taking the application of the drive mechanism 1000 to the dispensing device 100 as an example, the dispensing device 100 includes the drive mechanism 1000, the first actuator 2100 and the second actuator 2200. The first actuator 2100 is used to control the dispensing of the first detergent, and the second actuator 2200 is used to control the dispensing of the second detergent. That is, the dispensing device 100 is provided with positions for storing the first detergent and the second detergent, namely a first cavity for storing the first detergent and a second cavity for storing the second detergent. The first actuator 2100 controlling the dispensing of the first detergent means that under the activity of the first actuator 2100, the first detergent can be detached from the first cavity and directly or indirectly dispensed into the washing cavity. The second actuator 2200 controlling the dispensing of the second detergent means that under the activity of the second actuator 2200, the second detergent can be detached from the second cavity and directly or indirectly dispensed into the washing cavity.

[0064] The activities of the first actuator 2100 and the second actuator 2200 are realized by the drive mechanism 1000. The first output gear 1400 is connected to the first actuator 2100, and the second output gear 1500 is connected to the second actuator 2200. When the power source 1100 moves in the first direction, the intermediate gear 1300 moves to the first position to drive the first output gear 1400 to rotate. The first output gear 1400 drives the first actuator 2100 to move, thereby dispensing the first detergent. When the power source 1100 moves in the second direction, the intermediate gear 1300 moves to the second position to drive the second output gear 1500 to rotate. The second output gear 1500 drives the second actuator 2200 to move, thereby dispensing the second detergent. It is understandable that the first detergent is one type of detergent, and the second detergent is also one type of detergent. It can be a solid detergent or a liquid detergent. It can be mainly used for cleaning, or it can be used to assist in cleaning. Examples include dishwashing liquid, dishwashing powder, dishwashing tablets, rinse aid, deodorizer, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0065] Therefore, through the cooperation of the power source 1100, input gear 1200, intermediate gear 1300, first output gear 1400, and second output gear 1500, the intermediate gear 1300 can move to the first position and the second position. When the power source 1100 drives the intermediate gear 1300 to move to the first position, it can output through the first output gear 1400. The first output gear 1400 can drive the corresponding component to move, thereby realizing the dispensing of the corresponding detergent. When the power source 1100 drives the intermediate gear 1300 to move to the second position, it can output through the second output gear 1500. The second output gear 1500 can drive the corresponding component to move, thereby realizing the dispensing of the corresponding detergent. In this way, multiple detergents can be dispensed through the same set of drive mechanism 1000, which helps to reduce the volume occupied and reduce costs.

[0066] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 1000 further includes a base 1600, which has a groove 1601 on which the intermediate gear 1300 is supported. The base 1600 provides rotatable support for the intermediate gear 1300. The base 1600 can be made of plastic or other materials, and can be of a regular or irregular shape to adapt to different installation requirements. In this embodiment, a groove 1601 is provided on the base 1600, and the intermediate gear 1300 is supported on the groove 1601. The groove 1601 restricts the intermediate gear 1300. Since the intermediate gear 1300 needs to rotate under the drive of the input gear 1200, the restriction of the groove 1601 on the intermediate gear 1300 is manifested in that when the intermediate gear 1300 rotates, the intermediate gear 1300 will move along the groove 1601 and cannot leave the groove 1601. In this way, it can move along the groove 1601 when the input gear 1200 rotates, thereby moving to the first position and the second position.

[0067] Specifically, the slide 1601 has a first end and a second end. When the power source 1100 moves in the first direction, the power source 1100 drives the input gear 1200 to rotate. The rotation of the input gear 1200 drives the intermediate gear 1300 to rotate. During the rotation, the intermediate gear 1300 moves along the slide 1601 until it reaches the first end and can no longer move. At this time, the intermediate gear 1300 is in the first position, and the intermediate gear 1300 meshes with the first output gear 1400 to drive the first output gear 1400 to rotate. When the power source 1100 moves in the second direction, the power source 1100 drives the input gear 1200 to rotate (in the opposite direction). The rotation of the input gear 1200 drives the intermediate gear 1300 to rotate (in the opposite direction). During the rotation, the intermediate gear 1300 moves along the slide groove 1601 (moves in the opposite direction) until it moves to the second end and can no longer move. At this time, the intermediate gear 1300 is in the second position, and the intermediate gear 1300 meshes with the second output gear 1500 and drives the second output gear 1500 to rotate.

[0068] Optionally, the slide 1601 is designed to be straight, making it easier for the intermediate gear 1300 to reciprocate between the first and second positions, shortening the movement path of the intermediate gear 1300, thereby shortening the time for switching between driving the first output gear 1400 and the second output gear 1500, which is beneficial for rapid response.

[0069] Referring to Figure 12, in some embodiments, the base 1600 includes a first base 1610 and a second base 1620. The first base 1610 is provided with a sliding groove 1601, and the second base 1620 is also provided with a sliding groove 1601. A first support column 1310 is provided on one axial side of the intermediate gear 1300, and a second support column 1320 is provided on the other axial side of the intermediate gear 1300. The first support column 1310 is inserted into the sliding groove 1601 of the first base 1610, and the second support column 1320 is inserted into the sliding groove 1601 of the second base 1620. The first base 1610 and the second base 1620 are connected to clamp the intermediate gear 1300 (the intermediate gear 1300 is located between the first base 1610 and the second base 1620). The groove 1601 of the first seat 1610 and the groove 1601 of the second seat 1620 need to correspond. The groove 1601 of the first seat 1610 can restrict the first support column 1310 (one axial side of the intermediate gear 1300), and the groove 1601 of the second seat 1620 can restrict the second support column 1320 (the other axial side of the intermediate gear 1300). This makes the movement of the intermediate gear 1300 along the groove 1601 smoother and less prone to jamming when the intermediate gear 1300 rotates. In addition, the cooperation between the first seat 1610 and the second seat 1620 to provide rotatable support for the intermediate gear 1300 also contributes to the slim design of the drive mechanism 1000.

[0070] Since the input gear 1200, the first output gear 1400, and the second output gear 1500 all need to be rotatable, based on the premise that the base 1600 includes the first base 1610 and the second base 1620, and in conjunction with Figures 11 and 12, in this embodiment, the input gear 1200, the first output gear 1400, and the second output gear 1500 are arranged between the first base 1610 and the second base 1620, so that they can rotate between the first base 1610 and the second base 1620. In this way, the gear components are assembled together to prevent foreign objects from entering and causing the gear transmission to jam. It is understandable that there are multiple ways to connect the first base 1610 and the second base 1620, such as snap-fit ​​connection, screw connection, etc. The input gear 1200, intermediate gear 1300, first output gear 1400 and second output gear 1500 can be assembled onto the first base 1610 or the second base 1620 firstly, and then the first base 1610 and the second base 1620 can be connected together, so that the first base 1610 and the second base 1620 clamp the input gear 1200, intermediate gear 1300, first output gear 1400 and second output gear 1500, allowing the input gear 1200, intermediate gear 1300, first output gear 1400 and second output gear 1500 to rotate in the base 1600.

[0071] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, in some embodiments, the power source 1100 is disposed outside the base 1600. This arrangement makes the fit between the first base 1610 and the second base 1620 as flat as possible, reducing structural complexity. Furthermore, disposing the power source 1100 outside the base 1600 facilitates wiring operations. In the structure shown in the figures, the input gear 1200, intermediate gear 1300, first output gear 1400, and second output gear 1500 are rotatably mounted inside the base 1600 (between the first base 1610 and the second base 1620), while the power source 1100 is disposed outside the base 1600 (outside the space enclosed by the first base 1610 and the second base 1620). One of the first base 1610 and the second base 1620 has a hole structure, facilitating connection between the power source 1100 and the input gear 1200.

[0072] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the central shaft portion 1410 of the first output gear 1400 is exposed in the first seat 1610 and / or the second seat 1620. Since the first output gear 1400 is held by the first seat 1610 and the second seat 1620, and since the first output gear 1400 needs to be connected to the corresponding component (first actuator 2100), in this embodiment, a hole structure is provided in the first seat 1610 and / or the second seat 1620, exposing the central shaft portion 1410 of the first output gear 1400 in the aforementioned hole structure. This facilitates the connection of the central shaft portion 1410 of the first output gear 1400 to the corresponding component (first actuator 2100), thereby driving the corresponding component to move. Furthermore, this arrangement also facilitates the first output gear 1400's rotatable configuration in conjunction with the aforementioned hole structure.

[0073] Similarly, referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the central shaft portion 1420 of the second output gear 1500 is exposed in the first seat 1610 and / or the second seat 1620. Since the second output gear 1500 is clamped by the first seat 1610 and the second seat 1620, and since the second output gear 1500 needs to be connected to the corresponding component (second actuator 2200), in this embodiment, a hole structure is provided in the first seat 1610 and / or the second seat 1620, and the central shaft portion 1420 of the second output gear 1500 is exposed in the aforementioned hole structure. This facilitates the connection of the central shaft portion 1420 of the second output gear 1500 to the corresponding component (second actuator 2200), thereby driving the corresponding component to move. Furthermore, this arrangement also facilitates the second output gear 1500 to be rotatably configured in conjunction with the aforementioned hole structure.

[0074] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the first output gear 1400 has more teeth than the second output gear 1500. Generally, the detergents dispensed by the dispensing device 100 are of different types (multiple means two or more). For example, the first detergent may be a liquid detergent, and the second detergent may be a solid detergent. Alternatively, the first and second detergents may both be liquid detergents, but with different dispensing amounts and properties. Therefore, the first actuator 2100 and the second actuator 2200 for dispensing the first and second detergents require different forces, speeds, and times to operate. Since the first output gear 1400 and the second output gear 1500 are driven by the same gear, the number of teeth on the first output gear 1400 is designed to be greater than the number of teeth on the second output gear 1500. That is, the number of teeth on the first output gear 1400 is different from the number of teeth on the second output gear 1500. Thus, the ratio of the number of teeth on the intermediate gear 1300 to the first output gear 1400 and the ratio of the number of teeth on the intermediate gear 1300 to the second output gear 1500 are different, achieving different transmissions and adapting to the dispensing of different detergents.

[0075] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 1300 is less than the number of teeth of the first output gear 1400, thus achieving speed reduction transmission. For example, the first output gear 1400 drives the first actuator 2100, which is a pump body. The pump body includes, but is not limited to, peristaltic pumps, piston pumps, etc. Taking a peristaltic pump as an example, the speed reduction transmission enables the pump body to better suck and discharge the corresponding detergent.

[0076] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 1300 is not less than the number of teeth of the second output gear 1500. Alternatively, the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 1300 may be equal to the number of teeth of the second output gear 1500, or the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 1300 may be greater than the number of teeth of the second output gear 1500. With this configuration, the second output gear 1500, driven by the intermediate gear 1300, can achieve a rapid response of the corresponding component (second actuator 2200).

[0077] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the input gear 1200 has more teeth than the intermediate gear 1300. Since the intermediate gear 1300 needs to mesh with both the input gear 1200 and the first output gear 1400 to achieve transmission, and also with both the input gear 1200 and the second output gear 1500 to achieve transmission, generally speaking, when other conditions remain unchanged, the more teeth a gear has, the larger its overall diameter. Designing the intermediate gear 1300 to have fewer teeth than the input gear 1200 helps to reduce the space occupied by the intermediate gear 1300. Simultaneously, this arrangement enables the intermediate gear 1300 to achieve a higher speed.

[0078] Referring to Figure 13, in some embodiments, a first straight line 3100 and a second straight line 3200 are defined. It can be understood that the first straight line 3100 and the second straight line 3200 are virtual lines defined for easier understanding of the scheme. The first straight line 3100 connects the center of the first output gear 1400 and the center of the second output gear 1500. The second straight line 3200 passes through the midpoint of the first straight line 3100 and is perpendicular to the first straight line 3100. The input gear 1200 is located on either side of the second straight line 3200, that is, the second straight line 3200 does not pass through the center of the input gear 1200. In some cases, this helps to reduce the space occupied by the drive mechanism 1000. Understandably, if the center of the input gear 1200 is located on the second straight line 3200, then the line connecting the center of the first output gear 1400, the center of the second output gear 1500, and the center of the input gear 1200 forms an isosceles triangle. If the input gear 1200 is shifted to either side of the second straight line 3200, in order to ensure the meshing of the input gear 1200 with the intermediate gear 1300, the input gear 1200 also needs to move closer to the first output gear 1400 or the second output gear 1500 when shifting to either side of the second straight line 3200. In this way, the space occupied in the extension direction of the second straight line 3200 can be reduced.

[0079] The second aspect of this application discloses a dispensing device 100. As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the dispensing device 100 includes a first actuator 2100, a second actuator 2200, and the aforementioned drive mechanism 1000. The first actuator 2100 is used to control the dispensing of a first detergent, and the second actuator 2200 is used to control the dispensing of a second detergent. That is, the dispensing device 100 is provided with positions for storing the first detergent and the second detergent, namely a first cavity for storing the first detergent and a second cavity for storing the second detergent. The first actuator 2100 controlling the dispensing of the first detergent means that, under the activity of the first actuator 2100, the first detergent can detach from the first cavity and be directly or indirectly dispensed into the washing cavity. The second actuator 2200 controlling the dispensing of the second detergent means that, under the activity of the second actuator 2200, the second detergent can detach from the second cavity and be directly or indirectly dispensed into the washing cavity.

[0080] The activities of the first actuator 2100 and the second actuator 2200 are realized by the drive mechanism 1000. The first output gear 1400 is connected to the first actuator 2100, and the second output gear 1500 is connected to the second actuator 2200. When the power source 1100 moves in the first direction, the intermediate gear 1300 moves to the first position to drive the first output gear 1400 to rotate. The first output gear 1400 drives the first actuator 2100 to move, thereby dispensing the first detergent. When the power source 1100 moves in the second direction, the intermediate gear 1300 moves to the second position to drive the second output gear 1500 to rotate. The second output gear 1500 drives the second actuator 2200 to move, thereby dispensing the second detergent.

[0081] Through the cooperation of the power source 1100, input gear 1200, intermediate gear 1300, first output gear 1400, and second output gear 1500, the intermediate gear 1300 can move to a first position and a second position. When the power source 1100 drives the intermediate gear 1300 to move to the first position, it can output through the first output gear 1400. The first output gear 1400 can drive the corresponding component to move, thereby dispensing the corresponding detergent. When the power source 1100 drives the intermediate gear 1300 to move to the second position, it can output through the second output gear 1500. The second output gear 1500 can drive the corresponding component to move, thereby dispensing the corresponding detergent. In this way, multiple detergents can be dispensed through the same drive mechanism 1000, which helps to reduce the volume and cost. It is understood that the drive mechanism 1000 of the dispensing device 100 in this embodiment adopts the technical solution of the above embodiment, and therefore has at least the beneficial effects brought by the technical solution of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0082] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 6, in some embodiments, the first actuator 2100 is located on one side of the dispensing device 100, and the second actuator 2200 is located on the other side of the dispensing device 100. The one side and the other side of the dispensing device 100 are oriented towards each other in a third direction. Along the third direction, the centers of the first output gear 1400 and the second output gear 1500 are offset from each other.

[0083] Taking the dispensing device 100 installed on the door of a washing machine as an example, when the door of the washing machine is closed, the dispensing device 100 is in a vertical position (see the orientation in Figure 3). At this time, the first actuator 2100 is located on the right side of the dispensing device 100, and the second actuator 2200 is located on the left side of the dispensing device 100. That is to say, one side and the other side of the dispensing device 100 are oriented to each other in the left-right direction, i.e., the third direction is the left-right direction. Along the left-right direction, the center of the first output gear 1400 and the center of the second output gear 1500 are offset. This means that the center of the first output gear 1400 and the center of the second output gear 1500 are not collinear in the left-right direction (in Figure 3, the center of the first output gear 1400 is lower and the center of the second output gear 1500 is higher). Since the first output gear 1400 is used to drive the first actuator 2100 and the second output gear 1500 is used to drive the second actuator 2200, the first actuator 2100 and the second actuator 2200 can be misaligned, which improves the utilization of space and reduces the size of the dispensing device 100 in the left-right direction.

[0084] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 1000 is exposed on the back 101 of the dispensing device 100, which is adapted to be installed on the door of the washing appliance and concealed on the back 101. With the drive mechanism 1000 exposed on the back 101 of the dispensing device 100, the drive mechanism 1000 can be concealed when the dispensing device 100 is installed on the door. During subsequent maintenance, the drive mechanism 1000 can be disassembled and reassembled after removing the dispensing device 1000, reducing the maintenance difficulty of the drive mechanism 1000.

[0085] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 4, in some embodiments, the dispensing device 100 is adapted to be installed on the door of the washing appliance. When the door is closed, the drive mechanism 1000 is located below half the height of the dispensing device 100. It is understood that the dispensing device 100 stores corresponding first and second detergents. When the door is closed, the dispensing device 100 is vertically positioned, and the first and second detergents tend to move downwards within the storage space (first cavity, second container) under the influence of gravity. By designing the drive mechanism 1000 to be located below half the height of the dispensing device 100, the first actuator 2100 and the second actuator 2200 can be positioned close to the bottom of the storage space (first cavity, second container), facilitating control of the dispensing of the first and second detergents.

[0086] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the thickness of the base 1600 of the drive mechanism 1000 is no more than one-third of the thickness of the dispensing device 100. As can be seen from the above, the structural improvement of the base 1600 lays the foundation for achieving a thinner and lighter design, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the drive mechanism 1000 in the dispensing device 100. By designing the thickness of the base 1600 to be no more than one-third of the thickness of the dispensing device 100, the space occupied by the base 1600 for storing the first detergent and the second detergent is reduced without changing the space occupied by the dispensing device 100.

[0087] The third aspect of this application discloses a washing appliance, which can be a washing machine, dishwasher, etc. The washing appliance includes the above-mentioned dispensing device 100. The dispensing device 100 includes a first actuator 2100, a second actuator 2200 and a drive mechanism 1000. The dispensing device 100 of the washing appliance in this embodiment adopts the technical solution of the above embodiment, and therefore has at least the beneficial effects brought by the technical solution of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0088] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A drive mechanism (1000), wherein, include: Power source (1100), adapted to move along the first and second directions; An input gear (1200) is connected to the power source (1100) to be adapted to rotate under the drive of the power source (1100). The rotation direction of the input gear (1200) when the power source (1100) moves in the first direction is opposite to the rotation direction when the power source (1100) moves in the second direction. An intermediate gear (1300) meshes with the input gear (1200). The intermediate gear (1300) is adapted to move to a first position when the power source (1100) moves in the first direction, and is also adapted to move to a second position when the power source (1100) moves in the second direction. A first output gear (1400) is adapted to mesh with the intermediate gear (1300) when the intermediate gear (1300) moves to the first position, so as to rotate under the drive of the intermediate gear (1300); as well as The second output gear (1500) is adapted to mesh with the intermediate gear (1300) when the intermediate gear (1300) moves to the second position, so as to rotate under the drive of the intermediate gear (1300).

2. The drive mechanism (1000) as described in claim 1, wherein, The drive mechanism (1000) also includes a base (1600), the base (1600) is provided with a slide groove (1601), and the intermediate gear (1300) is supported on the slide groove (1601).

3. The drive mechanism (1000) as described in claim 2, wherein, The groove (1601) is straight.

4. The drive mechanism (1000) as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The base (1600) includes a first base (1610) and a second base (1620). The first base (1610) and the second base (1620) are respectively provided with the slide groove (1601). The intermediate gear (1300) has a first support (1310) on one axial side and the first support (1310) is inserted into the slide groove (1601) of the first base (1610). The intermediate gear (1300) has a second support (1320) on the other axial side and the second support (1320) is inserted into the slide groove (1601) of the second base (1620).

5. The drive mechanism (1000) as described in claim 4, wherein, The input gear (1200), the first output gear (1400) and / or the second output gear (1500) are rotatably disposed between the first seat (1610) and the second seat (1620).

6. The drive mechanism (1000) as described in claim 5, wherein, The power source (1100) is located outside the base (1600); And / or, the central shaft portion (1410) of the first output gear (1400) is exposed in the first seat (1610) and / or the second seat (1620); And / or, the central shaft portion (1420) of the second output gear (1500) is exposed in the first housing (1610) and / or the second housing (1620).

7. The drive mechanism (1000) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first output gear (1400) has more teeth than the second output gear (1500); And / or, the intermediate gear (1300) has fewer teeth than the first output gear (1400); And / or, the number of teeth of the intermediate gear (1300) is not less than the number of teeth of the second output gear (1500); And / or, the number of teeth of the input gear (1200) is greater than the number of teeth of the intermediate gear (1300).

8. The drive mechanism (1000) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Define a first straight line (3100) and a second straight line (3200). The first straight line (3100) connects the center of the first output gear (1400) and the center of the second output gear (1500). The second straight line (3200) passes through the midpoint of the first straight line (3100) and is perpendicular to the first straight line (3100). The center of the input gear (1200) is located on either side of the second straight line (3200).

9. A dispensing device (100), wherein, The device includes a first actuator (2100), a second actuator (2200), and a drive mechanism (1000) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first output gear (1400) is adapted to drive the first actuator (2100) to move so that the first actuator (2100) dispenses a first detergent, and the second output gear (1500) is adapted to drive the second actuator (2200) to move so that the second actuator (2200) dispenses a second detergent.

10. The dispensing device (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The first actuator (2100) is located on one side of the dispensing device (100), and the second actuator (2200) is located on the other side of the dispensing device (100). The one side and the other side of the dispensing device (100) are oriented towards each other in a third direction. Along the third direction, the center of the first output gear (1400) and the center of the second output gear (1500) are offset.

11. The dispensing device (100) as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein, The drive mechanism (1000) is exposed on the back (101) of the dispensing device (100), which is adapted to be installed on the door of the washing appliance and conceals the back (101).

12. The dispensing device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The dispensing device (100) is adapted to be installed on the door of the washing appliance. When the door is closed, the drive mechanism (1000) is located below half the height of the dispensing device (100).

13. The dispensing device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The thickness of the base (1600) of the drive mechanism (1000) is no more than one-third of the thickness of the dispensing device (100).

14. A washing appliance, wherein, Includes the dispensing device (100) as described in any one of claims 9 to 13.

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