A cleaning machine and a cleaning method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of cleaning machine and cleaning method, including tank and slag basket, tank bottom wall is provided with the recess being arranged around the outer periphery of drain, the recess is provided with heating element for heating water, the heating element is the annular structure that will drain and slag basket are surrounded therein.The present application is provided with recess around the outer periphery of drain and slag basket, and heating element is arranged in the bottom of recess, recess is used as water return area on the one hand, greatly reduce the volume of water return area, it is favorable to improve water return efficiency and the energy efficiency, water efficiency of cleaning machine, on the other hand, the bottom of recess is directly contacted with heating element, not only it is favorable to improve the heating efficiency of washing water, but also, a small amount of water in recess can be heated to produce steam, dish is prewashed with steam, steam diffuses from bottom to top in tank, need not set up independent air inlet structure, it is convenient for production and assembly, it is favorable to diffusion uniform, eliminate steam pre-cleaning dead angle, improve cleaning effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically to a dishwasher machine and a dishwasher method for cleaning dishes. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, dishwashers, as a type of kitchen appliance, are increasingly entering households. Currently, dishwashers on the market are generally divided into three types: countertop, cabinet, and sink. Countertop dishwashers are freestanding units that are typically placed on the countertop; cabinet dishwashers are also freestanding units, but they need to be integrated into kitchen cabinets; and sink dishwashers are integrated with the sink and are typically installed in kitchen cabinets.

[0003] Tank-type dishwashers, such as the "Tank-type Washing Machine" disclosed in ZL 201310749864.9 and the "Washing Machine" disclosed in CN201811288822.9, require the use of a heating plate to heat the return water. The heating plate needs to be set at the bottom of the return water area, which requires the area of ​​the return water area to be large, thus limiting the return water rate and the energy efficiency and water efficiency of the washing machine to a certain extent.

[0004] The aforementioned dishwashers generally clean dishes by using a water pump to lift and spray water onto the dishes within the washing space. During the water wash phase, the temperature typically does not exceed 70°C, which can cause stubborn stains to adhere to the surface and be difficult to remove. To address this issue, Chinese invention patent CN205019008U, titled "Dishwasher" (application number: CN201520509852.3), discloses a structure comprising: an inner tank; a water cup located at the bottom of the inner tank; a steam generator with its steam outlet connected to the interior space of the inner tank; and a water supply system connected to a water source, the water cup, and the steam generator. This structure enables steam pre-washing, thereby removing stubborn stains and improving cleaning effectiveness. However, because it directly introduces steam into the inner tank, it requires steam inlets on the side wall of the inner tank, which is inconvenient for production and assembly. Furthermore, the steam is difficult to disperse evenly within the inner tank, resulting in cleaning dead zones during steam pre-washing and affecting the overall cleaning effect.

[0005] Furthermore, in current washing machines using open-type water pumps, the heating plate is independently located at the bottom of the draining area, requiring additional volume in the draining chamber. This results in a larger draining chamber, leading to higher water and electricity consumption during washing. Additionally, the heating plate is installed on one side of the draining chamber, resulting in lower overall heating efficiency for the circulating water and significant temperature differences in different areas, leading to uneven heating and affecting cleaning performance. Moreover, to optimize the placement of the water pump, heating plate, and waste basket, the waste basket is often positioned off-center at the bottom of the dishwasher, resulting in an unsatisfactory waste collection experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that can reduce the return water volume, thereby increasing the return water rate and thus improving the energy efficiency and water efficiency of the cleaning machine, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that is easy to produce and assemble, can improve the uniformity of steam dispersion to eliminate cleaning dead corners and improve the cleaning effect, in view of the current situation of the prior art.

[0008] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that can improve energy utilization and heating efficiency, balance water temperature, and thus improve cleaning effect, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0009] The fourth technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that can improve the slag collection effect, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0010] The fifth technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning method using the above-mentioned cleaning machine, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0011] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a cleaning machine, including a box and a slag collection basket, wherein a drain outlet is opened at the bottom of the box, the lower end of the slag collection basket is arranged corresponding to the drain outlet, and a groove is provided on the bottom wall of the box surrounding the outer periphery of the drain outlet. A heating element for heating water is provided in the groove, and the heating element is an annular structure that surrounds the drain outlet and the slag collection basket.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom wall of the housing has notches spaced at intervals around the outer periphery of the drain outlet and a rim extending vertically from the edge of the notch. The heating element is located at the bottom of the rim, and the heating element and the inner wall of the rim together form the groove. The upper edge of the rim is higher than the top edge of the notch, and the lower edge of the rim is lower than the bottom edge of the notch.

[0013] Preferably, the groove forms a water measuring chamber for heating water to generate steam. This structure facilitates the measurement of steam prewash water consumption while maintaining high steam generation efficiency.

[0014] Preferably, the groove is provided with a longitudinally extending baffle for guiding steam upward. This baffle not only makes the steam formation in the groove more uniform, but also guides the steam upward, improving steam transport and diffusion efficiency. Furthermore, the housing of this invention can be made of plastic, and the aforementioned baffle helps to strengthen the bottom of the housing.

[0015] Preferably, the side of the partition is constrained to the inner wall of the surrounding edge, and there is a gap between the bottom of the partition and the bottom wall of the groove. The gap between the bottom of the partition and the bottom of the groove is to maintain the flow of water at the bottom of the groove, keep the water level consistent throughout the groove, and improve the uniformity of steam generation.

[0016] More preferably, the height of the spacing is 0.05 to 0.25 times the height of the groove. The height of the groove is 12 to 30 mm, and the height of the spacing is 2 to 3 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the partition includes a circumferential partition extending circumferentially along the groove and a radial partition extending radially along the groove, wherein the circumferential and radial partitions are arranged intersectingly to divide the internal space of the groove into a grid-like structure. The box body of the present invention can be manufactured using plastic material, and the partition structure described above helps to strengthen the bottom of the box body.

[0018] Preferably, the top height of the outer perimeter of the notch is higher than the top height of the inner perimeter of the notch, and the upper edge of the radial partition is arranged to gradually slope downward from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter. This structure facilitates the guidance of water in the return water area, allowing it to first collect in the groove for heating before participating in the return water flow, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0019] The cleaning machine of the present invention also includes a water pumping mechanism. The bottom of the housing is provided with a recessed water return area, and a filter plate is provided on the top of the water return area. The water pumping mechanism is located in the water return area and is used to pump water from the water return area to the filter plate. The drain outlet is opened at the bottom of the water return area. The lower part of the slag collection basket is housed in the water return area and the lower end is arranged corresponding to the drain outlet. The top of the slag collection basket is provided with a water intake port exposed on the filter plate.

[0020] Preferably, the bottom of the return water area is provided with a recessed guide area, which is located beside the groove and connected to the groove, and the guide area is arranged corresponding to the bottom water inlet of the pump mechanism. This structure helps to improve the return water effect.

[0021] Preferably, the flow guiding area is circular and located in the center of the bottom of the housing, the drain outlet is an oblong hole, the groove is an oblong groove extending along the side of the housing, and the flow guiding area is smoothly connected to the middle of the side of the groove, forming the water inlet of the flow guiding area at the connection point. The oblong structure helps to increase the heating area, and during assembly, the area at the bottom of the return water area can be fully utilized, improving heating efficiency and return water efficiency.

[0022] In this invention, the pumping mechanism includes a spray arm, an impeller assembly, and a drive unit. The spray arm is rotatably mounted on a filter plate and has a water inlet on its bottom wall. The upper part of the impeller assembly passes through the water inlet and is located in the middle of the spray arm, while the lower part is located in the return water area and is arranged corresponding to the flow guiding area. The drive unit is located on the outer bottom wall of the housing, and the power output shaft passes through the bottom wall of the housing and is connected to the impeller assembly. The above structure forms an open-type water pump, creating a pipeline-free water pump structure, which facilitates cleaning and improves the return water effect.

[0023] Preferably, the heating element is a thick film heating plate, which covers the bottom of the groove / edge.

[0024] Preferably, a liquid level sensor is provided in the groove, and / or the heating element is connected to a manual or automatic temperature controller. During the steam pre-washing stage, when heating a small amount of water in the groove, dry burning can easily occur after the water evaporates. The above-mentioned structure allows for timely interruption of the heating element, preventing dry burning.

[0025] A cleaning method for a cleaning machine, the cleaning method comprising the above-described cleaning process, including the following steps:

[0026] (1) Steam pre-wash

[0027] Initially, a small amount of water is introduced, and the water volume is gradually increased until it meets the requirements for steam pre-washing. The water flows into the groove without overflowing.

[0028] Turn on the heating element to heat the water in the groove and generate steam. The steam diffuses from bottom to top to pre-clean the dishes.

[0029] After steam pre-cleaning is completed, stop heating the heating elements;

[0030] (2) Washing

[0031] Water is added again, in large quantities, until the water volume meets the washing water requirements, and the water fills and covers the outside of the groove;

[0032] Turn on the heating element to heat the washing water. Once the water reaches the required temperature, turn off the heating element.

[0033] Start the water wash and keep the water circulating until the wash is complete, then stop the return water.

[0034] Drainage is carried out, and residue is collected in a slag basket, while wastewater is discharged through a drain outlet.

[0035] Preferably, during drainage, a small amount of water remains in the groove. This small amount of water, relying on the heating element and its own residual heat, forms steam, which diffuses from bottom to top to sterilize and disinfect the slag collection basket, filter plate, and dishes.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The present invention provides grooves on the outer periphery of the drain outlet and the slag collection basket, and a heating element is provided at the bottom of the groove. The groove serves as a return water area, greatly reducing the volume of the return water area, which is beneficial to improving the return water efficiency and the energy and water efficiency of the washing machine. On the other hand, the bottom of the groove is in direct contact with the heating element, which not only improves the heating efficiency of the washing water, but also heats a small amount of water in the groove to generate steam for steam pre-washing of dishes. The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the box, eliminating the need for a separate air intake structure, which is convenient for production and assembly, promotes uniform diffusion, eliminates dead corners in steam pre-washing, and improves the cleaning effect. The heating element is located on the necessary path of the return water, which is beneficial to improving energy utilization and heating efficiency and balancing water temperature. Since the heating element and the drain outlet are integrated together, both can be arranged relatively centrally at the bottom of the box, which is beneficial to improving the slag collection effect. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0041] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the slag collection basket and the box body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating element and the housing after assembly in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0044] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the cleaning machine in this embodiment includes a housing 1, a slag collection basket 2, and a water pumping mechanism 3. The bottom of the housing 1 has a drain outlet 11, and the interior of the housing 1 is hollow to form a washing chamber. The washing chamber has a top opening, and a door that can be opened is provided at the opening.

[0045] The bottom of the housing 1 is provided with a recessed water return area 16, and the top of the water return area 16 is provided with a filter plate 17. The water pumping mechanism 3 is located in the water return area 16 and is used to pump the water in the water return area 16 to the filter plate 17. The drain outlet 11 is opened at the bottom of the water return area 16. The lower part of the slag collection basket 2 is housed in the water return area 16 and the lower end is inserted into the drain outlet 11. The top of the slag collection basket 2 is provided with a water intake port that protrudes from the filter plate 17.

[0046] In this embodiment, the bottom wall of the box 1 is provided with a groove 10 arranged around the outer periphery of the drain outlet 11. A heating element 5 for heating water is provided in the groove 10. The heating element 5 is an annular structure that surrounds the drain outlet 11 and the slag collection basket 2.

[0047] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the bottom wall of the housing 1 has notches 12 spaced around the outer periphery of the drain outlet 11 and a rim 13 extending vertically from the edge of the notch 12. The heating element 5 is located at the bottom of the rim 13, and the heating element 5 and the inner wall of the rim 13 together form a groove 10. The upper edge of the rim 13 is higher than the top edge of the notch 12, and the lower edge of the rim 13 is lower than the bottom edge of the notch 12.

[0048] In this embodiment, the groove 10 forms a water measuring chamber for heating water to generate steam. This structure facilitates the measurement of water usage for steam pre-washing while maintaining high steam generation efficiency. In this embodiment, the heating element 5 is a thick-film heating plate that covers the bottom of the perimeter 13.

[0049] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the groove 10 of this embodiment is provided with a longitudinally extending baffle 14 for guiding steam upward. The baffle 14 not only makes the steam formation in the groove 10 more uniform, but also guides the steam upward, improving steam transport and diffusion efficiency. Furthermore, the housing 1 of this embodiment can be made of plastic, and the baffle 14 helps to strengthen the bottom of the housing 1. The baffle 14 includes a circumferential baffle 141 extending circumferentially along the groove 10 and a radial baffle 142 extending radially along the groove 10. The circumferential baffle 141 and the radial baffle 142 are arranged intersectingly to divide the internal space of the groove 10 into a grid-like structure. The two ends of the radial baffle 142 are respectively connected to the inner wall of the corresponding perimeter 13, as shown below. Figure 6As shown, there is a gap 15 between the bottom of the partition 14 and the bottom wall of the groove 10. The height h of the gap 15 is 0.05 to 0.25 times the height H of the groove 10. In this embodiment, the height of the groove 10 is 12 to 30 mm, and the height of the gap 15 is 2 to 3 mm. The gap 15 between the bottom of the partition 14 and the bottom of the groove 10 is to maintain the flow of water at the bottom of the groove 10, keep the water level consistent throughout the groove 10, and improve the uniformity of steam generation.

[0050] The top height of the outer perimeter 13 of the notch 12 is higher than the top height of the inner perimeter 13 of the notch 12, and the upper edge of the radial baffle 142 is arranged to gradually slope downward from the outer perimeter 13 to the inner perimeter 13. This structure facilitates the guidance of water in the return water area 16, allowing it to first collect at the groove 10 for heating, and then participate in the return water, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0051] In this embodiment, a recessed guide area 18 is provided at the bottom of the return water area 16. The guide area 18 is located beside the groove 10 and is connected to the groove 10. The guide area 18 is arranged corresponding to the bottom water inlet of the pump mechanism 3. This structure is beneficial to improving the return water effect.

[0052] The flow guiding area 18 is circular and located in the center of the bottom of the housing 1. The drain outlet 11 is an oblong hole, and the groove 10 is an oblong groove extending along the side of the housing 1. The flow guiding area 18 and the middle of the side of the groove 10 are smoothly connected, and the connection point forms the water inlet of the flow guiding area 18. The oblong structure is beneficial to increasing the heating area, and during assembly, the area at the bottom of the return water area can be fully utilized to improve heating efficiency and return water efficiency.

[0053] In this embodiment, the pumping mechanism 3 includes a spray arm 31, an impeller assembly 32, and a drive component 33. A guide seat is provided in the return water area 16, which is supported on the periphery of the guide water area 18. The upper end of the guide seat protrudes above the filter plate 17. The spray arm 31 is rotatably supported on the top of the guide seat. The bottom wall of the spray arm 31 has a water inlet, and the top wall has a spray hole. The upper part of the impeller assembly 32 passes through the water inlet and is located in the spray arm 31, while the lower part is located in the return water area 16 and is arranged corresponding to the guide water area 18. The drive component 33 is a motor, which is located on the outer bottom wall of the housing 1, and the power output shaft 331 passes through the bottom wall of the housing 1 and is connected to the impeller assembly 32. The above structure forms an open water pump, forming a pipeline-free water pump structure, which is convenient for cleaning and improves the return water effect.

[0054] In this embodiment, a liquid level sensor is provided in the groove 10, and / or the heating element 5 is connected to a manual or automatic temperature controller. During the steam pre-washing stage, when heating a small amount of water in the groove 10, dry burning is likely to occur after the small amount of water has evaporated. The above-mentioned structure can interrupt the heating element in time to avoid dry burning.

[0055] In order to improve the drying effect, the cleaning machine in this embodiment is equipped with an exhaust component in conjunction with steam drying to discharge the high humidity in the chamber 1.

[0056] The cleaning method of the cleaning machine in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0057] (1) Steam pre-wash

[0058] Initially, a small amount of water is introduced, until the water volume meets the requirements for steam pre-washing, and the water flows into the groove 10 without overflowing outside the groove 10.

[0059] Turn on the heating element 5 to heat the water in the groove 10 and generate steam. The steam is dispersed through the holes on the filter plate 17 and then spread evenly from bottom to top in the box 1 to pre-clean the dishes with steam.

[0060] After the steam pre-cleaning is completed, stop heating of heating element 5;

[0061] (2) Washing

[0062] Water is added again, in large quantities, until the water volume meets the washing water demand, and the water fills and covers the outside of the groove 10.

[0063] Turn on heating element 5 to heat the washing water. Once the water reaches the required temperature, turn off heating element 5.

[0064] Pump mechanism 3 starts water washing, maintains water circulation, and stops water return after water washing is completed;

[0065] Drainage is carried out, and the residue is collected in the slag collection basket 2, while the wastewater is discharged through the drain outlet 11.

[0066] During drainage, a small amount of water remains in the groove 10. This small amount of water is converted into steam by the heating element 5 and its own residual heat, which diffuses from bottom to top to sterilize and disinfect the slag collection basket 2, filter plate 17, and dishes. At the same time, the moisture in the box 1 is discharged through the exhaust assembly to improve the drying effect.

[0067] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine comprising a tank (1) and a slag collecting basket (2), the tank (1) being provided with a drain opening (11) in the bottom, the lower end of the slag collecting basket (2) being arranged in correspondence with the drain opening (11), characterized in that: The bottom wall of the box (1) is provided with a groove (10) arranged around the outer periphery of the drain port (11), and the groove (10) is provided with a heating element (5) for heating water, which is an annular structure surrounding the drain port (11) and the slag collecting basket (2); The bottom wall of the box (1) is provided with a groove (10) arranged around the outer periphery of the drain port (11), and the groove (10) is provided with a heating element (5) for heating water, which is an annular structure surrounding the drain port (11) and the slag collecting basket (2); 2. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall of the box (1) is provided with a groove (10) arranged around the outer periphery of the drain port (11), and the groove (10) is provided with a heating element (5) for heating water, which is an annular structure surrounding the drain port (11) and the slag collecting basket (2); 3. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein: The height of the gap (15) is 0.05-0.25 times the height of the groove (10).

4. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein: The height of the groove (10) is 12-30 mm, and the height of the gap (15) is 2-3 mm.

5. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein: The top of the outer side of the gap (12) is higher than the top of the inner side of the gap (12), and the upper edge of the radial baffle gradually inclines from the outer side to the inner side.

6. The cleaning machine of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: Further comprising a water pumping mechanism (3), the bottom of the box (1) is provided with a concave water return area (16), the top of which is provided with a filter plate (17), the water pumping mechanism (3) is arranged at the water return area (16) and is used for pumping water in the water return area (16) to above the filter plate (17), the drain port (11) is arranged at the bottom of the water return area (16), the slag collecting basket (2) is accommodated in the water return area (16) and the lower end corresponds to the drain port (11), and the top of the slag collecting basket (2) is provided with a water suction port exposed to the filter plate (17).

7. The cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein: The bottom of the water return area (16) is provided with a concave flow guide area (18) which is located beside the groove and communicates with the groove, and the flow guide area (18) corresponds to the bottom water inlet of the water pumping mechanism (3).

8. The cleaning machine of claim 7, wherein: The flow guide area (18) is circular and located at the central part of the bottom of the box (1), the drain port (11) is a waist-shaped hole, the groove is a waist-shaped groove and extends along the side of the box (1), the flow guide area (18) is smoothly connected with the middle part of the side of the groove, and the connection forms the water inlet of the flow guide area (18).

9. The cleaning machine of claim 7, wherein: The pump water mechanism (3) comprises a spraying arm (31), an impeller assembly (32) and a driving member (33), the spraying arm (31) is rotatably arranged above the filter plate (17) and the bottom wall is provided with a water inlet, the upper part of the impeller assembly (32) is located in the spraying arm (31) through the water inlet, the lower part is located in the backwater area (16) and is arranged corresponding to the flow guide area (18), and the driving member (33) is arranged on the outer bottom wall of the box body (1) and the power output shaft is connected with the impeller assembly (32) through the bottom wall of the box body (1).

10. The cleaning machine of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The heating element (5) is a thick film heating disc which covers the bottom of the groove.

11. The cleaning machine of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The groove (10) is provided with a liquid level sensor, and / or the heating element (5) is connected with a manual or automatic temperature controller.

12. A cleaning method of a cleaning machine, characterized by: The cleaning method is completed by using the cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1-11, comprising the following steps: (1) steam pre-washing First water inlet, a small amount of water, until the water inlet meets the steam pre-washing requirement, the water flows into the groove (10) without overflowing outside the groove; Turn on the heating element (5), heat the water in the groove (10), generate steam, and the steam diffuses from bottom to top, pre-washing the dishes with steam; After the steam pre-washing is completed, stop heating the heating element (5); (2) water washing Second water inlet, a large amount of water, until the water inlet meets the water washing requirement, the water fills and covers the groove (10) outside; Turn on the heating element (5), heat the washing water, and stop heating the heating element (5) after the temperature meets the requirement; Start water washing, keep water circulation, until the water washing is completed, and stop the backwater; Drainage, the residue is collected by the residue collecting basket (2), and the waste water is discharged through the drain (11).

13. The cleaning method of claim 12, wherein: When draining, there is a small amount of water left in the groove (10), and the small amount of water forms steam by relying on the heating element (5) and its own residual heat, which diffuses from bottom to top, sterilizes and disinfects the residue collecting basket (2) and the dishes with steam.

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