Waterway structure and dish washing machine

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and discloses a waterway structure and a dish-washing machine. The water path structure comprises a water collecting assembly and a condenser, and the water collecting assembly is used for containing washing water; the condenser comprises a first fluid channel, the first fluid channel communicates with the water collecting assembly to form a circulating heating flow channel, and the first fluid channel can guide water remaining in the first fluid channel to flow towards at least one end of the first fluid channel. When the dish-washing machine stops working, residual condensate water in the first fluid channel can flow along the first fluid channel under the action of gravity so as to be discharged out of the condenser, residual washing water in the condenser is avoided, bacterium breeding is avoided, and water sanitation of the dish-washing machine is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a water system structure and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] As relevant standards continue to tighten energy efficiency requirements for dishwashers, a technology has emerged in the industry that uses a heat pump system to heat the dishwasher's wash water, which can significantly reduce the dishwasher's energy consumption. Such products need to be equipped with a condenser that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the wash water.

[0003] Currently, the condenser in dishwashers generally uses a corrugated tube with a copper tube nested inside. The condenser is installed at the bottom of the dishwasher, which requires a complex structure to replace the residual water in the condenser. Moreover, the residual water in the condenser can never be completely drained, and dirt accumulates over time, affecting the hygiene of the dishwasher. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water circuit structure and a dishwasher that can solve the problem of water remaining in the condenser that cannot be completely drained.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A water channel structure for a dishwasher, the water channel structure comprising:

[0007] Water collection assembly for holding washing water;

[0008] The condenser includes a first fluid channel that is connected to the water collection assembly to form a circulating heating channel, the first fluid channel being able to guide residual water therein to flow to at least one end of the first fluid channel.

[0009] As an alternative to the above-mentioned waterway structure, the height of the first fluid channel gradually decreases or increases along the direction of fluid circulation.

[0010] As an alternative to the above-mentioned waterway structure, at least part of the height of the first fluid channel gradually decreases towards one end of the first fluid channel along the direction of fluid circulation.

[0011] As an alternative to the above-mentioned waterway structure, at least part of the height of the first fluid channel gradually decreases towards one end of the first fluid channel along the direction of fluid circulation.

[0012] As an alternative to the above-mentioned waterway structure, the first fluid channel extends in a straight line;

[0013] Alternatively, the first fluid channel may include at least two parallel and interconnected flow channel segments.

[0014] As an alternative to the above-mentioned water circuit structure, the water circuit structure further includes a washing pump, which is connected to the condenser and the water collection assembly, and is used to pump washing water to the condenser.

[0015] As an alternative to the above-mentioned water circuit structure, the condenser is U-shaped, and its two ends are respectively connected to the water collection assembly and the washing pump.

[0016] As an alternative to the above-mentioned water system structure, the water system structure further includes a drain pump, which is connected to the water collection assembly and is used to drain the washing water in the water collection assembly.

[0017] As an alternative to the above-mentioned water circuit structure, the water collection component includes a water cup with a drain outlet connected to the drain pump and located at the lowest point of the inner cavity of the water cup.

[0018] As an alternative to the above-mentioned water circuit structure, the water collection assembly includes a water cup and a flow control valve disposed on the water cup. The flow control valve is used to connect to the spray mechanism inside the dishwasher, and the water cup is used to connect to the washing chamber inside the dishwasher.

[0019] The inlet end of the first fluid channel is connected to the water cup, and the outlet end of the first fluid channel is connected to the flow control valve.

[0020] A dishwasher, comprising:

[0021] The inner liner contains a washing chamber.

[0022] A spraying mechanism is used to spray washing water into the washing chamber;

[0023] In the above-described water system structure, the water collection assembly is connected to both the washing chamber and the spraying mechanism.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0025] In the water circuit structure provided by this utility model, the first fluid channel can guide the residual water inside to flow to at least one end of the first fluid channel, thereby discharging the residual water in the condenser to avoid bacterial growth and ensure the hygiene of the water used in the dishwasher.

[0026] The height of the first fluid channel in the condenser gradually decreases or increases from one end to the other along the direction of fluid circulation. In other words, the overall height of the first fluid channel changes gradually. When the dishwasher stops working, the residual condensate in the first fluid channel flows along it under gravity to drain from the condenser, preventing residual wash water from remaining in the condenser, thus avoiding bacterial growth and ensuring the hygiene of the water used in the dishwasher.

[0027] At least part of the height of the first fluid channel gradually decreases towards either end along the direction of fluid circulation, so that the residual condensate in the first fluid channel can flow towards the lower end under the action of gravity, and thus flow out of the condenser.

[0028] In this water system structure, the height of the circulating heating channel outside the water collection assembly gradually decreases or increases from one end to the other along the direction of fluid circulation. In other words, the circulating heating channel outside the water collection assembly is inclined. When the dishwasher stops spraying, the washing water in the outer circulating heating channel will flow back into the water collection assembly under gravity, preventing washing water residue in the outer circulating heating channel and thus ensuring the hygiene of the dishwasher's water usage.

[0029] The dishwasher provided by this utility model adopts the above-mentioned water circuit structure, which can avoid washing water residue and make the water used in the dishwasher more hygienic. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the waterway structure provided by this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the waterway structure provided by this utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the waterway structure provided by this utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser provided by this utility model.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 10. Water collection assembly; 11. Water cup; 12. Flow control valve; 20. Condenser; 21. Outer pipe; 22. Inner pipe; 30. Washing pump; 40. Drain pump; 51. Condenser outlet pipe; 52. Condenser inlet pipe; 53. Washing pump inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] This embodiment provides a dishwasher, including an inner tub, a spray mechanism, and a water circuit structure. The inner tub has a washing chamber for holding tableware or cookware to be washed. At least one spray end of the spray mechanism is located within the washing chamber, and the spray mechanism sprays washing water into the washing chamber. The water circuit structure is connected to both the washing chamber and the spray mechanism, providing washing water to the spray mechanism and recycling the water within the washing chamber to improve water utilization.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the water system includes a water collection assembly 10 and a condenser 20. The water collection assembly 10 is used to temporarily hold the washing water. The water collection assembly 10 is connected to both the washing chamber and the spray mechanism. When the dishwasher is operating, the washing water is distributed to the spray mechanism through the water collection assembly 10. The washing water sprayed into the washing chamber can return to the water collection assembly 10 for reuse. The condenser 20 has a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel. The first fluid channel is connected to the water collection assembly 10 to form a circulating heating channel for heating the washing water. A heat exchange medium flows in the second fluid channel, which exchanges heat with the washing water in the first fluid channel to achieve the purpose of heating the washing water.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first fluid channel can guide the residual water within it to flow to at least one end of the first fluid channel. When the dishwasher stops working, the residual condensate in the first fluid channel can flow along the first fluid channel under the action of gravity to discharge the condenser 20, thereby preventing residual washing water in the condenser 20, avoiding bacterial growth, and ensuring the hygiene of the water used in the dishwasher.

[0043] Specifically, the height of the first fluid channel gradually increases from one end to the other along the direction of fluid circulation. That is, the first fluid channel includes an inlet end and an outlet end, and the height of the first fluid channel gradually changes along its extension direction to be arranged at an angle. The inlet end of the first fluid channel is low and the outlet end is high. When the dishwasher stops spraying, it can prevent the washing water in the circulating heating channel from continuing to flow into the first fluid channel, and can ensure that the washing water in the first fluid channel flows to the outside of the condenser 20, which is beneficial to improving the drainage effect of residual water in the condenser 20.

[0044] To improve water hygiene in the dishwasher, the height of the circulating heating channel located outside the water collection assembly 10 gradually increases from one end to the other along the direction of fluid circulation. In other words, the entire circulating heating channel outside the water collection assembly 10 is inclined. When the dishwasher stops spraying, the washing water in the outer circulating heating channel will flow back into the water collection assembly 10 under gravity, preventing washing water residue in the outer circulating heating channel and thus ensuring water hygiene in the dishwasher.

[0045] It should be noted that the inclination direction of the circulating heating channel located outside the water collection assembly 10 is consistent with the inclination direction of the first fluid channel, so that the washing water remaining in the circulating heating channel located outside the water collection assembly 10 can flow back into the water collection assembly 10 in the same direction, so as to avoid interference caused by different return directions.

[0046] The water collection assembly 10 has a water inlet and a water outlet. The water inlet is used to connect with the outlet end of the condenser 20, and the water outlet is used to connect with the inlet end of the condenser 20. The water outlet is located at the bottom of the water collection assembly 10. It can be understood that the lowest point of the circulating heating channel located outside the water collection assembly 10 is connected to the water outlet. By setting the water outlet at the bottom of the water collection assembly 10, on the one hand, it is convenient for residual washing water in the circulating heating channel outside the water collection assembly 10 to enter the water collection assembly 10 through the water outlet and be discharged through the water collection assembly 10; on the other hand, it is convenient for the water collection assembly 10 to supply washing water to the condenser 20 through the water outlet, and it is also beneficial for the washing water in the water collection assembly 10 to be completely drained.

[0047] In some other embodiments, the height of the first fluid channel can gradually decrease along the direction of fluid circulation. That is, the height of the first fluid channel can also gradually decrease from the inlet end to the outlet end. When the dishwasher stops spraying, the water remaining in the first fluid channel will continue to flow along the direction of circulation under the action of gravity, thereby returning to the water collection assembly 10 and avoiding residue in the condenser 20.

[0048] Optionally, the inclination direction of the circulating heating channel located outside the water collection assembly 10 is consistent with or opposite to the inclination direction of the first fluid channel, which can also achieve the function of discharging the washing water in the condenser 20.

[0049] In some other embodiments, the height of at least a portion of the first fluid channel gradually decreases towards either end of the first fluid channel along the direction of fluid circulation, so that water remaining therein can be discharged through the inlet or outlet of the first fluid channel under the action of gravity.

[0050] For example, the height of the first fluid channel gradually decreases from the middle or near the middle to both ends of the first fluid channel, so that the first fluid channel is arranged with a high middle section and low ends, so as to ensure that the residual water can flow out smoothly.

[0051] To ensure that the washing water can flow in the circulating heating channel, the water circuit structure also includes a washing pump 30, which is connected to the condenser 20 and the water collection assembly 10 to drive the washing water flow.

[0052] In this embodiment, the washing pump 30 is located between the water collection outlet and the inlet of the condenser 20, which helps to improve the driving effect of the washing pump 30 on the washing water in the water collection assembly 10. In other embodiments, the washing pump 30 can be located between the water collection inlet and the outlet of the condenser 20, which can also achieve the function of driving the flow of washing water.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the water circuit structure also includes a washing pump inlet pipe 53, a condenser inlet pipe 52, and a condenser outlet pipe 51. The washing pump inlet pipe 53 connects the water collection outlet and the water inlet of the washing pump 30, the condenser inlet pipe 52 connects the water outlet of the washing pump 30 and the inlet of the condenser 20, and the condenser outlet pipe 51 connects the outlet of the condenser 20 and the water collection inlet.

[0054] In this embodiment, the height of the water collection inlet is higher than the height of the condenser 20, and the height of the condenser outlet pipe 51 gradually decreases from the water collection inlet toward the condenser 20 to ensure that the washing water in the condenser outlet pipe 51 can be drained completely; the height of the condenser 20 is higher than the height of the washing pump 30, and the height of the condenser inlet pipe 52 gradually decreases from the inlet end of the condenser 20 toward the washing pump 30 to ensure that the washing water in the condenser inlet pipe 52 can be drained completely; the height of the washing pump 30 is higher than the height of the water collection outlet, and the height of the washing pump inlet pipe 53 gradually decreases from the washing pump 30 toward the water collection outlet to ensure that the washing water in the washing pump inlet pipe 53 can be drained completely.

[0055] To ensure the drainage of washing water from the water collection assembly 10, the water system also includes a drain pump 40, which is connected to the water collection assembly 10 and is used to drain the washing water from the water collection assembly 10. By providing the drain pump 40, the washing water in the water collection assembly 10 can be drained, while the washing water in the circulating heating channel located outside the water collection assembly 10 can first enter the water collection assembly 10 under gravity, and then be discharged from the water collection assembly 10 by the drain pump 40, thus ensuring that no washing water remains in the entire water system.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the water collection assembly 10 has an inner cavity for holding washing water. Both the water collection outlet and the water collection inlet are connected to the inner cavity. To facilitate drainage from the inner cavity, the water collection assembly 10 has a drain outlet that is connected to the inner cavity. The drain outlet can be connected to the drain pump 40 via a pipe or directly connected to the drain pump 40 to discharge the washing water through the drain outlet.

[0057] To improve drainage within the cavity, the drain outlet is located at the lowest point of the cavity. As the water level inside the cavity decreases, the water flows towards the drain outlet under gravity and is then discharged through it.

[0058] Optionally, the height of the bottom wall of the inner cavity can be gradually reduced along the direction close to the drain outlet to guide the washing water to the drain outlet.

[0059] like Figure 3As shown, the water collection assembly 10 includes a water cup 11 and a flow path control valve 12 connected to the water cup 11. An inner cavity is formed inside the water cup 11, which is connected to the washing chamber. The water collection outlet is located on the water cup 11 and is connected to the inner cavity. The water collection inlet is connected to the flow path control valve 12, which is connected to the spray mechanism to supply washing water to the spray mechanism.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first fluid channel may extend in a straight line to simplify the structure.

[0061] In some embodiments, in order to reduce the space occupied by the condenser 20, the first fluid channel includes at least two parallel and connected flow channel segments, such that the first fluid channel is bent and extended, which can reduce the size of the condenser 20 while ensuring the length of the first fluid channel.

[0062] To reduce the space occupied by the waterway structure, such as Figure 4 As shown, the condenser 20 is U-shaped. The U-shaped condenser bend reduces the length of the condenser 20, which in turn reduces the overall size of the water channel structure along its length, thus reducing the space occupied by the water channel structure. In other words, the first fluid channel includes two connected flow channel segments to reduce the size of the condenser 20 along the length of each flow channel segment.

[0063] Specifically, the condenser 20 includes two straight segments arranged opposite each other and a connecting segment connecting the two straight segments. The two straight segments are approximately parallel and located on the same side of the connecting segment, so that the condenser 20 is approximately U-shaped. One straight segment is connected to the flow path control valve 12 of the water collection assembly 10, and the other straight segment is connected to the washing pump 30.

[0064] To make the water circuit structure more compact, the condenser outlet pipe 51 is set at an angle to the straight section it connects to, so as to reduce the size of the water circuit structure in the length direction of the straight section, thereby reducing the space occupied.

[0065] Optionally, the condenser inlet pipe 52 may be set at an angle to the straight section to which it is connected, and / or the washing pump inlet pipe 53 may be set at an angle to the straight section to reduce the size of the water circuit structure in the length direction of the straight section.

[0066] Optionally, the condenser outlet pipe 51 may be generally parallel to the extension direction of the connecting section, and / or the washing pump inlet pipe 53 may be generally parallel to the connecting section, so as to make the water circuit structure more compact.

[0067] In this embodiment, the dishwasher also includes a heat pump assembly, which includes the aforementioned condenser 20, to achieve the circulation of the heat exchange medium, thereby providing heat to the washing water.

[0068] The heat pump assembly includes a compressor, an evaporator, and the aforementioned condenser 20. The evaporator, compressor, and condenser 20 are sequentially connected to form a circulating heat exchange channel for the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium in the circulating heat exchange channel can exchange heat with the washing water to transfer heat to the washing water and achieve the function of heating the washing water.

[0069] When the dishwasher is running, the wash water is pressurized by the wash pump 30 and enters the condenser 20, where it exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium. After being heated, the wash water enters the flow control valve 12 and then flows through the flow control valve 12 to the spray mechanism. The spray mechanism sprays the wash water onto the dishes or cookware in the washing chamber. The wash water on the dishes or cookware collects at the bottom of the washing chamber and flows back into the water cup 11. This cycle continues until the washing process is complete.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, each straight segment in the condenser 20 includes an outer tube 21 and an inner tube 22 passing through the outer tube 21. A flow channel segment is formed inside the inner tube 22, and a connecting segment connects the inner tubes 22 of two adjacent straight segments to form a first fluid channel. A second fluid channel is formed between the inner tube 22 and the outer tube 21. The second fluid channel is connected to the compressor and the evaporator respectively, and a heat exchange medium flows inside it.

[0071] Since the first fluid channel is surrounded by the inner tube 22, and the inner wall of the inner tube 22 is smooth, the washing water flows more smoothly in the first fluid channel, avoiding the deposition of dirt and impurities in the washing water, thereby ensuring the flow rate of the washing water and hygiene.

[0072] In other embodiments, a second fluid channel can be formed inside the inner tube 22, and a first fluid channel can be formed between the inner tube 22 and the outer tube 21, which can also realize heat exchange to heat the washing water.

[0073] To improve the heat exchange efficiency between the washing water and the heat exchange medium, the inner tube 22 can be made of metal, as metal has good thermal conductivity, which is beneficial for improving heat exchange efficiency. Optionally, the inner tube 22 can be made of copper. Optionally, the outer tube 21 can be a corrugated pipe.

[0074] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water channel structure for a dishwasher, characterized in that, The waterway structure includes: Water collection assembly (10) for holding washing water; The condenser (20) includes a first fluid channel that is connected to the water collection assembly (10) to form a circulating heating channel, the first fluid channel being able to guide residual water therein to flow to at least one end of the first fluid channel.

2. The waterway structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the first fluid channel gradually decreases or increases along the direction of fluid circulation.

3. The waterway structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the height of the first fluid channel gradually decreases towards one end of the first fluid channel along the direction of fluid circulation.

4. The waterway structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the circulating heating channel located outside the water collection assembly (10) gradually decreases or increases along the direction of fluid circulation.

5. The waterway structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first fluid channel extends in a straight line; Alternatively, the first fluid channel may include at least two parallel and interconnected flow channel segments.

6. The waterway structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water circuit structure also includes a washing pump (30), which is connected to the condenser (20) and the water collection assembly (10). The washing pump (30) is used to pump washing water to the condenser (20).

7. The waterway structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water system also includes a drain pump (40), which is connected to the water collection assembly (10) and is used to drain the washing water from the water collection assembly (10).

8. The waterway structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water collection assembly (10) includes a water cup (11), which is provided with a drain outlet. The drain outlet is connected to the drain pump (40) and is located at the lowest point of the inner cavity of the water cup (11).

9. The waterway structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water collection assembly (10) includes a water cup (11) and a flow control valve (12) disposed on the water cup (11). The flow control valve (12) is used to connect to the spray mechanism inside the dishwasher, and the water cup (11) is used to connect to the washing chamber inside the dishwasher. The inlet end of the first fluid channel is connected to the water cup (11), and the outlet end of the first fluid channel is connected to the flow path control valve (12).

10. A dishwasher, characterized in that, include: The inner liner contains a washing chamber. A spraying mechanism is used to spray washing water into the washing chamber. ； According to any one of claims 1-9, the water collection assembly (10) is connected to the washing chamber and the spraying mechanism respectively.

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