Dishwashing machine using induction heating

Abstract

A dishwashing machine includes: a housing having an internal washing space; a liquid inlet for adding clean water therein; a liquid outlet for removing dirty liquid; a first water tank for receiving water from the liquid inlet, the first water tank comprising a first heating system for heating clean water; a first conduit for delivering the heated clean water to the at least one spray nozzle; a second water tank configured to receive the heated clean water from the internal washing space, the second water tank including a second heating system for heating the heated clean water to form heated wash water; and a second conduit for delivering the heated wash water to the at least one spray nozzle in order to spray the heated wash water into the interior wash space. At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats water by induction.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202510759930.3 (22) Application Date 2025.06.09 (30) Priority Data 18 / 746926 2024.06.18 US (71) Applicant: Dianye Limited Address: Room 27, 15th Floor, Metro Centre, 32 Lin Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China (72) Inventors: Huang Guodian, Huang Shiyan, Huang Hengxin (74) Patent Agency: China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Limited 72001 Patent Attorney: Yang Zhonghou Yunzhong (51) Int.Cl. A47L 15 / 22 (2006.01) A47L 15 / 42 (2006.01) F24H 9 / 1818 (2022.01) (54) Invention Title: Dishwasher Using Induction Heating (57) Abstract: A dishwasher includes: a housing having an internal washing space; a liquid inlet for adding clean water therein; a liquid outlet for removing dirty liquid; a first water tank for receiving water from the liquid inlet, the first water tank including a first heating system for heating the clean water; a first conduit for delivering the heated clean water to at least one spray nozzle; a second water tank configured to receive heated clean water from the internal washing space, the second water tank including a second heating system for heating the heated clean water to form heated washing water; and a second conduit for delivering the heated washing water to at least one spray nozzle for spraying the heated washing water into the internal washing space. At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats the water by induction. Claims (3 pages), Description (6 pages), Drawings (13 pages), CN 121154064 A 2025.12.19 CN 1 21 15 40 64 A 1. A dishwashing machine, comprising: a housing having an internal washing space for washing dishes; a liquid inlet for adding clean water to the dishwashing machine; a liquid outlet for removing dirty liquid from the dishwashing machine; a first water tank for receiving water entering the housing through the liquid inlet, the first water tank including a first heating system for heating the clean water to form heated clean water; a first conduit for delivering the heated clean water to at least one spray nozzle to spray the heated clean water onto dishes positioned within the internal washing space; a second water tank configured to receive the heated clean water from the internal washing space, the second water tank including a second heating system for heating the heated clean water to form heated wash water; and a second conduit for delivering the heated wash water to the at least one spray nozzle to spray the heated clean water onto dishes positioned within the internal washing space.Heated wash water is sprayed into the internal washing space; wherein at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats the water by induction. 2. The dishwashing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a clean water reservoir for receiving the clean water from the liquid inlet therein, the clean water in the clean water reservoir being configured to be heated to form initially heated clean water, the first water tank receiving the initially heated clean water from the clean water reservoir; and a discharge conduit for delivering the heated wash water from the second water tank through the clean water reservoir and to the liquid outlet, the discharge conduit transferring heat from the heated wash water to the clean water in the clean water reservoir to form the initially heated clean water. 3. The dishwashing machine of claim 2, wherein: the discharge conduit includes a horizontal portion within the clean water reservoir and a curved hot water waste trap just outside the clean water reservoir, the curved hot water waste trap including a lower surface above the horizontal portion to allow the heated wash water to collect in the horizontal portion. 4. The dishwashing machine of claim 2, further comprising: a pump for pumping the initially heated clean water from the clean water reservoir to the first water tank, and for pumping the heated clean water from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle. 5. The dishwashing machine of claim 1, wherein: the at least one spray nozzle is a plurality of spray nozzles located on a top rotating arm and a bottom rotating arm. 6. The dishwashing machine of claim 1, further comprising: a first pump for pumping the heated clean water from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle; and a second pump for pumping the heated wash water from the second water tank to the at least one spray nozzle. 7. The dishwashing machine of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system comprises a stainless steel housing having a positive temperature coefficient heating array therein, the positive temperature coefficient heating array comprising a plurality of positive temperature coefficient heating elements, wherein a temperature sensor is connected to a heater cover, the temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the first heating system to maintain the temperature of the first heating system below a predetermined temperature. Claims 1 / 3 page 2 CN 121154064 A 8. The dishwashing machine of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system that heats water by induction comprises a first water tank, a heat insulation cylinder surrounding the first water tank, and an induction coil coiled around the heat insulation cylinder, the coil receiving current passing through it to heat the water in the first water tank. 9. The dishwashing machine of claim 1, wherein:At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system that heats water by induction includes a first water tank, a base having an induction coil in the shape of a pancake therein, and a rectangular heat-insulating sleeve surrounding the first water tank, wherein the first water tank is positioned on top of the base, and wherein the coil receives current passing through it to heat the water in the first water tank. 10. A method of washing dishes, comprising: providing a housing having an internal washing space for receiving dishes; adding clean water to a dishwashing machine; delivering the clean water to a first water tank; heating the clean water in the first water tank using a first heating system to form heated clean water; supplying the heated clean water to at least one spray nozzle; spraying the heated clean water onto dishes positioned within the internal washing space; delivering the heated clean water from the internal washing space to a second water tank; heating the heated clean water in the second water tank using a second heating system to form heated wash water; delivering further heated wash water to the at least one spray nozzle; and spraying the heated wash water into the internal washing space; wherein at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats the water by induction. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: using a pump to pump the heated clean water from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein: the at least one spray nozzle is a plurality of spray nozzles located on a top rotating arm and a bottom rotating arm. 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: supplying the clean water to a clean water reservoir; heating the clean water in the clean water reservoir to form initially heated clean water; and discharging the further heated wash water through a discharge conduit passing through the clean water reservoir and to a liquid outlet. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the discharge conduit includes a horizontal portion within the clean water reservoir and a curved hot water waste trap just outside the clean water reservoir, the curved hot water waste trap including a lower surface above the horizontal portion to allow the further heated wash water to converge in the horizontal portion. 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: pumping the heated clean water from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle using a first pump; and pumping the further heated wash water from the second water tank to the at least one spray nozzle using a second pump. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein: at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system comprises a stainless steel housing, the stainless steel housing having…A positive temperature coefficient heating array is located therein, the positive temperature coefficient heating array comprising a plurality of positive temperature coefficient heating elements, wherein a temperature sensor is connected to a heater cover, the temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the first heating system to maintain the temperature of the first heating system below a predetermined temperature. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein: at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system for heating water by induction includes a first water tank, a heat insulation cylinder surrounding the first water tank, and an induction coil coiled around the heat insulation cylinder, the coil receiving current therethrough to heat water in the first water tank. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein: at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system for heating water by induction includes a first water tank, a base having an induction coil in the shape of a pancake therein, a rectangular heat insulation sleeve surrounding the first water tank, wherein the first water tank is positioned on top of the base, and wherein the coil receives current therethrough to heat water in the first water tank. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121154064 A Dishwasher Using Induction Heating Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of dishwashers, and particularly to dishwashers using induction heating. Background Art

[0002] Commercial establishments used for cooking and / or preparing food typically have commercial dishwashers for washing dirty dishes. Dishwashers spray detergent and water onto dirty dishes to clean them. Dishwashers may also spray rinsing aids and water onto the dishes after they have been washed to rinse them and prevent stains from remaining on the dishes.

[0003] Currently, there are four main types of commercial dishwashers on the market worldwide. Commercial dishwashers include under-counter dishwashers, hood or door dishwashers, tunnel dishwashers, and flying dishwashers. Under-counter dishwashers are small in size and low in profile and are positioned under a separate workbench with a washing basin adjacent to the space occupied by the under-counter dishwasher. Door-mounted, tunnel-type, and fly-type dishwashing machines all have a medium to large size and are positioned adjacent to a separate side rack, on which the washing basin is located. Undermount, door-mounted, and tunnel-type dishwashing machines all typically use racks or containers with soiled dishes positioned within the machine. Fly-type dishwashing machines have dishes placed directly onto an integrated conveyor belt and washed as the dishes pass through it.

[0004] More efficient and environmentally friendly commercial dishwashing machines are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a dishwashing machine comprising: a housing having for washing dishesThe washing machine comprises: an internal washing space; a liquid inlet for adding clean water to the washing machine; a liquid outlet for removing dirty liquid from the washing machine; a first water tank for receiving water entering the housing through the liquid inlet, wherein the first water tank includes a first heating system for heating the clean water to form heated clean water; a first conduit for delivering the heated clean water to at least one spray nozzle for spraying the heated clean water onto dishes positioned within the internal washing space; a second water tank configured to receive heated clean water from the internal washing space, wherein the second water tank includes a second heating system for heating the heated clean water to form heated wash water; and a second conduit for delivering the heated wash water to at least one spray nozzle for spraying the heated wash water into the internal washing space. At least one of the first and second heating systems heats the water by induction.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for washing tableware, comprising: providing a housing having an internal washing space for receiving tableware; adding clean water to a tableware washing machine; delivering clean water to a first water tank; heating the clean water in the first water tank using a first heating system to form heated clean water; supplying the heated clean water to at least one spray nozzle; spraying the heated clean water onto tableware positioned within the internal washing space; delivering the heated clean water from the internal washing space to a second water tank; heating the heated clean water in the second water tank using a second heating system to form heated washing water; delivering the heated washing water to at least one spray nozzle; and spraying the heated washing water into the internal washing space. At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats the water by induction. Specification 1 / 6 pages 5 CN 121154064 A Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments depicted in the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0008] FIG1 is a front perspective view of a dishwashing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG2 is an exploded front perspective view of a dishwashing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG3 is a front view of a dishwashing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG4 is a left side view of a dishwashing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG5 is a right side view of a dishwashing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG6 is a partial side view of a portion of the system for supplying water to the internal washing space.

[0014] FIG7 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of an induction water heating system.

[0015] FIG8 is a front perspective view of a dishwashing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a dishwashing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10 is a front view of a dishwashing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 11 is a left side view of a dishwashing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 12 is a right side view of a dishwashing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of an induction water heating system.

[0021] Certain terms will be used in the following description for convenience of reference only and will not be limiting. The terms will include specifically mentioned words, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings. Detailed Description

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects and variations of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Although at least two variations of the system, method, and use are described, other variations of the system, method, and use may include aspects of the system, method, and use described herein combined in any suitable manner having all or some of the described aspects.

[0023] An aspect of the present invention is the use of an induction heating system to heat the rinsing and washing water in a dishwashing machine. Dishwashers using induction heating systems can be domestic or industrial and can include any type of dishwasher, including under-counter dishwashers, door / hood / stand / standing dishwashers, tunnel / conveyor dishwashers, and flying dishwashers. The dishwasher 10 described herein is a hood-type dishwasher, but the system described herein can be used in any type of dishwasher.

[0024] Figures 1-7 show various partial views of a first embodiment of the dishwasher 10. The dishwasher 10 includes an upper housing portion 20 and a lower housing portion 24. The upper housing portion 20 defines an internal washing space 12 for receiving tableware (e.g., glasses, plates, eating and serving utensils, etc.) for washing. A system 22 for supplying water to the internal washing space 12 of the upper housing portion 20 of the dishwasher 10 is mainly located in the lower housing portion 24 of the dishwasher 10, which is located below the upper housing portion 20 of the dishwasher 10.

[0025] The lower housing portion 24 shown holds most of the system 22 for supplying water to the internal washing space 12. The lower housing portion 24 includes a generally rectangular base plate 11 supported by a plurality of legs 13 adjacent to each of its corners. Support rods 15 extend upward from each corner of the generally rectangular base plate 11, with the upper housing portion 20 supported on top of the support rods 15. Walls surround the lower housing portion 24 to enclose the system 22 within the walls. In Figures 1-5, one of the walls and support rods 15 is removed to better show the internal components of the lower housing portion 24 of the dishwashing machine 10. DescriptionPage 2 / 6, CN 121154064 A

[0026] In the illustrated example, the upper housing portion 20 includes a washing housing 8 enclosing the internal washing space 12 and a control box 7 located on top of the washing housing 8. The control box 7 includes multiple displays, buttons (real or touch screen), and switches for controlling the settings of the dishwashing machine 10 during use. Such displays, buttons (real or touch screen), and switches, together with the control system within the control box 7 for controlling the dishwashing machine 10, are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The illustrated washing housing 8 encloses the internal washing space 12 during the dishwashing process, as described herein. As shown in FIG1, the washing housing 8 includes a fixed front wall 9, a pair of sliding side walls 17, a fixed rear wall (not shown), and a top wall 6 supporting the control box 7. The pair of sliding side walls 17 are configured to slide vertically in vertically extending grooves on posts 14 located at all four corners of the dishwashing machine 10. A U-shaped handle 19 is pivotally attached to a pair of brackets 21 extending rearward from the rear post 14, as shown in Figure 1, thereby allowing the U-shaped handle 19 to pivot about the brackets 21. Side arms 23 of the U-shaped handle 19 extend adjacent to a sliding sidewall 17. As the U-shaped handle 19 pivots about the brackets 21 to move the side arms 23 upward, a first end of a lift rod 25 rotatably connected to the side arms 23 of the U-shaped handle 19 also rises. As the lift rod 25 rises, its second end, rotatably connected to the sliding sidewall 17, lifts the sliding sidewall 17 along a groove in the post 14 to open the internal washing space 12, allowing dishes to be positioned within the internal washing space 12 for washing and, once the washing sequence is complete, removed from the internal washing space 12. It is contemplated that other door or wall systems could be used to selectively allow access to the internal washing space 12.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the internal washing space 12 may include at least one shelf or wall shelf 27 as known to those skilled in the art, for directly holding tableware or holding a tray or support for holding tableware. The internal washing space 12 of the dishwashing machine 10 includes a top rotating spray arm 16 located at the top of the internal washing space 12 to be positioned above the tableware (and possibly a tray or support) and a bottom rotating spray arm 18 located at the bottom of the internal washing space 12 and below the tableware (and possibly a tray or support) to spray water, washing fluid and / or rinsing fluid onto the tableware to wash and rinse the tableware. Water (clean water, water with detergent or water with rinsing aid) is supplied to the top rotating spray arm 16 and the bottom rotating spray arm 18 to wash and rinse the tableware. The internal washing space 12, the top rotating spray arm 16 and the bottom rotating spray arm 18 are all located in the upper part of the dishwashing machine 10 enclosed by the washing housing 8.In housing portion 20. Other configurations for spraying water onto tableware are envisioned. For example, the system may use only one of the top rotating spray arm 16 or the bottom rotating spray arm 18, the arm may be stationary, and / or other nozzles (e.g., stationary nozzles extending from the inner wall) may be used to spray water onto the tableware for washing.

[0029] Figures 1-5 illustrate a system 22 for supplying water to the internal washing space 12 of the dishwashing machine 10 via the top rotating spray arm 16 and the bottom rotating spray arm 18. The system 22 for supplying water to the internal washing space 12 is located primarily in the lower housing portion 24 of the dishwashing machine 10, which is located below the upper housing portion 20 of the dishwashing machine 10.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, system 22 allows water to pass through system 22 to wash and rinse the tableware in the internal washing space 12 of the dishwashing machine 10. The system includes a clean water connection pipe 26, a clean water reservoir 28, a rinse water pump 32, a rinse water induction heating tank system 34, a rinse water pipe 36, spray arms 16 and 18, a wash water tank 38, a wash water pump 40, a wash water pipe 42, a hot wastewater discharge pipe 46, and a wastewater discharge outlet 48. The components of system 22, along with the flow path of water through system 22, are discussed in more detail below.

[0031] Water enters the illustrated dishwashing machine 10 through the clean water connection pipe 26, which, in the illustrated example, extends through the base plate 11 (see Figures 4 and 5). The clean water connection pipe 26 is connected to an external clean water source as is known to those skilled in the art, and the clean water connection pipe 26 can be connected to the external clean water source through the bottom or any side wall of the lower housing portion 24. The specification, page 3 / 6, CN 121154064 A, envisions that the clean water connection pipe 26 may include a pressure regulator 29 (see Figure 4) for adjusting the pressure input to the dishwashing machine 10. The clean water connection pipe 26 supplies clean water to the clean water reservoir 28.

[0032] The illustrated clean water reservoir 28 holds clean water before it is used in the dishwashing machine 10 and includes a first stage for heating the water used in the system 22. The clean water reservoir 28 includes a clean water housing 56 having an internal clean water holding space 58, as shown in Figure 6. Clean water from the clean water connection pipe 26 is supplied to the internal clean water holding space 58 via a fitting 60 connected to the clean water housing 56, as shown in Figure 6. Envisions that the fitting 60 may include a filter for preventing contaminants from entering the clean water reservoir 28. As discussed in more detail below, the clean water reservoir 28 has a hot wastewater discharge conduit 46 passing through it to exchange heat from the hot wastewater discharge conduit 46 to the clean water in the internal clean water holding space 58. Note that if the dishwashing machine 10 has not been used recently to wash and rinse dishes, the interior of the clean water reservoir 28...The clean water in the clean water holding space 58 may not be heated using the hot wastewater discharge conduit 46 because the interior of the hot wastewater discharge conduit 46 will not be hot due to inactivity. As shown in FIG4, an overflow pipe 62 may be connected to the top of the clean water housing 56. The overflow pipe 62 has an inverted U-shaped open end located above the top of the wash water tank 38 to allow excess water pressure in the clean water housing 56 to be released if needed.

[0033] In the example shown, the heated clean water in the clean water holding space 58 inside the clean water reservoir 28 is pumped from the clean water holding space 58 to the rinse water induction heating tank system 34 by the rinse water pump 32. The rinse water pump 32 pulls the heated clean water in the clean water holding space 58 inside the clean water reservoir 28 through the short conduit 35 and pushes the heated clean water to the rinse water induction heating tank system 34 through the pump pipe 66.

[0034] The rinse water induction heating tank system 34 shown heats the rinse water therein by induction heating. As shown in FIG7, the rinse water induction heating tank system 34 includes a rinse water holding tank 100, an insulating cylinder 102 surrounding the rinse water holding tank 100, an induction coil 104 coiled around the insulating cylinder 102, and a plurality of shielding magnetic strips 106 connected to and supporting the induction coil 104. The rinse water holding tank 100 may have any cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular and square) and receives heated clean water through a filter inlet pipe 108, which extends through the top surface 110 of the rinse water holding tank 100. The insulating cylinder 102 tightly surrounds the outer surface 112 of the rinse water holding tank 100 to minimize the heat escaping from the heated rinse water in the rinse water holding tank 100. The coil 104 surrounds the insulating cylinder 102. Pulsed DC or high-frequency AC current passes through coil 104, thereby generating magnetic flux and inducing current in the conductive material of the rinse water holding tank 100. In induction heating, the magnetic flux from coil 104 heats the conductive material of the rinse water holding tank 100, wherein the metallic conductive material has better magnetic properties than metals with low or no magnetic properties. In a preferred embodiment, the rinse water holding tank 100 is formed of stainless steel 430 or stainless steel SUS201. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, after the rinse water leaves the rinse water induction heating tank system 34, a rinsing aid is added to the water to prevent corrosion in the rinse water holding tank due to the rinsing aid chemicals. A bracket 114 connected to the bottom of the rinse water holding tank 100 is used to support the rinse water induction heating tank system 34 on a base plate 11.

[0035] After the heated clean water is further heated in the rinse water induction heating tank system 34, the rinse water pump 32 is further activated to push the further heated clean water through the rinse water conduit 36. The rinse water conduit 36 ​​includes a path leading to...The top rotating spray arm 16 has a first rinse water pipe path 70 and a second rinse water pipe path 72 leading to the bottom rotating spray arm 18. If other devices are used to spray water onto the dishes as discussed above, the further heated clean water in the rinse water pipe 36 will be conveyed to those other devices via conduits.

[0036] After the further heated clean water is sprayed onto the dishes in the inner washing space 12 through the top rotating spray arm 16 and the bottom rotating spray arm 18, the further heated clean water will fall into the washing water tank 38 (which has an open top 76 as shown in FIG. 2) located at the bottom of the inner washing space 12. The further heated clean water will be collected in the washing water tank 38 and will be further heated by the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element 74 to further heat the heated water in the washing water tank 38. The PTC heating element 74 is fully disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 457569 entitled "Safe and Efficient Dishwasher," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Detergent may be added to further heated water collected in the wash tank 38. An example of a system for adding detergent to heated water in the wash tank 38 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10905306 entitled "Dishwasher," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Other means of adding detergent to heated water in the wash tank 38 are contemplated.

[0037] Once the wash water is heated in the wash tank 38 as outlined above, a wash cycle can begin. To begin the wash cycle, a drain in the bottom of the wash tank 38 is opened in a first manner to allow the wash water in the wash tank 38 to be pumped by the wash water pump 40 through the wash water pipe 42. The wash water conduit 42 includes a wash pump supply conduit path 82 that supplies wash water to the wash water pump 40, and a wash water conduit path 78 that leads from the wash water pump 40 to the top rotating spray arm 16 and to the bottom rotating spray arm 18. If other devices are used to spray water onto the tableware as discussed above, the further heated wash water in the wash water conduit 42 will be conveyed to those other devices via conduits.

[0038] After the heated wash water is sprayed onto the tableware in the inner wash space 12 through the top rotating spray arm 16 and the bottom rotating spray arm 18, the heated wash water will fall again into the wash water tank 38 located at the bottom of the inner wash space 12. The heated wash water will be collected in the wash water tank 38 and will continue to be heated by a second PTC before being pumped again by the wash water pump 40 through the wash water conduit 42 to be sprayed onto the tableware in the inner wash space 12.Heating element 74 heats the water. This washing cycle will occur many times to thoroughly clean the dishes.

[0039] After the washing cycle is complete, the drain in the bottom of the washing tank 38 opens in a second manner to allow the washing water in the washing tank 38 to drain into the hot wastewater drain conduit 46. It is envisioned that the drain may include a washing water drain conduit located within the drain. The washing water drain conduit includes an open top area at approximately the same level as the open top 76 of the washing tank 38 to allow the heated washing water that has accumulated above the open top of the washing water drain conduit during the washing cycle to drain into the hot wastewater drain conduit 46.

[0040] In the example shown, most of the wastewater in the hot wastewater drain conduit 46 after the washing cycle will pass through the clean water reservoir 28 located at the end of the hot wastewater drain conduit 46 and the hot wastewater drain conduit 46 in the wastewater drain outlet 48. However, as shown in FIG6, the hot wastewater drain conduit 46 includes a horizontal portion 86 that retains the hot wastewater within the clean water reservoir 28. The hot wastewater discharge conduit 46 may include a curved hot water waste trap 88 located just outside the clean water reservoir 28, the curved hot water waste trap 88 including a lower surface 90 above a horizontal portion 86. Because the lower surface 90 is above the horizontal portion 86, hot wastewater will collect in the horizontal portion 86 of the hot wastewater pool 92, as shown in FIG6. The hot wastewater pool 92 is replaced by additional hot wastewater entering the hot wastewater discharge conduit 46 from the outlet, but the same amount of wastewater is maintained in the hot wastewater pool 92 due to the curved hot water waste trap 88. Wastewater pushed out of the horizontal portion 86 and propelled through the curved hot water waste trap 88 leaves the dishwashing machine through the wastewater outlet 48. Before clean water is pumped to the rinse water induction heating tank system 34, the hot wastewater in the hot wastewater pool 92 exchanges heat with the clean water in the internal clean water holding space 58, as outlined above.

[0041] After the washing cycle is completed, the rinsing cycle begins. Except that detergent is not added to the heated water, the rinsing cycle is the same as the washing cycle. Therefore, the heated clean water to be sent to the rinse water holding tank 100 is heated by heat exchange in the clean water reservoir 28 and the rinse water induction heating tank system 34, as outlined above. The heated clean water in the rinse water induction heating tank system 34 is then pumped by the rinse water pump 32 through the rinse water pipe 36 to the top rotating spray arm 16 and the bottom rotating spray arm 18 (or other spraying devices). After passing through the internal washing space 12 (see page 5 / 6 of the instruction manual, 9 CN 121154064 A), the heated water will converge in the washing water tank 38 for further heating by the PTC heating element 74, as outlined above. After the heated water leaves the rinse water induction heating tank system 34 or the washing water tank 38, the rinsing auxiliary…The rinsing agent can be added to heated water. An example of a system for adding rinsing agent to heated water is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,905,306 entitled "Dishwasher," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. It is contemplated that other means of adding rinsing aid to heated water after it has left the rinsing water induction-heated tank system 34 or the wash tank 38 may be employed.

[0042] During the rinsing cycle, heated water is continuously pumped from the wash tank 38 through the wash water conduit 42 to be sprayed via the top rotating spray arm 16 and the bottom rotating spray arm 18 (or other spraying devices), as outlined above. After the rinsing cycle is complete, wastewater is discharged from the wash tank 38 in the same manner as outlined above, exiting the dishwasher 10 through a drain outlet and entering a hot wastewater discharge conduit 46, forming a hot wastewater pool 92 to exchange heat within the clean water reservoir 28, as outlined above.

[0043] In the washing and rinsing cycles as outlined above, the clean water entering the dishwashing machine 10 is heated in three different zones: by heat exchange with wastewater in the clean water reservoir 28, by the rinsing water induction heating tank system 34, and by the PTC heating element 74 in the washing water tank 38. However, it is contemplated that any one or only two of these three methods of heating water may be used.

[0044] Reference numeral 10a (Figures 8-12) generally indicates a second embodiment of the invention, having a second embodiment of the dishwashing machine. Since the dishwashing machine 10a is similar to the previously described dishwashing machine 10, similar components appearing in Figures 1-6 and 8-12 are indicated by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the suffix "a" in the latter. The second embodiment of the dishwashing machine 10a is identical to the previously described dishwashing machine 10, except that it has the rinsing water induction heating tank system 200. A second embodiment of the rinse water induction heating tank system 200 receives rinse water from pump pipe 66a, and the induction-heated water exits the second embodiment of the rinse water induction heating tank system 200 through rinse water pipe 36a.

[0045] The second embodiment of the rinse water induction heating tank system 200 shown in FIG13 includes a base 202 in which an induction coil 204 in the shape of a pancake is located. A rinse water tank 206 connected to pump pipe 66a and rinse water pipe 36a is located on top of the base 202. A rectangular heat-insulating sleeve 208 surrounds the rinse water tank 206. The rinse water tank 206 may have any cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular and square) and receives heated rinse water through filter inlet pipe 210.Water, filter inlet pipe 210 extends through the top surface 212 of the rinse water tank 206. An insulating sleeve 208 tightly surrounds the outer surface 214 of the rinse water tank 206 to minimize heat loss from the heated rinse water in the rinse water tank 206. Pulsed DC or high-frequency AC passes through coil 204, thereby generating magnetic flux and inducing current in the conductive material of the rinse water tank 206 to directly heat the water therein. In induction heating, the magnetic flux from coil 204 heats the conductive material of the rinse water tank 206, wherein the metallic conductive material has better magnetic properties than metals with low or no magnetic properties. In a preferred embodiment, the rinse water tank 206 is formed of stainless steel 430 or stainless steel SUS201. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, after the rinse water leaves the rinse water induction heating tank system 200, a rinsing aid is added to the water to prevent corrosion in the rinse water tank 206 due to the rinsing aid chemicals.

[0046] Although specific preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus (including rearrangements of components) are within the scope of the invention. For example, it is contemplated that a single rotating spray arm (upper or lower) may be used. Instruction manual, page 6 / 6, 10 CN 121154064 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 13, page 11 CN 121154064 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 13, page 12 CN 121154064 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 13, page 13 CN 121154064 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 13, page 14 CN 121154064 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 13, page 15 CN 121154064 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 13, page 16 CN 121154064 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 13, page 17 CN 121154064 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual, Figure 8 / 13, page 18 CN 121154064 A, Figure 9; Instruction manual, Figure 9 / 13, page 19 CN 121154064 A, Figure 10 Instruction manual, Figure 10 / 13, page 20, CN 121154064 A; Figure 11; Instruction manual, Figure 11 / 13, page 21, CN 121154064 A; Figure 12; Instruction manual, Figure 12 / 13, page 22, CN 121154064 A; Figure 13; Instruction manual, Figure 13 / 13, page 23, CN 121154064 A; Dishwashing machine using inductionheating A dishwashing machine includes: a housing having an internal washing space; a liquid inlet for adding clean water therein; a liquid outlet for removing dirty liquid; a first water tank for receiving water from the liquid inlet, the first water tank comprising a first heating system for heating clean water; a first conduit for delivering the heated clean water to the at least one spray nozzle; a second water tank configured to receive the heated clean water from the internal washing space, the second water tank including a second heating system for heating the heated clean water to form heated wash water; and a second conduit for delivering the heated wash water to the at least one spray nozzle in order to spray the heated wash water into the interior wash space. At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats water by induction. Abstract

Claims

1. A dishwashing machine, comprising: The housing has an internal washing space for washing dishes; A liquid inlet for adding clean water to the dishwashing machine; A liquid outlet for removing dirty liquid from the dishwashing machine; A first water tank for receiving water entering the housing through the liquid inlet, the first water tank including a first heating system for heating the water to form heated water; A first conduit is used to deliver the heated clean water to at least one spray nozzle so as to spray the heated clean water onto the tableware positioned within the internal washing space; A second water tank is configured to receive the heated clean water from the internal washing space, the second water tank including a second heating system for heating the heated clean water to form heated washing water; as well as A second conduit is used to deliver the heated wash water to the at least one spray nozzle so as to spray the heated wash water into the internal washing space. In this system, at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats the water by induction.

2. The dishwashing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: A clean water reservoir for receiving clean water from the liquid inlet therein, the clean water in the clean water reservoir being configured to be heated to form initially heated clean water, and a first water tank receiving the initially heated clean water from the clean water reservoir; and A discharge conduit for delivering the heated wash water from the second water tank through the clean water reservoir and to the liquid outlet, the discharge conduit transferring heat from the heated wash water to the clean water in the clean water reservoir to form the initially heated clean water.

3. The dishwashing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The discharge conduit includes a horizontal portion within the clean water reservoir and a curved hot water waste trap just outside the clean water reservoir. The curved hot water waste trap includes a lower surface above the horizontal portion to allow the heated wash water to collect in the horizontal portion.

4. The dishwashing machine according to claim 2, further comprising: A pump for pumping the initially heated clean water from the clean water reservoir to the first water tank, and for pumping the heated clean water from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle.

5. The dishwashing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one spray nozzle is a plurality of spray nozzles located on the top rotating arm and the bottom rotating arm.

6. The dishwashing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: A first pump is used to pump the heated clean water from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle; as well as A second pump is used to pump the heated wash water from the second water tank to the at least one spray nozzle.

7. The dishwashing machine according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system includes a stainless steel shell having a positive temperature coefficient heating array therein, the positive temperature coefficient heating array including a plurality of positive temperature coefficient heating elements, wherein a temperature sensor is connected to the heater cover to measure the temperature of the first heating system to maintain the temperature of the first heating system below a predetermined temperature.

8. The dishwashing machine according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system that heats water by induction includes a first water tank, an insulation cylinder surrounding the first water tank, and an induction coil coiled around the insulation cylinder, the coil receiving an electric current therethrough to heat the water in the first water tank.

9. The dishwashing machine according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system that heats water by induction includes a first water tank, a base having an induction coil in the shape of a pancake therein, and a rectangular heat-insulating sleeve surrounding the first water tank, wherein the first water tank is positioned on top of the base, and wherein the coil receives current passing through it to heat the water in the first water tank.

10. A method for washing dishes, comprising: Provides a housing with an internal washing space for receiving tableware; Add clean water to the dishwashing machine; The clean water is delivered to the first water tank; The first heating system is used to heat the clean water in the first water tank to form heated clean water; The heated clean water is supplied to at least one spray nozzle; The heated water is sprayed onto the tableware positioned within the internal washing space; The heated clean water is delivered from the internal washing space to the second water tank; The heated water in the second water tank is heated using a second heating system to form heated washing water; The further heated washing water is delivered to the at least one spray nozzle; as well as The heated washing water is sprayed into the internal washing space; In this system, at least one of the first heating system and the second heating system heats the water by induction.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: A pump is used to pump the heated clean water from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one spray nozzle is a plurality of spray nozzles located on the top rotating arm and the bottom rotating arm.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The clean water is supplied to the clean water storage tank; The water in the water reservoir is heated to form initially heated water; as well as The further heated wash water is discharged through a drain pipe passing through the clean water reservoir and discharged to the liquid outlet.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: The discharge conduit includes a horizontal portion within the clean water reservoir and a curved hot water waste trap just outside the clean water reservoir. The curved hot water waste trap includes a lower surface above the horizontal portion to allow the further heated wash water to collect in the horizontal portion.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The heated clean water is pumped from the first water tank to the at least one spray nozzle using a first pump; as well as A second pump is used to pump the further heated wash water from the second water tank to the at least one spray nozzle.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system includes a stainless steel shell having a positive temperature coefficient heating array therein, the positive temperature coefficient heating array including a plurality of positive temperature coefficient heating elements, wherein a temperature sensor is connected to the heater cover to measure the temperature of the first heating system to maintain the temperature of the first heating system below a predetermined temperature.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system that heats water by induction includes a first water tank, an insulation cylinder surrounding the first water tank, and an induction coil coiled around the insulation cylinder, the coil receiving an electric current therethrough to heat the water in the first water tank.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first heating system and the second heating system that heats water by induction includes a first water tank, a base having an induction coil in the shape of a pancake therein, and a rectangular heat-insulating sleeve surrounding the first water tank, wherein the first water tank is positioned on top of the base, and wherein the coil receives current passing through it to heat the water in the first water tank.

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