Cleaning equipment and dishwasher

Abstract

This invention discloses a cleaning device and a dishwasher. The cleaning device includes: multiple tableware placement areas, each tableware placement area including a first side area and a second side area; a cleaning system including a nozzle assembly and a pump connected to the nozzle assembly, wherein the nozzle assembly has at least one set, and each set of nozzles has at least one nozzle; when at least one nozzle in the at least one set of nozzles supplies cleaning liquid to tableware that can be placed in a certain tableware placement area, the direction of the at least one nozzle is deflected towards the first side area or the second side area of ​​the tableware placement area, causing the tableware to rotate. This invention can achieve tableware rotation at low cost, thoroughly clean tableware, and achieve ideal cleaning results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tableware cleaning equipment technology, and in particular to a cleaning device and dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher is a device used to automatically clean dishes. Because washing dishes with a dishwasher greatly reduces tedious manual labor, is easy to operate, and has a high degree of automation, it has become increasingly popular among consumers.

[0003] Various forms of dishwashers are available in the prior art. For example, existing dishwashers generally include: at least one fixed spray head, and a frame located above the spray head for placing the dishes to be washed. During washing, the user places the dishes to be washed in the frame, starts the dishwasher, and the water sprayed from the spray head automatically rinses the dishes in the frame.

[0004] However, the applicant found that the cleaning effect of using the existing dishwasher was not ideal. Especially when there were food residues that were difficult to remove on the dishes, some residues would still remain in certain areas of the bowls after the dishwasher's automatic cleaning process.

[0005] To achieve the desired cleaning effect, methods such as increasing the liquid supply pressure and extending the washing time can be used. However, increasing the liquid supply pressure requires higher performance requirements for the pressurization device, which inevitably increases the cost of the dishwasher. Extending the washing time wastes a lot of water and reduces the user experience. Overall, while these methods may improve the cleaning effect to some extent, they inevitably introduce other new problems.

[0006] In one specific implementation, to achieve better cleaning results, a feasible method is to use high-pressure cleaning fluid for rinsing, during which the bowl is rotated. When using this technical solution, the rinsing pressure of the high-pressure cleaning fluid is generally at least about 1 MPa, which usually requires an expensive plunger pump to pressurize the cleaning fluid to meet the rotation requirements.

[0007] In conclusion, it is necessary to improve current dishwashers to achieve dish rotation at low cost, thoroughly clean dishes, and achieve ideal cleaning results. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cleaning device and dishwasher that can achieve tableware rotation at low cost, thoroughly clean tableware, and achieve ideal cleaning results.

[0009] The above-mentioned objectives of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0010] A cleaning device includes: a plurality of tableware placement areas, each tableware placement area including a first side area and a second side area; a cleaning system including a nozzle assembly and a pump connected to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly having at least one set, each set of nozzles having at least one nozzle; when at least one nozzle in the at least one set of nozzles supplies cleaning liquid to tableware that can be placed in a certain tableware placement area, the direction of the at least one nozzle is biased towards the first side area or the second side area of ​​the tableware placement area, causing the tableware to rotate.

[0011] Furthermore, the pump includes any one of a vane pump and a diaphragm pump, and the vane pump includes a centrifugal pump.

[0012] Furthermore, the pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.025 MPa, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 36π square millimeters.

[0013] Furthermore, the tableware placement area is provided with a rotating component for contacting the tableware, the pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.01 MPa, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 36π square millimeters.

[0014] Furthermore, the pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.07 MPa, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 16π square millimeters.

[0015] Furthermore, the nozzle assembly includes at least two groups, and at least one nozzle in the at least two groups of nozzles can simultaneously or alternately supply the cleaning liquid to the tableware placement area.

[0016] Furthermore, the cleaning device also includes a spray arm for mounting the nozzle, wherein the nozzle is fixedly mounted or movably mounted on the spray arm, and the movable mounting includes moving along a predetermined path under the drive of a motor.

[0017] Furthermore, the nozzle assembly includes at least two groups, and at least one nozzle in the at least two groups of nozzles can simultaneously or alternately supply the cleaning liquid to the tableware placement area.

[0018] Furthermore, the multiple tableware placement areas are arranged longitudinally along the first direction, and at most two sets of nozzles can spray cleaning liquid onto different tableware placement areas at the same time.

[0019] Furthermore, the plurality of tableware placement areas include: a first tableware placement area and a second tableware placement area, and the nozzle group includes a first nozzle group and a second nozzle group. The cleaning liquid sprayed by the first nozzle group is used to spray onto a first side area or a second side area of ​​the first tableware placement area, and the cleaning liquid sprayed by the second nozzle group is used to spray onto a first side area or a second side area of ​​the second tableware placement area.

[0020] Furthermore, at least two sets of the nozzles are arranged sequentially along the length of the spray arm.

[0021] Furthermore, the spray arm rotates under the drive of a motor, and the nozzle assembly can make intermittent linear movements relative to the spray arm.

[0022] Furthermore, a partition is provided between two adjacent tableware placement areas, and the height of the partition is not less than 130 mm.

[0023] Furthermore, the pump is connected to the nozzle assembly via a water supply pipeline. The water supply pipeline has a first end and a second end facing away from each other. A first seal is provided between the first end of the water supply pipeline and the water inlet of the spray arm, and a second seal is provided between the second end of the water supply pipeline and the water outlet of the pump.

[0024] Furthermore, the plurality of tableware placement areas extend longitudinally along a first direction, and each tableware placement area has a central surface along the first direction, the central surface dividing the tableware placement area into a first side area and a second side area.

[0025] A dishwasher comprising the cleaning apparatus described in any one of the above, wherein the shape of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the nozzle includes any one of the following: fan-shaped, cylindrical, or conical; the tableware includes any one or a combination of the following: bowls, plates, dishes, chopsticks, or spoons; and the cleaning liquid includes any one or a combination of the following: water, soft water, or electrolyzed water.

[0026] As can be seen from the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application above, regarding the cleaning apparatus and dishwasher provided by this application, when the nozzle assembly supplies cleaning liquid to the tableware, the nozzle in the nozzle assembly used to drive the tableware to rotate is biased to one side of the tableware placement area, so that the liquid jet ejected by the nozzle can be biased to one side of the tableware placement area. When the liquid jet ejected by the nozzle used to drive the tableware to rotate can be biased to one side of the tableware placement area, the impact force of the liquid jet can act more or completely on one side of the tableware in the tableware placement area, and will not be offset by the impact force of the liquid jet ejected and possibly acting on the other side of the tableware. Compared with a cleaning system in which the liquid jets ejected by multiple nozzles act simultaneously on the first and second side areas of the same tableware placement area, the cleaning system can concentrate the impact force of the cleaning liquid by the liquid jet that can be biased to one side of the tableware placement area, thereby driving the tableware to rotate with better efficiency and performing efficient cleaning.

[0027] Furthermore, the liquid jet ejected from the nozzle can be deflected to one side of the tableware placement area, allowing the sprayed cleaning fluid to act efficiently on the tableware. Compared to cleaning systems where multiple nozzles spray liquid jets simultaneously and relatively evenly on the first and second side areas of the same tableware placement area, this system can concentrate the pressure of the cleaning fluid. In addition, by combining the nozzle and cleaning fluid parameter settings, the tableware can be rotated when using a diaphragm pump or a vane pump such as a centrifugal pump, which greatly reduces the overall cost of the cleaning device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning device provided in this application embodiment applied in a dishwasher;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the limiting frame and the spray arm in a cleaning device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spray arm in a cleaning device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spray arm in another cleaning device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the sealing components in the water supply pipe section provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 100. Limiting rack; 1. Cutlery placement area; 11. First side area; 12. Second side area;

[0036] 2. Spray arm; 21. Nozzle assembly;

[0037] 3. Pump;

[0038] 4. Rotating parts;

[0039] 5. Divider section;

[0040] 6. Transmission mechanism;

[0041] 7. Water supply pipeline; 71. First sealing element; 72. Second sealing element. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. After reading the present invention, any modifications of the present invention in various equivalent forms by those skilled in the art fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0043] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] This invention provides a cleaning device and dishwasher that can achieve tableware rotation at low cost, thoroughly clean tableware, and achieve ideal cleaning results.

[0046] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4 The cleaning device provided in this application embodiment may include: a limiting rack 100 capable of forming multiple tableware placement areas 1 and a cleaning system.

[0047] The limiting frame 100 can be provided with multiple tableware placement areas 1. The limiting frame 100 itself can be installed in a sink with a predetermined installation size. The external dimensions of the limiting frame 100 can be adapted to the actual installation environment, for example, it can match the installation size of the sink; this application does not make specific limitations here. Each tableware placement area 1 can be used to place one or more tableware items. The tableware can include bowls, plates, dishes, etc., that are rotating or substantially rotating. Of course, the tableware placement area 1 is not limited to placing tableware; it can also be used to place rotating or substantially rotating fruits and vegetables, such as apples and tomatoes.

[0048] In this embodiment, each of the cutlery placement areas 1 may include a first side area 11 and a second side area 12. Specifically, the plurality of cutlery placement areas 1 are arranged longitudinally along a first direction. Each cutlery placement area 1 has a central surface along the first direction, which divides the cutlery placement area 1 into the first side area 11 and the second side area 12.

[0049] For example, in one embodiment, the cutlery placement area 1 of the retaining frame 100 forms a receiving cavity of a predetermined shape. This receiving cavity has a central surface along a first direction, which divides the cavity into two symmetrical regions. When cutlery is placed in the cutlery placement area 1, the centerline of the cutlery substantially or completely coincides with the central surface. Generally, the cutlery placement area 1 is typically formed by multiple rods, with gaps between adjacent rods, forming a perforated retaining frame 100 that facilitates drainage. The shape of the receiving cavity can be square, rectangular, or other regular or irregular shapes with a square cross-section.

[0050] In this embodiment, the cleaning system is used to provide cleaning fluid to the tableware. The cleaning system may include a nozzle assembly 21 and a pump 3 connected to the nozzle assembly 21. The nozzle assembly 21 has at least one set. Each set of nozzles has at least one nozzle. One or more nozzles can form a nozzle assembly 21 for supplying cleaning fluid to the tableware placement area 1 of the target area. The cleaning system generally includes a spray arm 2 connected to the pump 3, and the nozzle assembly 21 can be mounted on this spray arm 2.

[0051] In use, when at least one nozzle in at least one set of nozzle groups 21 supplies cleaning liquid of predetermined parameters to tableware that can be placed in a certain tableware placement area 1, the direction of at least one nozzle is biased toward the first side area 11 or the second side area 12 of the tableware placement area 1, so as to drive the tableware to rotate.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the nozzle assembly 21 supplies cleaning fluid to the tableware, the nozzle in the nozzle assembly 21 used to rotate the tableware is biased to one side of the tableware placement area 1, so that the liquid jet ejected by the nozzle can be biased to one side of the tableware placement area 1. When the liquid jet ejected by the nozzle used to rotate the tableware can be biased to one side of the tableware placement area 1, the impact force of the liquid jet can act more or completely on one side of the tableware in the tableware placement area 1, and will not be offset by the impact force of the liquid jet ejected and possibly acting on the other side of the tableware. Compared with a cleaning system in which the liquid jets ejected by multiple nozzles act simultaneously on the first side area 11 and the second side area 12 of the same tableware placement area 1, a cleaning system in which the liquid jet ejected by the nozzle can be biased to one side of the tableware placement area 1 can drive the tableware to rotate and perform efficient cleaning at a better efficiency.

[0053] Furthermore, when the nozzle assembly 21 supplies cleaning fluid to the tableware, the liquid jet sprayed from the nozzle is biased to one side of the tableware placement area 1, so that the sprayed cleaning fluid can act on the tableware efficiently. Compared with a cleaning system in which the liquid jets sprayed from multiple nozzles act more evenly on the first side area 11 and the second side area 12 of the same tableware placement area 1, the pressure of the cleaning fluid can be concentrated.

[0054] Theoretically, the higher the pressure of the cleaning fluid, the easier it is to ensure that the bowl can rotate reliably. In order to rotate the bowl for cleaning, the existing technology requires high performance of the pressurization device (i.e., the booster pump 3), which is usually required to pressurize the cleaning fluid to more than 1 MPa.

[0055] To reduce the performance requirements of pump 3 and enable rotary cleaning of tableware without using a high-cost conventional high-pressure pump 3 such as a plunger pump 3, the pressure of the cleaning fluid can be optimized to match the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle. The cleaning fluid has a predetermined pressure, and the nozzle has a predetermined water outlet cross-sectional area. The water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle refers to the sum of the water outlet cross-sectional areas of all dispensing nozzles within the same time period.

[0056] In the cleaning apparatus provided in this specification, a low-cost pump 3 can be selected to reduce the cost of the cleaning apparatus. Specifically, the pump 3 can include any one of a vane pump 3 and a diaphragm pump 3. The vane pump 3 can include a centrifugal pump 3. The water pressure provided by the above-mentioned pump 3 is generally less than 1 MPa. Compared with a plunger pump 3 with a liquid supply pressure of 1 MPa or higher, this application prefers a low-cost pump 3. When this low-cost pump 3 is matched with the nozzle water outlet cross-section, it can efficiently and reliably achieve the rotational cleaning of tableware at a lower pressure.

[0057] In one embodiment, when a high-performance centrifugal pump 3 is used, in order to ensure that the tableware can be rotated and cleaned by the cleaning liquid sprayed from the unilaterally acting nozzle, the pressure of the cleaning liquid is not less than 0.025 MPa, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 36π square millimeters.

[0058] Furthermore, when a high-performance centrifugal pump 3 is used, and the tableware placement area 1 is provided with a rotating component 4 for contacting the tableware, in order to ensure that the tableware can be rotated and cleaned by the cleaning liquid sprayed from the unilateral nozzle, the pressure of the cleaning liquid is not less than 0.01 MPa, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 36π square millimeters.

[0059] In this embodiment, by providing a rotating component 4 that rotates in conjunction with the tableware, the impact force required when the tableware rotates can be reduced, thus lowering the demand for high-pressure cleaning fluid. The impact force generated when the cleaning fluid acts on the tableware mainly overcomes the friction between the tableware and the limiting frame 100. By providing the rotating component 4, the sliding friction between the tableware and the limiting frame 100 can be converted into rolling friction, thereby significantly reducing frictional resistance.

[0060] Specifically, the rotating component 4 can be a bushing located at the bottom of the limiting frame 100. This bushing can be fitted onto the rod at the bottom of the limiting frame 100 with a clearance fit, allowing it to rotate relative to the rod. When tableware is placed in the area of ​​the limiting frame 100 where the bushing is located, the tableware will roll relative to the limiting frame 100 under the impact of the cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the rotating component 4 can be a roller located at the bottom of the limiting frame 100. This roller itself can rotate relative to the limiting frame 100, and when tableware is placed in the area of ​​the limiting frame 100 where the roller is located, the tableware will roll relative to the roller under the impact of the cleaning fluid. Of course, the rotating component 4 can also take other forms, such as a bearing, etc., and this application does not specifically limit its application here.

[0061] The aforementioned use of a high-performance centrifugal pump 3 can be simulated by connecting two conventional centrifugal pumps 3 in series. Of course, the performance of this pump 3 can be even better, and the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle can be further increased. However, as the performance or number of pumps 3 increases, the cost of the cleaning device also increases.

[0062] In another embodiment, when using a conventional centrifugal pump 3, the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle can be further reduced. In this case, the pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.07 MPa, and the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 16π square millimeters.

[0063] Of course, for pump 3 with lower performance, the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle can be further reduced to a certain extent, but the nozzle is prone to clogging. Therefore, the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle should not be too small.

[0064] Table 1 shows the experimental data obtained after testing bowls of two different weights. As can be seen from Table 1, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.07 MPa and the corresponding flow rate is 9 L / min, even relatively heavy tableware can be rotated. With a cleaning fluid pressure of not less than 0.07 MPa, good rotation effects can be achieved for commonly available bowls.

[0065] Table 1

[0066]

[0067] Table 2 shows the experimental data obtained after testing under both sleeved and sleeveless conditions using a centrifugal pump 3 with conventional performance. As can be seen from Table 1, when the cleaning hydraulic pressure is not less than 0.01 MPa and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 16π square millimeters, the requirements for rotating and cleaning tableware can be met.

[0068] Table 2

[0069]

[0070] Furthermore, with the rotating component 4 removed, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle not exceeding 16π square millimeters, the cleaning hydraulic pressure of not less than 0.025 MPa can meet the requirements for rotating and cleaning tableware. Based on the conclusions in Table 1, when the cleaning hydraulic pressure is further increased to 0.07 MPa, it can achieve the rotation of bowls of different weights commonly found on the market.

[0071] Table 3 shows the experimental data obtained after testing under conditions with and without bushings, assuming the diaphragm pump 3 or centrifugal pump 3 is performing optimally. As can be seen from Table 1, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.01 MPa and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 36π square millimeters, the requirements for rotating and cleaning tableware can be met.

[0072] Table 3

[0073]

[0074] Furthermore, with the rotating component 4 removed, the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle is kept to no more than 36π square millimeters, and the cleaning hydraulic pressure is not less than 0.025 MPa, which can meet the needs of rotating tableware cleaning.

[0075] In one embodiment, the nozzle group 21 includes at least two groups, and at least one nozzle in the at least two groups of nozzle groups 21 can simultaneously or alternately supply the cleaning liquid to the tableware placement area 1.

[0076] In this embodiment, the nozzle group 21 may include two or more groups. For example, it may include a first nozzle group 21 and a second nozzle group 21. The first nozzle group 21 may include at least a first nozzle, and the second nozzle group 21 may include at least a second nozzle. The first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle group 21 may be mounted on the spray arm 2 and can be used to correspond to different positions of the tableware placement area 1. In use, the cleaning liquid supplied by the pump 3 can be connected to the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21; or, it can be connected to the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21 through pipeline switching or other means. The first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21 can be periodically and alternately connected to the pump 3 to clean tableware in different positions.

[0077] The pipeline switching can be achieved by setting up a spray liquid switching device. Specifically, the spray arm 2 is provided with at least two nozzle groups 21 and liquid supply channels that are matched and connected to the at least two nozzle groups 21 respectively. The spray liquid switching device can include a guide section and a switching section. The guide section is provided with guide channels that are matched and connected to the liquid supply channels respectively; the switching section is used to switch the spray liquid to one of the guide channels. The guide section and the spray arm 2 rotate synchronously, and during the synchronous rotation, the at least two nozzle groups 21 switch spraying. Specifically, driven by the drive device, the spray arm 2 continues to rotate during the spraying process, the guide section and the spray arm 2 rotate synchronously, and the switching section and the guide section form a differential motion, thereby realizing the periodic alternating spraying of the nozzles in different nozzle groups 21 on the spray arm 2.

[0078] Furthermore, the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21 can also be simultaneously connected to the pump 3. When the pump 3 is simultaneously connected to both the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, it represents a transitional phase where the pump 3 switches from being connected to the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 to being connected to the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, thus cleaning the tableware in different tableware placement areas 1. When the cleaning device is switching nozzles to clean tableware in different locations, the total water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzles can be kept constant or fluctuate slightly during the switching process. This ensures that the water pressure of the nozzles in the nozzle group 21 remains relatively stable during alternating cleaning, achieving a smooth transition between cleaning different areas.

[0079] Furthermore, when the pump 3 is simultaneously connected to the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, it can also correspond to different operating states of the cleaning device. For example, when the pump 3 is simultaneously connected to both the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, the force acting on the tableware will decrease due to the increased total nozzle water outlet cross-sectional area, potentially making it impossible for the tableware to rotate. In this case, the liquid sprayed by the two nozzle groups 21 is primarily used for rinsing the tableware.

[0080] The above embodiments are mainly illustrated by two sets of nozzle groups 21. For cases where there are three or more sets of nozzle groups 21, the above two sets of nozzle groups 21 can be used as an analogy. This application will not repeat the example here.

[0081] In one embodiment, the cleaning device may further include a spray arm 2 for mounting the nozzle, wherein the nozzle is fixedly mounted or movably mounted on the spray arm 2, and the movable mounting includes moving along a predetermined path under motor drive.

[0082] In this embodiment, the nozzle of the cleaning device can be mounted on the spray arm 2. The spray arm 2 can be a single body extending longitudinally. The nozzle can be fixed to the spray arm 2 or can move relative to the spray arm 2. When the nozzle can move relative to the spray arm 2, the cleaning device can also include a motor for providing driving force. The motor can be driven by the spray arm 2. In use, under the drive of the motor, the spray arm 2 can move, and the nozzle mounted on the spray arm 2 can be driven to move along a predetermined path. When the nozzle moves along the predetermined path, the cleaning of tableware in the tableware placement area 1 can be completed.

[0083] In this embodiment, the movement path formed by the nozzle can be a path formed by combining the rotational movement following the spray arm 2 with the movement relative to the spray arm 2. Specifically, the nozzle movement path can resemble a concentric circle trajectory or a spiral trajectory. For example, when the nozzle movement path is a concentric circle trajectory, the nozzle can first perform a single rotational movement following the spray arm 2, then move a certain distance towards the rotation center of the spray arm 2, and then perform a single rotational movement following the spray arm 2 again, repeating this process to form a concentric circle trajectory. When the nozzle movement path is a spiral trajectory, the nozzle can continuously move towards the rotation center of the spray arm 2 while following its rotational movement, thereby forming a spiral trajectory.

[0084] When the movement path of the nozzle is similar to a concentric circle or a spiral trajectory, it can ensure that the moving nozzle can clean all the tableware in the tableware placement area 1 it covers. Specifically, the tableware placement area 1 covered by the nozzle is a circular area with a diameter equal to the distance the nozzle can move linearly on the spray arm 2.

[0085] Whether for a cleaning device with a fixed spray arm 2 or for a spray arm 2 driven by a motor, the nozzles provided on the spray arm 2 may include at least two groups, and at least one nozzle in the at least two groups of nozzles 21 can simultaneously or alternately supply the cleaning liquid to the tableware placement area 1.

[0086] In this embodiment, the nozzle group 21 may include two or more groups. For example, it may include a first nozzle group 21 and a second nozzle group 21. The first nozzle group 21 may include at least a first nozzle, and the second nozzle group 21 may include at least a second nozzle. The first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle group 21 may be mounted on the spray arm 2 and can be used to correspond to different positions of the tableware placement area 1. In use, the cleaning liquid supplied by the pump 3 can be connected to the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21; or, it can be connected to the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21 through pipeline switching or other means. The first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21 can be periodically and alternately connected to the pump 3 to clean tableware in different positions.

[0087] Furthermore, the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21 can also be simultaneously connected to the pump 3. When the pump 3 is simultaneously connected to both the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, it represents a transitional phase where the pump 3 switches from being connected to the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 to being connected to the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, thus cleaning the tableware in different tableware placement areas 1. When the cleaning device is switching nozzles to clean tableware in different locations, the total water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzles can be kept constant or fluctuate slightly during the switching process. This ensures that the water pressure of the nozzles in the nozzle group 21 remains relatively stable during alternating cleaning, achieving a smooth transition between cleaning different areas.

[0088] Furthermore, when the pump 3 is simultaneously connected to the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, it can also correspond to different operating states of the cleaning device. For example, when the pump 3 is simultaneously connected to both the first nozzle in the first nozzle group 21 and the second nozzle in the second nozzle group 21, the force acting on the tableware will decrease due to the increased total nozzle water outlet cross-sectional area, potentially making it impossible for the tableware to rotate. In this case, the liquid sprayed by the two nozzle groups 21 is primarily used for rinsing the tableware.

[0089] The above embodiments are mainly illustrated by two sets of nozzle groups 21. For cases where there are three or more sets of nozzle groups 21, the above two sets of nozzle groups 21 can be used as an analogy. This application will not repeat the example here.

[0090] In one embodiment, the plurality of tableware placement areas 1 are arranged longitudinally along a first direction, and at most two sets of nozzle groups 21 spray cleaning liquid onto different tableware placement areas 1 at the same time.

[0091] To ensure that the cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle assembly 21 acts with concentrated pressure on the target tableware placement area 1, thereby achieving rotary cleaning with lower pump pressure, a maximum of two nozzle assemblies 21 can spray cleaning fluid onto different tableware placement areas 1 simultaneously. Generally, only one nozzle assembly 21 sprays cleaning fluid onto one tableware placement area 1 at a time for rotary cleaning. As the nozzle assemblies 21 move and alternate operations, the tableware cleaning work in the target tableware placement area 1 can be completed. However, when the two nozzle assemblies 21 alternate operations, there is a switching state where one nozzle assembly 21 switches to the other, and in this switching state, two nozzle assemblies 21 may spray cleaning fluid onto different tableware placement areas 1 simultaneously.

[0092] In this embodiment, multiple tableware placement areas 1 can be arranged longitudinally along a first direction. Specifically, the multiple tableware placement areas 1 include: a first tableware placement area 1 and a second tableware placement area 1, and the nozzle group 21 includes a first nozzle group 21 and a second nozzle group 21. The cleaning liquid sprayed by the first nozzle group 21 is used to spray onto a first side area 11 or a second side area 12 of the first tableware placement area 1. The cleaning liquid sprayed by the second nozzle group 21 is used to spray onto a first side area 11 or a second side area 12 of the second tableware placement area 1.

[0093] In other words, in this embodiment, different tableware placement areas 1 are each equipped with a specific nozzle group 21. The first tableware placement area 1 may have a first nozzle group 21, and the second tableware placement area 1 may have a second nozzle group 21. Each nozzle group 21 can individually clean its corresponding tableware placement area 1, thus achieving localized cleaning of that area. Furthermore, multiple nozzle groups 21 can switch between each other, sequentially cleaning the tableware in all tableware placement areas 1. Overall, during operation, each nozzle group 21 is always oriented towards one side of the tableware placement area 1 being cleaned, and they do not interfere with each other, achieving efficient rotational cleaning.

[0094] In one embodiment, in order to achieve uniform and thorough cleaning of the designated tableware placement area 1, at least two sets of the nozzle groups 21 are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the spray arm 2.

[0095] In this embodiment, the designated tableware placement area 1 can be the tableware placement area 1 that requires rotating cleaning. Multiple sets of nozzles 21 can be sequentially arranged along the length of the spray arm 2. Each set of nozzles 21 can be used to clean one tableware placement area 1, or multiple tableware placement areas 1 can be cleaned by one set of nozzles 21. Generally, along the length of the spray arm 2, the multiple sets of nozzles 21 are spaced at certain intervals, ensuring that each tableware placement area 1 is covered by the cleaning liquid sprayed from the nozzles 21. Specifically, the distance between two adjacent nozzle sets can be determined according to the specific distribution of the tableware placement areas 1, and this application does not impose a specific limitation here. When the multiple sets of nozzles 21 are alternately and sequentially activated, the cleaning of tableware in all tableware placement areas 1 can be completed.

[0096] For example, the spray arm 2 can be driven by a motor to rotate, and the pairs of nozzle groups 21 are arranged sequentially along the length of the spray section. During the rotation of the spray arm 2, the nozzle groups 21 can be connected to the pump 3 sequentially through a switching device to clean different areas of the tableware placement area 1, thus completing the uniform and thorough cleaning of the set tableware placement area 1.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, in one specific embodiment, the spray arm 2 rotates under the drive of a motor, and the nozzle assembly 21 can make intermittent linear movements on the spray arm 2.

[0098] In this embodiment, the nozzle assembly 21 can be mounted on the spray arm 2 via the transmission mechanism 6. When the spray arm 2 rotates under the drive of the motor, the nozzle can not only rotate with the spray arm 2, but also move intermittently in a straight line relative to the spray arm 2 in cooperation with the transmission mechanism 6, so that the nozzle assembly 21 can move along a predetermined path, thereby completing the full coverage cleaning of the set tableware placement area 1.

[0099] In this embodiment, by using only one motor to drive the spray arm 2 to rotate, combined with the ingenious design of the transmission mechanism 6, the nozzles can move along a predetermined path on the spray arm 2. When only one motor is used to drive the spray arm 2 to rotate, and a small number of nozzles that can rotate with the spray arm 2 through the transmission mechanism 6, as the spray arm 2 rotates, the nozzles, under the action of the transmission mechanism 6, can intermittently move linearly relative to the spray arm 2 while rotating with it. This allows the nozzles to move towards the center of rotation of the spray arm 2 while rotating circumferentially, forming a complete cleaning coverage area. This enables efficient cleaning of the object being cleaned with high cleaning fluid pressure and full coverage.

[0100] The transmission mechanism 6 may include any one of the following: a gear and rack transmission mechanism 6, a worm gear transmission mechanism 6, a lead screw transmission mechanism 6, a belt pulley transmission mechanism 6, or a sprocket transmission mechanism 6. Of course, the transmission mechanism 6 may also take other forms, and this application does not make specific limitations herein.

[0101] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, a partition 5 is provided between two adjacent tableware placement areas 1, and the height of the partition 5 is not less than 130 mm.

[0102] In this embodiment, each tableware placement area 1 can hold one piece of tableware. The separator 5 is used to separate the tableware in two adjacent tableware placement areas 1, preventing the two pieces of tableware from interfering with each other during the rotation washing process, increasing rotational resistance, and affecting the normal and stable operation of the rotation washing. Specifically, the separator 5 can be in the form of a separator post set on the limiting frame 100. In order to reliably separate the tableware in two adjacent tableware placement areas 1, the height of the separator 5 can be no less than 130 mm.

[0103] Furthermore, in order to reduce the frictional resistance between the cutlery and the partition 5, a rotating member 4 may also be provided on the partition 5. Specifically, the form of the rotating member 4 can be referred to the detailed description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the pump 3 is connected to the nozzle assembly 21 via a water supply pipe 7. The water supply pipe 7 has a first end and a second end facing away from each other. A first seal 71 is provided between the first end of the water supply pipe 7 and the water inlet of the spray arm 2, and a second seal 72 is provided between the second end of the water supply pipe 7 and the water outlet of the pump 3.

[0105] In this embodiment, the nozzle assembly 21 is mounted on a spray arm 2 driven by a motor, which is connected to a pump 3 via a water supply pipe 7. A first seal 71 is provided between the first end of the water supply pipe 7 and the water inlet of the spray arm 2. The first seal 71 is mainly used to ensure that the water supplied from the water supply pipe 7 to the spray arm 2 can be sprayed directly through the nozzles without backflow from the mating position between the water supply pipe 7 and the spray arm 2. The first seal 71 is a dynamic seal, which is sensitive to hydraulic pressure. Generally, the higher the hydraulic pressure, the lower the reliability of the seal, i.e., the more prone it is to leakage. Since the pump 3 used in this application is a low-cost pump with a low supply pressure, the pressure in the pipeline can be adaptively reduced, thereby ensuring the reliability of the first seal 71 during use and extending its service life. In addition, a second seal 72 is provided between the second end of the water supply pipe 7 and the outlet of the pump 3 to ensure that the hydraulic pressure flowing out of the pump 3 can be supplied to the nozzle assembly 21 through the water supply pipe 7 with low loss.

[0106] Based on the cleaning device described in this application, this application also provides a dishwasher equipped with the aforementioned cleaning device. The dishwasher equipped with this cleaning device can achieve the technical effects achievable by the cleaning device. This dishwasher can combine the cleaning device with a sink to form a sink-type dishwasher. Specifically, the retaining rack 100 forming the dish placement area 1 can be placed in the sink, and the spray arm 2 can be placed between the sink and the retaining rack 100.

[0107] The shape of the cleaning liquid sprayed by the dishwasher can include any of the following: fan-shaped, cylindrical, or conical. Of course, the shape of the liquid column sprayed from the nozzle can also be other forms, depending on the nozzle's outlet structure; this application does not impose specific limitations here. When the nozzle sprays a cylindrical liquid column, the impact force on the dishes is relatively greater, resulting in a better cleaning effect.

[0108] The dishwasher can clean tableware including any one or a combination of the following: bowls, plates, dishes, chopsticks, and spoons. The cleaning solution can include any one or a combination of the following: water, soft water, and electrolyzed water.

[0109] The dishwasher may also include a water softening module. Soft water produced in the water softening module can be supplied to the dishwasher, thus making the cleaning solution soft water.

[0110] The dishwasher may also include an electrolyzed water module. Electrolyzed water produced in the electrolyzed water unit can be supplied to the dishwasher, thereby making the cleaning solution electrolyzed water.

[0111] In addition, the cleaning solution can be tap water. Of course, in order to improve the cleaning effect of the cleaning solution, it can also be heated water, or detergents and rinse aids with degreasing function, etc. This application does not limit the specifics.

[0112] A comparative experiment was conducted using the dishwasher provided in this application and other existing dishwashers. The specific experimental results are as follows: The dishwasher provided in this application can clean hard-to-wash food residue from bowls within a set time (e.g., 45 minutes). Among other existing dishwashers, only one type can clean hard-to-wash food residue from bowls, but it requires 180 minutes to clean.

[0113] In summary, the dishwasher provided in this application can achieve the most ideal cleaning effect in a shorter time and at a lower cost, greatly improving the user experience.

[0114] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0115] The various embodiments described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0116] The above descriptions are merely a few embodiments of the present invention. Although the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are as described above, the content is only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in the present invention. However, the patent protection scope of the present invention shall still be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: Multiple tableware placement areas, each of the tableware placement areas including a first side area and a second side area; A cleaning system comprising a nozzle assembly and a pump connected to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly having at least one set, each set of the nozzle assembly having at least one nozzle; The cleaning device is characterized in that it further includes a spray arm for setting the nozzle, the spray arm rotates under the drive of a motor, the nozzle is movably set on the spray arm, and when at least one nozzle in at least one set of the nozzles supplies cleaning liquid to tableware that can be placed in a certain tableware placement area, the pressure of the cleaning liquid is not less than 0.025 MPa, the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 36π square millimeters, and the direction of the at least one nozzle is biased towards the first side area or the second side area of ​​the tableware placement area, thereby driving the tableware to rotate; The plurality of tableware placement areas include: a first tableware placement area and a second tableware placement area. The nozzle group includes a first nozzle group and a second nozzle group. The cleaning liquid sprayed by the first nozzle group is used to spray onto a first side area or a second side area of ​​the first tableware placement area. The cleaning liquid sprayed by the second nozzle group is used to spray onto a first side area or a second side area of ​​the second tableware placement area.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pump includes any one of a vane pump and a diaphragm pump, and the vane pump includes a centrifugal pump.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tableware placement area is provided with a rotating component for contacting the tableware, the pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.01 MPa, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 36π square millimeters.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure of the cleaning fluid is not less than 0.07 MPa, and the water outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle does not exceed 16π square millimeters.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly includes at least two groups, and at least one nozzle in the at least two groups of nozzles can simultaneously or alternately supply the cleaning liquid to the tableware placement area.

6. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable configuration includes moving along a predetermined path under motor drive.

7. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly includes at least two groups, and at least one nozzle in the at least two groups of nozzles can simultaneously or alternately supply the cleaning liquid to the tableware placement area.

8. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The multiple tableware placement areas are arranged longitudinally along the first direction, and at most two sets of nozzles can spray cleaning liquid onto different tableware placement areas at the same time.

9. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least two sets of the nozzles are arranged sequentially along the length of the spray arm.

10. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly can move intermittently in a straight line relative to the spray arm.

11. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A partition is provided between two adjacent tableware placement areas, and the height of the partition is not less than 130 mm.

12. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pump is connected to the nozzle assembly via a water supply pipeline. The water supply pipeline has a first end and a second end facing away from each other. A first seal is provided between the first end of the water supply pipeline and the water inlet of the spray arm, and a second seal is provided between the second end of the water supply pipeline and the water outlet of the pump.

13. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of tableware placement areas extend longitudinally along a first direction, and each tableware placement area has a central surface along the first direction, the central surface dividing the tableware placement area into a first side area and a second side area.

14. A dishwasher comprising the cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The cleaning liquid sprayed from the nozzle has any of the following shapes: fan-shaped, cylindrical, and conical; the tableware includes any one or a combination of the following: bowl, plate, dish, chopsticks, and spoon; and the cleaning liquid includes any one or a combination of the following: water, soft water, and electrolyzed water.

Images