Cleaning machine and cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning machine and a cleaning method. The cleaning machine includes a housing, a spray arm, and a water pumping mechanism. The spray arm is disposed in the housing and arranged near the bottom. The water pumping mechanism is disposed on the housing and is used to pump water from the bottom of the housing into the spray arm. The power output shaft of the water pumping mechanism passes through the housing and extends into the spray arm. The cleaning machine also includes a steam generator. The power output shaft is hollow inside to form an air guide channel. The steam output end of the steam generator is connected to the air guide channel. The present invention is provided with a steam generator and utilizes the hollow power output shaft and the spray arm to transport steam into the housing to perform steam pre-cleaning on dishes, which is beneficial to improving the removal effect of stubborn dirt. The present invention adopts the above-mentioned steam delivery method, which does not require a steam input port to be provided on the housing, and is convenient for production and assembly. Since the hot steam rises, the steam is output through the spray arm and diffuses from bottom to top at the bottom of the housing, which is beneficial to uniform diffusion, eliminating dead corners in steam pre-cleaning, and improving the cleaning effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, in particular to a washing machine and a washing method for washing dishes. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, dishwashers, as a kitchen appliance, are increasingly entering households. Currently, dishwashers on the market are generally categorized into three types: tabletop, cabinet, and sink. Tabletop dishwashers are standalone units typically placed on a countertop; cabinet dishwashers are also standalone units built into a kitchen cabinet; and sink dishwashers are integrated with the sink and typically installed within a kitchen cabinet.

[0003] The various forms of dishwashers mentioned above generally use a water pump to lift water and spray it onto the dishes in the washing space to achieve the cleaning effect. Generally, the maximum temperature of a dishwasher during the water washing stage will not exceed 70°, and stubborn stains may adhere to the surface of the dishes and be difficult to remove. In order to solve the above problems, the Chinese invention patent "Dishwasher" (application number: CN201520509852.3) with authorization announcement number CN205019008U discloses a structure, which includes: an inner tank; a water cup, the water cup is arranged at the bottom of the inner tank; a steam generator, the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the internal space of the inner tank; a water supply system, the water supply system is respectively connected to the water source, the water cup, and the steam generator.

[0004] The above solution can perform steam pre-washing, thereby removing stubborn stains and improving cleaning effectiveness. However, because it directly introduces steam into the inner container, not only does it require a steam inlet on the inner container's sidewall, which is inconvenient to manufacture and assemble, but it also makes it difficult to evenly distribute the steam directly into the inner container, resulting in dead spots during steam pre-washing and affecting cleaning effectiveness.

[0005] The applicant's prior application No. 201721042431.X discloses a structure that adds air to the spray arm, thereby entraining bubbles in the water flow. This structure facilitates the removal of dirt from the dish surface through cavitation, thereby improving the cleaning effect. However, this structure requires an air pump to pump air into the spray arm, resulting in a relatively complex overall structure and high production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine which is easy to produce and assemble, can disperse steam evenly and thus eliminate cleaning dead corners and improve cleaning effects in view of the current status of the existing technology.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine which can automatically absorb gas so that bubbles are entrained in the jet water flow to improve the cleaning effect and has low production cost in view of the current status of the existing technology.

[0008] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning method using the above-mentioned cleaning machine in response to the current status of the existing technology. This method is conducive to the rapid and uniform dispersion of steam in the washing chamber, thereby improving the efficiency and effect of removing stubborn dirt, and further improving the cleaning effect through cavitation.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems is: a cleaning machine, including a box body, a spray arm and a water pumping mechanism, the spray arm is arranged in the box body and close to the bottom, the water pumping mechanism is arranged on the box body and is used to pump water from the bottom of the box body to the spray arm, the power output shaft of the water pumping mechanism passes through the box body and extends into the spray arm, and is characterized in that: it also includes a steam generator, the power output shaft is hollow inside to form an air guide channel, and the steam output end of the steam generator is connected to the air guide channel.

[0010] Preferably, the top wall of the spray arm is provided with a first spray hole. In the direction of fluid flow, the spray arm includes a gas collecting chamber located upstream of the first spray hole for conveying gas toward the first spray hole. The upper end of the power output shaft is connected to the gas collecting chamber. This gas collecting chamber not only facilitates uniform distribution of steam to each spray hole but also facilitates the addition of gas to the sprayed water stream, thereby integrating steam delivery and cavitation aeration mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure and reducing costs.

[0011] In the present invention, the spray arm is equipped with a transmission structure that can decouple the spray arm from the PTO shaft when the PTO shaft rotates forward, and rotate with the PTO shaft when the PTO shaft rotates reversely. This structure allows the spray arm to rotate during the steam delivery phase without utilizing the viscous force of the water flow generated by the rotation of the impeller, thereby agitating the ejected steam and improving the efficiency and uniformity of steam diffusion.

[0012] Preferably, the spray arm has a mounting hole through which the power take-off shaft passes and extends into the plenum chamber. A one-way bearing is disposed between the inner wall of the mounting hole and the outer wall of the power take-off shaft, forming the transmission structure. The one-way bearing has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. Once assembled, it occupies a small space and provides excellent operational stability. It allows the spray arm to rotate during steam delivery, thereby improving steam diffusion efficiency and uniformity, and prevents interference with the spray arm's rotation during the water wash phase.

[0013] In the present invention, a water inlet is provided on the bottom wall of the spray arm, the spray arm has a water collecting chamber connected to the water inlet, the mounting hole is provided on the top wall of the water collecting chamber, and the water pumping mechanism also includes an impeller, at least the upper part of the impeller is rotatably located in the water collecting chamber and is connected to the power output shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the upper part of the impeller is a centrifugal impeller located in the water collecting chamber, and the lower part is an axial flow impeller located below the water inlet. The top of the impeller has an end cover, which is gradually recessed from the edge to the center to form a recessed area. The recessed area corresponds to the arrangement of the mounting holes. The top wall of the water collecting chamber is provided with a mounting chamber arranged around the mounting hole and partially extending into the recessed area. The one-way bearing is provided in the mounting chamber. With the above-mentioned impeller structure, the negative pressure generated in the water collecting chamber when the impeller rotates is beneficial to improving the water flow extraction effect. However, during the cleaning process, large bubbles are easily accumulated between the recessed area of ​​the end cover and the top wall of the water collecting chamber, which seriously affects the actual head of the pump. The present invention makes the mounting chamber sink to the recessed area, which not only provides installation space for the one-way bearing, but also can squeeze the bubbles accumulated here to the edge and further discharge them through the flow channel, which is beneficial to avoid the bubbles from accumulating and expanding here, and reduces the impact on the head of the water pumping mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, the power output shaft is further connected to a one-way valve that only allows outside air to enter the air guide channel. This one-way valve prevents steam from escaping when the steam generator is inputting steam into the air guide channel. During the water washing process, when the steam generator stops supplying steam to the air guide channel, air is easily introduced into the jet water flow through the one-way valve and the air guide channel, thereby utilizing cavitation to enhance the cleaning effect.

[0016] In the present invention, the spray arm includes a main body and a top plate provided above the main body, the main body has a flow channel extending along the length direction of the main body, the top plate and the top wall of the main body together enclose the gas collecting chamber, the top wall of the main body is provided with a second spray hole connected to the flow channel and located in the gas collecting chamber, the first spray hole is provided on the top plate and corresponds to the second spray hole, and there is a gap between the first spray hole and the second spray hole. With the above structure, according to the Venturi effect, in the process of water flowing through the second spray hole and the first spray hole being ejected, the air in the gas collecting chamber can be sucked into the water column through the gap between the two, so that bubbles are entrained in the jet, and the bubbles are broken on the surface of dishes or fruits and vegetables to improve the dirt stripping force and improve the cleaning effect; and, by adding gas to the jet by self-aspiration, there is no need to set up an air pump, etc., which can greatly reduce production costs.

[0017] Preferably, the top plate is provided with a first nozzle extending axially along the first spray hole, and correspondingly, the top wall of the body is provided with a second nozzle extending upward from the edge of the second spray hole. The first and second nozzles are conducive to guiding the water flow, thereby forming a water column with greater spray force.

[0018] Preferably, the gap width between the lower end of the first nozzle and the upper end of the second nozzle is 2 to 5 mm. This gap determines the strength of the jet cavitation ability, that is, the amount of air inhaled. It has been verified that using the above length parameters can achieve a higher jet cavitation effect.

[0019] Preferably, the second nozzle has a tapered section and a first straight section connected in sequence along the direction of water flow, and the inner diameter of the tapered section gradually decreases along the direction of water flow. The inner diameter of the first nozzle remains consistent in the axial direction and is larger than the inner diameter of the first straight section of the second nozzle. The above-mentioned tapered section is conducive to reducing the energy loss of the fluid entering the second nozzle from the flow channel; according to the Venturi effect, when a restricted fluid passes through a reduced flow cross-section, the flow velocity of the fluid will increase, and according to Bernoulli's principle, the increase in flow velocity is accompanied by a decrease in fluid pressure, so that low pressure will be generated near the high-speed flowing fluid, and then an adsorption effect will be generated. The first straight section of the present invention is intended to achieve the effect of increasing the flow velocity as the cross-section becomes smaller, so that the gas in the gas collecting chamber is sucked into the water flow through the gap.

[0020] Preferably, the axial length of the first nozzle is 5 to 7 mm. The first nozzle of the present invention is mainly used for gas-liquid mixing. The size of the first nozzle determines the stability of the gas-liquid mixed state. If the length of the first nozzle is too long, it will cause jet energy loss, and if it is too small, it will cause unstable gas-liquid mixing state. It has been verified that the above length parameters can obtain high-speed fluid with stable gas-liquid mixed state.

[0021] In each of the above schemes, a water inlet is provided on the box body, and a water inlet valve connected to a water source is provided outside the box body. The first output port of the water inlet valve is connected to the water inlet, and the second output port of the water inlet valve is connected to the input end of the steam generator. The steam output end of the steam generator is connected to the lower port of the power output shaft through a conduit.

[0022] Preferably, the steam generator is provided with a flow limiting mechanism capable of controlling the flow rate of water used to generate steam. This structure facilitates the control of the amount of steam.

[0023] Preferably, a ventilation port is provided on the side wall of the box, and a ventilation mechanism is provided on the outside of the box connected to the ventilation port for supplying dry air into the box and / or discharging moisture from the box. This structure facilitates the disinfection and drying of dishes with steam after washing.

[0024] In the present invention, a concave drain area is provided at the bottom of the box body, the top of the drain area is covered with a drain plate, a guide seat is provided in the drain area and is arranged through the drain plate, the spray arm is rotatably supported on the guide seat, and the water pumping mechanism is used to pump the water in the drain area through the guide seat to the spray arm above the drain plate.

[0025] A cleaning method for the cleaning machine is characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0026] (1) Turn on the steam generator. The steam generated by the steam generator is transported to the spray arm through the air guide channel of the power output shaft on the water pump mechanism. The steam further diffuses from bottom to top in the box through the spray arm to steam pre-clean the dishes.

[0027] (2) After the steam pre-cleaning is completed, the steam generator is turned off and water is introduced into the box. After the water is introduced, the power output shaft of the water pumping mechanism rotates to pump water into the spray arm to wash the dishes. During the washing process, gas is input into the spray arm through the air guide channel of the power output shaft, so that bubbles are entrained in the spray water flow, thereby utilizing cavitation to improve the degree of removal of dirt from the surface of the dishes.

[0028] A cleaning method for the cleaning machine is characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0029] (1) Turn on the steam generator. The steam generated by the steam generator is transmitted to the spray arm through the air guide channel of the power output shaft on the water pump mechanism. At the same time, the power output shaft of the water pump mechanism is reversed, and the spray arm is driven to reverse through the transmission mechanism. The steam is stirred by the spray arm and diffuses rapidly from bottom to top in the box, performing steam pre-cleaning on the dishes; the rotation speed of the spray arm is controlled to be 20 to 100 n / min, preferably 60 n / min;

[0030] (2) After the steam pre-cleaning is completed, the steam generator is turned off, and the power output shaft of the water pumping mechanism rotates forward, pumping water into the spray arm and driving the spray arm to rotate forward, thereby washing the dishes with water; during this washing process, gas is input into the jet water flow through the air guide channel and the air collecting chamber of the power output shaft, so that bubbles are entrained in the jet water flow, thereby utilizing cavitation to improve the degree of removal of dirt from the surface of the dishes.

[0031] (3) Turn on the steam generator again, the power output shaft of the water pump mechanism is reversed, and the spray arm rotates while allowing the steam to spread rapidly from bottom to top in the box, performing high-temperature disinfection on the dishes;

[0032] (4) After disinfection is completed, the moisture in the box is discharged through the ventilation mechanism, and dry gas is input into the box to dry the dishes.

[0033] In the above method, the washing water for water washing can be added to the box before the steam pre-cleaning, or can be added to the box after the steam pre-cleaning.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: the present invention is provided with a steam generator, and uses a hollow power output shaft and a spray arm to transport steam into the box body, so as to perform steam pre-cleaning on the dishes, which is beneficial to improving the removal effect of stubborn dirt; the present invention adopts the above-mentioned steam delivery method and does not need to open a steam input port on the box body, which is convenient for production and assembly; since the hot steam rises, the steam is output through the spray arm and diffuses from bottom to top at the bottom of the box body, which is beneficial to uniform diffusion, eliminates dead corners of steam pre-cleaning, and improves the cleaning effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure from another angle;

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of

[0039] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the spray arm in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 5 sectional view of

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of part A;

[0042] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Exploded diagram of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0044] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the cleaning machine of this embodiment includes a box body 1, a spray arm 2 and a water pumping mechanism 3. The spray arm 2 is arranged in the box body 1 and close to the bottom. The water pumping mechanism 3 is arranged at the bottom of the box body 1 and is used to pump water from the bottom of the box body 1 into the spray arm 2.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, a concave drain area 11 is provided at the bottom of the box body 1, the top of the drain area 11 is covered with a drain plate 12, and a guide seat 13 is provided in the drain area 11 and arranged through the drain plate 11. The spray arm 2 is rotatably supported on the top of the guide seat 13, and the water pumping mechanism 3 is used to pump the water in the drain area 11 through the guide seat 13 to the spray arm 2 above the drain plate 12.

[0046] like Figure 5 、 6 As shown in Figures 8 and 8, the spray arm 2 has a flow channel 21 extending along the length direction, and the central part of the spray arm 2 has a roughly disc-shaped water collecting chamber 22 connected to the flow channel 21. A water inlet 23 connected to the water collecting chamber 22 is provided on the bottom wall of the spray arm 2, and a water spray hole is provided on the top wall.

[0047] The water pumping mechanism 3 includes a motor 31 and an impeller 32. The upper portion of the impeller 32 is rotatably mounted in the water collection chamber 22, while the lower portion of the impeller 32 is located below the water inlet 23. The upper portion of the impeller 32 is a centrifugal impeller, used to disperse water from the water collection chamber 22 into the flow channel 21. The lower portion of the impeller 32 is an axial flow impeller, used to draw water upward from the drain area 11. The motor 31 is mounted on the outer bottom wall of the housing 1. The power output shaft 311 of the motor 31 extends through the bottom wall of the housing 1, upward through the water inlet 23, and into the spray arm 2. The impeller 32 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the power output shaft 311 and rotates therewith.

[0048] like Figure 1 、 3 As shown, this embodiment is provided with a steam generator 4 that enables the washing machine to have a steam pre-wash function and to sterilize dishes at high temperature after washing. The power output shaft 311 is hollow inside to form an air guide channel 310, and the steam output end of the steam generator 4 is connected to the air guide channel 310.

[0049] A water inlet 14 is formed on the upper sidewall of the housing 1. A water inlet valve 5, connected to a water source, is provided at a corner of the bottom of the housing 1. A first outlet 51 of the inlet valve 5 is connected to the water inlet 14 via a pipe. A second outlet 52 of the inlet valve 5 is also connected to the input of the steam generator 4 via a pipe. The steam output of the steam generator 4 is connected to the lower end of the power output shaft 311 via a conduit 41. The steam generator 4 is provided with a flow limiting mechanism that controls the amount of water used to generate steam, thereby controlling the amount of steam produced.

[0050] A ventilation port 15 is provided on the side wall of the housing 1. A ventilation mechanism 6 is provided on the outside of the housing 1, connected to the ventilation port 15 and used to introduce dry air into the housing 1 and / or expel moisture from the housing 1. The ventilation mechanism 6 may be equipped with a heating element for heating the air introduced into the housing 1. This structure facilitates the use of steam for disinfecting and drying dishes after washing.

[0051] In this embodiment, if Figure 6As shown, the top wall of the spray arm 2 is provided with a first spray hole 24. Along the fluid flow direction, the spray arm 2 has a plenum 25 located upstream of the first spray hole 24 for conveying gas toward the first spray hole 24. The upper end of the power output shaft 311 is connected to the plenum 25. This plenum 25 not only facilitates the uniform distribution of steam to each spray hole but also facilitates the addition of gas to the sprayed water stream, thereby integrating steam delivery and cavitation aeration mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure and reducing costs.

[0052] Specifically, the spray arm 2 includes a body 2a and a top plate 2b disposed above the body 2a. The flow channel 21 is located in the body 2a and extends along the length of the body 2a. The top plate 2b and the top wall of the body 2a together enclose a gas collecting chamber 25. A second spray hole 26 is opened on the top wall of the body 2a, which is connected to the flow channel 21 and located in the gas collecting chamber 25. The first spray hole 24 is opened on the top plate 2b and corresponds to the second spray hole 26. Figure 7 As shown, a gap 200 is defined between the first spray hole 24 and the second spray hole 26. Due to the Venturi effect, as water flows through the second spray hole 26 and then the first spray hole 24, air in the gas collecting chamber 25 is drawn into the water column through the gap 200 between the two. This causes bubbles to be entrained in the jet stream. These bubbles break up on the surface of dishes or fruits and vegetables, enhancing dirt removal and cleaning effectiveness. Furthermore, the self-aspiration of gas into the jet stream eliminates the need for an air pump, significantly reducing production costs.

[0053] like Figure 1 、 4 As shown, a one-way valve 7 is also connected to the power output shaft 311 of this embodiment, which only allows outside air to enter the air guide channel 310. The one-way valve 7 prevents steam from overflowing when the steam generator 4 inputs steam into the air guide channel 310. During the water washing process, when the steam generator 4 stops supplying steam to the air guide channel 310, air is easily added to the jet water flow through the one-way valve 7 and the air guide channel 310, thereby utilizing cavitation to enhance the cleaning effect.

[0054] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the spray arm 2 is provided with a transmission structure 8 that can decouple the spray arm 2 from the PTO shaft 311 when the PTO shaft 311 is rotating forward, and rotate the spray arm 2 along with the PTO shaft 311 when the PTO shaft 311 is rotating reversely. This structure enables the spray arm 2 to rotate during the steam delivery phase without utilizing the viscous force of the water flow generated by the rotation of the impeller, thereby agitating the ejected steam and improving the efficiency and uniformity of steam diffusion.

[0055] The spray arm 2 has a mounting hole 27 through which the power take-off shaft 311 passes and extends into the gas collecting chamber 25. This mounting hole 27 is formed on the top wall of the water collecting chamber 22. A one-way bearing is disposed between the inner wall of the mounting hole 27 and the outer wall of the power take-off shaft 311. This one-way bearing constitutes the aforementioned transmission structure 8. The one-way bearing has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. Once assembled, it occupies a small space and provides excellent operational stability. It allows the spray arm to rotate during steam delivery, thereby improving steam diffusion efficiency and uniformity, and prevents interference with the spray arm's rotation during the water washing phase.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the impeller 32 of this embodiment has an end cap 321 at the top. This end cap 321 gradually recesses downward from the edge to the center to form a recessed area 322. This recessed area 322 is arranged corresponding to the mounting hole 27. The top wall of the water collection chamber 25 is provided with a mounting chamber 28 arranged around the mounting hole 27 and partially extending into the recessed area 322. The one-way bearing is disposed in this mounting chamber 28. With the above-mentioned impeller 32 structure, the negative pressure generated in the water collection chamber 25 when the impeller 32 rotates is beneficial for improving the water extraction effect. However, during the cleaning process, large bubbles are easily accumulated between the recessed area 322 of the end cap 321 and the top wall of the water collection chamber 25, seriously affecting the actual head of the pump. Sinking the mounting chamber 28 into the recessed area 322 not only provides installation space for the one-way bearing, but also squeezes the bubbles accumulated there toward the edge and further discharges them through the flow channel 21, which helps to prevent bubbles from accumulating and expanding there, thereby reducing the impact on the head of the water pumping mechanism.

[0057] In this embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown, the top plate 2b is provided with a first nozzle 241 extending axially along the first spray hole 24. Correspondingly, the top wall of the body 2a is provided with a second nozzle 261 extending upward from the edge of the second spray hole 26. The first nozzle 241 and the second nozzle 261 described above facilitate guiding the water flow, thereby forming a water column with a strong spray force.

[0058] Specifically, the width d2 of the gap 200 between the lower end of the first nozzle 241 and the upper end of the second nozzle 261 is 2 to 5 mm. This gap 200 determines the strength of the jet cavitation ability, that is, the amount of air inhaled. It has been verified that using the above length parameters can achieve a higher jet cavitation effect.

[0059] like Figure 7As shown, the second nozzle 261 has a tapered section 2611 and a first straight section 2612 connected in sequence along the direction of water flow, and the inner diameter of the tapered section 2611 gradually decreases along the direction of water flow. The inner diameter of the first nozzle 241 remains consistent in the axial direction and is larger than the inner diameter of the first straight section 2612 of the second nozzle 261. The tapered section 2611 helps reduce the energy loss of the fluid when it enters the second nozzle 261 from the flow channel 21. According to the Venturi effect, when a confined fluid passes through a narrowed flow cross-section, the flow velocity of the fluid increases. According to Bernoulli's principle, the increase in flow velocity is accompanied by a decrease in fluid pressure, thereby generating low pressure near the high-speed flowing fluid, thereby generating an adsorption effect. The first straight section 2612 of this embodiment is intended to achieve the effect of increasing the flow velocity as the cross-section decreases, so that the gas in the gas collecting chamber 25 is sucked into the water flow through the gap 200.

[0060] The axial length d1 of the first nozzle 241 is 5 to 7 mm. The first nozzle 241 of this embodiment is primarily used for gas-liquid mixing. The size of the first nozzle 241 determines the stability of the gas-liquid mixed state. A length that is too long will result in jet energy loss, while a length that is too short will result in an unstable gas-liquid mixed state. It has been verified that using the above length parameters can produce a high-speed fluid with a stable gas-liquid mixed state.

[0061] The cleaning method of the cleaning machine comprises the following steps:

[0062] (1) Turn on the steam generator 4. The steam generated by the steam generator 4 is transported to the spray arm 2 through the air guide channel 310 of the power output shaft 311 on the water pump mechanism 3. The steam further diffuses from bottom to top in the box 1 through the spray arm 2 to perform steam pre-cleaning on the dishes.

[0063] (2) After the steam pre-cleaning is completed, the steam generator 4 is turned off and water is introduced into the box body 1. After the water is introduced, the power output shaft 311 of the water pumping mechanism 3 rotates to pump water into the spray arm 2 to wash the dishes. During this washing process, gas is input into the spray arm 2 through the air guide channel 310 of the power output shaft 311, so that bubbles are entrained in the spray water flow, thereby utilizing cavitation to improve the degree of removal of dirt from the surface of the dishes.

[0064] In order to further improve the cleaning effect and efficiency, the cleaning method of the cleaning machine of this embodiment can also be:

[0065] (1) Water is introduced into the housing 1. After the water is introduced, the steam generator 4 is turned on. The steam generated by the steam generator 4 is transmitted to the spray arm 2 through the air guide channel 310 of the power output shaft 311 on the water pumping mechanism 3. At the same time, the power output shaft 311 of the water pumping mechanism 2 is reversed, and the spray arm 2 is driven to reverse through the transmission mechanism 8. The steam is stirred by the spray arm 2 and quickly diffuses from bottom to top in the housing 1, performing steam pre-cleaning on the dishes. The rotation speed of the spray arm 2 is controlled to 60n / min.

[0066] (2) After the steam pre-cleaning is completed, the steam generator 4 is turned off, and the power output shaft 311 of the water pumping mechanism 3 rotates forward, pumping water into the spray arm 2 and driving the spray arm 2 to rotate forward, thereby washing the dishes. During this washing process, due to the negative pressure generated at the gap 200, gas is input into the jet water flow through the one-way valve 7, the air guide channel 310 of the power output shaft 311, and the gas collecting chamber 25, so that bubbles are entrained in the jet water flow, thereby utilizing cavitation to improve the degree of removal of dirt from the surface of the dishes.

[0067] (3) After washing, the steam generator 4 is turned on again, the power output shaft 311 of the water pump mechanism 3 is reversed, and the spray arm 2 rotates while causing the steam to spread rapidly from bottom to top in the box 1, thereby performing high-temperature disinfection on the dishes;

[0068] (4) After the disinfection is completed, the moisture in the box 1 is discharged through the ventilation mechanism 6, and dry gas is input into the box 1 to dry the dishes.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine, comprising a housing (1), a spray arm (2) and a water pumping mechanism (3), wherein the spray arm (2) is arranged in the housing (1) and close to the bottom, the water pumping mechanism (3) is arranged on the housing (1) and is used to pump water from the bottom of the housing (1) into the spray arm (2), and a power output shaft (311) of the water pumping mechanism (3) passes through the housing (1) and extends into the spray arm (2), characterized in that: It also includes a steam generator (4), the power output shaft (311) is hollow inside to form an air guide channel (310), and the steam output end of the steam generator (4) is connected to the air guide channel (310); When the spray arm is in the reverse rotation state, the spray arm rotates along with the power output shaft, the steam generator operates, and the spray arm (2) rotates to form steam diffusion from bottom to top in the box (1), thereby performing steam pre-cleaning on the dishes; when the spray arm is in the forward rotation state, the spray arm is disengaged from the power output shaft, the steam generator (4) is turned off, and water is pumped into the spray arm through the water pumping mechanism to wash the dishes.

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first spray hole (24) is formed on the top wall of the spray arm (2). Along the fluid flow direction, the spray arm (2) has a gas collecting chamber (25) located upstream of the first spray hole (24) for conveying gas toward the first spray hole (24). The upper end of the power output shaft (311) is connected to the gas collecting chamber (25).

3. The cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spray arm (2) is provided with a transmission structure (8) capable of disengaging the spray arm (2) from the power output shaft (311) when the power output shaft (311) is in a forward rotation state, and of rotating the spray arm (2) along with the power output shaft (311) when the power output shaft (311) is in a reverse rotation state.

4. The cleaning machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spray arm (2) is provided with a mounting hole (27) for the power output shaft (311) to pass through and extend into the air collecting chamber (25); a one-way bearing is provided between the inner wall of the mounting hole (27) and the outer wall of the power output shaft (311); the one-way bearing constitutes the transmission structure (8).

5. The cleaning machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A water inlet (23) is provided on the bottom wall of the spray arm (2), the spray arm (2) has a water collecting chamber (22) connected to the water inlet (23), the mounting hole (27) is provided on the top wall of the water collecting chamber (22), and the water pumping mechanism (3) further comprises an impeller (32), at least the upper portion of the impeller (32) is rotatably located in the water collecting chamber (22) and is connected to the power output shaft (311).

6. The cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The impeller (32) has an end cover (321) at the top, and the end cover (321) is gradually recessed downward from the edge to the center to form a recessed area (322). The recessed area (322) is arranged corresponding to the mounting hole (27). The top wall of the water collecting chamber (22) is provided with a mounting chamber (28) arranged around the mounting hole (27) and partially extending into the recessed area (322). The one-way bearing is arranged in the mounting chamber (28).

7. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The power output shaft (311) is also connected to a one-way valve (7) that only allows external air to enter the air guide channel (310).

8. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The spray arm (2) comprises a main body (2a) and a top plate (2b) arranged above the main body (2a); the main body (2a) has a flow channel (21) extending along the length direction of the main body (2a); the top plate (2b) and the top wall of the main body (2a) together enclose the gas collecting chamber (25); the top wall of the main body (2a) is provided with a second spray hole (26) connected to the flow channel (21) and located in the gas collecting chamber (25); the first spray hole (24) is provided on the top plate (2b) and corresponds to the second spray hole (26); and a gap (200) is provided between the first spray hole (24) and the second spray hole (26).

9. The cleaning machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top plate (2b) is provided with a first nozzle (241) extending axially along the first spray hole (24), and correspondingly, the top wall of the body (2a) is provided with a second nozzle (261) extending upward from the edge of the second spray hole (26).

10. The cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The width of the gap (200) between the lower end of the first nozzle (241) and the upper end of the second nozzle (261) is 2 to 5 mm.

11. The cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second nozzle (261) comprises a tapered section (2611) and a first straight section (2612) which are connected in sequence along the direction of water flow, and the inner diameter of the tapered section (2611) gradually decreases along the direction of water flow.

12. The cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the first nozzle (241) remains consistent in the axial direction and is larger than the inner diameter of the first straight section (2612) of the second nozzle (261).

13. The cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The axial length of the first nozzle (241) is 5 to 7 mm.

14. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A water flow input port (14) is provided on the box body (1), and a water inlet valve (5) connected to a water source is provided outside the box body (1), a first output port (51) of the water inlet valve (5) is connected to the water flow input port (14), a second output port (52) of the water inlet valve (5) is connected to the input end of the steam generator (4), and the steam output end of the steam generator (4) is connected to the lower end port of the power output shaft (311) through a conduit (41).

15. The cleaning machine according to claim 14, characterized in that: The steam generator (4) is provided with a flow limiting mechanism capable of controlling the flow rate of water used to generate steam.

16. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A vent (15) is provided on the side wall of the box (1), and a ventilation mechanism (6) connected to the vent (15) and used to input dry gas into the box (1) and / or discharge moisture in the box (1) is provided on the outside of the box (1).

17. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the box body (1) is provided with a concave drain area (11), the top of the drain area (11) is covered with a drain plate (12), the drain area (11) is provided with a guide seat (13) arranged through the drain plate (12), the spray arm (2) is rotatably supported on the guide seat (13), and the water pumping mechanism (3) is used to pump water in the drain area (11) through the guide seat (13) to the spray arm (2) above the drain plate (12).

18. A cleaning method for a cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that The following steps are involved: (1) Turn on the steam generator (4). The steam generated by the steam generator (4) is transported to the spray arm (2) through the air guide channel (310) of the power output shaft (311) on the water pump mechanism (3). The steam is further transported to the spray arm (2) in the box (1). Bottom-up superior Diffusion, steam pre-cleaning of dishes; (2) After the steam pre-cleaning is completed, the steam generator (4) is turned off, and the power output shaft (311) of the water pumping mechanism (3) rotates to pump water into the spray arm (2) to wash the dishes. During the washing process, gas is input into the spray arm (2) through the air guide channel (310) of the power output shaft (311), so that bubbles are entrained in the spray water flow, thereby utilizing cavitation to improve the degree of removal of dirt from the surface of the dishes.

19. A cleaning method for a cleaning machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that The following steps are involved: (1) The steam generator (4) is turned on. The steam generated by the steam generator (4) is transported to the spray arm (2) through the air guide channel (310) of the power output shaft (311) on the water pumping mechanism (3). At the same time, the power output shaft (311) of the water pumping mechanism (3) is reversed, driving the spray arm (2) to reverse through the transmission structure (8). The steam is stirred by the spray arm (2) and quickly diffuses from bottom to top in the box (1), thereby performing steam pre-cleaning on the dishes. (2) After the steam pre-cleaning is completed, the steam generator (4) is turned off, and the power output shaft (311) of the water pumping mechanism (3) rotates forward, pumping water into the spray arm (2) and driving the spray arm (2) to rotate forward, thereby washing the dishes; During the washing process, gas is input into the jet water flow through the air guide channel (310) of the power output shaft (311) and the air collecting chamber (25), so that bubbles are entrained in the jet water flow, thereby utilizing cavitation to improve the degree of stripping of dirt on the surface of dishes.

20. The cleaning method according to claim 19, wherein: After step (2) is completed, the steam generator (4) is turned on again, the power output shaft (311) of the water pump mechanism (3) is reversed, and the spray arm (2) rotates while allowing the steam to spread rapidly from bottom to top in the box (1), thereby performing high-temperature disinfection on the dishes.

21. The cleaning method according to claim 19, wherein: In step (1), the rotation speed of the spray arm (2) is controlled to be 20 ~ 100 n / min.

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