Cleaning machine and cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning machine and a cleaning method, comprising a housing, a first water outlet component, a second water outlet component, a water pumping mechanism, and a steam generator. The first water outlet component is disposed at the lower portion of the housing and is used to provide bottom spraying. The second water outlet component is disposed at the upper portion of the housing and is used to provide upper spraying. The water pumping mechanism is connected to the first and second water outlet components and is used to provide water-drawing power for the first and second water outlet components. The steam output end of the steam generator is connected to the water pumping mechanism. The first and second water outlet components together constitute a steam diffusion component capable of inputting steam into the housing. The present invention utilizes a hollow power output shaft to transport steam. The transported steam diffuses from the lower portion of the housing through the first water outlet component and diffuses from the middle or upper portion of the housing through the second water outlet component, thereby performing steam pre-cleaning on dishes. This is beneficial for increasing the speed and uniformity of steam diffusion and eliminating dead corners during steam pre-cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of dishwashers, in particular to a washing machine capable of performing steam pre-washing and a washing method. Background Art

[0002] For tabletop and cabinet dishwashers, due to their large washing space, in order to achieve better washing results, they are generally designed with three spray arms: top, middle and bottom. When working, the washing pump transports water to the top, middle and bottom spray arms through pipes. The water is sprayed out from the top, middle and bottom spray arms, rinses the dishes, and then falls back into the water cup at the bottom of the dishwasher. The washing pump transports the fallen water to the top, middle and bottom spray arms again, completing a cycle.

[0003] For example, the Chinese invention patent application "Energy-saving Dishwasher" (application number: CN201611232345.5) with application publication number CN106859563A discloses a structure, which includes a cavity for accommodating tableware and providing a cleaning space, a spray system for spraying water to wash the tableware, and a pump body for pumping water and supplying water to the spray system; the spray system is arranged in the cavity; the water pumping end of the pump body is connected to the cavity, and the water supply end is connected to the spray system; the spray system includes an inner water pipe and two or more spray devices, and the two or more spray devices are respectively arranged on the inner water pipe; the water supply end of the pump body is connected to a water distribution device, and the water distribution device is provided with two or more water outlets corresponding to the two or more spray devices, and the spray devices are connected to the corresponding water outlets; when working, the water distribution device opens one or more water outlets according to instructions, so that one or more spray devices perform cleaning work.

[0004] In the aforementioned existing dishwashers capable of both bottom and top spraying, the pump used to supply water to the spray system typically employs a closed design. Specifically, the wash pump's volute is located below the washing chamber, housing a rotatable impeller. The pump's volute inlet is connected to the bottom of the washing chamber, while the volute's outlet is connected to a water diversion device that divides the water flow into a first branch supplying water to the bottom spray arm and a second branch supplying water to the top spray arm. Because the water pressures for both the top and bottom sprays are independently supplied by the wash pump, the head, flow rate, and impact force of the water flow in each branch are significantly reduced after diversion, impacting cleaning effectiveness.

[0005] Existing dishwashers generally use a water pump to pump water and spray it onto the dishes in the wash chamber to achieve a cleansing effect. The maximum temperature during the wash cycle typically does not exceed 70°C, which can make stubborn stains adhere to the surface of dishes difficult to remove. To address this issue, Chinese invention patent application CN205019008U, entitled "Dishwasher" (application number: CN201520509852.3), discloses a structure comprising: an inner container; a water cup located at the bottom of the inner container; a steam generator whose steam outlet communicates with the inner space of the inner container; and a water supply system connected to a water source, the water cup, and the steam generator. This structure enables steam pre-washing, removing stubborn stains and improving cleaning effectiveness. However, since steam is directly introduced into the inner container, not only does it require a steam inlet on the sidewall of the inner container, 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 zones during the steam pre-wash, which affects cleaning effectiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine which can improve the uniformity of steam dispersion, thereby eliminating cleaning dead corners and improving the cleaning effect, 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 washing method of the above-mentioned washing machine in view of the current status of the existing technology.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve at least one of the above technical problems is:

[0009] A cleaning machine includes a box body, a first water outlet component, a second water outlet component and a water pumping mechanism, wherein the first water outlet component is arranged at the lower part of the box body and is used to provide bottom spraying, and the second water outlet component is arranged at the upper part of the box body and is used to provide upper spraying. The water pumping mechanism is connected to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component and is used to provide water-drawing power for the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component. It also includes a steam generator, the steam output end of the steam generator is connected to the water pumping mechanism, and the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component together constitute a steam diffusion component that can input steam into the box body.

[0010] Preferably, the water pumping mechanism includes a water drawing assembly capable of supplying water to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component, and a driving member for providing power to the water drawing assembly, wherein the water drawing assembly is disposed in a housing, and the driving member is disposed outside the housing, a power output shaft of the driving member passes through the housing and extends into the water drawing assembly, 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 outer end of the air guide channel. The above-mentioned separately arranged water drawing assembly and driving member constitute an open water pump, which adopts a single power source and a dual pump structure and can provide power to two water flows separately. This avoids the problem of competing water flows in the two water supply channels of existing closed water pumps, increases the work done on a single water flow, thereby increasing the head and water flow of each water flow, and is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect; supplying steam to the steam diffusion assembly through the hollow power output shaft is beneficial to simplifying the overall air path structure, shortening the steam stroke, maintaining a high steam temperature and achieving a pre-washing effect.

[0011] Preferably, the first water outlet component is connected to the top of the water-drawing assembly to form a bottom spray arm, and the second water outlet component includes a middle spray arm and a top spray arm. The water-drawing assembly is connected to a water supply pipe near the bottom, and the water supply pipe is provided with a relatively independent first branch pipe that supplies water to the middle spray arm and a second branch pipe that supplies water to the top spray arm. The water inlet end of the water supply pipe is connected to the water-drawing assembly through a water diverter valve that can control whether the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are circulated. During the steam pre-washing stage, the bottom spray arm of the present invention is always in a state of dispersing the first steam from bottom to top. The above structure can control the injection position of the second steam through the water diverter valve. The second steam can be sprayed from the lower side of the box or from the upper part of the box, thereby meeting the steam pre-washing requirements in different cleaning modes to further improve the uniformity of steam diffusion and the steam pre-washing effect.

[0012] Preferably, a baffle is provided in the middle of the housing to separate the interior cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity, which are relatively independent from each other. The first water outlet is located at the bottom of the lower cavity, the middle spray arm is located in the middle or upper part of the lower cavity, and the top spray arm is located in the upper cavity. This structure facilitates spray cleaning of the lower cavity or the upper and lower cavities as needed, thus meeting more consumer needs.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the water-drawing assembly includes a volute, a first impeller, and a second impeller. The volute has relatively independent first and second water-drawing chambers, each of which is fluidically connected to the housing. The first impeller is rotatably disposed in the first water-drawing chamber, and the second impeller is rotatably disposed in the second water-drawing chamber. The output shaft of the driving member is connected to the first and second impellers. This structure facilitates separate power supply for the bottom and top sprays, avoids water supply competition, and thereby increases water head.

[0014] Specifically, the volute includes an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell has a first accommodating chamber for installing the upper part of the first impeller, the lower shell is connected to the bottom of the upper shell, the upper part of the lower shell has a second accommodating chamber for installing the lower part of the first impeller, the first accommodating chamber and the second accommodating chamber are connected up and down to form the first water drawing chamber, the side wall of the lower shell is provided with a first water inlet for supplying water into the second accommodating chamber, the second water drawing chamber is located at the lower part of the lower shell, the side wall and / or bottom wall of the lower shell are provided with a second water inlet for supplying water into the second water drawing chamber and a water outlet for outputting water from the second water drawing chamber.

[0015] Preferably, the upper portion of the first impeller is a centrifugal impeller and the lower portion is an axial flow impeller, and the second impeller is a centrifugal impeller.

[0016] Preferably, a spray hole in fluid communication with the first accommodating chamber is provided on the top wall and / or side wall of the upper shell, and the upper shell is rotatably disposed on the top of the lower shell and constitutes the first water outlet component.

[0017] In the above embodiment, a partition is provided in the middle of the lower housing to separate the second accommodating chamber from the second water-drawing chamber into relatively independent chambers. This relative independence facilitates separate water supply to the lower shower via the first impeller and to the top and / or middle shower via the second impeller, reducing fluid disturbance and capacity loss between the two chambers, thereby increasing water head, water flow rate, and spray force.

[0018] Preferably, the second water-drawing chamber is located below the partition and is generally disc-shaped. The second water inlet is formed on the bottom wall of the lower shell, and the water outlet is formed on the side wall of the lower shell and is tangentially connected to the second water-drawing chamber via a guide pipe. This structure helps reduce the loss of water output capacity of the second water-drawing chamber.

[0019] Preferably, the second accommodating chamber is located above the partition and extends vertically, and the inner diameter of the second accommodating chamber is smaller than the inner diameter of the second water-drawing chamber and is adapted to the lower part of the first blade. This structure is conducive to reducing the energy loss of water when flowing through the second accommodating chamber.

[0020] Preferably, a transversely extending ∩-shaped enclosure is provided on the top wall of the partition. This enclosure and the partition together enclose a water inlet channel connected to the second accommodating chamber, and the outer end of this water inlet channel constitutes the first water inlet. This structure not only facilitates manufacturing, but also places the water inlet channel at the bottom of the second accommodating chamber, which helps reduce water flow disturbance and further minimizes water flow loss as it flows through the second accommodating chamber.

[0021] To facilitate assembly, a radially extending support plate is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the upper portion of the lower housing, upon which the upper housing is restrained. A retaining ring is provided on the upper wall of the support plate, and a retaining pin is provided on the bottom wall of the upper housing, which can rotatably pass through the retaining ring and engage with the retaining ring's bottom wall, thereby detachably connecting the upper housing to the top of the lower housing.

[0022] Preferably, a third water inlet is formed on the bottom wall of the upper housing, corresponding to the first accommodating chamber. This third water inlet interfaces with the upper end of the second accommodating chamber. The diameter of the third water inlet is larger than the inner diameter of the second accommodating chamber. The inner diameter of the upper portion of the lower housing gradually expands near the upper end of the second accommodating chamber to form a guide portion that smoothly transitions with the inner bottom wall of the first accommodating chamber. This structure helps reduce energy loss during the process of water flowing from the second accommodating chamber into the first accommodating chamber.

[0023] Preferably, the outer edge of the guide portion is positioned adjacent to the inner edge of the third water inlet. A radially extending baffle resting on the bottom wall of the upper housing is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the guide portion, with the outer edge of the baffle corresponding to the inner edge of the clamping foot. This structure improves the sealing performance at the third water inlet, preventing water leakage that could affect the bottom spray head.

[0024] In the present invention, a concave drainage area is provided at the bottom of the box body, the top of the drainage area is covered with a drain plate, the bottom of the lower shell is supported in the drainage area and there is a water gap between the bottom wall of the lower shell and the bottom wall of the box body, the first water inlet and the second water inlet are both located below the drain plate, and the upper shell is located above the drain plate.

[0025] Preferably, a first receiving groove for installing the lower shell is recessed on the bottom wall of the box in the drainage area, and a second receiving groove with a depth greater than the first receiving groove is provided next to the first receiving groove. A slag collecting basket is provided on the drain plate, and the lower part of the slag collecting basket is accommodated in the second receiving groove. A drainage outlet is provided at the bottom of the second receiving groove, and the side of the first receiving groove has an opening connected to the side of the second receiving groove, and the water inlet of the water pumping mechanism is located near the opening. With the above structure, the bottom of the second accommodating tank is the lowest point of the drainage area. The drain outlet is set here, which is conducive to draining the residual water and avoiding the accumulation of water and the generation of bacteria; by setting the first accommodating tank and the second accommodating tank, the water suction port position of the water pumping mechanism is greatly lowered, and the bubbles are isolated above the water level, which can avoid the inhalation of bubbles and affecting the water flow head; during the cleaning process, the water flow is filtered by the slag collecting basket and then transported to the water pumping mechanism through the second accommodating tank. On the basis of assembling the water pumping mechanism, the first accommodating tank can also cooperate with the second accommodating tank to play a diversion role and improve the return water efficiency.

[0026] Preferably, the first water inlet is located above the opening and connected to a suction nozzle that extends obliquely downward toward the opening, with the lower end of the suction nozzle positioned near the side wall of the slag basket. The second water inlet is located beside the opening. This structure helps reduce energy loss in the water flow, improves return water efficiency, and increases water head. During the steam diffusion process, steam in the volute diffuses through the suction nozzle toward the slag basket, thereby pre-washing, disinfecting, and drying the slag basket.

[0027] Preferably, the steam generator is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the box body, and is provided with a water inlet and a pressure relief port, wherein the pressure relief port is provided with a pressure relief valve. The steam generator is preferably a boiler-type steam generator, which can provide a larger steam volume to meet the requirements of the water flow system of the present invention for multi-position steam injection.

[0028] Preferably, the side of the box is connected to a ventilation structure that can extract the gas in the box. During the drying stage, timely extraction of steam is beneficial to improving drying efficiency.

[0029] A cleaning method using the above cleaning machine comprises the following steps:

[0030] (1) Steam pre-wash stage:

[0031] The steam generator is turned on. The steam generated by the steam generator is input into the water pump mechanism through the steam output end, and then output to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component through the internal channel of the water pump mechanism. The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the lower part of the box through the first water outlet component and diffuses in the upper part of the box through the second water outlet component, thereby steam pre-cleaning the dishes.

[0032] (2) Water washing stage:

[0033] The steam generator is turned off, and the water pumping mechanism is started. The power output shaft of the water pumping mechanism rotates to pump water into the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component. The washing water is sprayed from bottom to top on the lower part of the box through the first water outlet component and sprayed on the upper part of the box through the second water outlet component to wash the dishes. After washing is completed, the water pumping mechanism is turned off and the water is drained;

[0034] (3) Drying and disinfection stage:

[0035] The steam generator is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator is input into the water pumping mechanism through the steam output end, and then respectively output to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component through the internal channel of the water pumping mechanism. The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the lower part of the box through the first water outlet component, and diffuses in the upper part of the box through the second water outlet component. The steam in the box is then pumped out of the box, and the residual heat of the steam is used to disinfect and / or dry the dishes.

[0036] Furthermore, the cleaning method using the above cleaning machine includes the following steps:

[0037] (1) Steam pre-wash stage:

[0038] When washing a large number of dishes, the baffle is moved to connect the upper cavity and the lower cavity of the box, and the dishes to be washed are placed in the upper cavity and the lower cavity respectively; the steam generator is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator enters the first water outlet component through the steam output end and the air guide channel. Part of the steam flows through the flow channel in the first water outlet component and diffuses from bottom to top in the lower cavity at the bottom of the box, and the other part of the steam enters the second water outlet component from the first water outlet component. At this time, the passage of the middle spray arm is blocked and the passage of the top spray arm is connected. This part of the steam diffuses in the upper cavity through the top spray arm to perform steam pre-washing on the dishes;

[0039] When washing a small amount of dishes, the baffle separates the cabinet into an independent upper cavity and a lower cavity, with the dishes to be washed placed in the lower cavity; the steam generator is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator enters the first water outlet component through the steam output end and the air guide channel. Part of the steam circulates through the flow channel in the first water outlet component and diffuses from bottom to top in the lower cavity at the bottom of the cabinet, while the other part of the steam enters the second water outlet component from the first water outlet component. At this time, the passage of the middle spray arm is connected, and the passage of the top spray arm is blocked. This part of the steam diffuses on the side of the lower cavity through the middle spray arm, performing steam pre-washing on the dishes;

[0040] (2) Water washing stage:

[0041] The steam generator is turned off, and the water pumping mechanism is started. The power output shaft of the water pumping mechanism rotates to pump water into the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component. The washing water is sprayed from bottom to top on the lower part of the box body through the first water outlet component, and sprayed from bottom to top on the bottom of the upper cavity through the second water outlet component or sprayed on the side of the lower cavity, thereby washing the dishes. After washing, the water pumping mechanism is turned off and the water is drained;

[0042] (3) Drying and disinfection stage:

[0043] The steam generator is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator is input into the water pumping mechanism through the steam output end, and then respectively output to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component through the internal channel of the water pumping mechanism. The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the lower part of the box through the first water outlet component, and diffuses in the upper part or lower part of the box through the second water outlet component. The steam in the box is then pumped out of the box, and the residual heat of the steam is used to disinfect and / or dry the dishes.

[0044] 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 to transport steam. The transported steam diffuses from the bottom to the top from the lower part of the box through the first water outlet component, and diffuses from the middle or upper part of the box through the second water outlet component, so as to perform steam pre-cleaning on the dishes, which is beneficial to improve the speed and uniformity of steam diffusion, eliminate dead corners of steam pre-cleaning, and thus improve 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, which is convenient for production and assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a water pumping mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Structural diagram from another angle;

[0047] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a water pumping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the lower housing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure from another angle;

[0050] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lower housing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the bottom of the box in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the cleaning machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the cleaning machine in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, the cleaning machine of this embodiment includes a housing 6, a first water outlet component, a second water outlet component b, a water pumping mechanism a, and a steam generator 200. The first water outlet component is located at the bottom of the housing 6 and is used to provide bottom spraying. The second water outlet component b is located at the top of the housing 6 and is used to provide top spraying. The water pumping mechanism a is located at the bottom of the housing 6 and is connected to the first and second water outlet components b and is used to provide water pumping power for the first and second water outlet components b.

[0059] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 8, the water pumping mechanism a of this embodiment includes a water-drawing component 100 that can independently supply water to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component b, and a driving component 5 for providing power to the water-drawing component 100. The water-drawing component 100 is arranged in the box body 6, and the driving component 5 is arranged outside the box body 6.

[0060] The steam output end 201 of the steam generator 200 is connected to the water pumping mechanism a. The first and second water outlet components b together form a steam diffusion assembly capable of inputting steam into the housing 6. The power output shaft 51 of the driver 5 passes through the housing 6 and extends into the water drawing assembly 100. The interior of the power output shaft 51 is hollow, forming an air channel 510. The steam output end of the steam generator 200 is connected to the outer end of the air channel 510, while the inner end of the power output shaft 51 is located within the inner cavity of the water drawing assembly 100.

[0061] like Figure 11 As shown, the steam generator 200 of this embodiment is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the housing 6. The steam generator 200 is provided with a water inlet 202 and a pressure relief port 203. A pressure relief valve is provided in the pressure relief port 203. The steam generator 200 is preferably a boiler-type steam generator that can provide a larger steam volume to meet the requirements of multi-position steam injection in the water flow system of this embodiment.

[0062] The side of the box 6 is connected to a ventilation structure that can extract the gas in the box 6. The ventilation structure is provided with two air intakes 400, each of which is connected to the upper cavity 301 and the lower cavity 302 of the box 6 described below. During the drying stage, timely extraction of steam is beneficial to improving drying efficiency.

[0063] In this embodiment, the water-drawing assembly 100 includes a volute 10, a first impeller 1, and a second impeller 2. The volute 10 has relatively independent first and second water-drawing chambers 42, each of which is fluidically connected to the housing 6. The first impeller 1 is rotatably disposed in the first water-drawing chamber, and the second impeller 2 is rotatably disposed in the second water-drawing chamber 42. The output shaft 51 of the driving member 5 is connected to the first impeller 1 and the second impeller 2. The first impeller 1 has a centrifugal impeller at its upper portion and an axial flow impeller at its lower portion. The second impeller 2 is also a centrifugal impeller.

[0064] Specifically, the volute 10 includes an upper shell 3 and a lower shell 4. The upper shell 3 has a first accommodating chamber 31 for installing the upper part of the first impeller 1. The inner end of the power output shaft 51 is located in the first accommodating chamber 31 and is arranged close to the inner top wall. The lower shell 4 is connected to the bottom of the upper shell 2. The upper part of the lower shell 4 has a second accommodating chamber 41 for installing the lower part of the first impeller 1. The first accommodating chamber 31 and the second accommodating chamber 41 are connected up and down to form the above-mentioned first water drawing chamber. A first water inlet 411 for supplying water into the second accommodating chamber 41 is opened on the side wall of the lower shell 4. The second water drawing chamber 42 is located at the lower part of the lower shell 4. A second water inlet 421 for supplying water into the second water drawing chamber 42 is opened on the bottom wall of the lower shell 4. A water outlet 422 for supplying water from the second water drawing chamber 42 is opened on the side wall of the lower shell 4. A spray hole 32 in fluid communication with the first accommodating chamber 31 is formed on the top wall of the upper shell 3. The upper shell 3 is rotatably mounted on the top of the lower shell 4 and constitutes a first water outlet component, namely, a bottom spray arm.

[0065] In this embodiment, a partition 43 is provided in the middle of the lower housing 4, separating the second accommodating chamber 41 from the second water-drawing chamber 42 into relatively independent chambers. A shaft hole 433 is provided in the partition 43 for the power output shaft 51 to pass through, with a gap between the shaft hole 433 and the power output shaft 51. This relatively independent arrangement of the second accommodating chamber 41 and the second water-drawing chamber 42 facilitates water supply to the lower showerhead via the first impeller 1 and to the top and / or middle showerhead via the second impeller 2, respectively. This reduces fluid disturbance between the two chambers and minimizes capacity loss, thereby increasing water head, water flow rate, and spray force.

[0066] The above-mentioned second water-drawing chamber 42 is located below the partition 43 and is roughly disc-shaped. The second water inlet 421 is opened in the center of the bottom wall of the lower shell 4, and the water outlet 422 is tangentially connected to the second water-drawing chamber 42 through a guide pipe 423. This structure is conducive to reducing the loss of the second water-drawing chamber 42's ability to output water flow.

[0067] The second accommodating chamber 41 is located above the partition 43 and extends vertically. The inner diameter of the second accommodating chamber 41 is smaller than that of the second water-drawing chamber 42 and fits the lower portion of the first blade 12. This structure helps reduce the energy loss of water when flowing through the second accommodating chamber 41.

[0068] like Figure 4 、 5As described in Figures 6 and 7, a transversely extending ∩-shaped enclosure 431 is provided on the top wall of the partition 43. The enclosure 431 and the partition 43 together enclose a water inlet channel 432 that communicates with the second accommodating chamber 41. The outer end of the water inlet channel 432 constitutes the first water inlet 411. This structure not only facilitates manufacturing, but also places the water inlet channel 432 at the bottom of the second accommodating chamber 41, which helps reduce water flow disturbance and further minimizes energy loss when the water flows through the second accommodating chamber 42.

[0069] To facilitate assembly, a radially extending support plate 44 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the upper portion of the lower housing 4. The upper housing 3 is restrained on this support plate 44. A retaining ring 441 is provided on the upper wall of the support plate 44. A retaining pin 33 is provided on the bottom wall of the upper housing 3. The retaining pin 33 rotatably passes through the retaining ring 441 and engages with the bottom wall of the retaining ring 441 to secure the upper housing 3 in place, thereby removably connecting the upper housing 3 to the top of the lower housing 4.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the bottom wall of the upper shell 3 is provided with a third water inlet 34 corresponding to the first accommodating chamber 31. This third water inlet 34 interfaces with the upper end of the second accommodating chamber 41. The diameter of the third water inlet 34 is larger than the inner diameter of the second accommodating chamber 41. The inner diameter of the upper portion of the lower shell 4 gradually expands near the upper end of the second accommodating chamber 41 to form a guide portion 412 that smoothly transitions with the inner bottom wall of the first accommodating chamber 31. This structure helps reduce the energy loss of water flowing from the second accommodating chamber 41 to the first accommodating chamber 31. The outer edge of the guide portion 412 is located near the inner edge of the third water inlet 34. A radially extending baffle 413 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the guide portion 412 and rests on the bottom wall of the upper shell 3. The outer edge of the baffle 413 corresponds to the inner edge of the retaining foot 33. This structure helps improve the sealing of the third water inlet 34, preventing water leakage that could affect the head of the bottom spray.

[0071] The output shaft 51 of this embodiment is radially limited to the first impeller 1 and the second impeller 2, respectively. A nut is provided at the upper end of the output shaft 51 to prevent the first impeller 1 from axially moving along the output shaft 51. This structure facilitates assembly and disassembly. After removing the upper housing 3 from the retaining ring 441, the nut can be unscrewed to remove the first impeller 1. The cavities of the upper housing 3, first impeller 1, and upper portion of the lower housing 4 can then be cleaned to prevent bacterial growth and improve cleaning effectiveness.

[0072] like Figures 7-10As shown, in this embodiment, the bottom of the housing 6 is provided with a concave drain area 61, the top of which is covered with a drain plate 62. The bottom of the lower shell 4 is supported in the drain area 61, and a water gap 60 is defined between the bottom wall of the lower shell 4 and the inner bottom wall of the housing 6. The first water inlet 411 and the second water inlet 421 are both located below the drain plate 62, and the upper shell 3 is located above the drain plate 62. A slag collection basket 9 is provided on the drain plate 62.

[0073] like Figure 9 、 10 As shown, a first receiving groove 611 for mounting the lower shell 4 is recessed on the bottom wall of the housing 6 in the drainage area 61. A second receiving groove 612 having a greater depth than the first receiving groove 611 is provided next to the first receiving groove 611. The lower portion of the slag basket 9 is accommodated in the second receiving groove 612. A drain port 613 is provided at the bottom of the second receiving groove 612. A drain valve and a drain pump structure connected to the drain port 613 are provided at the outer bottom of the housing 6. This structure is an integrated valve and pump structure. The side of the first receiving groove 611 has an opening 6111 connected to the side of the second receiving groove 612. The first water inlet 411 is located above the opening 6111. A suction nozzle 40 is connected to the first water inlet 411 and extends obliquely downward to the opening 6111. The lower end of the suction nozzle 40 is arranged near the side wall of the slag basket 9. The second water inlet 421 is located next to the opening 6111.

[0074] The drain area 61 is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting water temperature and a turbidity sensor n for detecting water turbidity. The temperature sensor is located on the inner bottom wall of the first accommodating groove 611, near the opening 6111. The turbidity sensor is located on the side of the second accommodating groove 612. A heating element f for heating the water is installed on the bottom wall of the box body 6 corresponding to the drain area 61.

[0075] In this embodiment, the housing 6 is provided with a water supply pipe 7 for conveying water from the bottom of the housing 6 upward to the second water outlet component b. The lower end of the water supply pipe 7 is in fluid communication with the water outlet 422 of the lower housing 4. The first water outlet component is connected to the top of the water drawing assembly 100, forming the bottom spray arm. The second water outlet component b includes a middle spray arm a1 and a top spray arm a2. The water supply pipe 7 has relatively independent first and second branch pipes 71 and 72. The outlet end of the first branch pipe 71 is connected to the water inlet end of the middle spray arm a1, and the outlet end of the second branch pipe 72 is connected to the water inlet end of the top spray arm a2. This structure enables spraying at the bottom, middle, and top layers, which is beneficial for improving the cleaning effect.

[0076] The bottom of the housing 6 is also provided with a water diverter valve 8 for controlling the flow of the first branch pipe 71 and the second branch pipe 72. The water inlet of the water diverter valve 8 is connected to the water outlet 422 of the lower housing 4. The first water outlet of the water diverter valve 8 is connected to the input end of the first branch pipe 71, and the second water outlet of the water diverter valve 8 is connected to the input end of the second branch pipe 72. This structure facilitates the control of the use status of the middle and top layer spraying as needed. For example, the first branch pipe 71 can be closed and the second branch pipe 72 opened to only spray the top layer; or the first branch pipe 71 can be opened and the second branch pipe 72 closed to only spray the middle layer, to meet more usage needs.

[0077] like Figure 12 As shown, a baffle 300 is provided in the middle of the housing 6, which can separate the inner cavity into an upper cavity 301 and a lower cavity 302, which are relatively independent from each other. The bottom spray arm is located at the bottom of the lower cavity, the middle spray arm a1 is located in the middle or upper part of the lower cavity, and the top spray arm a2 is located in the upper cavity. This structure facilitates spray cleaning of the lower cavity or the upper and lower cavities as needed, meeting more consumer needs.

[0078] The water supply pipe 7 is located close to the inner wall of the housing 6. The top spray arm a2 includes a first spray arm a21 extending from the water supply pipe 7 toward the center of the housing 6 and a second spray arm a22 located above the first spray arm a21 and close to the inner wall of the housing 6. The first spray arm a21 is located at the bottom of the upper cavity and is used to spray water upward. The second spray arm a22 is located in the middle or upper part of the upper cavity and is used to spray water toward the area above the first spray arm a21. This structure helps eliminate blind spots in the upper cavity and improves the cleaning effect within the upper cavity.

[0079] When the washing function of the cleaning machine of this embodiment is used, the output shaft 51 of the driving member 5 rotates, driving the first impeller 1 and the second impeller 2 to rotate. The axial flow blades at the lower part of the first impeller 1 draw water from the first water inlet 411 into the second accommodating chamber 41 and transport it upward to the first accommodating chamber 31. The water in the first accommodating chamber 31 is sprayed out through the spray hole 32 under the action of the upper part of the first impeller 1; the second impeller 2 draws water from the second water inlet 421 into the second water drawing chamber 42, and transports it to the water supply pipe 7 through the water outlet 422 along the guide pipe 423 in the circumferential direction. The water supply pipe 7 transports the water upward for top and / or middle spraying. When draining, the water is sucked and discharged through the valve pump integrated structure at the bottom of the box body 6 below the slag collecting basket 9.

[0080] In this embodiment, the cleaning method using the above-mentioned cleaning machine includes the following steps:

[0081] (1) Steam pre-wash stage:

[0082] When washing a large number of dishes, the baffle 300 is moved to connect the upper cavity 301 and the lower cavity 302 of the housing 6. The dishes to be washed are placed in the upper cavity 301 and the lower cavity 302 respectively. The steam generator 200 is turned on. The steam generated by the steam generator 200 enters the first water outlet component through the steam output end 201 and the air guide channel 510. Part of the steam circulates through the flow channel in the first water outlet component and diffuses from bottom to top in the lower cavity 302 at the bottom of the housing 6. Another part of the steam enters the second water outlet component b from the first water outlet component. At this time, the passage of the middle spray arm a1 is blocked, and the passage of the top spray arm a2 is connected. This part of the steam diffuses in the upper cavity 301 through the top spray arm a2, performing steam pre-washing on the dishes.

[0083] When washing a small amount of dishes, the baffle 300 separates the housing 6 into an independent upper cavity 301 and a lower cavity 302, with the dishes to be washed placed in the lower cavity 302. The steam generator 200 is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator 200 enters the first water outlet component through the steam output end 201 and the air guide channel 510. Part of the steam circulates through the flow channel in the first water outlet component and diffuses from bottom to top in the lower cavity 302 at the bottom of the housing 6. Another part of the steam enters the second water outlet component b from the first water outlet component. At this time, the passage of the middle spray arm a1 is connected, and the passage of the top spray arm a2 is blocked. This part of the steam diffuses on the side of the lower cavity 302 through the middle spray arm a1, performing steam pre-washing on the dishes.

[0084] (2) Water washing stage:

[0085] The steam generator 200 is turned off and the water pumping mechanism a is started. The power output shaft 51 of the water pumping mechanism a rotates to pump water into the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component b. The wash water is sprayed from bottom to top on the lower cavity 301 of the housing 6 through the first water outlet component and from bottom to top on the bottom of the upper cavity 301 through the second water outlet component b, or sprayed on the side of the lower cavity 301, thereby washing the dishes. After washing is completed, the water pumping mechanism a is turned off and the water is drained.

[0086] (3) Drying and disinfection stage:

[0087] The steam generator 200 is turned on. The steam generated by the steam generator 200 is input into the water pumping mechanism a through the steam output end 201, and then output to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component b through the internal channel of the water pumping mechanism a. The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the lower part of the housing 6 through the first water outlet component, and diffuses in the upper or lower part of the housing 6 through the second water outlet component b. The steam in the housing 6 is then pumped out of the housing 6, and the residual heat of the steam is used to disinfect and / or dry the dishes.

[0088] In the above embodiment, when steam diffuses from the first water outlet component through the second accommodating chamber 41 of the volute 4 into the second water-drawing chamber 42, although there is a gap between the shaft hole 433 and the power output shaft 51, to improve the efficiency of steam diffusion, this embodiment provides air guide holes on the power output shaft 51 and the shaft sleeve of the second impeller 2 to allow steam to be directly introduced from the air guide channel 510 into the second water-drawing chamber 42. The inner diameter of the air guide hole gradually decreases along the direction of gas flow to prevent water from intruding into the air guide channel 510. Of course, if a small amount of water intrudes into the air guide channel 510, a valve is provided at the lower end of the air guide channel 510 to allow the water to be discharged.

[0089] In the present specification and claims, directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom" are used to describe various exemplary structural parts and components of the present invention. However, these terms are used herein for convenience of description only and are based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the embodiments disclosed herein can be arranged in various orientations, these directional terms are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, "up" and "down" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0090] The "fluid communication" referred to in the present invention refers to the spatial position relationship between two components or parts (hereinafter collectively referred to as the first part and the second part), that is, the fluid (gas, liquid or a mixture of the two) can flow from the first part along the flow path or / and be transported to the second part. The first part and the second part can be directly connected, or the first part and the second part can be indirectly connected through at least one third party. The third party can be a fluid channel such as a pipe, channel, conduit, guide member, hole, groove, etc., or it can be a chamber allowing fluid to flow through, or a combination of the above.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine comprising a housing (6), a first water outlet component, a second water outlet component (b) and a water pumping mechanism (a), wherein the first water outlet component is arranged at the lower portion of the housing (6) for providing bottom spraying, the second water outlet component (b) is arranged at the upper portion of the housing (6) for providing upper spraying, the water pumping mechanism (a) is connected to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component (b) and is used to provide water pumping power for the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component (b), and is characterized in that: It also includes a steam generator (200), wherein the steam output end of the steam generator (200) is connected to the water pump mechanism (a), and the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component (b) together constitute a steam diffusion component capable of inputting steam into the box (6); The water pump mechanism (a) comprises a water drawing component (100) capable of supplying water to a first water outlet component and a second water outlet component (b), and a driving component (5) for providing power to the water drawing component (100); the first water outlet component is connected to the top of the water drawing component (100) to form a bottom spray arm; the second water outlet component (b) comprises a middle spray arm (a1) and a top spray arm (a2); the water drawing component (100) is connected to a water supply pipe (7) near the bottom; the water supply pipe (7) is provided with a relatively independent first branch pipe (71) for supplying water to the middle spray arm (a1) and a second branch pipe (72) for supplying water to the top spray arm (a2); the water inlet end of the water supply pipe (7) is connected to the water drawing component (100) via a water diversion valve (8) capable of controlling whether the first branch pipe (71) and the second branch pipe (72) flow; The water-drawing assembly (100) includes a volute (10), a first impeller (1) and a second impeller (2), the volute (10) having a first water-drawing chamber and a second water-drawing chamber (42) which are relatively independent and respectively communicated with the fluid of the housing (6), the first impeller (1) being rotatably disposed in the first water-drawing chamber, the second impeller (2) being rotatably disposed in the second water-drawing chamber (42), the power output shaft (51) of the driving member (5) being connected to the first impeller (1) and the second impeller (2); the volute (10) includes an upper housing (3) and a lower housing (4), the upper housing (3) having a first accommodating chamber (31) for mounting the upper portion of the first impeller (1), the lower housing (4) being connected to the lower portion of the upper housing (3), the upper portion of the lower housing (4) having a first accommodating chamber (31) for mounting the lower portion of the first impeller (1), The second accommodating chamber (41) is connected to the first accommodating chamber (31) and the second accommodating chamber (41) by vertically penetrating, forming the first water-drawing chamber; a first water inlet (411) for supplying water into the second accommodating chamber (41) is provided on the side wall of the lower shell (4); the second water-drawing chamber (42) is located at the lower part of the lower shell (4); a second water inlet (421) for supplying water into the second water-drawing chamber (42) and a water outlet (422) for outputting water from the second water-drawing chamber (42) are provided on the side wall and / or bottom wall of the lower shell (4); the upper part of the first impeller (1) is a centrifugal impeller and the lower part is an axial flow impeller; the second impeller (2) is a centrifugal impeller; a partition (43) for separating the second accommodating chamber (41) and the second water-drawing chamber (42) into relatively independent chambers is provided in the middle part of the lower shell (4).

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water-drawing assembly (100) is arranged in a housing (6), the driving member (5) is arranged outside the housing (6), a power output shaft (51) of the driving member (5) passes through the housing (6) and extends into the water-drawing assembly (100), the power output shaft (51) is hollow inside to form an air guide channel (510), and the steam output end (201) of the steam generator (200) is connected to the outer end of the air guide channel (510).

3. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle (300) is provided in the middle of the box body (6) for dividing its inner cavity into an upper cavity (301) and a lower cavity (302) which are relatively independent from each other. The first water outlet component is located at the bottom of the lower cavity (302), the middle spray arm (a1) is located in the middle or upper part of the lower cavity (302), and the top spray arm (a2) is located in the upper cavity (301).

4. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A spray hole (32) in fluid communication with the first accommodating chamber (31) is provided on the top wall and / or side wall of the upper shell (3). The upper shell (3) is rotatably arranged on the top of the lower shell (4) and constitutes the first water outlet component.

5. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second water-drawing chamber (42) is located below the partition (43) and is roughly disc-shaped. The second water inlet (421) is provided on the bottom wall of the lower shell (4). The water outlet (422) is provided on the side wall of the lower shell (4) and is tangentially connected to the second water-drawing chamber (42) via a guide pipe (423).

6. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second accommodating chamber (41) is located above the partition (43) and extends vertically. The inner diameter of the second accommodating chamber (41) is smaller than the inner diameter of the second water-drawing chamber (42) and is adapted to the lower portion of the first impeller (1).

7. The cleaning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: A transversely extending ∩-shaped enclosure (431) is provided on the top wall of the partition (43), and the enclosure (431) and the partition (43) together enclose a water inlet channel (432) connected to the second accommodating chamber (41), and the outer end of the water inlet channel (432) constitutes the first water inlet (411).

8. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support plate (44) extending in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the upper portion of the lower shell (4), and the upper shell (3) is constrained on the support plate (44).

9. The cleaning machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: A clamping ring (441) is provided on the upper wall surface of the support plate (44), and a clamping foot (33) is provided on the bottom wall of the upper shell (3) and is rotatably arranged through the clamping ring (441) and is clamped and limited with the bottom wall of the clamping ring (441).

10. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third water inlet (34) corresponding to the first accommodating cavity (31) is provided on the bottom wall of the upper shell (3), and the third water inlet (34) is connected to the upper end of the second accommodating cavity (41).

11. The cleaning machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The diameter of the third water inlet (34) is larger than the inner diameter of the second accommodating chamber (41), and the inner diameter of the upper portion of the lower shell (4) near the upper end of the second accommodating chamber (41) gradually expands to form a guide portion (412) that can smoothly transition and connect with the inner bottom wall of the first accommodating chamber (31).

12. The cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The outer edge of the guide portion (412) is arranged close to the inner edge of the third water inlet (34), and a baffle (413) extending radially and supported on the bottom wall of the upper shell (3) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the guide portion (412).

13. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the box body (6) is provided with a concave drain area (61), the top of the drain area (61) is covered with a drain plate (62), the bottom of the lower shell (4) is supported in the drain area (61), and a water gap (60) is provided between the bottom wall of the lower shell (4) and the inner bottom wall of the box body (6), the first water inlet (411) and the second water inlet (421) are both located below the drain plate (62), and the upper shell (3) is located above the drain plate (62).

14. The cleaning machine according to claim 13, characterized in that: A first receiving groove (611) for mounting a lower shell body is recessed on the bottom wall of the box body (6) in the drainage area (61), and a second receiving groove (612) having a depth greater than that of the first receiving groove (611) is provided on the side of the first receiving groove (611). A slag collecting basket (9) is provided on the drainage plate, and the lower part of the slag collecting basket (9) is located in the drainage area (61) and is accommodated in the second receiving groove (612). A drainage port (613) is provided at the bottom of the second receiving groove (612), and a side of the first receiving groove (611) has an opening (6111) that is connected to a side of the second receiving groove (612).

15. The cleaning machine according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first water inlet (411) is located above the opening (6111), and is connected to a suction nozzle (40) that extends obliquely downward to the opening (6111), with the lower end of the suction nozzle (40) being arranged close to the side wall of the slag collecting basket (9), and the second water inlet (421) being located beside the opening (6111).

16. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The steam generator (200) is arranged on the outer bottom wall of the box body (6). The steam generator (200) is provided with a water inlet end (202) and a pressure relief port (203). A pressure relief valve is provided in the pressure relief port (203).

17. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The side of the box body (6) is connected to a ventilation structure capable of extracting the gas in the box body (6).

18. A cleaning method using the cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that The following steps are involved: (1) Steam pre-wash stage: The steam generator (200) is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator (200) is input into the water pump mechanism through the steam output end (201), and then respectively output to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component through the internal channel of the water pump mechanism. The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the lower part of the box through the first water outlet component and diffuses in the upper part of the box through the second water outlet component, thereby performing steam pre-cleaning on the dishes; (2) Water washing stage: The steam generator (200) is turned off, and the water pumping mechanism (a) is started. The power output shaft (311) of the water pumping mechanism (a) rotates to pump water into the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component (b). The washing water is sprayed from bottom to top on the lower part of the box body (6) through the first water outlet component and sprayed on the upper part of the box body (6) through the second water outlet component (b), thereby washing the dishes. After washing is completed, the water pumping mechanism (a) is turned off and the water is drained; (3) Drying and disinfection stage: The steam generator (200) is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator (200) is input into the water pumping mechanism (a) through the steam output end (201), and then respectively output to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component (b) through the inner channel of the water pumping mechanism (a). The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the lower part of the box (6) through the first water outlet component and diffuses in the upper part of the box (6) through the second water outlet component (b). The steam in the box (6) is then pumped out of the box (6), and the dishes are sterilized and / or dried using the residual heat of the steam.

19. A cleaning method using the cleaning machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The following steps are involved: (1) Steam pre-wash stage: When washing a large number of dishes, the baffle (300) is moved to connect the upper cavity (301) and the lower cavity (302) of the box (6), and the dishes to be washed are placed in the upper cavity (301) and the lower cavity (302) respectively; the steam generator (200) is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator (200) enters the first water outlet component through the steam output end (201) and the air guide channel (510); part of the steam circulates through the flow channel in the first water outlet component and diffuses from bottom to top in the lower cavity (302) at the lower part of the box (6); the other part of the steam enters the second water outlet component (b) from the first water outlet component; at this time, the passage of the middle spray arm (a1) is blocked and the passage of the top spray arm (a2) is connected; the part of the steam diffuses in the upper cavity (301) through the top spray arm (a2), and the dishes are steam pre-washed; When washing a small amount of dishes, the baffle (300) separates the box (6) into an independent upper cavity (301) and a lower cavity (302), and the dishes to be washed are placed in the lower cavity (302); the steam generator (200) is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator (200) enters the first water outlet component through the steam output end (201) and the air guide channel (510); part of the steam circulates through the flow channel in the first water outlet component and diffuses from bottom to top in the lower cavity (302) at the bottom of the box (6); the other part of the steam enters the second water outlet component (b) from the first water outlet component; at this time, the passage of the middle spray arm (a1) is connected and the passage of the top spray arm (a2) is blocked; this part of the steam diffuses on the side of the lower cavity (302) through the middle spray arm (a1), and steam pre-washes the dishes; (2) Water washing stage: The steam generator (200) is turned off, and the water pumping mechanism (a) is started. The power output shaft (311) of the water pumping mechanism (a) rotates to pump water into the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component (b). The washing water is sprayed from bottom to top on the lower part of the box (6) through the first water outlet component, and sprayed from bottom to top on the bottom of the upper cavity (301) or sprayed on the side of the lower cavity (302) through the second water outlet component (b), thereby washing the dishes. After washing, the water pumping mechanism (a) is turned off and the water is drained. (3) Drying and disinfection stage: The steam generator (200) is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator (200) is input into the water pumping mechanism (a) through the steam output end (201), and then respectively output to the first water outlet component and the second water outlet component (b) through the inner channel of the water pumping mechanism (a). The steam diffuses from bottom to top in the lower part of the box (6) through the first water outlet component, and diffuses in the upper part or the lower part of the box (6) through the second water outlet component (b). Then, the steam in the box (6) is pumped out of the box (6), and the residual heat of the steam is used to sterilize and / or dry the dishes.

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