A cleaning method for a cleaning machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a cleaning method for a cleaning machine. The invention features a first and second water inlet with different opening degrees on an open-type water pump. An adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the circumferential position of the first and second water inlets. When the second water inlet corresponds to the second outlet, the water supply to the upper spray arm is reduced, and the water supply to the lower spray arm is correspondingly increased. When the first water inlet corresponds to the second outlet, the water supply to the upper spray arm is increased, and the water supply to the lower spray arm is reduced. Consumers can adjust the spray flow rate and pressure of the upper and lower spray arms according to different cleaning needs to improve the cleaning effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically to a cleaning method for a cleaning machine used to clean tableware, fruits and vegetables. Background Technology

[0002] For larger dishwashers, at least two sets of spray arms, arranged vertically, are typically used to achieve better washing results. During operation, the wash pump delivers water to each spray arm for vertical spraying. After rinsing the dishes, the water that falls back down collects in a water cup at the bottom of the dishwasher. The wash pump then delivers the fallen water back to each spray arm, completing one water circulation cycle.

[0003] The applicant's earlier application CN202211216094.7, "Water Flow System for Cleaning Machine and Cleaning Machine," discloses a structure in which a guide vane is installed in the volute of a water pump to divert water. One stream of water is output through a first outlet at the top of the volute, and the other stream is output through a second outlet on the side of the volute. The guide vane itself does not move. Under the diversion effect of the guide vane, the interference problem between the two streams of water is eliminated, the energy loss of the water flow is reduced, and both streams of water can maintain a high head and a large flow rate. Moreover, the operation of the entire water flow system can be completed by only one centrifugal impeller, the overall structure is simple, and the production cost is reduced.

[0004] The above solution can achieve two-way water supply for the washing machine through a simple structure. However, due to different consumer usage habits, the number of dishes placed on the upper and lower racks may be different, the number of dishes to be washed each time may be different, and the degree of contamination of the dishes may also be different. This puts forward different requirements for the water flow rate of the upper and lower racks. Currently, the water flow rate of the upper and lower racks in dishwashers cannot be controlled, making it difficult to meet consumer needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning method for a cleaning machine that can adjust the flow rate of the upper and lower layers according to the cleaning needs of each set of tableware, thereby improving the cleaning effect, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0007] A cleaning method for a cleaning machine includes a housing, a lower spray arm, an upper spray arm, and an open water pump located in the housing and at the bottom of the housing. The open water pump has a first water outlet at the top connected to the lower spray arm and a second water outlet at the side connected to the upper spray arm. The method is characterized by further including an adjustment mechanism. The open water pump is provided with a first water distribution port that can guide part of the water flow to the second water outlet and a second water distribution port with an opening smaller than that of the first water distribution port. The adjustment mechanism is used to drive the first water distribution port or the second water distribution port to correspond to the second water outlet, thereby controlling the opening size of the second water outlet.

[0008] The cleaning process is as follows:

[0009] (1) The first water intake is sufficient to meet the washing water requirements;

[0010] The regulating mechanism operates to intermittently switch the second water outlet between the corresponding first and second water outlets. When the second water outlet corresponds to the first water outlet, the water supply pressure of the upper spray arm is B, and when the second water outlet corresponds to the second water outlet, the water supply pressure of the upper spray arm is A, where B > A.

[0011] After washing, drain the water;

[0012] (2) The second water inlet is used to meet the water demand for sludge collection;

[0013] The regulating mechanism operates to align the second outlet with either the first or second branch outlet. Once the adjustment is complete, the regulating mechanism stops operating.

[0014] When severe contamination of the tableware is detected, the second water outlet is aligned with the first water outlet; when light contamination of the tableware is detected, the second water outlet is aligned with the second water outlet.

[0015] After washing, drain the water;

[0016] (3) The third water inlet is used to meet the rinsing water requirements;

[0017] The regulating mechanism operates to align the second outlet with the second branch outlet;

[0018] After washing, drain the water.

[0019] Preferably, the bottom of the housing has a recessed return water area, and the open-type water pump is located in this return water area. A turbidity sensor for detecting the degree of dirtiness in the washing water is located at the bottom of the return water area. This turbidity sensor is electrically connected to the controller of the washing machine. The adjustment mechanism is also electrically connected to the controller of the washing machine. The turbidity sensor facilitates the detection of the degree of dirtiness of the tableware, and the adjustment mechanism allows for the adjustment of the opening size of the second water outlet.

[0020] Preferably, during the first water washing process, when the turbidity sensor detects that the pollution level of the washing water is less than the set value, the regulating mechanism makes the second water outlet correspond to the second water distribution outlet, and the regulating mechanism stops operating; when the turbidity sensor detects that the pollution level of the washing water is greater than or equal to the set value, the regulating mechanism continues to operate, and the second water outlet intermittently switches between the corresponding first water distribution outlet and the second water distribution outlet.

[0021] Preferably, the second outlet of the open-type water pump is connected to the upper spray arm via a pipe. A pressure sensor for detecting the water supply pressure is installed in the pipe, and this pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller of the cleaning machine. By installing this pressure sensor, the opening degree of the second outlet can be determined by detecting the water pressure in the pipe, and the signal can be fed back to the controller. The controller can then adjust the size of the second outlet as needed via an adjustment mechanism.

[0022] In this invention, the open-type water pump includes:

[0023] The volute is located in the box and at the bottom of the box. It has a water inlet at the bottom, a first water outlet at the top, and a second water outlet on the side. The lower spray arm is connected to the first water outlet, and the upper spray arm is connected to the second water outlet.

[0024] A guide vane is disposed in the volute and includes a cover plate that can divide the inner cavity of the volute into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The first water outlet is connected to the upper cavity, and the second water outlet is connected to the lower cavity. A first water distribution port and a second water distribution port with an opening smaller than the first water distribution port are provided below the cover plate. A guide port connected to the second water distribution port is provided on the edge of the cover plate to supply water flow from the lower cavity into the upper cavity.

[0025] A centrifugal impeller is rotatably disposed in the lower cavity, used to draw water into the lower cavity through the suction port, draw water from the lower cavity into the upper cavity through the guide port and then draw it out through the first outlet, or draw water from the lower cavity directly out through the second outlet.

[0026] Preferably, the adjusting mechanism is connected to the guide vane and is used to drive the guide vane to rotate so that the first or second water distribution port corresponds to the second water outlet, thereby controlling the opening size of the second water outlet.

[0027] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes a push rod and a first driving member. The push rod is movably disposed below the volute and its upper end extends into the volute. The lower surface of the cover plate has an insertion port that can be inserted and limited to the upper end of the push rod. The first driving member is disposed below the housing and connected to the lower end of the push rod.

[0028] Preferably, the inner wall of the volute is provided with grooves that are spaced apart circumferentially and extend vertically, and correspondingly, the side wall of the guide vane is provided with ribs that can be interference-fitted with the grooves but are allowed to relatively detach under external force.

[0029] Preferably, the bottom of the housing is provided with a second driving component for driving the centrifugal impeller to rotate. The power output shaft of the second driving component extends vertically and its upper end passes through the bottom wall of the housing and the water inlet and is connected to the centrifugal impeller.

[0030] Preferably, the power output shaft of the second driving member is vertically continuous, the push rod is arranged through the power output shaft, and the first driving member is a push rod motor connected below the second driving member, with the output end of the push rod motor facing and connected to the lower end of the push rod.

[0031] Preferably, the cover plate is divided into a first part and a second part arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction. The lower surface of the cover plate is provided with guide vanes located in the first part and the second part respectively. The guide vanes are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover plate and extend spirally inward from the edge of the cover plate against the direction of water flow. A water distribution channel is constrained between two adjacent guide vanes. The cover plate portion corresponding to the top of the guide vane is at least partially missing to form the water outlet connected to the outlet of the water distribution channel. The gap between the first part and the second part constitutes the first water outlet, and the outlet of the water distribution channel constitutes the second water outlet.

[0032] Preferably, the cover plate is disc-shaped, and the projection of the outer end of the guide vane on the horizontal plane is located at the edge of the disc-shaped cover plate. Each guide vane surrounds a cavity around the cover plate to pressurize and divert the water flow below the cover plate.

[0033] Preferably, in the assembled state, the edge of the cover plate is arranged close to the inner peripheral wall of the volute, and the outer end of the guide vane is arranged close to the inner wall of the volute.

[0034] Preferably, in the two adjacent guide vanes, the outer end of the first guide vane and the inner end of the second guide vane are arranged in an alternating manner to enclose the water distribution channel, and the cover plate is missing in the range from the outer end of the first guide vane to the outer end of the second guide vane to form the water inlet.

[0035] Preferably, the upper surface of the cover plate is provided with converging blades that extend spirally from the edge to the center and are used to gather the water flow delivered through the water inlet to the upper part of its central portion.

[0036] Preferably, a guide cone extending gradually upward from the outside to the inside is provided at the central part of the upper surface of the cover plate, and there are multiple converging blades arranged at intervals around the circumference of the cover plate, with the inner end of the converging blades connecting to the outer edge of the guide cone.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, two guide vanes are provided in the first part of the cover plate and two guide vanes are provided in the second part of the cover plate, and the water distribution channel is constrained between adjacent guide vanes in the same part.

[0038] As another preferred embodiment, the first part of the cover plate is provided with two guide vanes, and the second part of the cover plate is provided with one guide vane. The length of the guide vane in the second part of the cover plate in the circumferential direction is greater than the length of the guide vane in the first part. The length of the guide vane in the second part of the cover plate in the circumferential direction is greater than the width of the second outlet. When only spraying is required by the lower spray arm and not by the upper spray arm, the adjusting mechanism drives the cover plate to rotate until the guide vane in the second part covers and blocks the second outlet.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The present invention sets a first water outlet and a second water outlet with different opening degrees on an open water pump, and adjusts the position of the first water outlet and the second water outlet in the circumferential direction through an adjustment mechanism. When the second water outlet corresponds to the second water outlet, the water supply of the upper spray arm can be reduced and the water supply of the lower spray arm can be increased accordingly. When the first water outlet corresponds to the second water outlet, the water supply of the upper spray arm can be increased and a portion of the water supply of the lower spray arm can be sacrificed accordingly. Consumers can adjust the spray flow rate and pressure of the upper and lower spray arms according to different cleaning needs to improve the cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the open-type water pump in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (with the second drive component hidden);

[0043] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A sectional view (the section position corresponds to the upper cavity);

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first cleaning state structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second cleaning state structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the guide vane structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the guide vane structure in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning state structure in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0053] Example 1:

[0054] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the cleaning machine of this embodiment includes a housing 01, a lower spray arm 02, an upper spray arm 03, and an open water pump located in the housing and at the bottom of the housing. The open water pump has a first water outlet 11 connected to the lower spray arm 02 on its top and a second water outlet 12 connected to the upper spray arm 03 on its side. It also includes an adjustment mechanism 5. The open water pump is provided with a first water distribution port 201 that can guide part of the water flow to the second water outlet 12 and a second water distribution port 202 with an opening smaller than the first water distribution port 201. The adjustment mechanism 5 is used to drive the first water distribution port 201 or the second water distribution port 202 to correspond to the second water outlet 12, thereby controlling the opening size of the second water outlet 12.

[0055] The cleaning method of the cleaning machine in this embodiment is as follows:

[0056] (1) The first water intake is sufficient to meet the washing water requirements;

[0057] The regulating mechanism 5 operates, causing the second water outlet 12 to switch intermittently between the first water outlet 201 and the second water outlet 202. When the second water outlet 12 corresponds to the first water outlet 201, the water supply pressure of the upper spray arm 03 is B, and when the second water outlet 12 corresponds to the second water outlet 202, the water supply pressure of the upper spray arm 03 is A, where B > A.

[0058] After washing, drain the water;

[0059] (2) The second water inlet is used to meet the water demand for sludge collection;

[0060] The regulating mechanism 5 operates so that the second outlet 12 corresponds to one of the first branch outlet 201 and the second branch outlet 202. After the adjustment is completed, the regulating mechanism 5 stops operating.

[0061] When severe contamination of the tableware is detected, the second water outlet 12 is aligned with the first water branch outlet 201; when light contamination of the tableware is detected, the second water outlet 12 is aligned with the second water branch outlet 202.

[0062] After washing, drain the water;

[0063] (3) The third water inlet is used to meet the rinsing water requirements;

[0064] The regulating mechanism 5 operates so that the second outlet 12 corresponds to the second branch outlet 202;

[0065] After washing, drain the water.

[0066] The bottom of the housing 01 has a recessed return water area 011, and the top of the return water area 011 is covered by a filter plate 012. The filter plate 012 is equipped with a slag collection basket 013, and the lower spray arm 02 is located on the filter plate 012. An open water pump is used to pump water from the return water area 011 to the upper and lower spray arms.

[0067] A turbidity sensor a is installed at the bottom of the return water area 011 to detect the degree of dirtiness in the washing water. This turbidity sensor a is electrically connected to the controller of the washing machine. The adjustment mechanism 5 is also electrically connected to the controller of the washing machine. The turbidity sensor a facilitates the detection of the degree of dirtiness of the tableware, and the opening of the second water outlet 12 can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 5.

[0068] During the first water washing process, when the turbidity sensor a detects that the pollution level of the washing water is less than the set value, the regulating mechanism 5 makes the second water outlet 12 correspond to the second water distribution port 202, and the regulating mechanism 5 stops operating; when the turbidity sensor a detects that the pollution level of the washing water is greater than or equal to the set value, the regulating mechanism 5 continues to operate, and the second water outlet 12 intermittently switches between the first water distribution port 201 and the second water distribution port 202.

[0069] The second outlet 12 of the aforementioned open-type water pump is connected to the upper spray arm 03 via a pipe 9. A pressure sensor 91 for detecting the water supply pressure is installed in the pipe 9, and this pressure sensor 91 is electrically connected to the controller of the cleaning machine. By installing this pressure sensor 91, the opening degree of the second outlet 12 can be determined by detecting the water pressure in the pipe 9, thereby feeding the signal back to the controller, which can further adjust the size of the second outlet 12 as needed through the adjusting mechanism 5.

[0070] The open-type water pump of this embodiment includes a volute 1, guide vanes 2, a centrifugal impeller 3, and a second drive component 4. Wherein:

[0071] The volute 1 is located in the water return area at the bottom of the housing 01. The bottom of the volute 1 has a water inlet 13, the top of the volute 1 has a first water outlet 11, and the side of the volute 1 has a second water outlet 12. The lower spray arm 02 is connected to the first water outlet 11, and the upper spray arm 03 is connected to the second water outlet 12 through the pipe 031.

[0072] The guide vane 2 is disposed in the volute 1 and includes a cover plate 21 that can divide the inner cavity of the volute 1 into an upper cavity 101 and a lower cavity 102. The first water outlet 11 is connected to the upper cavity 101, and the second water outlet 12 is connected to the lower cavity 102. A first water distribution port 201 that runs radially through and a second water distribution port 202 with an opening smaller than the first water distribution port 201 are provided below the cover plate 21. A guide port 203 connected to the second water distribution port 202 is provided on the edge of the cover plate 21 to supply water flow from the lower cavity 102 into the upper cavity 101.

[0073] The centrifugal impeller 3 is rotatably disposed in the lower cavity 102, and is used to draw water into the lower cavity 102 through the suction port 13, draw water in the lower cavity 102 into the upper cavity 101 through the guide port 23 and then draw it out through the first outlet 11, or draw water in the lower cavity 102 directly out through the second outlet 12.

[0074] The second drive unit 4 is located at the bottom of the housing 01 and is used to drive the centrifugal impeller 3 to rotate. The second drive unit 4 is a motor, and the power output shaft 41 of the second drive unit 4 extends vertically and its upper end passes through the bottom wall of the housing 01 and the water inlet 13 and is connected to the centrifugal impeller 3.

[0075] The regulating mechanism 5 is connected to the guide vane 2 and is used to drive the guide vane 2 to rotate so that the first water outlet 201 or the second water outlet 202 corresponds to the second water outlet 12, thereby controlling the opening size of the second water outlet 12, and then balancing the water supply flow of the upper spray arm 03 and the lower spray arm 02 by controlling the water flow of the second water outlet 12.

[0076] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cover plate 21 is divided into a first part 001 and a second part 002 arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction. The lower surface of the cover plate 21 is provided with a plurality of guide vanes 22 located in the first part 001 and the second part 002 respectively. Two guide vanes 22 are provided in the first part 001 and two guide vanes 22 are provided in the second part 002. The plurality of guide vanes 22 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover plate 21 and extend spirally inward from the edge of the cover plate 21 against the direction of water flow. A water distribution channel 24 is constrained between two adjacent guide vanes 22 in the same part. The part of the cover plate 21 corresponding to the top of the guide vane 22 is at least partially missing to form a water outlet 23 connected to the outlet of the water distribution channel 24. The gap between the first part 001 and the second part 002 constitutes the first water outlet 201, and the outlet of the water distribution channel 24 constitutes the second water outlet 202.

[0077] The cover plate 21 is disc-shaped, and the projection of the outer end of the guide vane 22 on the horizontal plane is located at the edge of the disc-shaped cover plate 21. In the assembled state, the edge of the cover plate 21 is arranged close to the inner peripheral wall of the volute 1, and the outer end of the guide vane 22 is arranged close to the inner wall of the volute 21. Each guide vane 22 surrounds the cover plate 21 to form a surrounding cavity 100 for pressurizing and circumferentially diverting the water flow below the cover plate 21.

[0078] In the two adjacent guide vanes 22, the outer end of the first guide vane 22 and the inner end of the second guide vane 22 are arranged in an alternating manner to enclose the water distribution channel 24. The cover plate 21 is missing in the range from the outer end of the first guide vane 22 to the outer end of the second guide vane 22 to form a water guide 23.

[0079] The guide vane 22 in this embodiment has the following functions: (1) forming an enclosing cavity, the edge of which divides the output water flow into multiple streams in the circumferential direction, thus playing a diversion role; at the same time, the enclosing cavity pressurizes the water flow entering it in the circumferential direction to increase the output head; (2) the guide vane encloses the water diversion channel 24, so that the diverted part of the water flow can be better connected to its upper cavity 101 through the water inlet 23, reducing energy loss and increasing water pressure and head.

[0080] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the cover plate 21 is provided with converging vanes 25 that spirally extend from the edge to the center, used to gather the water flow delivered through the water inlet 23 towards the upper part of its central portion. A guide cone 26, extending gradually upward from the outside to the inside, is provided at the central portion of the upper surface of the cover plate 21. Multiple converging vanes 25 are arranged at intervals around the circumference of the cover plate 21, and the inner ends of the converging vanes 25 connect with the outer edge of the guide cone 26. This structure can rectify and guide the water flow entering the upper cavity 101, avoiding energy loss caused by turbulent water flow and improving water pressure and head.

[0081] In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 5 includes a push rod 51 and a first driving member 52. The push rod 51 is movably disposed below the volute 1 and its upper end extends into the volute 1. The lower surface of the cover plate 21 has an insertion port 211 that can be inserted and limited with the upper end of the push rod 51. The first driving member 52 is disposed below the housing 01 and connected to the lower end of the push rod 51. The inner wall of the volute 1 is provided with grooves 14 that are spaced apart circumferentially and extend vertically. Correspondingly, the side wall of the guide vane 2 is provided with a rib 27 that can be interference-fitted with the groove 14 (interference amount is 0.1mm) but is allowed to relatively disengage under external force.

[0082] The power output shaft 41 of the second driving member 4 extends vertically, and the push rod 51 passes through the power output shaft 41. The first driving member 52 is a push rod motor connected below the second driving member 4, and the output end of the push rod motor faces and is connected to the lower end of the push rod 51. In this embodiment, the hollow cavities of the push rod 51 and the power output shaft 41 are corresponding non-cylindrical structures. In this embodiment, it is a flat structure on one side of the push rod 51. Therefore, the push rod 51 can move up and down relative to the power output shaft 41, but there is a circumferential limit between the two, and the push rod 51 cannot move up and down relative to the power output shaft 41.

[0083] Example 2:

[0084] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0085] like Figure 11 , 12 As shown, two guide vanes 22' are provided in the first part 001' of the cover plate 21', and one guide vane 22' is provided in the second part 002' of the cover plate 21'. The length of the guide vane 22' in the circumferential direction of the second part 002' of the cover plate 21' is greater than the length of the guide vane 22' in the first part 001'.

[0086] The length of the guide vane 22' in the second part 002' of the cover plate 21' is greater than the width of the second outlet 12'. When only spraying is required by the lower spray arm and not by the upper spray arm, the adjustment mechanism drives the cover plate 21' to rotate so that the guide vane 22' in the second part 002' covers and blocks the second outlet 12'.

[0087] The cleaning method of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0088] (1) Noise advantage

[0089] Current dishwashers continuously spray water from both the top and bottom racks, and the water volume for each rack is not adjustable. The noise during the washing process is a dynamic, overall noise level. The noise sources within a dishwasher are twofold: the vibration of the motor during washing and the direct noise generated by the water jets spraying and splashing onto the dishes and the washing chamber surface. The direct noise from the water jets spraying and splashing onto the dishes and the washing chamber surface is the primary source of noise. However, if it is determined that only the bottom rack needs to be washed to remove contaminants, then the bottom rack can be started sequentially. This allows the bottom rack to be used exclusively, resulting in significantly lower noise compared to washing both racks simultaneously.

[0090] (2) Advantages of slag collection (in terms of cleaning effectiveness)

[0091] In centrifugal pump-based dishwashers, washing and food residue collection occur simultaneously during the washing process—a dynamic process. However, the fluctuating water jets during this simultaneous washing and residue collection make it difficult to collect food residue from the tableware into the waste basket. This places high demands on the design of the spray arm's cleaning holes; changes in the design environment or water inlet level result in poor waste collection, leading to poor cleaning performance. The present invention, with its variable flow rate washing system, offers the advantage of a wide range of water level limits during washing (e.g., with a fixed water inlet, the water level can be lower when both washing layers are activated, and higher when only the lower layer is used). This means the optimal waste collection water volume is not limited by the optimal washing water volume (inlet water volume), resulting in a significant advantage in water volume matching for waste collection.

[0092] (3) Water consumption advantage

[0093] Since the centrifugal pump system, which is constantly spraying water, consumes a total of water during the return process, the water volume consists of water in the air, water in the return chamber, and water on the dishes. The return water accounts for the majority of the total water consumption. Variable washing water supply has a judgment process. Even if the number of sets to be washed is the same, if the degree of soiling is judged to be light, less water can be used for washing, thus reducing the amount of water entering the system and reducing water consumption.

[0094] (4) Energy consumption advantage

[0095] Because the present invention consumes less water, the energy required to heat the washing water to the same temperature is much lower.

[0096] (5) Washing advantages

[0097] The intermittent change in the upper and lower flow rates of this invention makes the jet water column similar to pulse washing. During the cleaning process, the upper and lower spraying (to remove secondary pollution) or the single-layer washing (main cleaning) can be turned on at any time, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect.

[0098] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A cleaning method for a cleaning machine, comprising a housing (01), a lower spray arm (02), an upper spray arm (03), and an open-type water pump disposed in the housing and located at the bottom of the housing, wherein the open-type water pump has a first water outlet (11) at its top communicating with the lower spray arm (02) and a second water outlet (12) at its side communicating with the upper spray arm (03), characterized in that: It also includes an adjustment mechanism (5). The open water pump is provided with a first water distribution port (201) that can direct part of the water flow to the second outlet (12) and a second water distribution port (202) with an opening smaller than that of the first water distribution port (201). The adjustment mechanism (5) is used to drive the first water distribution port (201) or the second water distribution port (202) to correspond with the second outlet (12) so as to control the opening size of the second outlet (12). The cleaning process is as follows: (1) The first water intake is sufficient to meet the washing water requirements; The regulating mechanism (5) operates, causing the second outlet (12) to switch intermittently between the first branch outlet (201) and the second branch outlet (202). When the second outlet (12) corresponds to the first branch outlet (201), the water supply pressure of the upper spray arm (03) is B. When the second outlet (12) corresponds to the second branch outlet (202), the water supply pressure of the upper spray arm (03) is A. B > A. After washing, drain the water; (2) The second water inlet is used to meet the water demand for sludge collection; The regulating mechanism (5) operates so that the second outlet (12) corresponds to one of the first branch outlet (201) and the second branch outlet (202). After the adjustment is completed, the regulating mechanism (5) stops operating. When severe contamination of tableware is detected, the second water outlet (12) is aligned with the first water outlet (201); when light contamination of tableware is detected, the second water outlet (12) is aligned with the second water outlet (202). After washing, drain the water; (3) The third water inlet is used to meet the rinsing water requirements; The regulating mechanism (5) operates so that the second outlet (12) corresponds to the second branch outlet (202); After washing, drain the water.

2. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the housing (01) is provided with a recessed water return area (011), and the open water pump is located in the water return area (011). A turbidity sensor (a) for detecting the degree of dirtiness of the washing water is provided at the bottom of the water return area (011), and the turbidity sensor (a) is electrically connected to the controller of the washing machine.

3. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: During the first water washing process, when the turbidity sensor (a) detects that the pollution level of the washing water is less than the set value, the regulating mechanism (5) makes the second water outlet (12) correspond to the second water distribution outlet (202), and the regulating mechanism (5) stops operating; when the turbidity sensor (a) detects that the pollution level of the washing water is greater than or equal to the set value, the regulating mechanism (5) continues to operate, and the second water outlet (12) intermittently switches between corresponding to the first water distribution outlet (201) and the second water distribution outlet (202).

4. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second outlet (12) of the open water pump is connected to the upper spray arm (03) through a pipe (9). A pressure sensor (b) for detecting the water supply pressure is installed in the pipe (9). The pressure sensor (b) is connected to the controller of the cleaning machine via an electrical signal.

5. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The open-type water pump includes The volute (1) is located in the box (01) and at the bottom of the box (01). It has a water inlet (13) at the bottom, a first water outlet (11) at the top, and a second water outlet (12) on the side. The lower spray arm (02) is connected to the first water outlet (11), and the upper spray arm (03) is connected to the second water outlet (12). A guide vane (2) is provided in the volute (1) and includes a cover plate (21) that can divide the inner cavity of the volute (1) into an upper cavity (101) and a lower cavity (102). The first water outlet (11) is connected to the upper cavity (101), and the second water outlet (12) is connected to the lower cavity (102). A first water distribution port (201) and a second water distribution port (202) with an opening smaller than the first water distribution port (201) are provided below the cover plate (21). A guide port (23) connected to the second water distribution port (202) is provided on the edge of the cover plate (21) to supply water flow from the lower cavity (102) into the upper cavity (101). Centrifugal impeller (3) is rotatably disposed in the lower cavity (102) for drawing water into the lower cavity (102) through the suction port (13), drawing water from the lower cavity (102) into the upper cavity (101) through the guide port (23) and then drawing it out through the first outlet (11), or drawing water from the lower cavity (102) directly out through the second outlet (12).

6. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (5) is connected to the guide vane (2) and is used to drive the guide vane (2) to rotate so that the first water outlet (201) or the second water outlet (202) corresponds to the second water outlet (12), thereby controlling the opening size of the second water outlet (12).

7. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (5) includes a push rod (51) and a first driving member (52). The push rod (51) is movable up and down and is located below the volute (1) with its upper end extending into the volute (1). The lower surface of the cover plate (21) is provided with a socket (211) that can be inserted and limited with the upper end of the push rod (51). The first driving member (52) is located below the housing and is connected to the lower end of the push rod (51).

8. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the volute (1) is provided with grooves (14) that are spaced apart in the circumference and extend vertically. Correspondingly, the side wall of the guide vane (2) is provided with ribs (27) that can be interference-fitted with the grooves (14) but are allowed to be relatively disengaged under external force.

9. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the housing (01) is provided with a second driving member (4) for driving the centrifugal impeller (3) to rotate. The power output shaft (41) of the second driving member (4) extends vertically and its upper end passes through the bottom wall of the housing (01), the water inlet (13) and is connected to the centrifugal impeller (3).

10. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power output shaft (41) of the second drive member (4) runs vertically through the second drive member (4), and the push rod (51) passes through the power output shaft (41). The first drive member (52) is a push rod motor connected to the second drive member (4), and the output end of the push rod motor faces and is connected to the lower end of the push rod (51).

11. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cover plate (21) is divided into a first part (001) and a second part (002) arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction. The lower surface of the cover plate (21) is provided with guide plates (22) located in the first part (001) and the second part (002) respectively. The guide plates (22) are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover plate (21) and spirally extend inward from the edge of the cover plate (21) against the direction of water flow. A water distribution channel (24) is constrained between two adjacent guide plates (22). The part of the cover plate (21) corresponding to the top of the guide plate (22) is at least partially missing to form the water inlet (23) connected to the outlet of the water distribution channel (24). The gap between the first part (001) and the second part (002) constitutes the first water distribution outlet (201). The outlet of the water distribution channel (24) constitutes the second water distribution outlet (202).

12. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The cover plate (21) is disc-shaped, and the projection of the outer end of the guide vane (22) on the horizontal plane is located at the edge of the disc-shaped cover plate (21). Each guide vane (22) surrounds the cover plate (21) to form an enclosing cavity (100) for pressurizing and circumferentially diverting the water flow under the cover plate (21).

13. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: When assembled, the edge of the cover plate (21) is arranged close to the inner wall of the volute (1), and the outer end of the guide vane (22) is arranged close to the inner wall of the volute (1).

14. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: In the two adjacent guide vanes (22), the outer end of the first guide vane (22) and the inner end of the second guide vane (22) are arranged in an alternating manner to enclose the water distribution channel (24). The cover plate (21) is missing in the range from the outer end of the first guide vane (22) to the outer end of the second guide vane (22) to form the water inlet (23).

15. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The upper surface of the cover plate (21) is provided with a converging blade (25) that extends spirally from the edge to the center and is used to gather the water flow delivered through the water inlet (23) to the upper part of its central part.

16. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 15, characterized in that: The upper surface of the cover plate (21) is provided with a guide cone (26) that extends gradually upward from the outside to the inside. There are multiple converging blades (25) that are arranged at intervals around the cover plate (21). The inner end of the converging blade (25) is connected to the outer edge of the guide cone (26).

17. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: Two guide vanes (22) are provided in the first part of the cover plate (21), and two guide vanes (22) are provided in the second part (002) of the cover plate (21). The water distribution channel (24) is constrained between adjacent guide vanes (22) in the same part.

18. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first part of the cover plate is provided with two guide vanes (22), and the second part of the cover plate is provided with one guide vane. The length of the guide vane in the second part in the circumferential direction of the cover plate is greater than the length of the guide vane in the first part.

19. The cleaning method of the cleaning machine according to claim 18, characterized in that: The length of the guide plate in the second part of the cover plate is greater than the width of the second outlet in the circumferential direction. When only the lower spray arm (02) is needed for spraying and the upper spray arm (03) is not needed for spraying, the adjustment mechanism drives the cover plate to rotate to the state where the guide plate in the second part covers and blocks the second outlet.

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