A soft water module and a dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention relates to household appliances, and discloses a water softening module and a dishwasher, wherein the water softening module comprises: a shell, a top side of which is provided with a first water inlet, a bottom side of the shell is provided with a first water outlet, a soft water chamber is provided in the shell, the first water inlet and the first water outlet are communicated with each other, a mounting port is provided at a position on the top side of the shell facing the soft water chamber; a consumables box, which is loaded into the soft water chamber from the mounting port, a side wall of the consumables box is provided with a plurality of connecting holes; a top cover, which is connected to the position of the mounting port of the shell, and the top cover closes the mounting port. The present invention provides a storage and use space for consumables that can be used multiple times, so that the dishwasher can choose to use different cleaning methods, improve the convenience of using and operating the dishwasher, and enrich the cleaning function of the dishwasher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular to a soft water module and a dishwasher. Background Art

[0002] In daily life, a dishwasher can be used to automatically wash dishes such as bowls, chopsticks, plates, and dishes. Before using a dishwasher, dishwashing powder and other consumables are usually added to the dishwasher to improve the cleanliness of the dishes. With the development of technology, a variety of consumables for water treatment have appeared on the market. The consumables are directly put into the dishwasher, and the consumables can be gradually dissolved during each washing. The effect of cleaning the dishes can be improved by activating the water. For example, the consumables use the minerals disclosed in the patent document CN101913682A. However, the current dishwashers do not have a structure that can be loaded with this type of consumables. The consumables can only be directly put into the inner tank of the dishwasher for use, but the consumables are easily washed away by the water flow. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a structure that can be loaded with this type of consumables to enrich the cleaning function of the dishwasher. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a water softening module and a dishwasher to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art and at least provide a beneficial choice or create conditions.

[0004] The solution of the present invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] A soft water module according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: an outer shell, a first water inlet is arranged on the top side of the outer shell, a first water outlet is arranged on the bottom side of the outer shell, a soft water chamber is arranged in the outer shell, the first water inlet and the first water outlet are communicated with each other, an installation port is arranged at a position on the top side of the outer shell facing the soft water chamber, a soft water inner shell, a first horizontal flow channel, a first vertical flow channel, a second vertical flow channel and a water outlet flow channel are arranged in the outer shell, a hole is arranged on the top side of the soft water inner shell, the soft water inner shell is surrounded to form the soft water chamber, the bottom of the consumable box passes through the hole, a transition chamber is formed between the outer top side of the soft water inner shell and the inner top side of the outer shell, the transition chamber extends around the consumable box, a water inlet chamber is formed between the outer bottom side of the soft water inner shell and the inner bottom side of the outer shell, the first horizontal flow channel is arranged on the inner side of the outer shell On the top side, the first water inlet is connected to one end of the first horizontal flow channel, the other end of the first horizontal flow channel is connected to the top of the first vertical flow channel, the bottom end of the first vertical flow channel is connected to the water inlet chamber, the bottom side of the soft water inner shell is provided with a plurality of lower through holes connected to the water inlet chamber, the top side of the soft water inner shell is provided with a plurality of upper through holes connected to the transition chamber, the top end of the second vertical flow channel is connected to the transition chamber, the bottom end of the second vertical flow channel is connected to one end of the water outlet channel, the water outlet channel extends around the water inlet chamber, and the first water outlet is connected to the other end of the water outlet channel; a consumable box, which is loaded into the soft water chamber from the installation port, and the side wall of the consumable box is provided with a plurality of connecting holes; a top cover, which is connected to the position where the installation port is set on the outer shell, and the top cover closes the installation port.

[0006] The technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: the shell is connected to the bottom of the inner tank of the external dishwasher, the soft water chamber can be loaded with resin for softening external water, the consumables for assisting in cleaning tableware are loaded into the consumable box, and the installation opening is covered and blocked with a top cover. During operation, external water enters the soft water chamber from the first water inlet. Since the side wall of the consumable box is provided with a plurality of connecting holes, water flows inwardly from the plurality of connecting holes into the consumable box and immerses the consumables. The water flow is softened by the resin in the soft water chamber, and the consumables are partially dissolved, and then flow out from the first water outlet and transported to the spray arm and other water-using parts inside the dishwasher for use. In this way, space is provided for storing and using consumables that can be used multiple times, so that such consumables can be better utilized to assist the dishwasher in cleaning tableware and enrich the cleaning function of the dishwasher.

[0007] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, a third vertical flow channel is arranged in the outer shell beside the second vertical flow channel, a first through hole is arranged between the second vertical flow channel and the third vertical flow channel, a first water baffle is arranged in the second vertical flow channel below the first through hole, a first diverter is arranged on the outer shell, the first diverter can control the water flow in the second vertical flow channel to pass downward through the first water baffle or enter the third vertical flow channel from the first through hole, and a diversion water outlet connected to the third vertical flow channel is arranged on the outer side of the outer shell. The softened water can also be transported to other water-using components through the diversion water outlet. Specifically, when water needs to be discharged from the first water outlet, the first diverter controls the water flow in the second vertical flow channel to pass downward through the first water baffle, so that the water can fall from the second vertical flow channel into the water outlet channel and be discharged to the water outlet. When water needs to be discharged from the diversion water outlet, the first diverter can control the water flow in the second vertical flow channel to enter the third vertical flow channel from the first through hole. At this time, the water flows out from the third vertical flow channel to the diversion water outlet and is transported to other water-using components. This enriches the water flow distribution and transportation function and improves the flexibility of the dishwasher in allocating water.

[0008] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, the first diverter includes a solenoid valve and a sealing plug, an outflow hole is arranged at a position of the outer shell facing the first water baffle plate, an outflow area is formed between the top side of the first water baffle plate and the outflow hole, a reflux area is formed between the bottom side of the first water baffle plate and the outflow hole, an outflow tube is arranged on the outside of the outer shell and located on the outside of the outflow hole, the solenoid valve is connected to one end of the outflow tube away from the outer shell and blocks the outflow tube, the solenoid valve has a piston rod that can enter and exit the outflow area, the sealing plug is connected to the piston rod, and the piston rod can drive the sealing plug to block the first through hole or the outflow area. When water needs to be discharged from the first water outlet, the solenoid valve drives the sealing plug to seal the first through hole. At this time, the water flow entering the second vertical flow channel passes through the water baffle and flows out of the outflow area. After entering the outflow cylinder, it flows back from the reflux area to the second vertical flow channel, thereby falling into the water outlet channel. When water needs to be discharged from the diversion water outlet, the solenoid valve drives the sealing plug to seal the outflow area. At this time, the water flow entering the second vertical flow channel is blocked by the water baffle and flows into the third vertical flow channel from the first through hole, thereby distributing the water flow to the diversion water outlet for outflow.

[0009] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, a water inlet channel is provided on the top side of the shell, a second water inlet and a second water outlet are provided at both ends of the water inlet channel, a metering shell is connected to the shell at the second water inlet, a metering channel is provided in the metering shell, a flow meter is provided in the metering channel, and both ends of the metering channel are connected to the first water inlet and the second water outlet. External water can be input from the second water inlet, the water flow is measured by the flow meter of the metering channel, and then the water flows into each channel in the shell from the first water inlet and then flows out from the first water outlet, so that the water flow entering the soft water module can be better controlled.

[0010] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, the consumables box is detachably connected to the shell. The consumables box can be disassembled from the shell, which improves the convenience of loading consumables into the consumables box.

[0011] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, a fourth vertical flow channel, a transfer chamber, a brine chamber and a separation chamber are further provided in the shell. The separation chamber is located below the brine chamber. A plurality of separation through holes are provided between the separation chamber and the brine chamber. The fourth vertical flow channel is located beside the first vertical flow channel. A second through hole is provided between the fourth vertical flow channel and the first vertical flow channel. A second water baffle is provided below the second through hole in the first vertical flow channel. A second diverter is provided on the shell. The second diverter can control the water flow in the first vertical flow channel to flow downward through the second water baffle or enter the fourth vertical flow channel from the second through hole. The bottom of the fourth vertical flow channel is interconnected with the brine chamber, the top of the transfer chamber is interconnected with the brine chamber, and the bottom of the transfer chamber is interconnected with the water inlet chamber. The brine chamber is used to load salt particles, which can be added to the soft water chamber after being dissolved into brine by adding water, thereby replenishing the sodium ions lost by the resin during use. Specifically, a second diverter for water diversion is installed on the outer shell. When water needs to be fed into the soft water chamber, the second diverter controls the water flow in the first vertical flow channel to pass downward through the second water baffle plate and thus enter the water inlet chamber. When water needs to be fed into the brine chamber, the second diverter controls the water flow in the first vertical flow channel to enter the fourth vertical flow channel from the second through hole. The water at the bottom of the fourth vertical flow channel enters the brine chamber after passing through the transfer chamber, thereby replenishing water in the brine chamber. The dissolved brine enters the water inlet chamber from the bottom of the transfer chamber, and enters the soft water chamber through the water inlet chamber to replenish sodium ions for the resin.

[0012] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, the transfer chamber is provided with a first flow channel, a second flow channel and a third flow channel side by side, the top of the first flow channel is interconnected with the brine chamber, the bottom of the first flow channel is interconnected with the bottom of the second flow channel, the top of the second flow channel is interconnected with the top of the third flow channel, a baffle ring is provided in the second flow channel, a float that can move up and down is provided on the top side of the baffle ring in the second flow channel, the float can block the baffle ring downward or open the baffle ring upward, and a fourth flow channel is provided between the third flow channel and the water inlet chamber. When water needs to be introduced into the brine chamber, the water in the brine chamber enters the second flow channel from the first flow channel, lifts the float on the top side of the baffle ring upward, then bypasses the float to enter the third flow channel, and then flows into the water inlet chamber from the fourth flow channel, so that the float can play a one-way conduction role in the replenishment of brine to the water inlet chamber.

[0013] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, a plurality of blocking gaps connected to the salt water chamber are arranged at the top of the first flow channel. The blocking gaps can prevent the salt particles in the salt water chamber from directly entering the first flow channel, and only allow the dissolved salt water to enter the first flow channel, thereby reducing the problem of large particles such as salt particles accumulating in the transfer chamber.

[0014] A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention includes an inner tank and the above-mentioned soft water module.

[0015] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: in this dishwasher, space is provided for storing and using consumables that can be used multiple times, so that the dishwasher can choose to use different cleaning methods. For example, after putting consumables that can be used multiple times into the consumable box, the convenience of operating the dishwasher is improved, enriching the cleaning function of the dishwasher. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly describes the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can also obtain other design solutions and drawings based on these drawings without creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 It is an overall stereoscopic diagram of the soft water module, with the top cover removed.

[0018] Figure 2 It is the front view of the shell of the water softening module.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the AA section structure, where the arrow direction is the water flow direction.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the BB cross-section structure, where the arrow direction is the water flow direction.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the CC cross-section structure.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the DD cross-section structure, where the arrow direction is the water flow direction.

[0023] In the accompanying drawings: 1-shell, 11-first water inlet, 12-first water outlet, 131-soft water inner shell, 132-first horizontal flow channel, 133-first vertical flow channel, 134-second vertical flow channel, 135-outlet flow channel, 136-water inlet chamber, 141-third vertical flow channel, 142-first water baffle, 143-solenoid valve, 144-sealing plug, 145-diverter outlet, 146-outflow area, 14 7-backflow area, 151-water inlet channel, 152-second water inlet, 153-second water outlet, 154-metering shell, 161-fourth vertical flow channel, 162-brine chamber, 163-partition chamber, 164-second water baffle, 165-second diverter, 171-first flow channel, 172-second flow channel, 173-third flow channel, 174-baffle ring, 175-float, 2-consumable box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept, specific structure and technical effects of the present invention in combination with the embodiments and drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, characteristics and effects of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments obtained by technicians in this field without creative work are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, all the connection relationships mentioned in the text do not refer to the direct connection of components, but refer to the fact that a better connection structure can be formed by adding or reducing connecting accessories according to the specific implementation situation. The various technical features in the invention can be combined interchangeably without conflicting with each other.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 6A soft water module according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a shell 1, a first water inlet 11 is arranged on the top side of the shell 1, a first water outlet 12 is arranged on the bottom side of the shell 1, a soft water chamber is arranged in the shell 1, the first water inlet 11 and the first water outlet 12 are communicated with each other, and a mounting port is arranged at a position on the top side of the shell 1 facing the soft water chamber; a consumable box 2 is loaded into the soft water chamber from the mounting port, and a plurality of connecting holes are arranged on the side wall of the consumable box 2; a top cover is connected to the position where the mounting port is arranged on the shell 1, and the top cover closes the mounting port.

[0026] The outer shell 1 is connected to the bottom of the inner tank of the external dishwasher. The soft water chamber can be loaded with resin for softening external water. The consumables for assisting in cleaning tableware are loaded into the consumable box 2, and the installation port is covered and blocked with a top cover. During operation, external water enters the soft water chamber from the first water inlet 11. Since the side wall of the consumable box 2 is provided with a plurality of connecting holes, water flows inwardly from the plurality of connecting holes into the consumable box 2 and immerses the consumables. The water flow is softened by the resin in the soft water chamber, and the consumables are partially dissolved, and then flow out from the first water outlet 12 and are transported to the spray arm and other water-using parts inside the dishwasher for use. In this way, space is provided for storing and using consumables that can be used multiple times, so that such consumables can be better utilized to assist the dishwasher in cleaning tableware and enrich the cleaning function of the dishwasher.

[0027] In practical applications, the entire water softening module can be directly installed in the dishwasher or can be used outside the dishwasher.

[0028] Regarding the water flow design entering the outer shell 1, in this embodiment, a soft water inner shell 131, a first horizontal flow channel 132, a first vertical flow channel 133, a second vertical flow channel 134 and a water outlet channel 135 are provided in the outer shell 1, a hole is provided on the top side of the soft water inner shell 131, the soft water inner shell 131 is surrounded to form the soft water chamber, the bottom of the consumable box 2 passes through the hole, a transition chamber is formed between the outer top side of the soft water inner shell 131 and the inner top side of the outer shell 1, the transition chamber extends around the consumable box 2, a water inlet chamber 136 is formed between the outer bottom side of the soft water inner shell 131 and the inner bottom side of the outer shell 1, the first horizontal flow channel 132 is provided on the inner top side of the outer shell 1, and the first water inlet 11 is connected to the outer shell 1. It is connected to one end of the first flat flow channel 132, the other end of the first flat flow channel 132 is connected to the top of the first vertical flow channel 133, the bottom end of the first vertical flow channel 133 is connected to the water inlet chamber 136, the bottom side of the soft water inner shell 131 is provided with a plurality of lower through holes connected to the water inlet chamber 136, the top side of the soft water inner shell 131 is provided with a plurality of upper through holes connected to the transition chamber, the top of the second vertical flow channel 134 is connected to the transition chamber, the bottom end of the second vertical flow channel 134 is connected to one end of the water outlet channel 135, the water outlet channel 135 extends around the water inlet chamber 136, and the first water outlet 12 is connected to the other end of the water outlet channel 135. When installing the consumable box 2, the consumable box 2 is first passed through the installation opening on the top side of the outer shell 1, and then through the hole on the top side of the soft water inner shell 131, so as to be installed in the soft water chamber formed by the soft water inner shell 131. After entering from the first water inlet 11, the external water flows through the first horizontal flow channel 132 and the first vertical flow channel 133 in sequence and then enters the water inlet chamber 136. From the water inlet chamber 136, it enters the soft water chamber through the lower through hole on the top side of the water inlet chamber 136. The lower through hole on the bottom side of the soft water chamber can not only prevent the resin in the soft water chamber from being dispersed around, but also allow water to flow to the For internal replenishment, part of the water in the soft water chamber enters the transition chamber from the upper through hole on the top side of the soft water chamber, and part of the water enters the consumable box 2 from the connecting hole on the side wall of the consumable box 2, and then enters the transition chamber from the connecting hole on the top of the consumable box 2 after reacting with the used consumables in the consumable box 2. Finally, the water in the transition chamber flows into the second vertical flow channel 134, and after passing through the second vertical flow channel 134 and falling into the water outlet channel 135, the water outlet channel 135 guides the water flow to the water outlet for discharge, thereby forming a water path that softens the incoming water and reacts with the used consumables, and the overall structure is compact.

[0029] In order to further enrich the use function of the soft water module, in the present embodiment, a third vertical flow channel 141 is arranged in the outer shell 1 beside the second vertical flow channel 134, a first through hole is arranged between the second vertical flow channel 134 and the third vertical flow channel 141, a first water baffle 142 is arranged in the second vertical flow channel 134 below the first through hole, a first diverter is arranged on the outer shell 1, the first diverter can control the water flow in the second vertical flow channel 134 to flow downward through the first water baffle 142 or enter the third vertical flow channel 141 from the first through hole, and a diversion water outlet 145 connected to the third vertical flow channel 141 is arranged on the outer side of the outer shell 1. The softened water can also be transported to other water-using components through the diverter water outlet 145. Specifically, when water needs to be discharged from the first water outlet 12, the first diverter controls the water flow in the second vertical flow channel 134 to pass downward through the first water baffle 142, so that the water can fall from the second vertical flow channel 134 into the outlet flow channel 135 and be discharged to the outlet. When water needs to be discharged from the diverter water outlet 145, the first diverter can control the water flow in the second vertical flow channel 134 to enter the third vertical flow channel 141 from the first through hole. At this time, the water flows out from the third vertical flow channel 141 to the diverter water outlet 145 and is transported to other water-using components. This enriches the water flow distribution and transportation function and improves the flexibility of the dishwasher in allocating water.

[0030] The first flow diverter is used to distribute water flow, and a three-way valve or other structures may be used. In order to facilitate the design of the flow channel and the overall assembly, in the present embodiment, the first flow diverter includes a solenoid valve 143 and a sealing plug 144. An outflow hole is provided at a position of the housing 1 directly opposite to the first water baffle 142. An outflow area 146 is formed between the top side of the first water baffle 142 and the outflow hole. A reflux area 147 is formed between the bottom side of the first water baffle 142 and the outflow hole. An outflow cylinder is provided on the outside of the housing 1, located outside the outflow hole. The solenoid valve 143 is connected to one end of the outflow cylinder away from the housing 1 and blocks the outflow cylinder. The solenoid valve 143 has a piston rod that can enter and exit the outflow area 146. The sealing plug 144 is connected to the piston rod, and the piston rod can drive the sealing plug 144 to block the first through hole or the outflow area 146. When water needs to be discharged from the first water outlet 12, the solenoid valve 143 drives the sealing plug 144 to block the first through hole. At this time, the water flow entering the second vertical flow channel 134 passes through the water baffle and flows out of the outflow area 146. After entering the outflow cylinder, it flows back to the second vertical flow channel 134 from the reflux area 147, and then falls into the water outlet channel 135. When water needs to be discharged from the diversion water outlet 145, the solenoid valve 143 drives the sealing plug 144 to block the outflow area 146. At this time, the water flow entering the second vertical flow channel 134 is blocked by the water baffle and flows into the third vertical flow channel 141 from the first through hole, thereby distributing the water flow to the diversion water outlet 145 for outflow.

[0031] In some embodiments, a water inlet channel 151 is provided on the top side of the housing 1, and a second water inlet 152 and a second water outlet 153 are provided at both ends of the housing 1 located at the water inlet channel 151, and a metering shell 154 is connected to the housing 1 at the position of the second water inlet 152, and a metering channel is provided in the metering shell 154, and a flow meter is provided in the metering channel, and both ends of the metering channel are respectively connected to the first water inlet 11 and the second water outlet 153. External water can be input from the second water inlet 152, and the water flow is measured by the flow meter of the metering channel, and then enters each channel in the housing 1 from the first water inlet 11 and then flows out from the first water outlet 12, so that the water flow entering the soft water module can be better controlled.

[0032] In order to conveniently observe whether the consumables in the consumable box 2 are completely consumed, in this embodiment, the consumable box 2 is detachably connected to the housing 1. The consumable box 2 can be disassembled from the housing 1, which improves the convenience of loading the consumables into the consumable box 2.

[0033] The soft water module also has the function of replenishing sodium ions to the resin. Specifically, the shell 1 is further provided with a fourth vertical flow channel 161, a transfer chamber, a brine chamber 162 and a partition chamber 163. The partition chamber 163 is located below the brine chamber 162. A plurality of partition through holes are provided between the partition chamber 163 and the brine chamber 162. The fourth vertical flow channel 161 is located beside the first vertical flow channel 133. A second through hole is provided between the fourth vertical flow channel 161 and the first vertical flow channel 133. The second through hole in the first vertical flow channel 133 A second water baffle 164 is arranged at the bottom, and a second diverter 165 is arranged on the outer shell 1. The second diverter 165 can control the water flow in the first vertical flow channel 133 to pass downward through the second water baffle 164 or enter the fourth vertical flow channel 161 from the second through hole. The bottom of the fourth vertical flow channel 161 is interconnected with the brine chamber 162, the top of the transfer chamber is interconnected with the brine chamber 162, and the bottom of the transfer chamber is interconnected with the water inlet chamber 136. Similarly, the second diverter 165 can use the same structure as the first diverter. The brine chamber 162 is used to load salt particles. After adding water to dissolve into brine, it can be added to the soft water chamber to replenish the sodium ions lost by the resin during use. Specifically, a second diverter 165 for water diversion is installed on the shell 1. When water needs to be introduced into the soft water chamber, the second diverter 165 controls the water flow in the first vertical flow channel 133 to pass downward through the second water baffle 164, thereby entering the water inlet chamber 136. When water needs to be introduced into the brine chamber 162, the second diverter 165 controls the water flow in the first vertical flow channel 133 to enter the fourth vertical flow channel 161 from the second through hole. The water at the bottom of the fourth vertical flow channel 161 enters the brine chamber 162 after passing through the transfer chamber, and water is replenished in the brine chamber 162. The dissolved brine enters the water inlet chamber 136 from the bottom of the transfer chamber, and enters the soft water chamber through the water inlet chamber 136 to replenish sodium ions for the resin.

[0034] Furthermore, a first flow channel 171, a second flow channel 172 and a third flow channel 173 are arranged side by side in the transfer chamber, the top of the first flow channel 171 is communicated with the brine chamber 162, the bottom of the first flow channel 171 is communicated with the bottom of the second flow channel 172, the top of the second flow channel 172 is communicated with the top of the third flow channel 173, a baffle ring 174 is arranged in the second flow channel 172, a float 175 that can move up and down is arranged on the top side of the baffle ring 174 in the second flow channel 172, the float 175 can block the baffle ring 174 downward or open the baffle ring 174 upward, and a fourth flow channel is arranged between the third flow channel 173 and the water inlet chamber 136. When water needs to be added to the brine chamber 162, the water in the brine chamber 162 enters the second flow channel 172 from the first flow channel 171, lifts up the float 175 located on the top side of the baffle ring 174, then bypasses the float 175 and enters the third flow channel 173, and then flows into the water inlet chamber 136 from the fourth flow channel. In this way, the float 175 can play a one-way conduction role in the replenishment of brine into the water inlet chamber 136.

[0035] In some embodiments, a plurality of blocking gaps are provided at the top of the first flow channel 171 and are connected to the salt water chamber 162. The blocking gaps can prevent the salt particles in the salt water chamber 162 from directly entering the first flow channel 171, and only allow the dissolved salt water to enter the first flow channel 171, thereby reducing the problem of large particles such as salt particles accumulating in the transfer chamber.

[0036] A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention comprises an inner tank and the above-mentioned soft water module, wherein the outer shell 1 is connected to the bottom side of the inner tank.

[0037] In this dishwasher, space is provided for storing and using consumables that can be used multiple times, so that the dishwasher can choose to use different cleaning methods. For example, after putting consumables that can be used multiple times into the consumable box 2, the convenience of operating the dishwasher is improved, enriching the cleaning function of the dishwasher.

[0038] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are specifically described above, but the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art may make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without violating the spirit of the invention. These equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included in the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A soft water module, characterized in that: include: The outer shell (1) has a first water inlet (11) disposed on its top side, a first water outlet (12) disposed on the bottom side of the outer shell (1), a soft water chamber disposed inside the outer shell (1), the first water inlet (11) and the first water outlet (12) being in communication with each other, a mounting opening disposed on the top side of the outer shell (1) facing the soft water chamber, and a soft water inner shell (131), a first horizontal flow channel (132), a first vertical flow channel (133), and a second vertical flow channel (134) disposed inside the outer shell (1). The soft water inner shell (131) is provided with a hole on the top side thereof, and the soft water inner shell (131) is surrounded by the soft water chamber, and the bottom of the consumable box (2) passes through the hole, and a transition chamber is formed between the outer top side of the soft water inner shell (131) and the inner top side of the outer shell (1), and the transition chamber extends around the consumable box (2), and a transition chamber is formed between the outer bottom side of the soft water inner shell (131) and the inner bottom side of the outer shell (1). The invention relates to a water inlet chamber (136), wherein the first horizontal flow channel (132) is arranged on the inner top side of the outer shell (1), the first water inlet (11) is connected to one end of the first horizontal flow channel (132), the other end of the first horizontal flow channel (132) is connected to the top of the first vertical flow channel (133), the bottom end of the first vertical flow channel (133) is connected to the water inlet chamber (136), and the bottom side of the soft water inner shell (131) is provided with a plurality of ports connected to the water inlet chamber (136). The top side of the soft water inner shell (131) is provided with a plurality of upper through holes connected to the transition chamber, the top end of the second vertical flow channel (134) is connected to the transition chamber, the bottom end of the second vertical flow channel (134) is connected to one end of the water outlet channel (135), the water outlet channel (135) extends around the water inlet chamber (136), and the first water outlet (12) is connected to the other end of the water outlet channel (135); A consumables box (2) is installed into the soft water chamber from the installation opening, and a side wall of the consumables box (2) is provided with a plurality of communicating holes; A top cover is connected to the position of the outer shell (1) where the mounting opening is provided, and the top cover closes the mounting opening.

2. A soft water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third vertical flow channel (141) is arranged in the shell (1) beside the second vertical flow channel (134); a first through hole is arranged between the second vertical flow channel (134) and the third vertical flow channel (141); a first water baffle (142) is arranged in the second vertical flow channel (134) below the first through hole; a first flow diverter is arranged on the shell (1); the first flow diverter can control the water in the second vertical flow channel (134) to flow downward through the first water baffle (142) or enter the third vertical flow channel (141) from the first through hole; and a diversion water outlet (145) connected to the third vertical flow channel (141) is arranged on the outer side of the shell (1).

3. A soft water module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first flow divider comprises an electromagnetic valve (143) and a sealing plug (144); an outflow hole is arranged at a position of the housing (1) directly opposite to the first water baffle (142); an outflow area (146) is formed between the top side of the first water baffle (142) and the outflow hole; a reflux area (147) is formed between the bottom side of the first water baffle (142) and the outflow hole; an outflow tube is arranged on the outside of the housing (1) and located outside the outflow hole; the electromagnetic valve (143) is connected to one end of the outflow tube away from the housing (1) and blocks the outflow tube; the electromagnetic valve (143) has a piston rod capable of entering and exiting the outflow area (146); the sealing plug (144) is connected to the piston rod; the piston rod can drive the sealing plug (144) to block the first through hole or the outflow area (146).

4. A soft water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water inlet channel (151) is arranged on the top side of the shell (1); a second water inlet (152) and a second water outlet (153) are respectively arranged at two ends of the shell (1) located on the water inlet channel (151); a metering shell (154) is connected to the shell (1) at the position of the second water inlet (152); a metering channel is arranged in the metering shell (154); a flow meter is arranged in the metering channel; and two ends of the metering channel are respectively connected to the first water inlet (11) and the second water outlet (153).

5. A soft water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is further provided with a fourth vertical flow channel (161), a transfer chamber, a brine chamber (162) and a partition chamber (163); the partition chamber (163) is located below the brine chamber (162); a plurality of partition through holes are provided between the partition chamber (163) and the brine chamber (162); the fourth vertical flow channel (161) is located beside the first vertical flow channel (133); a second through hole is provided between the fourth vertical flow channel (161) and the first vertical flow channel (133); a second through hole is provided in the first vertical flow channel (133) and a second through hole is provided in the second vertical flow channel (163). A second water baffle (164) is provided below the through hole, and a second diverter (165) is provided on the housing (1). The second diverter (165) can control the water flow in the first vertical flow channel (133) to flow downward through the second water baffle (164) or enter the fourth vertical flow channel (161) from the second through hole. The bottom of the fourth vertical flow channel (161) is interconnected with the brine chamber (162), the top of the transfer chamber is interconnected with the brine chamber (162), and the bottom of the transfer chamber is interconnected with the water inlet chamber (136).

6. A soft water module according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first flow channel (171), a second flow channel (172) and a third flow channel (173) are arranged side by side in the transfer chamber; the top of the first flow channel (171) is communicated with the brine chamber (162); the bottom of the first flow channel (171) is communicated with the bottom of the second flow channel (172); the top of the second flow channel (172) is communicated with the top of the third flow channel (173); a baffle ring (174) is arranged in the second flow channel (172); a float (175) movable up and down is arranged on the top side of the baffle ring (174) in the second flow channel (172); the float (175) can block the baffle ring (174) downward or open the baffle ring (174) upward; a fourth flow channel is arranged between the third flow channel (173) and the water inlet chamber (136).

7. A soft water module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top of the first flow channel (171) is provided with a plurality of blocking gaps connected to the saline chamber (162).

8. A soft water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The consumables box (2) is detachably connected to the housing (1).

9. A dishwasher, characterized in that: A water softening module comprising an inner tank as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outer shell (1) is connected to the bottom side of the inner tank.

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