Water tank and dishwasher

Abstract

The present application discloses a water tank and a dishwasher, wherein the water tank comprises a first water chamber, a second water chamber and a valve body, wherein the first water chamber is suitable for communicating with the inner tank of the dishwasher to supply water to the inner tank of the dishwasher, and the second water chamber is suitable for communicating with the regeneration water inlet of the water softener, and is provided with a water through hole, and the valve body is suitable for opening the water through hole to connect the first water chamber and the second water chamber, so that the water in the first water chamber enters the second water chamber, and is also suitable for closing the water through hole to disconnect the communication between the first water chamber and the second water chamber. By setting the first water chamber and the second water chamber, the first water chamber and the second water chamber can both store a certain amount of water, thereby absorbing the heat emitted by the dishwasher and saving energy consumption; the water in the first water chamber is used to supply the inner tank of the dishwasher for circulating washing, and the water in the second water tank is used to supply the water softener for regeneration of the water softener, thereby enriching the use function of the water tank; by setting the valve body, the salt in the water softener is prevented from penetrating into the first water chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of dishwashers, and in particular to a water tank and a dishwasher. Background Art

[0002] During operation, the dishwasher will emit heat to the outside. In the related art, a water tank is set on the inner tank of the dishwasher. The emitted heat can be absorbed by the water in the water tank, thereby achieving heat preservation. The water in the water tank can also be preheated. The water in the water tank can be used for the next washing cycle of the dishwasher to save energy. However, in the related art, the water tank only plays the role of energy saving and has a single function. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application aims to solve the technical problems in the related art at least to a certain extent. To this end, the present application proposes a water tank.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present application discloses

[0005] A water tank, comprising:

[0006] A first water chamber, adapted to communicate with the inner tank of the dishwasher to supply water to the inner tank of the dishwasher;

[0007] The second water chamber is adapted to communicate with the regenerated water inlet of the water softener and is provided with a water outlet; and

[0008] The valve body is suitable for opening the water passage to connect the first water chamber and the second water chamber so that the water in the first water chamber enters the second water chamber, and is also suitable for closing the water passage to disconnect the connection between the first water chamber and the second water chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, the valve body is suitable for unidirectionally conducting the water through port so that water flows from the first water cavity through the water through port into the second water cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the valve body includes a valve core. When the water level of the second water chamber is lower than the valve core, the valve core opens the water outlet. When the water level of the second water chamber is higher than the valve core, the valve core closes the water outlet under the action of buoyancy.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the valve core opens the water opening under the action of gravity.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, the valve body includes a valve housing, which is disposed below the water port and connects the water port and the second water cavity, and the valve core is suitable for moving up and down in the valve housing.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank includes an exhaust channel, which is connected to the second water chamber. The exhaust channel is provided with an exhaust port, which is higher than the water port and is connected to the first water chamber, and the first water chamber is connected to the outside.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank includes a concave cavity open downward, the concave cavity is communicated with the first water cavity, and the exhaust port extends into the concave cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank includes a water inlet channel, which is suitable for receiving an external water source, and a portion of the water inlet channel is bent to enclose the concave cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank includes an inner tank interface, which is suitable for connecting to the inner tank of the dishwasher. The inner tank interface is communicated with the first water chamber and is suitable for allowing water above a preset water level of the first water chamber to flow into the inner tank through the inner tank interface.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, when the water in the first water chamber flows into the inner tank through the inner tank interface, the water in the first water chamber covers the lower edge of the concave cavity of the water tank.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank comprises:

[0019] a first inlet, connected to the water inlet passage of the water tank and suitable for connecting to an external water source;

[0020] a first outlet, communicating with the water inlet passage of the water tank and adapted to be connected to a soft water inlet of a water softener;

[0021] a second inlet, communicating with the first water chamber and adapted to be connected to a soft water outlet of a water softener;

[0022] a second outlet, communicating with the second water chamber and adapted to be connected to a regenerated water inlet of a water softener; and

[0023] The third outlet is communicated with the first water chamber and is suitable for being connected to the inner tank of the dishwasher to drain the water in the first water chamber.

[0024] The present application also discloses a dishwasher, which comprises the water tank mentioned above.

[0025] The technical solution of the present application is to set up a first water chamber and a second water chamber, both of which can store a certain amount of water, so as to absorb the heat emitted by the dishwasher and save energy consumption; the water in the first water chamber is used to supply the inner tank of the dishwasher for circulating washing, and the water in the second water tank is used to supply the water softener for regeneration of the water softener, thereby enriching the use function of the water tank; and the setting of the valve body can prevent the salt in the water softener from penetrating into the first water chamber.

[0026] Other advantages of the present application will be partially given in the following description, partially become apparent from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other designs can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a water tank in some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the water tank in some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the water tank in some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The enlarged view marked as A in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The enlarged view marked as B in the figure;

[0033] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a water softener in some embodiments.

[0034] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0035] Water tank 1000;

[0036] A first water chamber 1100, a second inlet 1110, and a third outlet 1120;

[0037] A second water chamber 1200, a water port 1210, and a second outlet 1220;

[0038] Valve body 1300, valve housing 1310, valve core 1320;

[0039] A water inlet channel 1400, a concave cavity 1410, a pressure relief port 1420, a first inlet 1430, and a first outlet 1440;

[0040] Exhaust channel 1500, exhaust port 1510;

[0041] Inner liner interface 1610, overflow port 1620, vent hole 1630;

[0042] Flow meter 1710;

[0043] Water softener 2000;

[0044] Soft water chamber 2100, soft water inlet 2110, soft water outlet 2120;

[0045] Regeneration chamber 2200 , regeneration water inlet 2210 .

[0046] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connection", "fixation", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0050] In addition, in this application, descriptions such as "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0051] The present application discloses a water tank 1000 , which will be described in detail below in conjunction with a dishwasher.

[0052] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the water tank 1000 includes a first water chamber 1100, a second water chamber 1200 and a valve body 1300. By setting the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200, the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200 can store a certain amount of water, so as to absorb the heat emitted by the dishwasher and save energy consumption; the water in the first water chamber 1100 is used to supply the inner tank of the dishwasher for circulating washing, and the water in the second water tank 1000 is used to supply the water softener 2000 for regeneration of the water softener 2000, thereby enriching the use function of the water tank 1000; the setting of the valve body 1300 prevents the salt in the water softener 2000 from penetrating into the first water chamber 1100.

[0053] Specifically, the dishwasher has an inner tank, in which a bowl basket and a spray arm are arranged. The bowl basket can be used to load tableware, and the spray arm is used to spray water to wash the tableware. The dishwasher has a washing pump, the inlet of the washing pump is connected to the inner tank, and the outlet of the washing pump is connected to the spray arm. When the dishwasher is working, a certain amount of water will be injected into the inner tank, and the washing pump will suck the water in the inner tank and transport it to the spray arm. The spray arm sprays water to wash the tableware, and the water sprayed by the spray arm will fall back into the inner tank and continue to be sucked by the washing pump, thus forming a cycle. In order to improve the washing effect of the tableware, the water in the inner tank will be heated. For example, the washing pump is integrated with a heating element, and the water will be heated synchronously during the process of the washing pump sucking water. Generally speaking, the inner tank is made of metal sheet metal or plastic. Even if it is not made of metal sheet metal or plastic, it is difficult for the inner tank to form heat insulation, so it will dissipate heat to the outside. In this embodiment, a water tank 1000 is provided to absorb the dissipated heat to save energy.

[0054] The water tank 1000 will be installed on the inner tank and set close to the inner tank. The first water chamber 1100 will temporarily store a certain amount of water. During the operation of the dishwasher, the heat emitted will be absorbed by the water in the first water chamber 1100 to avoid heat loss, thereby keeping the inner tank warm. The water in the first water chamber 1100 is also used to supply the inner tank to provide washing water. Since the water in the water tank 1000 absorbs the heat emitted by the inner tank, it has a higher temperature than municipal water. Therefore, if the water in the first water chamber 1100 is input into the inner tank, the amount of electricity required for heating during the washing process will be reduced compared to heating only municipal water, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0055] For example, when the dishwasher is washing (assuming that the dishwasher is used for the first time), it generally has multiple washing cycles. In the first washing cycle, the first water chamber 1100 is first filled with water, and water is also introduced into the inner tank. During this washing cycle, the water in the inner tank will be heated, and the heat emitted by the inner tank will be absorbed by the water in the first water chamber 1100. When entering the second washing cycle, the water in the first water chamber 1100 can be introduced into the inner tank, and then the water in the first water chamber 1100 is replenished. It can be understood that if the water in the first water chamber 1100 is not enough to carry out the washing cycle after being introduced into the inner tank, it is necessary to continue to introduce municipal water into the inner tank. Since the water in the first water chamber 1100 has absorbed the heat emitted by the inner tank during the first washing cycle, the power consumed for heating the water in the inner tank during the second washing cycle will be reduced. In addition, after the dishwasher finishes washing the dishes, the first water chamber 1100 may also be filled with water, which will absorb ambient heat. When the dishwasher is used next time, the temperature of the water in the first water chamber 1100 will also be higher than municipal water, which can also reduce energy consumption.

[0056] The second water chamber 1200 in the water tank 1000 is suitable for communicating with the first water chamber 1100. A certain amount of water is also stored in the second water chamber 1200. Therefore, the water in the second water chamber 1200 can also absorb the heat dissipated, thereby keeping the inner tank warm. The water in the second water chamber 1200 flows in from the first water chamber 1100. By setting the water inlet 1210, during the process of filling the first water chamber 1100, when the water level of the first water chamber 1100 is higher than the water inlet 1210, the water in the first water chamber 1100 enters the second water chamber 1200 through the water inlet 1210 until the water in the second water chamber 1200 reaches the preset water level. The difference between the water in the second water chamber 1200 and the water in the first water chamber 1100 is that the water in the second water chamber 1200 is not used to provide a washing cycle, but is used to provide the softener 2000 for regeneration.

[0057] It is understandable that municipal water is generally used as the water required for the operation of the dishwasher. Municipal water contains more soluble calcium and magnesium (not limited to calcium and magnesium, for example). Since the water temperature of the dishwasher is relatively high during the washing cycle, it is easy to form scale in the circulating water circuit of the dishwasher, affecting the water circulation. In addition, excessive calcium and magnesium content will also affect the efficacy of the detergent. Therefore, the dishwasher will be equipped with a water softener 2000, and the water entering the inner tank needs to be softened by the water softener 2000 to remove calcium and magnesium in the water.

[0058] In the related art, the water softener 2000 has two chambers, namely a soft water chamber 2100 and a regeneration chamber 2200. The soft water chamber 2100 is provided with a soft water resin. Municipal water flows into the soft water chamber 2100 and then flows out of the soft water chamber 2100. The calcium and magnesium ions in the water are absorbed by the soft water resin, thereby reducing the hardness of the water. When the soft water resin adsorbs calcium and magnesium to a saturated state, the soft water capacity of the soft water resin decreases. At this time, the soft water resin needs to be reduced. The reduction of the soft water resin needs to utilize the regeneration chamber 2200.

[0059] The regeneration chamber 2200 is filled with regeneration salt. The regeneration chamber 2200 is provided with a regeneration water inlet 2210. Municipal water or softened water is injected into the regeneration chamber 2200 through the regeneration water inlet 2210 to form brine. The brine is controlled to flow from the regeneration chamber 2200 into the soft water chamber 2100. The brine takes away the calcium and magnesium of the soft water resin, thereby restoring the softening performance of the soft water resin. The brine after restoring the soft water resin needs to be discharged from the soft water chamber 2100.

[0060] That is, the water flow in the water softener 2000 has two routes: one route is that the water flows into the soft water chamber 2100, is discharged from the soft water chamber 2100 after being softened and is input into the inner tank; the other route is that the water flows into the regeneration chamber 2200, then flows from the regeneration chamber 2200 into the soft water chamber 2100, restores the water softening ability of the soft water resin, and finally is discharged from the soft water chamber 2100. Since the water softener 2000 is a common component in the field of dishwashers, only a brief description is given above, and the specific structure can be referred to the relevant technology.

[0061] Because the water softener 2000 needs to be regenerated, the second water chamber 1200 of the water tank 1000 is connected to the regenerated water inlet 2210. When the water softener 2000 needs to be regenerated, the water in the second water chamber 1200 is discharged into the water softener 2000 to restore the soft water resin of the water softener 2000. In this way, the water tank 1000 not only has the functions of heat preservation and energy saving, but also can realize the regeneration of the water softener 2000.

[0062] Since the second water chamber 1200 needs to be connected to the regenerated water inlet 2210, the regeneration salt in the water softener 2000 dissolves in the water in the second water chamber 1200 and gradually migrates to the first water chamber 1100 through the water port 1210. In order to prevent the regeneration salt from migrating to the first water chamber 1100, a valve body 1300 is provided to solve the problem.

[0063] The valve body 1300 has the function of opening and closing the water opening 1210. When the valve body 1300 opens the water opening 1210, the second water chamber 1200 is connected to the first water chamber 1100. During the water injection process of the first water chamber 1100, the water in the first water chamber 1100 can enter the second water chamber 1200 through the water opening 1210. When the valve body 1300 closes the water opening 1210, the second water chamber 1200 and the first water chamber 1100 are disconnected, and the water in the second water chamber 1200 enters the regeneration chamber 2200 of the water softener 2000 through the regeneration water inlet 2210. The regeneration salt dissolves. Under the action of molecular motion, the regeneration salt migrates to the second water chamber 1200. Since the valve body 1300 closes the water opening 1210, the regeneration salt cannot enter the first water chamber 1100 through the water opening 1210, thereby avoiding affecting the circulating water of the inner tank.

[0064] There are many schemes for controlling the opening and closing of the water port 1210 of the valve body 1300. For example, the valve body 1300 is equipped with a driver, and the control is realized by electronic control according to a pre-designed program. However, the scheme is relatively complex and the cost is relatively high. In order to, in some embodiments of the present application, the valve body 1300 is designed as a single-row conducting water port 1210. The so-called one-way conduction means that water can only be allowed to enter the second water chamber 1200 from the first water chamber 1100 through the water port 1210, but water is not allowed to enter the first water chamber 1100 from the second water chamber 1200 through the water port 1210. In other words, the valve body 1300 constitutes a one-way valve structure, and the one-way conduction is realized by the structural setting of the valve body 1300 itself. In this way, there is no need to realize the control of the valve body 1300 by electronic control, thereby reducing complexity and cost.

[0065] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the valve body 1300 includes a valve core 1320, and the valve core 1320 controls the opening and closing of the water port 1210 according to the water level in the second water chamber 1200, that is, when the water level is lower than the valve core 1320, the valve core 1320 is in a state of opening the water port 1210, and when the water level is higher than the valve core 1320, the valve core 1320 is in a state of closing the water port 1210. The structure is simple and the control is convenient.

[0066] Specifically, it is assumed that there is no water in the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200, so the valve core 1320 is in a state of opening the water port 1210. When water is injected into the first water chamber 1100 and the water level in the first water chamber 1100 is below the water port 1210, the water in the first water chamber 1100 enters the second water chamber 1200 through the water port 1210. Until the water level in the second water chamber 1200 touches the valve core 1320, the valve core 1320 is still in a state of opening the water port 1210. In the process of the water level in the second water chamber 1200 gradually rising, at the moment when the water level in the second water chamber 1200 touches the valve core 1320, the water level in the second water chamber 1200 is at the same height as the bottom end of the valve core 1320. Thereafter, the water level in the second water chamber 1200 continues to rise and is higher than the original height of the valve core 1320. Under the buoyancy of the water, the valve core 1320 rises accordingly until the valve core 1320 closes the water port 1210. At this time, the water in the first water chamber 1100 can no longer enter the second water chamber 1200 through the water port 1210, and the water in the second water chamber 1200 can no longer enter the first water chamber 1100 through the water port 1210. It can be seen that the water level in the second water chamber 1200 being higher than the valve core 1320 should be understood as being higher than the lowest position of the valve core 1320 when it is not subjected to buoyancy.

[0067] Furthermore, there are many ways to open the water port 1210 when the valve core 1320 is not subjected to buoyancy. For example, the water tank 1000 is provided with an elastic member, and the elastic member is arranged between the water port 1210 and the valve core 1320. Of course, the elastic member may not be arranged between the water port 1210 and the valve core 1320, but may be arranged at other positions, as long as it can ensure that the elastic member exerts a force on the valve core 1320, the valve core 1320 moves away from the water port 1210 under the action of the elastic member to open the water port 1210. In the process of the water level in the second water chamber 1200 gradually rising, the valve core 1320 is subjected to the buoyancy of water, and the buoyancy is greater than the force of the elastic member, so that the valve core 1320 is prompted to close the water port 1210. After the water in the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200 is drained, the valve core 1320 will reopen the water port 1210 under the action of the elastic member.

[0068] For another example, in order to simplify the structure of the valve core 1320 movement, Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the valve core 1320 is suitable for opening the water inlet 1210 under the action of gravity, so that during the process of filling the second water chamber 1200 with water, the valve core 1320 can more easily overcome the action of gravity and float up. Specifically, before the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200 are filled with water, the valve core 1320 moves downward and away from the water port 1210 under the action of gravity, thereby opening the water port 1210. During the process of filling the first water chamber 1100 with water, the water level in the first water chamber 1100 gradually rises until it submerges the water port 1210. The water in the first water chamber 1100 enters the second water chamber 1200 through the water port 1210. The water level in the second water chamber 1200 gradually rises until it touches the valve core 1320. The valve core 1320 floats up under the action of buoyancy to overcome the influence of gravity until the water port 1210 is closed. Based on the action of gravity, no other force may be applied to the valve core 1320, thereby reducing the complexity of the structure.

[0069] It is understandable that if a component that can apply force to the valve core 1320 is provided, if this component is removed, the valve core 1320 can still rely on the action of gravity to move away from the water port 1210, and it can also be regarded as the valve core 1320 opening the water port 1210 under the action of gravity. For example, an elastic member is provided between the water port 1210 and the valve core 1320. The process of the elastic member leaving the water port 1210 is not only affected by the elastic force applied by the elastic member, but also by gravity. This situation is also regarded as the valve core 1320 opening the water port 1210 under the action of gravity.

[0070] Since the valve core 1320 needs to open the water port 1210 under the action of gravity and close the water port 1210 under the action of buoyancy, in order to shorten the moving path of the valve core 1320, the valve core 1320 is designed to be able to move up and down. The valve core 1320 moves downward under the action of gravity to open the water port 1210, and the valve core 1320 moves upward under the action of buoyancy to close the water port 1210. Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the valve body 1300 includes a valve shell 1310, and the valve shell 1310 needs to be connected to the second water chamber 1200 and the water port 1210 respectively. The valve core 1320 can be moved up and down and is arranged in the valve shell 1310. The valve shell 1310 is arranged to form a guide for the movement of the valve core 1320, so that the valve core 1320 can more reliably open and close the water port 1210.

[0071] Specifically, the so-called valve housing 1310 can accommodate the valve core 1320 and play a role in restraining and guiding the movement of the valve core 1320. Therefore, the specific form of the valve housing 1310 is not limited. Figure 5As shown, a valve housing 1310 is formed in the water tank 1000 by setting the ribs. The valve housing 1310 needs to be designed to communicate with the water port 1210 and the second water chamber 1200. When the water level in the second water chamber 1200 is lower than the valve core 1320, the valve core 1320 moves downward to the bottom of the valve housing 1310 under the action of gravity. When the water level in the second water chamber 1200 is higher than the valve core 1320, the valve core 1320 moves upward to the top of the valve housing 1310 under the action of buoyancy to block the water port 1210. By setting the valve housing 1310, the reliability of the up and down movement of the valve core 1320 is ensured.

[0072] Combination Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the water tank 1000 includes an exhaust channel 1500, one end of the exhaust channel 1500 is connected to the second water chamber 1200 so that the exhaust channel 1500 and the second water chamber 1200 are in communication, and an exhaust port 1510 is formed at the other end of the exhaust channel 1500, which is in communication with the first water chamber 1100 through the exhaust port 1510, and the first water chamber 1100 is in communication with the outside, thereby ensuring air pressure balance and allowing water to be smoothly injected into the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200.

[0073] Specifically, before the second water chamber 1200 and the first water chamber 1100 are filled with water, the second water chamber 1200 and the first water chamber 1100 contain air. If the air is not discharged, it will be difficult to inject water into the second water chamber 1200 and the first water chamber 1100. Therefore, by designing the first water chamber 1100 to be connected to the outside, the outside here refers to the outside atmosphere, for example, the air vent 1630 is provided in the water tank 1000, and the air vent 1630 is connected to the first water chamber 1100 through an air path. When water is injected into the first water chamber 1100, the air in the first water chamber 1100 can be discharged through the air vent 1630. The second water chamber 1200 is connected to the first water chamber 1100 through the exhaust channel 1500, and then connected to the outside. The exhaust channel 1500 is connected to the first water chamber 1100, and is indirectly connected to the outside. There is no need to separately set up an air path between the second water chamber 1200 and the air vent 1630, thereby reducing the complexity of the structure. Since the water in the first water chamber 1100 is used to provide water for the washing cycle, the first water chamber 1100 is designed to be much larger than the second water chamber 1200. By designing the exhaust channel 1500 and designing the exhaust port 1510 of the exhaust channel 1500 to be higher than the water port 1210, it is ensured that the first water chamber 1100 has a higher water level, thereby accommodating more water.

[0074] Combination Figure 4As shown, since the exhaust channel 1500 is connected with the first water chamber 1100, in order to prevent the water in the first water chamber 1100 from entering the exhaust channel 1500 through the exhaust port 1510 and then entering the second water chamber 1200 during the process of filling the first water chamber 1100 with water, in some embodiments of the present application, a concave cavity 1410 is provided in the water tank 1000, and the concave cavity 1410 is open downwardly, and the space enclosed by the concave cavity 1410 is connected with the first water chamber 1100, and the exhaust port 1510 needs to extend into the concave cavity 1410, so that the water level in the first water chamber 1100 can be higher than the concave cavity 1410 and water will not enter the exhaust channel 1500, thereby ensuring that the first water chamber 1100 has a larger water capacity.

[0075] Specifically, the concave cavity 1410 can be formed by the corresponding ribs of the water tank 1000. The concave cavity 1410 is open downward, for example, it can form a U-shaped structure. During the process of filling the first water cavity 1100 with water, the water level gradually rises from bottom to top. Since the concave cavity 1410 is connected to the first water cavity 1100, when the water level submerges the concave cavity 1410, the air contained in the concave cavity 1410 can only enter the exhaust channel 1500 through the exhaust port 1510 and then enter the second water cavity 1200. Since the second water cavity 1200 is already full of water at this time, the air in the concave cavity 1410 has nowhere to escape, so that the concave cavity 1410 forms an air cavity, thereby blocking the water in the first water cavity 1100 from entering the concave cavity 1410 and then entering the exhaust channel 1500. The first water cavity 1100 can have a higher water level, which greatly increases the water capacity of the first water cavity 1100, thereby absorbing more heat and saving more energy.

[0076] In order to facilitate the formation of the cavity 1410, the Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the water tank 1000 includes a water inlet channel 1400, which is connected to an external water source to receive water supply, and the concave cavity 1410 is formed by a portion of the water inlet channel 1400 to simplify the structure.

[0077] Specifically, a water inlet channel 1400 is provided in the water tank 1000, and a flow meter 1710 is provided on the water inlet channel 1400. The water inlet channel 1400 is connected to an external water source, and the so-called external water source is water used to provide the dishwasher, such as municipal water. The water inlet channel 1400 can be connected to a faucet through a pipeline, or the water inlet channel 1400 is connected to a water storage tank to receive external water. The water entering the second water chamber 1200 and the first water chamber 1100 needs to be measured by the flow meter 1710, so as to facilitate the counting of the water injection amount, for example, the flow meter 1710 is embedded in the water tank 1000. In order to prevent back suction from occurring in the water inlet channel 1400 when receiving water from the outside, for example, if negative pressure occurs in the pipe corresponding to the faucet, back suction will occur, a pressure relief port 1420 is provided on the water inlet channel 1400, and the pressure relief port 1420 is connected to the outside, for example, connected to the air vent 1630 on the water tank 1000, so as to avoid the phenomenon of back suction. Generally speaking, part of the water inlet channel 1400 needs to be designed to be curved to form an upwardly arched structure, and the pressure relief port 1420 is provided at the lower part of the part of the water inlet channel 1400. The water transported by the water inlet channel 1400 passes over the pressure relief port 1420 under the action of inertia and continues to flow and transport. Thus, the concave cavity 1410 is formed based on the curved structure of the part of the water inlet channel 1400, making full use of the structural arrangement of the water tank 1000 and reducing the complexity of the structure.

[0078] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the water tank 1000 includes an inner tank interface 1610, and the inner tank interface 1610 is connected to the inner tank of the dishwasher, and the inner tank of the dishwasher is provided with a corresponding opening, and the inner tank interface 1610 is connected to the opening on the inner tank, so as to realize the communication between the first water chamber 1100 and the inner tank, and because the first water chamber 1100 is connected to the outside world, the inner tank and the outside world are connected. Since the dishwasher needs to heat water during operation, a certain amount of water vapor will be formed in the inner tank, and the air pressure in the inner tank is relatively large. The inner tank is connected to the outside world through the inner tank interface 1610, thereby maintaining the air pressure balance between the inner tank and the outside world, ensuring the normal washing. Based on this, by designing the inner tank interface 1610 to allow the water of the first water chamber 1100 to flow out and enter the inner tank, when the water in the inner tank reaches the preset water level, the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200 are filled with water, and the inner tank interface 1610 not only plays a role in maintaining the air pressure balance, but also can realize the water supply to the inner tank.

[0079] Specifically, assuming that there is no water in the second water chamber 1200 and the first water chamber 1100, when the dishwasher is in use, external water flows in through the water inlet channel 1400 of the water tank 1000 until it is injected into the first water chamber 1100, and the water level in the first water chamber 1100 gradually rises, and then flows into the second water chamber 1200 through the water port 1210. When the water level in the first water chamber 1100 reaches a preset height, the water in the first water chamber 1100 that is higher than the preset water level flows into the inner tank through the inner tank interface 1610 until the water level in the inner tank reaches the preset height, and the water inflow is stopped. At this time, there is water for circulating washing in the inner tank, and the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200 of the water tank 1000 also store corresponding water.

[0080] Furthermore, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, when the water in the first water chamber 1100 enters the inner tank through the inner tank interface 1610, the water level of the first water chamber 1100 is higher than the lower edge of the concave cavity 1410 and immerses the concave cavity 1410. For example, the water tank 1000 includes an overflow port 1620, and the overflow port 1620 is connected to the first water chamber 1100 and the inner tank interface 1610. The overflow port 1620 is higher than the lower edge of the concave cavity 1410, and the inner tank interface 1610 is lower than the lower edge of the concave cavity 1410. When the water level in the first water chamber 1100 gradually increases, it overflows from the overflow port 1620 and then flows downward to the inner tank interface 1610 to enter the inner tank. At this time, the concave cavity 1410 can constitute the air cavity mentioned above, ensuring that the water in the first water chamber 1100 will not enter the exhaust channel 1500, and can also ensure that the first water chamber 1100 has a large water capacity.

[0081] The following describes the water tank 1000 in conjunction with the water softener 2000. Figure 6 As shown, the water softener 2000 includes a soft water inlet 2110, a soft water outlet 2120, and a regenerated water inlet 2210. The soft water inlet 2110 and the soft water outlet 2120 are respectively connected to the soft water chamber 2100 of the water softener 2000, and the regenerated water inlet 2210 is connected to the regeneration chamber 2200 of the water softener 2000. There is a flow channel between the soft water chamber 2100 and the regeneration chamber 2200 that can be switched on and off. The water tank 1000 includes a first inlet 14 30. The first outlet 1440, the second inlet 1110, the second outlet 1220 and the third outlet 1120. The first inlet 1430 and the first outlet 1440 are respectively located at two ends of the water inlet channel 1400 and are connected to the water inlet channel 1400. The first inlet 1430 is connected to an external water source, for example, connected to a faucet through a pipeline. The first outlet 1440 is connected to the soft water inlet 2110, and the second inlet 1110 is connected to the soft water outlet 2120.

[0082] The water intake process of the first washing cycle of the dishwasher is as follows: water is taken into the water tank 1000, the water enters the water inlet channel 1400 through the first inlet 1430, then flows out from the first outlet 1440 and enters the soft water chamber 2100 through the soft water inlet 2110, the water is softened in the soft water chamber 2100, then flows out from the soft water outlet 2120, and continues to be injected into the first water chamber 1100 through the second inlet 1110. In the process of filling the first water chamber 1100, the water in the first water chamber 1100 enters the second water chamber 1200 through the water port 1210, until the water in the first water chamber 1100 reaches a preset water level, and then flows into the inner tank through the inner tank interface 1610. When the water level in the inner tank reaches the preset water level, the water intake is stopped, and the dishwasher uses the water in the inner tank for the first washing cycle.

[0083] After the dishwasher completes the first washing cycle, it needs to drain the water in the inner tank and then enter the second washing cycle. The water intake process of the second washing cycle is as follows: the water in the first water chamber 1100 is discharged to the inner tank through the third outlet 1120, and then water is supplied from the external water source, which is similar to the water intake process of the first washing cycle, until the water in the first water chamber 1100 reaches a preset water level or until the water in the inner tank reaches a preset water level, and then the water intake is stopped, and the dishwasher uses the water in the inner tank to perform a second washing cycle. It can be seen that the inner tank interface 1610 and the third outlet 1120 are two ways of supplying water to the inner tank, wherein the inner tank interface 1610 flows into the inner tank from the inner tank interface 1610 when the first water chamber 1100 reaches a certain water level, thereby ensuring that when the dishwasher is in a washing cycle, the first water chamber 1100 stores a certain amount of water, and the third outlet 1120 is used to drain the water in the first water chamber 1100 into the inner tank. Since the water in the first water chamber 1100 absorbs heat, the energy consumption of the washing cycle can be reduced. It can be understood that the so-called emptying is to transport most of the water to the inner tank.

[0084] When the dishwasher completes washing, the first water chamber 1100 and the second water chamber 1200 contain softened water for use the next time the dishwasher is used.

[0085] When the water softener 2000 needs to be regenerated, the flow channel between the soft water chamber 2100 and the regeneration chamber 2200 is controlled to open, and the water in the second water chamber 1200 enters the regeneration chamber 2200 through the second outlet 1220, and the formed brine enters the soft water chamber 2100 to regenerate the soft water resin in the soft water chamber 2100, and then is discharged from the soft water chamber 2100.

[0086] The present application also discloses a dishwasher, which includes the water tank 1000 of the above embodiment. The water tank 1000 can be tightly installed on the inner tank, and the heat emitted by the inner tank is absorbed by the water in the water tank 1000. It can be understood that the water tank 1000 of the dishwasher of this embodiment adopts the technical solution of the above embodiment, and therefore has at least the beneficial effects brought by the technical solution of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0087] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural changes made based on the concept of the present application and the contents of the present application description and drawings, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A water tank, characterized in that: include: A first water chamber, adapted to communicate with the inner tank of the dishwasher to supply water to the inner tank of the dishwasher; The second water chamber is adapted to communicate with the regenerated water inlet of the water softener and is provided with a water outlet; and The valve body is suitable for opening the water passage to connect the first water chamber and the second water chamber so that the water in the first water chamber enters the second water chamber, and is also suitable for closing the water passage to disconnect the connection between the first water chamber and the second water chamber.

2. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve body is suitable for unidirectionally conducting the water passage so that water flows from the first water cavity through the water passage into the second water cavity.

3. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve body includes a valve core. When the water level of the second water chamber is lower than the valve core, the valve core opens the water outlet. When the water level of the second water chamber is higher than the valve core, the valve core closes the water outlet under the action of buoyancy.

4. The water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that The valve core opens the water opening under the action of gravity.

5. The water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve body comprises a valve housing, which is arranged below the water passage and communicates with the water passage and the second water cavity, and the valve core is suitable for moving up and down in the valve housing.

6. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The water tank comprises an exhaust channel, the exhaust channel is communicated with the second water cavity, the exhaust channel is provided with an exhaust port, the exhaust port is higher than the water port and is communicated with the first water cavity, and the first water cavity is communicated with the outside.

7. The water tank according to claim 6, characterized in that The water tank comprises a concave cavity opened downward, the concave cavity is communicated with the first water cavity, and the exhaust port extends into the concave cavity.

8. The water tank according to claim 7, characterized in that The water tank comprises a water inlet channel, which is suitable for receiving water from an external source, and a portion of the water inlet channel is bent to enclose the concave cavity.

9. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The water tank includes an inner tank interface, which is suitable for connecting to the inner tank of the dishwasher. The inner tank interface is communicated with the first water cavity and is suitable for allowing water above a preset water level of the first water cavity to flow into the inner tank through the inner tank interface.

10. The water tank according to claim 9, characterized in that When the water in the first water chamber flows into the inner tank through the inner tank interface, the water in the first water chamber covers the lower edge of the concave cavity of the water tank.

11. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The water tank comprises: a first inlet, connected to the water inlet passage of the water tank and suitable for connecting to an external water source; a first outlet, communicating with the water inlet passage of the water tank and adapted to be connected to a soft water inlet of a water softener; a second inlet, communicating with the first water chamber and adapted to be connected to a soft water outlet of a water softener; a second outlet, communicating with the second water chamber and adapted to be connected to a regenerated water inlet of a water softener; and The third outlet is communicated with the first water chamber and is suitable for being connected to the inner tank of the dishwasher to drain the water in the first water chamber.

12. A dishwasher, characterized in that: The dishwasher comprises the water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images