Water pumps and cleaning machines for use in cleaning machines

Abstract

This invention relates to a water pump and a cleaning machine for use in cleaning machines. The invention utilizes a soft rubber sheet in a portion of the pump casing top wall corresponding to the center of the impeller. This soft rubber sheet is elastic and can self-deform under pressure. When the cleaning operation requires the water pump to operate at low power, the axial force formed by the pressure difference between the front and rear cover plates of the impeller is relatively small. At this time, the negative pressure between the impeller and the inner top wall of the pump casing is small, and the soft rubber sheet deforms slightly downwards, thereby balancing the axial force of the water pump, eliminating volumetric losses, reducing vibration and noise, and improving operating efficiency. When the cleaning operation requires the water pump to operate at high power, the axial force formed by the pressure difference between the front and rear cover plates of the impeller is relatively high. At this time, the negative pressure between the impeller and the inner top wall of the pump casing increases, and the soft rubber sheet continues to deform downwards to reduce the space between the impeller and the inner top wall of the pump casing, thereby maximizing the balance of the axial force of the water pump, eliminating volumetric losses, reducing vibration and noise, and improving operating efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically to a water pump and a cleaning machine for use in a cleaning machine. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, dishwashers have gradually become a common appliance in kitchens. The water pump is an essential component of a dishwasher, and its performance directly affects the quality of the cleaning.

[0003] The applicant's prior patent ZL 202222653782.1, "An Impeller Structure and Application of the Impeller Structure in a Water Pump and a Cleaning Machine," discloses a structure in which the impeller structure includes an upper cover plate, a lower cover plate, and blades. The top of the upper cover plate is provided with radially extending back blades. An outlet is formed between the edge of the upper cover plate and the edge of the lower cover plate, which is connected to the inlet through a water guide channel. The impeller is rotatably mounted in the pump casing. The pump casing has a suction port at the bottom, a first outlet at the top, and a second outlet on the side.

[0004] In the aforementioned water pump, a back vane is installed at the top of the upper cover plate. This back vane cooperates with the inner top wall of the pump casing to balance the axial force to a certain extent and reduce vibration and noise. However, under different operating conditions, as the pump's operating power changes, the distance between the inner top wall of the pump casing and the top of the impeller remains constant, but the generated pressure changes. This means that the back vane cannot completely and effectively balance the axial force, and the pump's vibration and noise still exist. In addition, there is also a certain amount of potential loss between the top of the impeller and the inner top wall of the pump, affecting the pump's operating efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water pump for a cleaning machine that can automatically balance axial force according to changes in working conditions, thereby reducing vibration and noise, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water pump for a cleaning machine that can automatically compensate for volume loss as the operating conditions change, thereby improving operating efficiency, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0007] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that uses the above-mentioned water pump, in view of the current state of the prior art.

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

[0009] A water pump for a cleaning machine includes a pump casing and an impeller. The impeller is rotatably disposed in the pump casing. The pump casing has an inlet at the bottom and an outlet on the side. The top wall of the pump casing is made of a deformable soft rubber sheet at the central part corresponding to the impeller. The soft rubber sheet deforms and stretches downward as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller increases, thereby changing the distance between the top wall of the pump casing and the top of the impeller. It deforms and returns to its original position upward as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller decreases.

[0010] Preferably, the impeller extends downward from its top center to form an impeller shaft, the shaft having a hollow interior forming a cavity, and the soft rubber sheet is arranged corresponding to this cavity. Preferably, the soft rubber sheet deforms and protrudes into the cavity as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller increases. This structure facilitates connection between the cavity and the motor shaft extending upward from below the impeller, and the cavity provides space for the soft rubber sheet to deform downward, allowing for greater deformation to better eliminate volumetric losses and balance the axial force of the pump.

[0011] Preferably, the upper surface of the impeller and the concave cavity are smoothly connected by an arc-shaped structure. This structure reduces water flow energy loss.

[0012] Preferably, the upper surface of the impeller is provided with radially distributed back blades, and the inner end of the back blades extends to the edge of the cavity. The back blades themselves can cooperate with the inner top wall of the pump casing to balance the axial force of the water pump. In this invention, the back blades are surrounded by a soft rubber sheet, which can cooperate with the deformation of the soft rubber sheet to better balance the axial force of the water pump.

[0013] Preferably, the pump casing has a top cover that is detachably connected to it. The top wall of the pump casing has an opening corresponding to the impeller arrangement. The top cover is installed at and covers the opening. The lower surface of the top cover forms part of the inner top wall of the pump casing. The soft rubber sheet is disposed on the top cover. Preferably, the top cover is made of rigid plastic, and the soft rubber sheet is disposed in the middle of the top cover and integrally formed therewith. This structure facilitates the installation of the soft rubber sheet on the pump casing and simplifies manufacturing.

[0014] Preferably, the top cover has a notch in the center for installing a soft rubber sheet, and the soft rubber sheet is injection molded to the edge of the notch. This connection method is convenient to manufacture and has good structural reliability.

[0015] Preferably, the top cover is provided with a buffer cavity that surrounds the soft rubber sheet, and the top cover has a guide hole for draining water accumulated in the buffer cavity into the pump casing. This buffer cavity can provide cushioning for the deformation and repositioning of the soft rubber sheet, thereby improving its operational stability.

[0016] Preferably, in the completed production state, the soft rubber sheet is slightly arched upwards from its edge towards its center, and the guide holes are multiple and arranged at intervals around the periphery of the soft rubber sheet. This structure facilitates the guidance of water accumulated in the buffer chamber to the pump casing for discharge.

[0017] To facilitate installation and assembly, the top of the pump casing is provided with a mounting cover for securing the top cover to the pump casing. The top cover is secured under the mounting cover. The top wall of the pump casing is provided with a first mounting piece extending upward from the edge of the opening. The mounting cover is detachably locked onto the first mounting piece.

[0018] Preferably, the edge of the mounting cover is provided with a downwardly extending second mounting piece, and the lower surface of the mounting cover is provided with a downwardly extending third mounting piece near the second mounting piece. A clamping groove is formed between the second and third mounting pieces to hold the first mounting piece therein. A sealing ring is also provided in the clamping groove to elastically press against the third and first mounting pieces respectively. This structure helps to improve the sealing performance of the top of the pump housing.

[0019] Preferably, the upper surface of the top cover is provided with an upwardly extending fourth mounting piece, which is inserted into and pressed tightly against the third mounting piece. The upper surface of the top cover, the fourth mounting piece, and the lower surface of the mounting cover together enclose the buffer cavity. This structure helps to improve the sealing performance of the buffer cavity and prevents pressure loss from the pump casing through the buffer cavity.

[0020] A cleaning machine includes a housing and a spray arm. The bottom of the housing is provided with a recessed water return area, and the top of the water return area is covered with a filter plate. The spray arm is disposed on the filter plate. The machine also includes the aforementioned water pump. The pump housing is disposed in the water return area. There is a water suction gap between the water inlet at the bottom of the pump housing and the bottom of the water return area. The spray arm is connected to the water outlet of the pump housing.

[0021] Preferably, the water outlet includes a first water outlet and a second water outlet, the spray arm includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm, the pump casing bends upward from its first water outlet and extends to at least the filter plate and is rotatably connected to the first spray arm, and the second spray arm is located in the upper part of the box and is connected to the second water outlet through a water supply pipe.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: This invention uses a soft rubber sheet to make a portion of the pump casing top wall corresponding to the center of the impeller. The soft rubber sheet is elastic and can adaptively deform under pressure. When the cleaning operation requires the pump to operate at low power, the axial force formed by the pressure difference between the front and rear cover plates of the pump impeller is relatively small. At this time, the negative pressure between the impeller and the inner top wall of the pump casing is small, and the soft rubber sheet deforms slightly downwards, thereby balancing the axial force of the pump, eliminating the volumetric loss of the pump, reducing vibration and noise, and improving operating efficiency. When the cleaning operation requires the pump to operate at high power, the axial force formed by the pressure difference between the front and rear cover plates of the pump impeller is relatively high. At this time, the negative pressure between the impeller and the inner top wall of the pump casing increases, and the soft rubber sheet continues to deform downwards to reduce the space between the impeller and the inner top wall of the pump casing, thereby maximizing the balance of the axial force of the pump, eliminating the volumetric loss of the pump, reducing vibration and noise, and improving operating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A sectional view (not in use);

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view (water pump in low power mode);

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view (water pump in high power mode). Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] In this embodiment, the water pump used in the cleaning machine is an open-type water pump that is directly installed in the washing chamber of the cleaning machine. This open-type water pump adopts a centrifugal water pump structure.

[0030] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the water pump in this embodiment includes a pump casing 1 and an impeller 2. The impeller 2 is rotatably disposed in the pump casing 1. The pump casing 1 has an inlet 11 at the bottom and an outlet on the side. The top wall of the pump casing 1 is made of a deformable soft rubber sheet 3 at the central part corresponding to the impeller 2. The soft rubber sheet 3 deforms and stretches downward as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller 2 increases, thereby changing the distance between the top wall of the pump casing 1 and the top of the impeller 2. It deforms and returns to its original position upward as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller 2 decreases.

[0031] The impeller 2 extends downward from its top center to form a shaft 21. The shaft 21 is hollow, forming a cavity 22. A flexible rubber sheet 3 is arranged corresponding to this cavity 22. As the negative pressure in the area above the impeller 2 increases, the flexible rubber sheet 3 deforms and protrudes into the cavity 22. This structure facilitates connection between the cavity 22 and the motor shaft 21 extending upward from below the impeller 2. Furthermore, the cavity 22 provides space for the flexible rubber sheet 3 to deform downward, allowing for greater deformation and better eliminating volumetric losses, thus balancing the force on the pump shaft 21.

[0032] The upper surface of impeller 2 and cavity 22 are smoothly connected by an arc-shaped structure. This structure is used to reduce water flow energy loss.

[0033] The upper surface of the impeller 2 is provided with radially distributed back blades 23, and the inner end of the back blades 23 extends to the edge of the cavity 22. The back blades 23 themselves can cooperate with the inner top wall of the pump casing 1 to balance the force on the pump shaft 21. In this embodiment, the back blades 23 surrounded by the soft rubber sheet 3 can better balance the force on the pump shaft 21 by adapting to the deformation of the soft rubber sheet 3.

[0034] The pump casing 1 has a top cover 4 that is detachably connected to it. The top wall of the pump casing 1 has an opening corresponding to the arrangement of the impeller 2. The top cover 4 is installed at this opening and covers it. The lower surface of the top cover 4 forms part of the inner top wall of the pump casing 1. A soft rubber sheet is placed on the top cover 4. The top cover 4 is made of rigid plastic, and the soft rubber sheet 3 is located in the middle of the top cover 4 and integrally formed therewith. This structure facilitates the installation of the soft rubber sheet 3 onto the pump casing 1, simplifying manufacturing.

[0035] The top cover 4 has a notch 41 in the middle for installing the soft rubber sheet 3. The soft rubber sheet 3 is injection molded to the edge of the notch 41. This connection method is convenient to manufacture and has good structural reliability.

[0036] A buffer cavity 100 is provided on the top cover 4 to surround the soft rubber sheet 3. The top cover 4 has a guide hole 42 for draining water accumulated in the buffer cavity 100 into the pump casing 1. The buffer cavity 100 can provide buffering for the deformation and repositioning of the soft rubber sheet 3 to improve its operational stability.

[0037] In the completed production state, the soft rubber sheet 3 is slightly arched upwards from its edge to its center, and the guide holes 42 are multiple and arranged at intervals around the periphery of the soft rubber sheet 3. This structure facilitates the guidance of water accumulated in the buffer chamber 100 to the pump casing 1 for discharge.

[0038] To facilitate installation and assembly, the top of the pump housing 1 is provided with a mounting cover 5 for constraining the top cover 4 to the pump housing 1. The top cover 4 is constrained under the mounting cover 5. The top wall of the pump housing 1 is provided with a first mounting piece 12 extending upward from the edge of the opening. The mounting cover 5 is detachably locked onto the first mounting piece 12.

[0039] The mounting cover 5 has a downwardly extending second mounting piece 51 at its edge, which surrounds the first mounting piece 12 and is locked in place by a snap fastener. A downwardly extending third mounting piece 52 is located on the lower surface of the mounting cover 5 near the second mounting piece 51. A clamping groove 50 is formed between the second and third mounting pieces 51 to hold the first mounting piece 51 within it. A sealing ring 53 is also provided in the clamping groove 50, which elastically presses against both the third and first mounting pieces 51. This structure improves the sealing performance of the top of the pump housing 1.

[0040] The upper surface of the top cover 4 is provided with an upwardly extending fourth fitting 43, which is inserted into and pressed tightly against the third fitting 52. The upper surface of the top cover 4, the fourth fitting 43, and the lower surface of the mounting cover 5 together enclose the buffer cavity 100. This structure helps to improve the sealing performance of the buffer cavity 100 and prevents pressure loss of the pump casing 1 through the buffer cavity 100.

[0041] In this embodiment, a portion of the top wall of the pump casing 1 corresponding to the center of the impeller 2 is made of soft rubber sheet 3. The soft rubber sheet 3 is elastic and can self-deform under pressure. When the cleaning operation requires the pump to operate at low power, the axial force 21 formed by the pressure difference between the front and rear cover plates of the impeller 2 is relatively small. At this time, the negative pressure between the impeller 2 and the inner top wall of the pump casing 1 is small, and the soft rubber sheet 3 deforms slightly downwards, thereby balancing the axial force 21 of the pump, eliminating volumetric losses, reducing vibration and noise, and improving operating efficiency. When the cleaning operation requires the pump to operate at high power, the axial force 21 formed by the pressure difference between the front and rear cover plates of the impeller 2 is relatively high. At this time, the negative pressure between the impeller 2 and the inner top wall of the pump casing 1 increases, and the soft rubber sheet 3 continues to deform downwards to reduce the space between the impeller 2 and the inner top wall of the pump casing 1, thereby maximizing the balance of the axial force 21 of the pump, eliminating volumetric losses, reducing vibration and noise, and improving operating efficiency.

[0042] The cleaning machine of this embodiment includes a housing and a spray arm. A recessed return water area is provided at the bottom of the housing, and a filter plate covers the top of this return water area. The spray arm is positioned on top of the filter plate. The machine also includes the aforementioned water pump. A pump housing 1 is located in the return water area, and a water suction gap exists between the suction port at the bottom of the pump housing 1 and the bottom of the return water area. The spray arm is connected to the outlet of the pump housing 1. The outlet includes a first outlet 131 and a second outlet 132. The spray arm includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm. The pump housing 1 extends upwards from its first outlet to at least the filter plate and is rotatably connected to the first spray arm. The second spray arm is located in the upper part of the housing and is connected to the second outlet via a water supply pipe.

[0043] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A water pump for a washing machine, comprising a pump housing (1) and an impeller (2) rotatably arranged in the pump housing (1), the pump housing (1) being provided with a water inlet (11) at the bottom and a water outlet at the side, characterized in that: The top wall of the pump shell (1) is provided with a deformable soft rubber sheet (3) corresponding to the central part of the impeller (2), which deforms and stretches downward to change the distance between the top wall of the pump shell (1) and the top of the impeller (2) as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller (2) increases, and deforms and resets upward as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller (2) decreases; the impeller (2) is recessed downward from the center of its top to form a shaft (21) of the impeller (2), the inside of the shaft (21) is hollow to form a concave cavity (22), and the soft rubber sheet (3) is arranged corresponding to the concave cavity (22).

2. The water pump for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soft rubber sheet (3) deforms and protrudes into the concave cavity (22) as the negative pressure in the area above the impeller (2) increases.

3. The water pump for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the impeller (2) and the concave cavity (22) are smoothly connected through an arc structure.

4. The water pump for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the impeller (2) is provided with back blades (23) distributed in a radial manner, and the inner ends of the back blades (23) extend to the edge of the concave cavity (22).

5. The water pump for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 ~ 4, characterized in that: The top of the pump shell (1) is provided with a detachable top cover (4) connected thereto, the top wall of the pump shell (1) is provided with an opening corresponding to the arrangement of the impeller (2), the top cover (4) is installed at the opening and covers the opening, the lower surface of the top cover (4) constitutes part of the inner top wall of the pump shell (1), and the soft rubber sheet (3) is arranged on the top cover (4).

6. The water pump for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top cover (4) is made of hard plastic, and the soft rubber sheet (3) is arranged in the middle of the top cover (4) and is integrally formed with the top cover (4).

7. The water pump for a washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The middle of the top cover (4) is provided with a notch (41) for installing the soft rubber sheet (3), and the soft rubber sheet (3) and the edge of the notch (41) are fused together by injection molding.

8. The water pump for a cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top cover (4) is provided with a buffer cavity (100) capable of surrounding the soft rubber sheet (3) therein, and the top cover (4) is provided with a flow guide hole (42) for draining water accumulated in the buffer cavity (100) into the pump shell (1).

9. The water pump for a washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the finished state, the soft rubber sheet (3) is slightly arched upward from the edge to the center, and the flow guide hole (42) is multiple and arranged around the periphery of the soft rubber sheet (3).

10. The water pump for a cleaning machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top of the pump shell (1) is provided with a mounting cover (5) for restraining the top cover (4) on the pump shell (1), the top cover (4) is restrained below the mounting cover (5), the top wall of the pump shell (1) is provided with a first assembly sleeve (12) extending upward from the edge of the opening, and the mounting cover (5) is detachably locked on the first assembly sleeve (12).

11. A water pump for a washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The edge of the mounting cover (5) is provided with a second assembly sleeve (51) extending downward, the lower surface of the mounting cover (5) is provided with a third assembly sleeve (52) extending downward near the second assembly sleeve (51), a clamping groove (50) for clamping the first assembly sleeve (12) therein is formed between the second assembly sleeve (51) and the third assembly sleeve (52), and a sealing ring (53) is arranged in the clamping groove (50) to elastically press the third assembly sleeve (52) and the first assembly sleeve (12) respectively.

12. The water pump for a washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The upper surface of the top cover (4) is provided with a fourth assembly sleeve (43) extending upward, which is inserted into and tightly sealed with the third assembly sleeve (52), and the upper surface of the top cover (4), the fourth assembly sleeve (43) and the lower surface of the mounting cover (5) jointly enclose the buffer cavity (100).

13. A cleaning machine comprising a tank, a spray arm, the tank being provided at its bottom with a recessed backwater area, the top of which is covered with a filter plate, the spray arm being arranged above the filter plate, characterized in that: The water pump also comprises the water pump of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the pump shell (1) is arranged in a water return area, and a water suction gap is formed between the water suction port at the bottom of the pump shell (1) and the bottom of the water return area, and the spray arm is connected to the water outlet of the pump shell (1).

14. The cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein: The water outlet comprises a first water outlet and a second water outlet, and the spray arm comprises a first spray arm and a second spray arm, the pump shell (1) is bent upward from the first water outlet to the filter plate and is rotationally connected to the first spray arm, and the second spray arm is arranged at the upper part of the box body and is connected to the second water outlet through a water supply pipeline.

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