Cleaning machine and cleaning method

Abstract

The cleaning machine comprises a box body extending in the length direction, and further comprises a partition plate assembly arranged in the middle of the box body and used for dividing a first cavity and a second cavity which are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and at least part of the partition plate assembly can stretch out and draw back up and down so that the first cavity and the second cavity can be communicated or separated; the drying assembly is arranged outside the box body and communicates with the first cavity; the first bowl basket is arranged in the first cavity and located on the upper portion of the first cavity; the second bowl basket is arranged in the first cavity and located on the lower portion of the first cavity. The third bowl basket is arranged in the second cavity and can move up and down along with stretching and retracting of the partition plate assembly, the third bowl basket is located on the upper portion of the second cavity in the state that the first cavity and the second cavity are communicated through the partition plate assembly, and the third bowl basket descends to the middle or the lower portion of the second cavity in the state that the first cavity and the second cavity are separated through the partition plate assembly; and independent spraying structures are arranged in the first cavity and the second cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of dishwashers, and in particular to a washing machine and a washing method for washing tableware, fruits and vegetables. Background Art

[0002] Integrated dishwashers are a new type of dishwasher. Compared to built-in dishwashers, they are wider and shorter. Existing compartmentalized dishwashers, which rely on movable partitions, are primarily suited for washing small quantities of dishes and have limited application scenarios.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent ZL 202023348649.2 "A dishwasher" discloses a dishwasher that can be cleaned in separate chambers, which includes a box body with an inner cavity; a partition assembly, arranged in the inner cavity of the box body, for dividing the inner cavity of the box body into relatively independent upper and lower spaces; the partition assembly includes: a fixed plate, horizontally placed in the middle of the box body and connected to the inner wall of the box body; a movable plate, movably arranged on the fixed plate, for cooperating with the fixed plate to separate the upper space from the lower space or connect the upper space with the lower space; also includes: a surrounding plate, arranged on the lower wall surface of the fixed plate, and a relatively independent installation compartment is formed between the fixed plate and the inner wall of the box body; a driving member, arranged in the installation compartment, and the power output shaft passes through the surrounding plate and is connected to the movable plate.

[0004] Although the above scheme can perform separate chamber cleaning according to the number of dishes to be cleaned, after the upper and lower chambers are divided into upper and lower chambers, the height of the upper and lower washing chambers is greatly reduced. When the number of dishes is small and the dishes that need to be cleaned are large (such as pots), they cannot be cleaned by the separate chamber method, resulting in the inability to meet user needs. If the combined chamber cleaning is chosen, there is still the problem of water and electricity waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can perform separate chamber cleaning according to the number of tableware and can also take into account the cleaning needs of large-volume or high-height tableware in response to the current status of the existing technology.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning method for the above-mentioned cleaning machine in view of the current status of the existing technology.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve at least one of the above technical problems is:

[0008] A cleaning machine includes a box extending in a length direction, and further includes:

[0009] a partition assembly disposed in the middle of the box body and used to separate a first cavity and a second cavity arranged side by side on the left and right, wherein at least a portion of the partition assembly can be extended and retracted up and down to connect or isolate the first cavity and the second cavity;

[0010] A drying component is arranged outside the box and communicated with the first cavity;

[0011] a first bowl basket, disposed in the first cavity and located at an upper portion of the first cavity;

[0012] a second bowl basket, disposed in the first cavity and located at the lower part of the first cavity;

[0013] a third basket disposed in the second cavity and capable of moving up and down with the expansion and contraction of the partition assembly; when the partition assembly connects the first cavity with the second cavity, the third basket is located in the upper portion of the second cavity; and when the partition assembly separates the first cavity from the second cavity, the third basket descends to the middle or lower portion of the second cavity;

[0014] Independent spray structures are provided in the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0015] The above-mentioned chamber structure adopts the method of arranging the first cavity and the second cavity side by side on the left and right, so that the height of the washing cavity is not affected by whether the chamber is divided or not, thereby meeting the requirements of washing a small amount of tableware and large-height tableware at the same time. On the basis of saving water and electricity, it meets more user needs and improves user experience.

[0016] In the present invention, the partition assembly includes a fixed plate at the top and a movable plate at the bottom. The upper edge of the fixed plate contacts the top wall of the inner casing, and a gap is formed between the lower edge of the fixed plate and the bottom wall of the inner casing. The movable plate can move up and down relative to the fixed plate to open and close the gap. The third basket is connected to the movable plate via a transmission mechanism. This partition assembly structure utilizes the fixed plate as support and the movable plate to drive the up and down movement of the third basket. This not only simplifies the overall structure but also allows the position of the third basket within the second chamber to adjust accordingly with the opening and closing of the partition assembly to meet the specific usage conditions of the washing machine.

[0017] Preferably, the transmission mechanism includes a support frame, a rack, a first gear, a second gear, and a connecting rod. The support frame is formed into a U-shaped structure with an opening arranged in front. The bottom of the third basket is mounted on the U-shaped structure via a first roller so as to be movable back and forth. The rear side of the support frame is constrained to the rear wall of the box so as to be movable up and down. The rack is vertically arranged at the rear edge of the movable plate. The first gear is rotatably mounted on the rear wall of the box and meshes with the rack for transmission. The second gear is rotatably mounted on the rear wall of the box and meshes with the first gear for transmission. The first end of the connecting rod is connected to the rotating shaft of the second gear, and the second end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rear side of the support frame. The above structure is used to achieve the linkage between the movable plate and the support frame, thereby driving the third basket to rise and fall to adapt to the corresponding cleaning mode.

[0018] Preferably, the rear side of the support frame is provided with a protrusion, and correspondingly, the rear side wall of the box body is provided with a guide groove extending up and down and cooperating with the protrusion in guiding the up and down directions. This structure is conducive to the stable up and down movement of the third bowl basket.

[0019] Preferably, corresponding first support platforms are provided on either side of the center of the first cavity, and the bottom of the first basket is supported on the first support platforms by second rollers for forward and backward movement. Support plates extending forward and backward are provided on the fixed plates on the sides of the first cavity, and the upper surfaces of these support plates form the corresponding first support platforms. This structure facilitates pulling the first basket out of or pushing it into the first cavity, making it easier for users to remove and place tableware.

[0020] Preferably, corresponding second supports are provided on either side of the bottom of the first cavity, and the second basket is supported on the second supports by third rollers for forward and backward movement. This structure facilitates pulling the second basket out of or pushing it into the first cavity, making it easier for users to place and retrieve tableware.

[0021] In the present invention, a driving mechanism is provided on the side of the partition assembly for driving the movable plate to move up and down relative to the fixed plate. This structure is adopted to realize the opening and closing of the partition and the automatic lifting and lowering of the third bowl basket.

[0022] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes a motor, a screw rod, and a screw block. The motor is arranged on the top of the fixed plate and the output end is arranged facing the screw rod. The screw rod extends vertically and the upper end is connected to the output end of the motor. The screw rod is arranged on the side wall of the movable plate and is transmitted to the screw rod.

[0023] A cleaning method using the above cleaning machine:

[0024] (1) When a large amount of tableware needs to be washed, the first bowl basket, the second bowl basket, and the third bowl basket are simultaneously placed with tableware, the partition assembly separates the first cavity from the second cavity, and the first cavity and the second cavity are washed independently. At this time, the third bowl basket is located in the middle or lower part of the second cavity;

[0025] After cleaning, the partition assembly connects the first cavity and the second cavity, and the drying assembly is used to dry the first cavity and the second cavity at the same time. At this time, the third bowl basket is located above the second cavity;

[0026] After drying is completed, the first cavity and the second cavity are kept in communication, and the third bowl basket is always located above the second cavity to store tableware and facilitate users to take tableware from the third bowl basket without bending over;

[0027] (2) When a small amount of tableware needs to be washed and the high-height tableware needs to be washed, the partition assembly separates the first cavity from the second cavity, and the tableware is placed in the third bowl basket. At this time, the third bowl basket is located in the middle or lower part of the second cavity to meet the placement requirements of the high-height tableware, and the second cavity is used for independent washing;

[0028] After cleaning, the large-height tableware is taken out, and the partition assembly connects the first cavity and the second cavity, and enters the tableware storage state again.

[0029] Compared with the existing technology, the advantages of the present invention are: the chamber structure of the present invention adopts the method of arranging the first cavity and the second cavity side by side on the left and right, so that the height of the washing cavity is not affected by whether the chamber is divided or not, thereby meeting the requirements of washing a small amount of tableware and large-height tableware at the same time, and on the basis of saving water and electricity, meeting more user needs and improving user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention (non-divided chamber state);

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Coordination diagram of the middle partition assembly and the third bowl basket;

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention (divided chamber state). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cleaning machine of this embodiment includes a box body 1 extending along the length direction, and also includes:

[0035] The partition assembly 2 is provided in the middle of the box body 1 and is used to separate the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 which are arranged side by side on the left and right. At least a part of the partition assembly 2 can be extended and retracted up and down to connect or separate the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12;

[0036] A drying assembly (not shown) is provided outside the housing 1 and communicates with the first cavity 11;

[0037] The first bowl basket 01 is disposed in the first cavity 11 and is located at the upper part of the first cavity 11;

[0038] The second bowl basket 02 is disposed in the first cavity 11 and is located at the lower part of the first cavity 11;

[0039] The third basket 03 is disposed in the second cavity 12 and can move up and down with the expansion and contraction of the partition assembly 2. When the partition assembly 2 connects the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12, the third basket 03 is located in the upper part of the second cavity 12. When the partition assembly 2 separates the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12, the third basket 03 descends to the middle or lower part of the second cavity 12.

[0040] Independent spray structures are provided in the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 , and independent drainage structures are provided at the bottoms of the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 .

[0041] The above-mentioned chamber structure adopts the method of arranging the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 side by side on the left and right, so that the height of the washing chamber is not affected by whether the chamber is divided or not, thereby meeting the requirements of washing a small amount of tableware and large-height tableware at the same time. On the basis of saving water and electricity, it meets more user needs and improves user experience.

[0042] In this embodiment, the partition assembly 2 includes a fixed plate 21 at the top and a movable plate 22 at the bottom. The upper edge of the fixed plate 21 contacts the inner top wall of the housing 1, and a gap 23 is formed between the lower edge of the fixed plate 21 and the inner bottom wall of the housing 1. The movable plate 22 can move up and down relative to the fixed plate 21 to open or close the gap 23. The third basket 03 is connected to the movable plate 22 via a transmission mechanism 3. The above-described partition assembly 2 structure utilizes the fixed plate 21 as a support and the movable plate 22 to drive the up and down movement of the third basket 03. This not only simplifies the overall structure but also allows the position of the third basket 03 within the second chamber 12 to adjust accordingly with the opening and closing of the partition assembly 2 to meet the specific usage conditions of the cleaning machine.

[0043] The transmission mechanism 3 includes a support frame 31, a rack 32, a first gear 33, a second gear 34, and a connecting rod 35. The support frame 31 is formed into a U-shaped structure with an opening arranged forward. The bottom of the third basket 03 is mounted on the U-shaped structure via a first roller 031, allowing for forward and backward movement. The rear side of the support frame 31 is constrained to the rear wall of the housing 1 for vertical movement. The rack 32 is vertically arranged at the rear edge of the movable plate 22. The first gear 33 is rotatably mounted on the rear wall of the housing 1 and meshes with the rack 32. The second gear 34 is rotatably mounted on the rear wall of the housing 1 and meshes with the first gear 33. The first end of the connecting rod 35 is connected to the rotating shaft of the second gear 34, and the second end of the connecting rod 35 is rotatably connected to the rear side of the support frame 31. This structure achieves the linkage between the movable plate 22 and the support frame 31, thereby driving the third basket 03 to rise and fall to suit the corresponding cleaning mode.

[0044] The rear side of the support frame 31 is provided with a protrusion 311. Accordingly, the rear side wall of the box body 1 is provided with a guide groove 13 extending up and down and cooperating with the protrusion 311. This structure is conducive to the stable up and down movement of the third bowl basket 03.

[0045] Corresponding first supports 111 are located on either side of the center of the first cavity 11. The bottom of the first basket 01 is supported on the first supports 111 by second rollers 011, allowing for forward and backward movement. Support plates extending forward and backward are located on the fixed plate 21 on the side of the first cavity 11. The upper surfaces of these support plates form the corresponding first supports 111. This structure facilitates pulling the first basket 01 into or out of the first cavity 11, making it easier for users to place and retrieve tableware.

[0046] Second support platforms 112 are located on either side of the bottom of the first cavity 11. The second basket 02 is supported on the second support platforms 112 on both sides of the bottom, allowing for forward and backward movement, via third rollers 021. This structure facilitates pulling the second basket 02 out of or pushing it into the first cavity 11, making it easier for users to place and retrieve tableware.

[0047] In this embodiment, a driving mechanism 4 is provided on the side of the partition assembly 2 for driving the movable plate 22 to move up and down relative to the fixed plate 21. This structure is adopted to realize the opening and closing of the partition assembly and the automatic lifting of the third bowl basket 03.

[0048] The driving mechanism 4 includes a motor 41, a screw rod 42, and a screw block 43. The motor 41 is arranged at the top of the fixed plate 21 and the output end is arranged facing the screw rod 42. The screw rod 42 extends vertically and the upper end is connected to the output end of the motor 41. The screw rod 42 is arranged on the side wall of the movable plate 22 and is transmitted to the screw rod 42.

[0049] The cleaning method of this embodiment is:

[0050] (1) When a large amount of tableware needs to be washed, the first bowl basket 01, the second bowl basket 02, and the third bowl basket 03 are placed with tableware at the same time. The partition assembly 2 separates the first cavity 11 from the second cavity 12. The first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 are washed independently. At this time, the third bowl basket 03 is located in the middle or lower part of the second cavity 12.

[0051] After cleaning, the partition assembly 2 connects the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12, and the drying assembly is used to dry the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 at the same time. At this time, the third bowl basket 03 is located above the second cavity 12;

[0052] After drying, the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 are kept in communication, and the third bowl basket 03 is always located above the second cavity 12 to store tableware and facilitate users to take tableware from the third bowl basket 03 without bending over;

[0053] (2) When a small amount of tableware needs to be washed and high-height tableware needs to be washed, the partition assembly 2 separates the first cavity 11 from the second cavity 12, and the tableware is placed in the third bowl basket 03. At this time, the third bowl basket 03 is located in the middle or lower part of the second cavity 12 to meet the placement requirements of high-height tableware, and the second cavity 12 is used for independent washing;

[0054] After cleaning, the large-height tableware is taken out, and the partition assembly 2 connects the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12, and enters the tableware storage state again.

[0055] The divided chamber structure of the present invention adopts the method of arranging the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 side by side on the left and right, so that the height of the washing chamber is not affected by whether the chamber is divided or not, thereby meeting the requirements of washing a small amount of tableware and large-height tableware at the same time. On the basis of saving water and electricity, it meets more user needs and improves user experience.

[0056] Directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom" are used in the present specification and claims to describe various exemplary structural components and elements of the present invention. However, these terms are used herein for convenience of description only and are based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the embodiments disclosed herein can be arranged in various orientations, these directional terms are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, "up" and "down" are not necessarily defined as directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine comprising a housing (1) extending in a longitudinal direction, characterized in that: Also includes A partition assembly (2) is provided in the middle of the box body (1) and is used to separate a first cavity (11) and a second cavity (12) arranged side by side on the left and right. At least a portion of the partition assembly (2) can be extended and retracted up and down to connect or separate the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12). A drying component is arranged outside the box (1) and is in communication with the first cavity (11); A first bowl basket (01) is provided in the first cavity (11) and is located at the upper part of the first cavity (11); A second bowl basket (02) is provided in the first cavity (11) and is located at the lower part of the first cavity (11); The third bowl basket (03) is arranged in the second cavity (12) and can move up and down with the expansion and contraction of the partition assembly (2); when the partition assembly (2) connects the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12), the third bowl basket (03) is located at the upper part of the second cavity (12); when the partition assembly (2) separates the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12), the third bowl basket (03) descends to the middle or lower part of the second cavity (12); Independent spray structures are provided in the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12).

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition assembly (2) comprises a fixed plate (21) located at the upper portion and a movable plate (22) located at the lower portion; the upper edge of the fixed plate (21) contacts the inner top wall of the box body (1); a gap (23) is formed between the lower edge of the fixed plate (21) and the inner bottom wall of the box body (1); the movable plate (22) can move up and down relative to the fixed plate (21) to open or close the gap (23); and the third bowl basket (03) is connected to the movable plate (22) via a transmission mechanism (3).

3. The cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (3) comprises a support frame (31), a rack (32), a first gear (33), a second gear (34) and a connecting rod (35); the support frame (31) is formed into a U-shaped structure with an opening arranged in front; the bottom of the third bowl basket (03) is arranged on the U-shaped structure so as to be movable forward and backward by a first roller; the rear side of the support frame (31) is constrained on the rear side wall of the box body (1) so as to be movable up and down; the rack (32) is vertically arranged at the rear edge of the movable plate (22); the first gear (33) is rotatably arranged on the rear side wall of the box body (1) and meshes with the rack (32) for transmission; the second gear (34) is rotatably arranged on the rear side wall of the box body (1) and meshes with the first gear (33) for transmission; the first end of the connecting rod (35) is connected to the rotating shaft of the second gear (34); and the second end of the connecting rod (35) is rotatably connected to the rear side of the support frame (31).

4. The cleaning machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rear side of the support frame (31) is provided with a protrusion, and correspondingly, the rear side wall of the box body (1) is provided with a guide groove extending up and down and cooperating with the protrusion in the upward and downward guidance.

5. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Corresponding first supporting platforms are respectively provided on both sides of the middle of the first cavity (11), and both sides of the bottom of the first bowl basket (01) are supported on the first supporting platforms so as to be movable forward and backward via second rollers.

6. The cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: A supporting plate extending forward and backward is provided on the fixing plate (21) on the side of the first cavity (11), and the upper surface of the supporting plate constitutes a corresponding first supporting platform.

7. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Corresponding second supports are provided on both sides of the bottom of the first cavity (11), and both sides of the bottom of the second bowl basket (02) are supported on the second supports so as to be movable forward and backward via third rollers.

8. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: A driving mechanism (4) for driving the movable plate (22) to move up and down relative to the fixed plate (21) is provided on the side of the partition plate assembly (2).

9. The cleaning machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (4) comprises a motor (41), a screw rod (42), and a screw block (43); the motor (41) is arranged on the top of the fixed plate (21) with the output end facing inward; the screw rod (42) extends vertically and the upper end is connected to the output end of the motor (41); the screw rod (42) is arranged on the side wall of the movable plate (22) and is driven by the screw rod (42).

10. A cleaning method, characterized in that: Using the cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, (1) When a large amount of tableware needs to be washed, the first bowl basket (01), the second bowl basket (02), and the third bowl basket (03) are simultaneously loaded with tableware, the partition assembly (2) separates the first cavity (11) from the second cavity (12), and the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12) are cleaned independently. At this time, the third bowl basket (03) is located in the middle or lower part of the second cavity (12); After cleaning is completed, the partition assembly (2) connects the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12), and the drying assembly is used to dry the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12) at the same time. At this time, the third bowl basket (03) is located above the second cavity (12); After drying is completed, the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12) are kept in a communicating state, and the third bowl basket (03) is always located above the second cavity (12) to store tableware and facilitate users to take and put tableware from the third bowl basket (03) without bending over; (2) When a small amount of tableware needs to be washed and the high-height tableware needs to be washed, the partition assembly (2) separates the first cavity (11) from the second cavity (12), and the tableware is placed in the third bowl basket (03). At this time, the third bowl basket (03) is located in the middle or lower part of the second cavity (12) to meet the placement requirements of the high-height tableware, and the second cavity (12) is used for independent washing; After cleaning is completed, the large-height tableware is taken out, and the partition assembly (2) connects the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12), and enters the tableware storage state again.

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