Dish washing machine and cleaning method of dish washing machine

Abstract

The invention provides a dish-washing machine and a cleaning method of the dish-washing machine, and belongs to the technical field of kitchen appliances. The dish-washing machine comprises a dish-washing machine inner cavity, a water cup, a washing pump, a shunt valve, a main cleaning and filtering system and a rinsing and filtering system. The water cup is provided with a water inlet connector, a washing pump connector and a water drainage connector. The shunt valve is provided with a water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet, the first water outlet is connected with the inner cavity through the spraying arm to form a main cleaning water circulation loop, and the second water outlet is connected with the inner cavity through the rinsing filtering system to form a rinsing water loop. The main cleaning and filtering system is connected with a water cup drainage connector, after residue-containing waste water is filtered, clear water flows back to an inner cavity, and residues are discharged to an external pipeline. The structure achieves efficient deslagging and clear water circulation in the main washing stage, and filter screen blockage and detergent waste are avoided; in the rinsing stage, water is deeply purified through an independent filtering path, the cleanliness and smoothness of tableware are remarkably improved, and the water quality requirements of different stages are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a dishwasher and a method for cleaning the dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, household dishwashers generally employ a single circulating water path combined with a main filter for dishwashing. During the washing process, dishwasher powder or tablets are added in the pre-wash and main wash stages to soften and break down food stains, allowing residue to flow into the bottom cup with the water and be intercepted by the filter inside. However, as the washing cycle continues, a large amount of food residue accumulates on the filter in the cup, easily causing blockage of the filter pores. This reduces the water intake of the washing pump and lowers the spray pressure, severely impacting the cleaning effect. Furthermore, if the drain pump is activated directly during the main wash stage to discharge wastewater containing detergent along with the residue, it wastes the effective ingredients of the detergent and reduces cleaning efficiency.

[0003] Furthermore, during the subsequent rinsing stage, even after the main wash is complete, fine particles remaining in the filter pores may still re-enter the inner cavity with the water flow, adhering to the surface of the washed dishes and causing secondary contamination. Traditional dishwashers lack an independent purification mechanism for the rinsing water, failing to effectively remove any remaining small amounts of food residue and particles, making it difficult to meet users' requirements for high gloss and hygiene standards in the final rinse. Although some products attempt to alleviate this problem by adding self-cleaning programs or increasing the rinsing frequency, this often comes at the cost of extending washing time and increasing water consumption, failing to fundamentally optimize the synergistic logic between the water circuit and the filtration system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a dishwasher and a dishwasher cleaning method that, in addition to the water cup filter, utilizes a dual filtration circuit consisting of a main cleaning circuit and a rinsing circuit to achieve efficient residue separation, clean water recycling, and improved rinsing water quality.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a dishwasher, including a dishwasher cavity, a water cup, a washing pump, a water distribution valve, a main cleaning filter system, and a rinsing filter system; The water cup has a water inlet, a washing pump inlet, and a drain inlet; The water distribution valve has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; The inlet of the washing pump is connected to the washing pump interface of the water cup, and the outlet of the washing pump is connected to the inlet of the water distribution valve. The first water outlet of the water distribution valve is connected to the inner cavity of the dishwasher via a spray arm; The second outlet of the water distribution valve is connected to the inlet of the rinsing and filtration system, and the outlet of the rinsing and filtration system is connected to the inner cavity of the dishwasher. The inlet of the main cleaning and filtration system is connected to the drain port of the water cup; The filtered water outlet of the main cleaning and filtration system is connected to the inner cavity of the dishwasher. The slag discharge port of the main cleaning and filtration system is connected to the external drainage pipeline. The rinsing filter includes a rinsing housing and a rinsing filter element; The rinsing shell is fitted around the outer periphery of the rinsing filter element; The inlet of the rinsing filter element is connected to the second outlet of the water distribution valve; The water outlet on the rinsing shell is connected to the inner cavity of the dishwasher.

[0006] Furthermore, the rinsing filter includes a rinsing housing and a rinsing filter element; The rinsing shell is fitted around the outer periphery of the rinsing filter element; The inlet of the rinsing filter element is connected to the second outlet of the water distribution valve; The water outlet on the rinsing shell is connected to the inner cavity of the dishwasher.

[0007] Furthermore, the main cleaning and filtration system includes a drain pump and a main cleaning filter; The inlet of the drain pump is connected to the drain port of the water cup, and the outlet of the drain pump is connected to the inlet of the main cleaning filter. The slag outlet of the main cleaning filter is connected to an external drainage pipe, and the clean water outlet of the main cleaning filter is connected to the inner cavity of the dishwasher.

[0008] Furthermore, the main cleaning and filtration system also includes a reversing system; The slag discharge port of the main cleaning filter is connected to the first inlet of the reversing system, and the first outlet of the reversing system is connected to the external drainage pipeline, wherein the first inlet and the first outlet of the reversing system are connected. The clean water outlet of the main cleaning filter is connected to the second inlet of the reversing system, and the second outlet of the reversing system is connected to the inner cavity of the dishwasher, wherein the second inlet and the second outlet of the reversing system are in communication.

[0009] Furthermore, the main cleaning and filtration system also includes a unidirectional flow system; The unidirectional flow system is installed on the connecting pipe between the inlet of the main cleaning filter and the drain pump to prevent washing water or residue from flowing back to the drain pump.

[0010] Furthermore, the unidirectional flow system is an inverted U-shaped tube structure; The inverted U-shaped pipe is installed in the connecting pipe between the inlet of the main cleaning filter and the drain pump, with its highest point located above the outlet of the drain pump.

[0011] Furthermore, the washing and filtration system also includes an exhalation system; The exhalation system is located at the top or highest section of the inverted U-shaped tube and is used to expel internal air during water injection.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning method for a dishwasher as described in the above technical solution, comprising the following steps: During the main cleaning phase, the washing pump is activated, allowing the washing water to flow through the first outlet of the water distribution valve to the spray arm, cleaning the kitchen utensils inside the dishwasher. After the preset cleaning time, the washing pump is paused, and the drain pump is started at the same time to transport the residue in the filter screen in the water cup and the washing water containing residue to the main cleaning filter. After solid-liquid separation, the filtered clean water flows back to the inner cavity of the dishwasher. During the rinsing stage, the washing pump is kept running, and a portion of the water flow is directed to the second outlet through the water diversion valve. After being filtered by the rinsing and filtration system, the water is sent into the dishwasher cavity to rinse the kitchenware. After cleaning is complete, stop the washing pump and the drain pump.

[0013] Furthermore, after the main cleaning stage is completed or before the cleaning process ends, the drain pump is started to discharge the food residue accumulated in the main cleaning filter into the external drain pipe through the slag discharge port.

[0014] Furthermore, during the residue treatment stage, the water distribution valve is controlled to close the first outlet and open the second outlet, and the drainage pump is started to introduce the residue-containing wastewater in the washing chamber into the main cleaning and filtration system for solid-liquid separation.

[0015] The present invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: By constructing two functionally independent and stage-adaptive water circuits—the main cleaning water circulation circuit formed by the first outlet of the water distribution valve through the spray arm, and the rinsing water circuit formed by the second outlet of the water distribution valve through the rinsing and filtration system—precise responses to the water quality requirements of different washing stages are achieved. During the main cleaning stage, a large amount of food residue is washed down and accumulates at the bottom of the water cup. At this time, the main cleaning and filtration system can promptly export the wastewater containing residue, filter and separate it, and then return the clean water to the inner cavity to continue circulating. This avoids the problem of insufficient water intake and reduced rinsing force caused by residue clogging, while effectively retaining the effective components of the detergent and reducing waste. During the rinsing stage, the system switches to the rinsing and filtration circuit, using a specially designed filtration structure to deeply purify the circulating water, significantly reducing the content of suspended particles in the water, thereby greatly improving the final cleanliness and smoothness of the tableware. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning method for a dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Dishwasher interior, 2. Water cup, 3. Washing pump, 4. Diverter valve, 5. Main cleaning filter system, 6. Rinse filter system, 7. Spray arm, 8. One-way flow system; 51. Drain pump; 52. Main cleaning filter; 53. Reversing system; 521. Clean the outer casing; 522. Clean the filter element; 61. Rinse the outer shell; 62. Rinse the filter element. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0020] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” and “the” are used to indicate the existence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended meaning of inclusion and that other elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment. The above schematic diagram is only for illustrating the structural relationships related to the inventive point and is not intended as an actual scale of a real product.

[0022] Example 1 like Figure 1As shown, a dishwasher includes a dishwasher cavity 1, a water cup 2, a washing pump 3, a water distribution valve 4, a main cleaning filter system 5, and a rinsing filter system 6. The dishwasher cavity 1 is the core space for placing and washing dishes, and it has at least one spray arm 7 for spraying high-pressure water onto the surface of the dishes to achieve a cleaning effect. The water cup 2, serving as the water collection and distribution hub of the entire water system, is fixedly installed at the bottom of the dishwasher cavity 1. Its structural design has three key interfaces: a water inlet interface, a washing pump interface, and a drain interface. The water inlet interface is directly connected to the drain channel at the bottom of the dishwasher cavity 1, used to receive the washing wastewater that falls back to the bottom of the cavity after being sprayed from the spray arm 7; the washing pump interface is located on the side wall or bottom of the water cup 2, used to connect to the inlet of the washing pump 3 to draw out the washing water; the drain interface is located at the lowest point of the water cup 2, ensuring that concentrated wastewater containing food residue can be effectively discharged.

[0023] The inlet of the washing pump 3 is connected to the washing pump interface of the water cup 2 via a pipe, and its outlet is connected to the inlet of the water distribution valve 4. The water distribution valve 4 is at least a three-way fluid control device, with one inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. During the main cleaning stage, the water distribution valve 4 directs most of the water flow to the first outlet, which is connected to the spray arm 7 in the dishwasher cavity 1 via a pipe, thus forming a main cleaning water circulation loop: washing water is drawn from the water cup 2, pressurized by the washing pump 3, enters the water distribution valve 4, and is then delivered to the spray arm 7 through the first outlet. After spraying, the water falls back to the bottom of the cavity and flows back into the water cup 2, completing the circulation. During the rinsing stage, the water distribution valve 4 adjusts the flow distribution, diverting some of the water flow to the second outlet, which is connected to the inlet of the rinsing filter system 6. The filtered clean water finally returns to the dishwasher cavity 1, forming an independent rinsing water loop to prevent fine particles from affecting the final rinsing effect.

[0024] The main cleaning and filtration system 5 is primarily used to treat the washing water containing a large amount of food residue during the main cleaning process. This system includes a drain pump 51, a main cleaning filter 52, and an optional reversing system 53. The inlet of the drain pump 51 is connected to the drain port of the water cup 2 to extract the bottom wastewater with a high residue concentration; its outlet is connected to the inlet of the main cleaning filter 52. The main cleaning filter 52 itself consists of a cleaning housing 521 and a cleaning filter element 522. The cleaning filter element 522 has a hollow barrel-shaped structure and can be vertically installed in the center of the filter, with an inlet at the top and a residue outlet at the bottom; the cleaning housing 521 surrounds the cleaning filter element 522 and has a clean water outlet on its side wall. When the residue-containing wastewater enters through the inlet of the cleaning filter element 522, it is filtered by the cleaning filter element 522, and the finally clean water flows out through the clean water outlet on the cleaning housing 521, returning to the dishwasher cavity 1 to participate in subsequent circulation. The food residue that is trapped is deposited in the internal cavity of the cleaning filter element 522 and is discharged through the slag discharge port when the process is over.

[0025] The slag discharge port of the main cleaning filter 52 is connected to the first inlet of the reversing system 53, and the first outlet of the reversing system 53 is connected to the external drainage pipe. Simultaneously, the clean water outlet of the main cleaning filter 52 is connected to the second inlet of the reversing system 53, and the second outlet of the reversing system 53 is connected to the dishwasher cavity 1. The first inlet and first outlet are always connected, and the second inlet and second outlet are also always connected, thus achieving synchronous diversion after solid-liquid separation: clean water is automatically reused, and residue can be discharged at any time.

[0026] To further prevent backflow of residue or sewage into the drainage pump 51 during system shutdown or pressure fluctuations, a one-way flow system 8 is added to the connecting pipeline between the inlet of the main cleaning filter 52 and the outlet of the drainage pump 51. This one-way flow system 8 employs an inverted U-shaped pipe structure, with its highest point higher than the outlet of the drainage pump 51, forming a hydraulic barrier using the principle of liquid seal to effectively prevent backflow. Furthermore, an air release system, typically an exhaust valve or breathable membrane structure, is integrated at the top or highest section of this inverted U-shaped pipe to expel air accumulated inside the pipeline during initial water filling or operation, preventing air resistance from affecting water flow stability and the normal operation of the pump.

[0027] The rinsing and filtration system 6 is specifically designed for water purification during the rinsing stage, with its core component being the rinsing filter. The rinsing filter comprises a rinsing housing 61 and a rinsing filter element 62. The inlet of the rinsing filter element 62 is directly connected to the second outlet of the water distribution valve 4; the rinsing housing 61 encloses the rinsing filter element 62 and has an outlet on its outer wall, which communicates with the dishwasher's inner cavity 1. Because the residual particles in the water are smaller but at a lower concentration during the rinsing stage, the rinsing filter element 62 can efficiently intercept these particles, ensuring highly clean rinsing water and significantly improving the final smoothness of the tableware.

[0028] Example 2 like Figure 2 As shown, a method for cleaning a dishwasher includes the following steps: Step S1: During the main cleaning stage, the control system starts the washing pump 3, so that the washing water is continuously delivered to the spray arm 7 through the first water outlet of the water distribution valve 4, and powerfully rinses the kitchen utensils in the dishwasher cavity 1.

[0029] Step S2: After the preset cleaning time, the washing pump 3 is paused, and the drain pump 51 starts simultaneously, pumping the residue in the filter screen of the water cup 2 and the concentrated turbid wastewater rich in food residue to the main cleaning filter 52. The wastewater completes solid-liquid separation in the main cleaning filter 52, and the filtered clean water automatically flows back to the dishwasher cavity 1 through the clean water outlet on the cleaning housing 521 for recycling, while the solid residue is collected in the barrel-shaped cavity of the cleaning filter element 522.

[0030] Step S3: After entering the rinsing stage, the washing pump 3 continues to run, and the water distribution valve 4 switches part of the water flow to the second water outlet according to the program instructions. After being deeply filtered by the rinsing and filtration system 6, the water flow is reinjected into the dishwasher cavity 1 in a clean state to rinse the kitchenware.

[0031] Step S4: After the main cleaning stage ends, or just before the entire cleaning process is about to end, the system will briefly restart the drain pump 51 again. Using the flushing action of water, food residue accumulated inside the main cleaning filter 52 will be discharged through the discharge port and the reversing system 53 into the external drain pipe, thus achieving self-cleaning of the filtration system and preventing long-term residue buildup that could cause odors or blockages. This process is fully automatic and requires no user intervention, ensuring long-term stable and efficient operation of the equipment.

[0032] Step S5: After the entire cleaning process is completed, the control system stops the operation of washing pump 3 and drain pump 51.

[0033] In another embodiment, during the residue treatment stage, the water distribution valve is controlled to close its first outlet and open its second outlet, and the drainage pump is started to introduce the residue-containing wastewater in the washing chamber into the main cleaning and filtration system for solid-liquid separation.

[0034] This dishwasher and its cleaning method utilize two complementary filtration systems: the main washing filtration system 5 focuses on handling heavy-duty residue and recycling clean water, while the rinsing filtration system 6 focuses on fine filtration of microparticles. The system intelligently activates the appropriate circuits at different washing stages, ensuring efficient rinsing during the main wash and enhancing cleanliness during the rinsing stage. This fundamentally solves the problems of reduced cleaning power and detergent waste caused by filter clogging in traditional dishwashers, significantly optimizing overall machine performance and user experience.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the terms "an embodiment," "a preferred embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, characterized in that The dishwasher inner cavity (1), the water cup (2), the washing pump (3), the water distribution valve (4), the main washing filter system (5) and the rinsing filter system (6) are included. The water cup (2) has a water inlet interface, a washing pump interface and a water outlet interface. The water distribution valve (4) has a water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The inlet of the washing pump (3) is connected to the washing pump interface of the water cup (2), and the outlet of the washing pump (3) is connected to the water inlet of the water distribution valve (4). The first water outlet of the water distribution valve (4) is connected to the dishwasher inner cavity (1) through a spray arm (7). The second water outlet of the water distribution valve (4) is connected to the inlet of the rinsing filter system (6), and the outlet of the rinsing filter system (6) is connected to the dishwasher inner cavity (1). The water outlet interface of the water cup (2) is connected to the inlet of the main washing filter system (5). The filtered water outlet of the main washing filter system (5) is connected to the dishwasher inner cavity (1). The residue outlet of the main washing filter system (5) is communicated with an external drainage pipeline.

2. A dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that The rinsing filter system (6) includes a rinsing filter. The water inlet of the rinsing filter is connected to the second water outlet of the water distribution valve (4). The water outlet of the rinsing filter is connected to the dishwasher inner cavity (1). The rinsing filter includes a rinsing shell (61) and a rinsing filter core (62). The rinsing shell (61) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the rinsing filter core (62). The water inlet of the rinsing filter core (62) is connected to the second water outlet of the water distribution valve (4). The water outlet provided on the rinsing shell (61) is connected to the dishwasher inner cavity (1).

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that The main washing filter system (5) includes a drainage pump (51) and a main washing filter (52). The inlet of the drainage pump (51) is connected to the water outlet interface of the water cup (2), and the outlet of the drainage pump (51) is connected to the water inlet of the main washing filter (52). The residue outlet of the main washing filter (52) is connected to an external drainage pipeline, and the clean water outlet of the main washing filter (52) is connected to the dishwasher inner cavity (1).

4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that The main washing filter system (5) further includes a reversing system (53). The residue outlet of the main washing filter (52) is connected to the first inlet of the reversing system (53), the first outlet of the reversing system (53) is connected to an external drainage pipeline, and the first inlet and the first outlet of the reversing system (53) are communicated. The clean water outlet of the main washing filter (52) is connected to the second inlet of the reversing system (53), the second outlet of the reversing system (53) is connected to the dishwasher inner cavity (1), and the second inlet and the second outlet of the reversing system (53) are communicated.

5. A dishwasher according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that, The main washing filter system (5) further includes a one-way flow system (8). The one-way flow system (8) is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the water inlet of the main washing filter (52) and the drainage pump (51), and is used for preventing washing water or residue from flowing back to the drainage pump (51).

6. The dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that The one-way flow system (8) is a reversed U-shaped tube structure. The inverted U-shaped tube is arranged in the water inlet pipe of the main cleaning filter (52) and the connecting pipe of the water pump (51), and the highest point is located above the water outlet of the water pump (51).

7. A dishwasher according to claim 6, characterised in that The washing filter system further comprises an air exhaust system; The air exhaust system is arranged at the top or the highest section of the inverted U-shaped tube, and is used for exhausting the internal air during the water injection process.

8. A method of cleaning a dishwasher as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that, The method comprises the following steps: In the main cleaning stage, the washing pump is started to make the washing water flow to the spray arm through the first water outlet of the water distribution valve, so as to clean the kitchenware in the dishwasher cavity; After the preset cleaning time, the washing pump is stopped, and the water pump is started to transport the residues in the filter screen and the residue-containing washing water in the cup to the main cleaning filter, and after solid-liquid separation, the filtered clean water is returned to the dishwasher cavity; In the rinsing stage, the washing pump is kept running, and part of the water flow is guided to the second water outlet through the water distribution valve, and then is sent to the dishwasher cavity after being filtered by the rinsing filter system, so as to rinse the kitchenware; After the cleaning is completed, the washing pump and the water pump are stopped.

9. A cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein, After the main cleaning stage is completed or before the cleaning program is completed, the water pump is started to discharge the food residues accumulated in the main cleaning filter into the external water drainage pipe through the residue discharge port.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the cleaning of the dish machine is performed by a cleaning robot. In the residue treatment stage, the water distribution valve is controlled to close the first water outlet and open the second water outlet, and the water pump is started to guide the residue-containing waste water in the washing cavity into the main cleaning filter system for solid-liquid separation. In the residue treatment stage, the water distribution valve is controlled to close the first water outlet and open the second water outlet, and the water pump is started to guide the residue-containing waste water in the washing cavity into the main cleaning filter system for solid-liquid separation.

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