Disinfectant preparation device and dish washing machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a disinfectant preparation device and a dish-washing machine, and the disinfectant preparation device comprises a water tank provided with an air outlet; the plasma generation module comprises an electrode structure and a medium pipe, an air inlet is formed in the medium pipe, the electrode structure is used for discharging to generate plasma, and the plasma can be dissolved in water of the water tank to form disinfectant; the circulating gas supply module comprises a circulating gas path communicated between the gas outlet and the gas inlet, a heating unit is arranged on the circulating gas path, and the heating unit heats and decomposes ozone in circulating gas. The heating unit can be used for heating and decomposing ozone in the circulating gas into oxygen, so that the problem that the ozone is directly or indirectly released into the external environment space along with the disinfectant to influence the health of a human body can be effectively avoided. The heating unit is arranged on the circulating gas path, so that compared with the heating unit arranged at positions such as a box body, the circulating gas path is easier to collect ozone gas, the ozone gas is more concentrated in distribution, and the decomposition efficiency is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of household electrical appliances, in particular to a disinfectant solution preparation device and a dishwasher. Background Art

[0002] At present, many dishwashers on the market have a disinfection function, making the tableware cleaner and more hygienic after cleaning and disinfection, which is beneficial to people's health. At the same time, it also saves the cost of purchasing a disinfection cabinet and the installation space. Existing dishwashers with a disinfection function generally use technologies such as liquid-phase plasma, ultraviolet light, and high temperature for sterilization and disinfection.

[0003] The application of liquid-phase plasma technology to the sterilization of dishwashers is a new and cutting-edge technology. It has the characteristics of good sterilization performance and high sterilization efficiency, and is widely used in dishwashers. However, during the process of preparing disinfectant solution by using liquid-phase plasma technology in a dishwasher, high-concentration ozone will be generated. Since ozone is not easily soluble in water, it will be pumped into the inner tank of the dishwasher along with the disinfectant solution. Because the inner tank is not an airtight space, the high-concentration ozone will be released into the environment, affecting human health. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, the utility model provides a disinfectant solution preparation device and a dishwasher to solve the problem that in the prior art, during the process of preparing disinfectant solution by using liquid-phase plasma technology, the generated high-concentration ozone will be released into the environment along with the disinfectant solution, affecting human health.

[0005] In a first aspect, the utility model provides a disinfectant solution preparation device, comprising:

[0006] A water tank provided with an air outlet;

[0007] A plasma generation module, including an electrode structure and a dielectric tube disposed in the water tank. The dielectric tube is provided with an air inlet. The electrode structure is used to discharge in the dielectric tube to generate plasma. The dielectric tube is communicated with the water tank, and the plasma can be dissolved in the water in the water tank to form a disinfectant solution;

[0008] A circulating air supply module, including a circulating air path connected between the air outlet and the air inlet. The circulating air path is used to introduce the circulating gas discharged from the air outlet into the dielectric tube. A heating unit is arranged on the circulating air path, and the heating unit is used to heat and decompose ozone in the circulating gas.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The disinfectant solution preparation device adopts the principle of glow discharge. The electrode structure uses high-voltage discharge to generate plasma in the liquid-phase environment of the dielectric tube. During discharge, high-energy electrons are generated around the gas / liquid interface and react violently with air and water molecules to generate OH·, H 2 O 2Strong oxidizing substances such as these produce a solution with the ability to disinfect and kill bacteria and viruses, that is, a disinfectant. The circulating air supply module can circulate the excess gas escaping from the water tank into the dielectric tube for discharge to achieve the internal circulation of the gas. And through the heating unit provided on the circulation gas path, the heating unit can heat and decompose the ozone in the circulating gas into oxygen, which can effectively avoid the problem that ozone is directly or indirectly released into the external environmental space along with the disinfectant, affecting human health. This effectively solves the problem in the prior art that during the preparation of disinfectant using the liquid-phase plasma technology, the high-concentration ozone generated will be released into the environment along with the disinfectant, affecting human health. In addition, by setting the heating unit on the circulation gas path, compared with setting it in positions such as the box body, the circulation gas path is easier to collect ozone gas, the ozone gas distribution is more concentrated, and the decomposition efficiency is higher.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the heating unit includes a tubular heater provided on the circulation gas path.

[0011] Beneficial effects: By using a tubular heater in the heating unit, the circulating gas can pass through the hollow interior of the tubular heater normally, without affecting the gas flow rate, and the gas is heated more evenly, which can achieve the purpose of uniformly heating the circulating gas, thereby improving the decomposition efficiency of ozone. In addition, the two ends of the tubular heater can be directly connected to the circulation gas path to achieve the installation and fixation of the tubular heater, and the disassembly and assembly are very convenient and fast.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the heating unit further includes:

[0013] A temperature sensor, arranged inside the tubular heater, for monitoring the temperature of the gas heated inside the tubular heater.

[0014] Beneficial effects: Through the temperature sensor arranged inside the tubular heater, the temperature of the gas heated inside the tube can be monitored in real time, ensuring that the heating temperature of the tubular heater can meet the preset temperature requirements throughout the heating process, avoiding the problem that too low heating temperature affects the ozone decomposition efficiency or too high heating temperature causes energy waste.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the circulating air supply module further includes:

[0016] An air pump, arranged on the circulation gas path, for pumping the circulating gas into the dielectric tube, and the heating unit is located upstream of the air pump.

[0017] Beneficial effects: Through the air pump arranged on the circulation gas path, the air pump can efficiently pump the circulating gas into the dielectric tube, and by setting the heating unit upstream of the air pump, the heating unit can pre-heat and dry the moisture in the circulating gas entering the air pump, effectively reducing the water content in the gas entering the air pump and improving the service life of the air pump.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the disinfectant solution preparation device further includes:

[0019] An ozone concentration sensor, which is arranged in the water tank or on the circulation gas path, and is used to monitor the ozone concentration in the circulation gas.

[0020] Beneficial effects: By arranging the ozone concentration sensor in the water tank or on the circulation gas path, it is convenient to control the opening and closing timing of the heating unit. When the ozone concentration sensor detects that the ozone concentration in the circulation gas is lower than the set concentration threshold, the heating unit can be controlled to stop heating, avoiding the problem of resource waste caused by overheating.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the air outlet is arranged on the top wall of the water tank.

[0022] Beneficial effects: By arranging the air outlet on the top wall of the water tank, the position of the air outlet is higher, which can greatly reduce the risk of water in the water tank overflowing from the air outlet.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the medium pipe includes an inserted part located in the water tank and an exposed part located outside the water tank, and the air inlet is arranged on the exposed part.

[0024] Beneficial effects: By arranging the air inlet on the exposed part of the medium pipe located outside the water tank, it is more convenient to connect the air outlet to the circulation gas path.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, along the direction in which the circulation gas flows into the medium pipe, the air inlet is configured as a tubular interface structure that gradually slopes downward.

[0026] Beneficial effects: By arranging the air inlet as a tubular interface structure that gradually slopes downward, it can play a role in guiding the flow, avoid water accumulation in the circulation gas path, and improve the discharge stability of the plasma generation module.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a dishwasher, including:

[0028] An inner tank;

[0029] The disinfectant solution preparation device according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the water tank of the disinfectant solution preparation device is provided with a water outlet, and the water outlet is communicated with the inner tank for delivering the disinfectant solution to the inner tank.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the dishwasher further includes:

[0031] A water cup, which is arranged at the bottom of the inner tank, and the water cup has a disinfectant solution inlet;

[0032] A disinfectant solution delivery mechanism, including a delivery pipeline connected between the water outlet and the disinfectant solution inlet, and a suction pump arranged on the delivery pipeline;

[0033] The spraying mechanism includes a spraying arm located inside the inner tank, a spraying pipeline connected between the spraying arm and the water cup, and a spraying pump provided on the spraying pipeline.

[0034] Beneficial effects: After the disinfectant preparation device prepares the disinfectant, the suction pump can be controlled to start, and the disinfectant in the water tank is sucked through the delivery pipeline into the water cup. Then the spraying pump starts to suck the disinfectant in the water cup through the spraying pipeline onto the spraying arm to disinfect the tableware in the inner tank. By sucking the disinfectant into the water cup, with the water cup as a transfer part and then spraying it onto the tableware for disinfection, it is more convenient for pipeline layout and connection.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the water tank has a water inlet, and the water cup has a water inlet and a drain outlet;

[0036] The dishwasher further includes:

[0037] The water inlet mechanism includes a water inlet pipeline respectively connected to the water inlet and the water inlet of the water cup, and a water inlet solenoid valve and a flow detection unit provided on the water inlet pipeline;

[0038] The drainage mechanism includes a drainage pipeline connected between the drain outlet and the external drainage system, and a drainage pump provided on the drainage pipeline.

[0039] Beneficial effects: The water inlet mechanism can respectively supply water to the water cup and the water tank, further simplifying the structure. And through the water inlet solenoid valve and the flow detection unit provided on the water inlet pipeline, it can accurately control the timing and amount of water inlet. By providing a drainage pipeline between the drain outlet of the water cup and the external drainage system, and a drainage pump on the drainage pipeline, it can achieve automatic control of the water cup drainage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the dishwasher in the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 For Figure 1 the schematic structural diagram of the disinfectant preparation device in

[0043] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the dishwasher in the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of the first implementation manner of the control method of the dishwasher in the embodiments of the present utility model;

[0045] Figure 5 It is a schematic flowchart of the second implementation manner of the control method of the dishwasher in the embodiments of the present utility model;

[0046] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of the overall disinfection process of the dishwasher in the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0048] 10. Water tank; 100. Air outlet;

[0049] 20. Plasma generation module; 21. Electrode structure; 211. Discharge electrode; 212. Ground electrode; 22. Dielectric tube; 220. Air inlet; 23. High-voltage AC power supply;

[0050] 30. Circulating air supply module; 31. Circulating air path; 32. Heating unit; 321. Tubular heater; 322. Temperature sensor; 33. Air pump;

[0051] 40. Ozone concentration sensor;

[0052] 50. Inner container; 51. Water cup; 52. Drainage mechanism; 521. Drainage pipeline; 522. Drainage pump;

[0053] 60. Disinfectant delivery mechanism; 61. Delivery pipeline; 62. Suction pump;

[0054] 70. Spraying mechanism; 71. Spraying arm; 72. Spraying pipeline; 73. Spraying pump;

[0055] 80. Water inlet mechanism; 81. Water inlet pipeline; 82. Three-way valve; 83. Water inlet solenoid valve; 84. Flow detection unit;

[0056] 90. Dish basket. Specific implementation manner

[0057] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0058] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0059] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "connected" and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it 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 directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0060] In addition, the technical features involved in different embodiments of the present utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0061] At present, many dishwashers on the market have a disinfection function, making the tableware cleaner and more hygienic after cleaning and disinfection, which is beneficial to people's health. At the same time, it also saves the cost of purchasing a disinfection cabinet and saves installation space. Existing dishwashers with a disinfection function generally use technologies such as liquid-phase plasma, ultraviolet light, and high temperature for sterilization and disinfection.

[0062] The application of liquid-phase plasma technology to the sterilization of dishwashers is a new and cutting-edge technology. It mainly uses a discharge electrode connected to an alternating high-frequency high-voltage power supply to extend into the water for dielectric barrier discharge. The generated disinfectant liquid is then pumped into the inner cavity of the dishwasher through a water pump for disinfection. It has the characteristics of good sterilization performance and high sterilization efficiency and is widely used in dishwashers.

[0063] However, during the process of preparing the disinfectant liquid by using the liquid-phase plasma technology in the dishwasher, high-concentration ozone will be generated. Since ozone is not easily soluble in water, it will be pumped into the inner cavity of the dishwasher along with the disinfectant liquid. Due to the non-closed space of the inner cavity, the high-concentration ozone will be released into the environment, affecting human health.

[0064] The following will be combined with Figures 1 to 6 , to describe the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the utility model, on the one hand, the utility model provides a disinfectant preparation device, including a water tank 10, a plasma generating module 20, and a circulating air supply module 30. The water tank 10 is provided with an air outlet 100. The plasma generating module 20 includes an electrode structure 21 and a medium tube 22 arranged in the water tank 10. The medium tube 22 is provided with an air inlet 220. The electrode structure 21 is used to discharge in the medium tube 22 to generate plasma. The medium tube 22 is connected to the water tank 10. The plasma can be dissolved in the water of the water tank 10 to form a disinfectant; the circulating air supply module 30 includes a circulating gas path 31 connected between the air outlet 100 and the air inlet 220. The circulating gas path 31 is used to pass the circulating gas discharged from the air outlet 100 into the medium tube 22. A heating unit 32 is provided on the circulating gas path 31. The heating unit 32 is used to heat and decompose ozone in the circulating gas.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the disinfectant preparation device adopts the glow discharge principle. The electrode structure 21 generates plasma in the liquid environment of the dielectric tube 22 by high-voltage discharge. During the discharge, high-energy electrons are generated around the gas / liquid interface to react violently with air and water molecules to generate OH·, H 2 O 2 Strong oxidizing substances such as oxygen and oxygen can be used to produce a solution that has the ability to disinfect bacteria and viruses, that is, a disinfectant. The circulating gas supply module 30 can circulate the excess gas escaping from the water tank 10 into the medium pipe 22 for discharge to achieve internal circulation of the gas, and through the heating unit 32 set on the circulating gas path 31, the heating unit 32 can heat and decompose the ozone in the circulating gas into oxygen for ionization of the electrode structure 21, which can not only improve the preparation efficiency of plasma, but also effectively avoid the problem of ozone being directly or indirectly released into the external environment space with the disinfectant, affecting human health, and effectively solves the problem that the high concentration of ozone produced in the process of preparing disinfectants using liquid plasma technology in the prior art will be released into the environment with the disinfectant, affecting human health. In addition, by setting the heating unit 32 on the circulating gas path 31, compared with setting it in a box or other position, the circulating gas path 31 is easier to collect ozone gas, the ozone gas distribution is more concentrated, and the decomposition efficiency is higher.

[0067] Specifically, the water tank 10 has a closed water storage cavity with a set maximum water level. The air outlet 100 is arranged at the top of the water tank 10 and above the maximum water level. The medium pipe 22 is inserted into the water storage cavity and communicates with the water storage cavity. The medium pipe 22 is made of an insulating pipe. Exemplarily, the medium pipe 22 can be made of a glass pipe, a ceramic pipe, etc. The electrode structure 21 can generate plasma through dielectric barrier discharge in the medium pipe 22. A plurality of micropores are provided at the bottom of the medium pipe 22, and the micropores communicate the medium pipe 22 and the water tank 10. The plasma generated by the plasma generation module 20 can enter the water tank 10 through the micropores and dissolve in the water to form a disinfection solution. The gas that is not dissolved in the water is discharged from the air outlet 100 at the top of the water tank 10 and flows back to the medium pipe 22 through the circulation gas path 31 to realize the internal circulation of the gas. On the one hand, it avoids the pollution of the environment caused by gas overflow, and on the other hand, it can also achieve the purpose of resource reuse.

[0068] Furthermore, the heating temperature of the heating unit 32 is not lower than the set temperature T. Research shows that ozone will decay by half within 1 minute at about 30°C, and the decay reaches 80% at 40 - 50°C. Under the high temperature condition of 100°C, it can be quickly decomposed into oxygen. Therefore, preferably, in order not to affect the disinfection process and accelerate the decomposition of ozone, in this embodiment, the heating temperature of the heating unit 32 is not lower than 100°C, that is, T = 100°C.

[0069] In some embodiments, the heating unit 32 includes a tubular heater 321 arranged on the circulation gas path 31.

[0070] In the above embodiment, by adopting the tubular heater 321 in the heating unit 32, the circulating gas can normally pass through the hollow interior of the tubular heater 321, which will not affect the gas flow rate, and the gas is heated more evenly, which can achieve the purpose of uniformly heating the circulating gas, thereby improving the decomposition efficiency of ozone. In addition, the two ends of the tubular heater 321 can be directly connected to the circulation gas path 31 to install and fix the tubular heater 321, and the disassembly is very convenient and fast.

[0071] Specifically, the tubular heater 321 is a hollow heating pipe, and the inner diameter of the heating pipe is not less than the inner diameter of the circulation gas path 31 to avoid affecting the gas flow rate. A break is provided on the circulation gas path 31, and the two ends of the heating pipe are hermetically connected between the breaks. The tubular heater 321 can adopt a straight tubular structure. Preferably, along the gas flow direction, a plurality of baffle ribs are arranged inside the tubular heater 321, and the plurality of baffle ribs are alternately arranged on both sides of the tubular heater 321 left and right to form a serpentine air flow channel inside the tubular heater 321. In other alternative embodiments, the tubular heater 321 can adopt a serpentine tubular structure or a spiral tubular structure. Through the above design, the flow path of the gas in the tubular heater 321 can be increased, thereby increasing the heating time and improving the ozone decomposition efficiency.

[0072] Of course, in other more preferred embodiments, an ozone reducing agent, such as a honeycomb carbon mesh, can also be added to the circulating gas path 31 to improve the ozone decomposition efficiency.

[0073] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the heating unit 32 is embodied in the form of a heating tube, but is not limited thereto. The heating unit 32 can also be in the form of a heating rod, a heating wire, a heating sheet, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, the heating unit 32 further includes a temperature sensor 322. The temperature sensor 322 is disposed inside the tubular heater 321 and is used to monitor the temperature of the gas being heated inside the tubular heater 321.

[0075] In the above embodiment, through the temperature sensor 322 disposed inside the tubular heater 321, the temperature of the gas being heated inside the tube can be monitored in real time, ensuring that the heating temperature of the tubular heater 321 can meet the preset temperature requirements throughout the heating process, avoiding the problem that too low heating temperature affects the ozone decomposition efficiency or too high heating temperature causes energy waste.

[0076] Specifically, when the temperature sensor 322 detects that the temperature of the gas being heated is lower than the set lower temperature threshold, it feeds back a first temperature signal to the control module of the disinfectant preparation device, and the control module controls to increase the heating power or heating time of the tubular heater 321; when the temperature sensor 322 detects that the temperature of the gas being heated is higher than the set upper temperature threshold, it feeds back a second temperature signal to the control module of the disinfectant preparation device, and the control module controls to reduce the heating power of the tubular heater 321.

[0077] Preferably, along the gas flow direction, the temperature sensor 322 is disposed at a position close to the downstream side inside the tubular heater 321. Compared with disposing the temperature sensor 322 at the upstream side position of the tubular heater 321, the temperature detection result is more accurate.

[0078] In some embodiments, the circulating gas supply module 30 further includes an air pump 33. The air pump 33 is disposed on the circulating gas path 31 and is used to pump the circulating gas into the medium tube 22. The heating unit 32 is located upstream of the air pump 33.

[0079] In the above embodiment, through the air pump 33 disposed on the circulating gas path 31, the air pump 33 can efficiently pump the circulating gas into the medium tube 22. And by disposing the heating unit 32 upstream of the air pump 33, the heating unit 32 can pre-heat and dry the moisture in the circulating gas entering the air pump 33, effectively reducing the water content in the gas entering the air pump 33 and improving the service life of the air pump 33.

[0080] In some embodiments, the disinfectant solution preparation device further includes an ozone concentration sensor 40, which is disposed inside the water tank 10 or on the circulation gas path 31 for monitoring the ozone concentration in the circulating gas.

[0081] In the above embodiments, by means of the ozone concentration sensor 40 disposed inside the water tank 10 or on the circulation gas path 31, it is convenient to control the opening and closing timing of the heating unit 32. When the ozone concentration sensor 40 detects that the ozone concentration in the circulating gas is lower than the set concentration threshold, the heating unit 32 can be controlled to stop heating, thus avoiding the problem of resource waste caused by overheating.

[0082] Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, the ozone concentration sensor 40 can be disposed on the inner side of the top wall of the water tank 10. Alternatively, as Figure 3 shown, in other alternative embodiments, the ozone concentration sensor 40 is disposed on the circulation gas path 31. The ozone concentration sensor 40 can be disposed upstream or downstream of the heating unit 32. In the attached Figure 3 of this embodiment, it is embodied in the form that the ozone concentration sensor 40 is disposed on the circulation gas path 31 downstream of the heating unit 32.

[0083] Preferably, the ozone concentration sensor 40 is disposed upstream of the heating unit 32 because the ozone concentration of the gas in the circulation gas path 31 upstream of the heating unit 32 is closer to the ozone concentration in the water tank 10, and the ozone concentration detection result is more accurate.

[0084] Furthermore, the ozone concentration sensor 40 is connected to the controller of the disinfectant solution preparation device. When the ozone concentration sensor 40 detects that the ozone concentration in the circulating gas is lower than the set concentration threshold, it feeds back a signal to the controller, and the controller then controls the heating unit 32 to stop heating.

[0085] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the air outlet 100 is disposed on the top wall of the water tank 10.

[0086] In the above embodiments, by disposing the air outlet 100 on the top wall of the water tank 10, the position of the air outlet 100 is higher, which can greatly reduce the risk of water in the water tank 10 overflowing from the air outlet 100.

[0087] In some embodiments, the medium pipe 22 includes an inserted portion inside the water tank 10 and an exposed portion outside the water tank 10, and the air inlet 220 is disposed on the exposed portion.

[0088] In the above embodiments, by disposing the air inlet 220 on the exposed portion of the medium pipe 22 outside the water tank 10, it is more convenient to connect the air outlet 100 to the circulation gas path 31.

[0089] Specifically, the medium pipe 22 is inserted into the water tank 10 from the top wall of the water tank 10. The lower part of the medium pipe 22 is inside the water tank 10, and the upper part is outside the water tank 10. There is an insertion port on the top wall of the water tank 10 for the medium pipe 22 to be inserted. The medium pipe 22 and the insertion port are in sealing cooperation to ensure the airtightness of the water tank 10.

[0090] In some embodiments, along the direction in which the circulating gas flows into the medium pipe 22, the air inlet 220 is configured as a tubular interface structure that gradually slopes downward.

[0091] In the above embodiments, by setting the air inlet 220 as a tubular interface structure that gradually slopes downward, it can play a role in guiding the flow, avoid water accumulation in the circulating gas path 31, and improve the discharge stability of the plasma generation module 20.

[0092] Optionally, the air inlet 220 of the medium pipe 22 is connected to the outlet end of the circulating gas path 31 through a connecting joint.

[0093] In some more specific embodiments, the electrode structure 21 includes a discharge electrode 211 and a ground electrode 212. The discharge electrode 211 extends into the medium pipe 22. The medium pipe 22 is a pipe body structure with an open upper end and an arc-shaped round bottom at the bottom. An insulating cover is provided inside the open upper end of the medium pipe 22, and the discharge electrode 211 extends into the medium pipe 22 through this insulating cover. The ground electrode 212 is also inserted into the water tank 10. The plasma generation module 20 further includes a high-voltage AC power supply 23, and both the discharge electrode 211 and the ground electrode 212 are electrically connected to the high-voltage AC power supply 23.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the other hand, a dishwasher is provided, which includes an inner tank 50 and the disinfectant solution preparation device according to any of the above embodiments. The water tank 10 is provided with a water outlet, and the water outlet is communicated with the inner tank 50 for delivering the disinfectant solution to the inner tank 50.

[0095] In some embodiments, a bowl basket 90 is provided in the inner tank 50. The bowl basket 90 is used to hold tableware, and the spray arm 71 is located below the bowl basket 90.

[0096] In some embodiments, the dishwasher further includes a water cup 51, a disinfectant solution delivery mechanism 60, and a spray mechanism 70. The water cup 51 is provided at the bottom of the inner tank 50, and the water cup 51 has a disinfectant solution inlet; the disinfectant solution delivery mechanism 60 includes a delivery pipeline 61 connected between the water outlet and the disinfectant solution inlet, and a suction pump 62 provided on the delivery pipeline 61; the spray mechanism 70 includes a spray arm 71 located inside the inner tank 50, a spray pipeline 72 connected between the spray arm 71 and the water cup 51, and a spray pump 73 provided on the spray pipeline 72.

[0097] In the above embodiments, after the disinfectant solution preparation device finishes preparing the disinfectant solution, the suction pump 62 can be controlled to start, and the disinfectant solution in the water tank 10 is sucked into the water cup 51 through the delivery pipeline 61. Then, the spray pump 73 starts to suck the disinfectant solution in the water cup 51 through the spray pipeline 72 to the spray arm 71 to disinfect the tableware in the inner tank 50. By sucking the disinfectant solution into the water cup 51, and using the water cup 51 as a transfer part, and then spraying it onto the tableware for disinfection, it is more convenient for pipeline layout and connection.

[0098] Specifically, the water outlet is opened at the bottom position of the side wall or the bottom wall of the water tank 10, and the inlet end of the spray pipeline 72 is connected to the bottom position of the side wall of the water cup 51. Through the above design, it can be ensured that the disinfectant solution in the water tank 10 and the water cup 51 can be completely drained. There is a disinfectant solution outlet at the bottom of the side wall of the water cup 51, the inlet end of the spray pipeline 72 is connected to the disinfectant solution outlet, and the outlet end is connected to the inlet of the spray arm 71.

[0099] In some embodiments, the water tank 10 has a water inlet, and the water cup 51 has a water inlet and a drain outlet; the dishwasher further includes a water inlet mechanism 80 and a drain mechanism 52. The water inlet mechanism 80 includes a water inlet pipeline 81 respectively communicating with the water inlet and the water inlet, and a water inlet solenoid valve 83 and a flow detection unit 84 provided on the water inlet pipeline 81; the drain mechanism 52 includes a drain pipeline 521 communicating between the drain outlet and the external drain system, and a drain pump 522 provided on the drain pipeline 521.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the water inlet mechanism 80 can supply water to the water cup 51 and the water tank 10 respectively, further simplifying the structure. And through the water inlet solenoid valve 83 and the flow detection unit 84 provided on the water inlet pipeline 81, the timing and amount of water inlet can be accurately controlled. By providing a drain pipeline 521 between the drain outlet of the water cup 51 and the external drain system, and a drain pump 522 provided on the drain pipeline 521, the drainage of the water cup 51 can be automatically controlled.

[0101] Specifically, the drain outlet of the water cup 51 is provided at the bottom position of the side wall or the bottom wall of the water cup 51 to ensure that the water in the water cup 51 can be completely drained and avoid water residue. The drain outlet and the disinfectant solution outlet of the water cup 51 are located on both sides of the bottom of the side wall of the water cup 51, and the water inlet and the disinfectant solution inlet of the water cup 51 are located on both sides of the middle of the side wall of the water cup 51. The water inlet pipeline 81 includes a main pipeline and first and second branch pipelines branched from the main pipeline and respectively communicating with the water inlet of the water cup 51 and the water inlet of the water tank 10. A three-way valve 82 is provided at the branch position of the main pipeline and the first and second branch pipelines. Through the above design, the pipeline can be further simplified, and the water inlet solenoid valve 83 is provided on the main pipeline. The flow detection unit 84 uses a flow meter or a flow sensor. Preferably, the flow detection unit 84 is provided downstream of the water inlet solenoid valve 83.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the other hand, there is provided a control method for a dishwasher applicable to any of the above embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the control method includes the following steps:

[0103] Step S101: Receive a disinfection instruction;

[0104] Step S102: Control the water inlet mechanism 80 to supply water to the water tank 10;

[0105] Step S103: When the water tank 10 completes the water inlet process, control the plasma generation module 20 to start preparing the disinfectant solution;

[0106] Step S104: Control the circulating gas supply module 30 to introduce the circulating gas discharged from the water tank 10 into the medium pipe 22, and at the same time control the heating unit 32 to start, and heat and decompose the ozone in the circulating gas into oxygen.

[0107] It should be noted that after the disinfectant solution is prepared, the above step S104 can be started, and after all the ozone in the water tank 10 is decomposed, the disinfectant solution is then transported to the inner tank 50; or, during the process of preparing the disinfectant solution, the above step S104 can also be executed, and the oxygen formed by the heating and decomposition of ozone can be ionized by the electrode structure 21, further improving the plasma preparation efficiency, and then improving the disinfectant solution preparation efficiency.

[0108] In some embodiments, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0109] During the operation of the heating unit 32, the ozone concentration in the circulating gas is monitored in real time;

[0110] If it is determined that the ozone concentration is lower than the set concentration threshold, control the heating unit 32 to stop heating, and then control the disinfectant solution delivery mechanism 60 to start, and transport the disinfectant solution in the water tank 10 to the inner tank 50 of the dishwasher.

[0111] Specifically, as Figure 5 shown, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0112] Step S201: During the operation of the heating unit 32, the ozone concentration in the circulating gas is monitored in real time;

[0113] Step S202: Determine whether the ozone concentration is lower than the set concentration threshold; if so, execute step S203; if not, execute step S204;

[0114] Step S203: Control the heating unit 32 to stop heating, and then control the disinfectant solution delivery mechanism 60 to start, and transport the disinfectant solution in the water tank 10 to the inner tank 50 of the dishwasher;

[0115] Step S204: Control the heating unit 32 to operate normally.

[0116] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the ozone concentration is lower than the set concentration threshold, it indicates that the ozone concentration already meets the requirements. At this time, the heating unit 32 can be controlled to stop heating, and then the disinfectant liquid delivery mechanism 60 can be controlled to start, delivering the disinfectant liquid in the water tank 10 to the inner tank 50 of the dishwasher, avoiding the problem that the ozone in the water tank 10 will be pumped into the inner tank 50 of the dishwasher along with the disinfectant liquid. Since the inner tank 50 is not an airtight space, high-concentration ozone will be released into the environment, affecting human health.

[0117] The dishwasher provided in this embodiment is provided with a disinfectant liquid preparation device. The disinfectant liquid preparation device can treat tap water to generate disinfected water for disinfecting the tableware in the dishwasher. A tubular heater 321 and a temperature sensor 322 are provided in the circulation gas path 31 of the disinfectant liquid preparation device. The ozone gas is thermally decomposed after passing through the tubular heater 321, avoiding ozone being pumped into the inner tank 50 of the dishwasher along with the disinfectant liquid and then released into the environment, affecting human health. And the disinfectant liquid preparation device further includes an ozone concentration sensor 40 provided in the water tank 10 or in the circulation gas path 31. The ozone concentration sensor 40 can monitor the ozone concentration in real time. When the ozone concentration is lower than the set concentration threshold, the heating unit 32 and the air pump 33 are controlled to stop working.

[0118] Next, in combination with Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6 , the dishwasher provided in this embodiment and its disinfection process will be introduced.

[0119] The dishwasher provided in this embodiment at least includes components such as an inner tank 50, a water cup 51, a plasma generation module 20, a water tank 10, a circulation air supply module 30, a heating unit 32, an ozone concentration sensor 40, a disinfectant liquid delivery mechanism 60, a spraying mechanism 70, a water inlet mechanism 80, and a drainage mechanism 52. Specifically as follows:

[0120] The water cup 51 is hermetically arranged at the bottom of the inner tank 50. A spray arm 71 is connected to the water cup 51. The water cup 51 is hermetically communicated with a spray pump 73 and a drain pump 522. The water tank 10 is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and an air outlet 100. The plasma generation module 20 is located outside the bottom of the inner tank 50 and at least includes: a high-voltage AC power supply 23 and an electrode structure 21. The electrode structure 21 includes a high-voltage discharge electrode 211, a ground electrode 212 and a dielectric tube 22. The high-voltage AC power supply 23 provides discharge energy for the discharge electrode 211. The discharge electrode 211, the ground electrode 212 and the dielectric tube 22 are all arranged on the water tank 10. The circulating air supply module 30 includes a circulating air path 31 and an air pump 33. The circulating air path 31 is connected between the air outlet 100 of the water tank 10 and the air inlet 220 of the dielectric tube 22. The air pump 33 is arranged on the circulating air path 31. The heating unit 32 includes a tubular heater 321 and a temperature sensor 322. The tubular heater 321 is arranged in the circulating air path 31, and its main function is to heat the gas passing through the pipeline. The temperature sensor 322 is arranged in the tubular heater 321, and its main function is to monitor the temperature of the gas heated in the tube. The ozone concentration sensor 40 is arranged at any position in the water tank 10 or the circulating air path 31, and its main function is to monitor the concentration of ozone in the gas;

[0121] Combined with Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the process of preparing the disinfectant is as follows: The water inlet solenoid valve 83 and the three-way valve 82 are opened. The preset water volume entering the water tank 10 is measured by the flow detection unit 84. The air pump 33 is started. The high-voltage AC power supply 23 is connected to the electrode structure 21 to perform glow discharge to prepare the disinfectant. After the preparation time is completed, the high-voltage AC power supply 23 is powered off. Since a large amount of ozone is generated during the process of preparing the disinfectant and ozone is not easily soluble in water, the ozone concentration in the water tank 10 is very high at this time. The tubular heater 321 is started to heat the circulating gas to above 100 °C. The gas can be heated to above 100 °C by adjusting the power and heating time of the heater. Ozone can be quickly decomposed into oxygen under the condition of 100 °C high temperature. This cycle continues until the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration sensor 40 is lower than the set concentration threshold. Then the heating is stopped. Then the water pump is started to pump the disinfectant into the inner tank 50 of the dishwasher. The spray pump 73 is started to spray the disinfectant onto the tableware through the spray pipeline 72 and the spray arm 71 for disinfection. After disinfection, the water is drained and the program ends.

[0122] Preferably, the set concentration threshold is 50 ppm.

[0123] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disinfectant preparation device, characterized in that: include: The water tank (10) is provided with an air outlet (100); A plasma generating module (20) comprises an electrode structure (21) and a medium pipe (22) arranged in the water tank (10), the medium pipe (22) being provided with an air inlet (220), the electrode structure (21) being used for discharging in the medium pipe (22) to generate plasma, the medium pipe (22) being in communication with the water tank (10), and the plasma being able to dissolve in the water in the water tank (10) to form a disinfectant; The circulating gas supply module (30) comprises a circulating gas path (31) connected between the gas outlet (100) and the gas inlet (220), wherein the circulating gas path (31) is used to pass the circulating gas discharged from the gas outlet (100) into the medium pipe (22), and a heating unit (32) is provided on the circulating gas path (31), and the heating unit (32) is used to heat and decompose ozone in the circulating gas.

2. The disinfectant preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating unit (32) comprises a tubular heater (321) arranged on the circulating gas path (31).

3. The disinfectant preparation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating unit (32) further comprises: A temperature sensor (322) is disposed in the tubular heater (321) and is used to monitor the temperature of the heated gas in the tubular heater (321).

4. The disinfectant preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The circulating air supply module (30) further comprises: An air pump (33) is arranged on the circulating gas circuit (31) and is used to pump the circulating gas into the medium pipe (22); the heating unit (32) is located upstream of the air pump (33).

5. The disinfectant preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The disinfectant preparation device also includes: An ozone concentration sensor (40) is arranged in the water tank (10) or on the circulating gas path (31) and is used to monitor the ozone concentration in the circulating gas.

6. The disinfectant preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The air outlet (100) is arranged on the top wall of the water tank (10); And / or, the medium pipe (22) comprises an inserted portion located inside the water tank (10) and an exposed portion located outside the water tank (10), and the air inlet (220) is arranged in the exposed portion.

7. The disinfectant preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Along the direction in which the circulating gas flows into the medium pipe (22), the gas inlet (220) is constructed as a tubular interface structure that gradually slopes downward.

8. A dishwasher, characterized in that: include: Liner (50); The disinfectant preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water tank (10) of the disinfectant preparation device is provided with a water outlet, and the water outlet is connected to the inner tank (50) for conveying disinfectant to the inner tank (50).

9. The dishwasher according to claim 8, characterized in that The dishwasher also includes: A water cup (51) is disposed at the bottom of the inner container (50), and the water cup (51) has an inlet for disinfectant; A disinfectant delivery mechanism (60) comprising a delivery pipeline (61) connected between the water outlet and the disinfectant inlet, and a suction pump (62) arranged on the delivery pipeline (61); The spray mechanism (70) comprises a spray arm (71) located in the inner container (50), a spray pipeline (72) connected between the spray arm (71) and the water cup (51), and a spray pump (73) arranged on the spray pipeline (72).

10. The dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized in that The water tank (10) has a water inlet, and the water cup (51) has a water inlet and a water outlet; The dishwasher also includes: A water inlet mechanism (80) comprises a water inlet pipeline (81) respectively connected to the water inlet and the water inlet, and a water inlet solenoid valve (83) and a flow detection unit (84) arranged on the water inlet pipeline (81); The drainage mechanism (52) comprises a drainage pipeline (521) connected between the drainage port and an external drainage system, and a drainage pump (522) arranged on the drainage pipeline (521).

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