Heat pump dish washing machine

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a heat pump dish washing machine. The heat pump dish-washing machine comprises a base, a heat pump assembly and a drainage assembly, the base is provided with a mounting groove, and a water collecting area and a flow guide structure are arranged in the mounting groove; the heat pump assembly is arranged in the mounting groove, the heat pump assembly comprises an evaporator, and the flow guide structure is used for guiding condensate water at the evaporator to the water collecting area; and the drainage assembly is communicated with the water collecting area and is used for draining water in the water collecting area. By arranging the flow guide structure in the mounting groove, condensate water at the evaporator can be guided to flow to the water collection area, collection of the condensate water is achieved, the water collection area does not need to be fixed below the evaporator, the water collection area can be reasonably arranged according to the space in the base, and therefore the utilization rate of the space in the mounting groove is increased; and the drainage assembly is convenient to install and maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a heat pump dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] As relevant standards continue to raise the energy efficiency requirements for dishwashers, a technology has emerged in the industry that uses a heat pump system to heat the washing water, which can significantly reduce the energy consumption of dishwashers. When the heat pump system is working, it absorbs ambient heat through the evaporator. Because the evaporator temperature is low, condensation will form on the heat dissipation fins, which will drip onto the inner tank base after running for a period of time.

[0003] In existing heat pump dishwashers, condensate is typically collected by adding a condensate tray. The condensate is either manually drained by the user or absorbed back into the dishwasher's inner tub by a self-priming pump before being drained by the dishwasher's drain pump. However, the condensate tray needs to be placed below the evaporator, which is inflexible in terms of location and makes poor use of space. Furthermore, the limited space between the condensate tray and the drain pipe or self-priming pump makes assembly and maintenance inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a heat pump dishwasher that can solve the problems of inflexible placement of the liquid collection box, poor effective use of space, and inconvenient assembly and maintenance.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A heat pump dishwasher includes:

[0007] A base, on which a water collection area and a flow guiding structure are provided;

[0008] A heat pump assembly is disposed on the base, the heat pump assembly includes an evaporator, and the flow guiding structure is used to guide the condensate at the evaporator to the water collection area;

[0009] A drainage component, connected to the water collection area, is used to drain water from the water collection area.

[0010] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the flow guiding structure includes a flow guiding surface, the height of which gradually decreases along the direction from the evaporator toward the water collection area.

[0011] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the guide surface is provided with supporting ribs, which are used to support the evaporator.

[0012] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, multiple support ribs are provided, and the height of the multiple support ribs gradually increases along the direction from the evaporator to the water collection area.

[0013] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the water collection area is formed by an inwardly recessed surface of the base.

[0014] Alternatively, the base is provided with an installation groove, the heat pump assembly is disposed in the installation groove, and a water-blocking part is protruding from the bottom surface of the installation groove, the water-blocking part and the side wall of the installation groove forming the water collection area.

[0015] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the water collection area and the evaporator are arranged along a first direction and located at the same end of the base along a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0016] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the drainage assembly includes a drain rack and a drain pump. The drain rack is detachably connected to the base and located within the water collection area. The drain pump is disposed on the drain rack and is used to drain water from the water collection area.

[0017] As an optional solution for the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the drainage assembly further includes a water level detection element, which is disposed on the drain rack and used to detect the water level in the water collection area. The water level detection element is communicatively connected to the drain pump.

[0018] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the drain rack includes a mounting plate and at least one support portion. The bottom end of the support portion is connected to the base, and the top end of the support portion is connected to the mounting plate. The drain pump is disposed on the mounting plate.

[0019] As an alternative to the aforementioned heat pump dishwasher, the base includes a base plate and a side plate connected to the base plate and arranged circumferentially around the base plate. A drainage structure is formed within the side plate, and the drainage pump is connected to the drainage structure.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] In the heat pump dishwasher provided by this utility model, by setting a flow guiding structure in the mounting slot, the condensate at the evaporator can be guided to the water collection area to achieve the collection of condensate. Moreover, the water collection area does not need to be fixed below the evaporator. The water collection area can be reasonably arranged according to the space in the base, thereby improving the utilization rate of the space in the mounting slot and facilitating the installation and maintenance of the drainage components. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a top view of the base, heat pump assembly, and drainage assembly provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the base, heat pump assembly, and drainage assembly provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the drainage component provided by this utility model.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 10. Base; 11. Base plate; 111. Guide surface; 12. Side plate; 13. Support rib; 20. Heat pump assembly; 21. Evaporator; 22. Condenser; 23. Compressor; 30. Water collection assembly; 40. Washing pump; 50. Drainage assembly; 51. Drain rack; 511. Mounting plate; 512. Support; 52. Drain pump; 53. Water level detection component; 54. Drain pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element 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 this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0031] This embodiment provides a heat pump dishwasher, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a housing, an inner tank (not shown) disposed within the housing, a water collection assembly 30, a spray mechanism (not shown), and a heat pump assembly 20. A washing chamber is formed within the inner tank, which can hold tableware or cookware to be washed. At least the spray end of the spray mechanism is located within the washing chamber, and the spray mechanism is used to spray washing water into the washing chamber. The water collection assembly 30 includes a water cup and a water distribution valve. The water cup is located below the inner tank and communicates with the washing chamber. The water distribution valve is connected to both the water cup and the spray mechanism. The heat pump assembly 20 and the water collection assembly 30 form a circulating heating channel.

[0032] When the dishwasher is working, the wash water first enters the water cup, is heated by the circulating heating channel, flows to the water distribution valve, and then enters the spray mechanism to spray the dishes or cookware in the washing chamber. The wash water on the dishes or cookware flows to the bottom of the washing chamber and enters the water cup again. This cycle is repeated to achieve the recycling of wash water and improve water utilization.

[0033] The heat pump assembly 20 includes a compressor 23, an evaporator 21, and a condenser 22. The evaporator 21, compressor 23, and condenser 22 are connected in sequence to form a circulating heat exchange channel for the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium in the circulating heat exchange channel can exchange heat with the washing water to transfer heat to the washing water and achieve the function of heating the washing water.

[0034] To ensure that the washing water can flow in the circulating heating channel, the dishwasher also includes a washing pump 40, which is connected to the condenser 22 and the water cup to drive the flow of washing water.

[0035] In some embodiments, the washing pump 40 is located between the outlet of the water cup and the condenser 22, which helps to improve the driving effect of the washing pump 40 on the washing water in the water cup. In other embodiments, the washing pump 40 can be located between the water distribution valve and the condenser 22, which can also achieve the function of driving the flow of washing water.

[0036] When the dishwasher is running, wash water enters the condenser 22 and exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium there. The heated wash water then enters the water distribution valve and flows through it to the spray mechanism, where it is sprayed onto the dishes or cookware in the washing chamber. Using hot water results in a better cleaning effect. The wash water on the dishes or cookware collects at the bottom of the washing chamber and flows back into the water cup for reheating. This cycle continues until the washing process is complete.

[0037] Specifically, the housing includes a base 10, on which a mounting groove is provided. The heat pump assembly 20 and the water collection assembly 30 are both located in the mounting groove. The inner tank is located above the heat pump assembly 20 and the water collection assembly 30. The base 10 is used to support and accommodate the heat pump assembly 20 and the water collection assembly 30 to improve the modularity of the heat pump dishwasher.

[0038] During operation, the evaporator 21 of the heat pump assembly 20 absorbs heat from the environment. Due to the low temperature of the evaporator 21, condensation will form on its surface. After a period of operation, this condensation will drip onto the base 10. If it is not drained in time, it will affect the normal operation of the heat pump assembly 20 or other structures in the base 10. In the prior art, a condensate collection tray is generally installed below the evaporator 21 to collect the condensate. This means that the condensate collection tray and the evaporator 21 can only be stacked vertically, which does not allow for flexible adjustment of the installation position according to the size requirements of the heat pump dishwasher and the space on the base 10. Furthermore, the limited space under the evaporator 21 increases the difficulty of installing and maintaining the condensate collection tray.

[0039] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment of the heat pump dishwasher also includes a drain assembly 50, and the mounting slot is equipped with a water collection area and a flow guiding structure. The flow guiding structure directs the condensate from the evaporator 21 to the water collection area. The drain assembly 50 is connected to the water collection area to drain the water from the water collection area. By providing a flow guiding structure within the mounting slot, the condensate from the evaporator 21 can be guided to the water collection area, achieving condensate collection. Furthermore, the water collection area does not need to be fixed below the evaporator 21; it can be rationally arranged according to the space within the base 10, thereby improving the utilization rate of the space within the mounting slot and facilitating the installation and maintenance of the drain assembly 50.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the flow guiding structure includes a flow guiding surface 111, the height of which gradually decreases along the direction from the evaporator 21 toward the water collection area. By setting the flow guiding surface 111, the condensate dripping from the evaporator 21 can automatically flow to the water collection area under the action of gravity. The flow guiding structure is simple, easy to manufacture, and helps to control costs.

[0041] In some embodiments, the guide surface 111 may be formed by a portion of the inner bottom surface of the mounting groove. That is, a portion of the inner bottom surface of the mounting groove is inclined to form the guide surface 111.

[0042] In some embodiments, a support rib 13 is provided on the guide surface 111, and the support rib 13 is used to support the evaporator 21. By providing the support rib 13, the evaporator 21 can be raised, thereby preventing dripping condensate from contacting the evaporator 21 for a long time, which helps to ensure the normal operation of the evaporator 21.

[0043] Optionally, multiple support ribs 13 are provided. The evaporator 21 is supported by multiple support ribs 13, which helps to improve the stability of the evaporator 21.

[0044] Because the guide surface 111 is inclined, to ensure the evaporator 21 is placed horizontally, the height of the multiple support ribs 13 gradually increases along the direction from the evaporator 21 towards the water collection area. That is, the support ribs 13 at the lower end of the guide surface 111 are higher, while those at the higher end are lower, making the top surfaces of each support rib 13 essentially level, thus ensuring the stability of the support for the evaporator 21. This also facilitates lifting the evaporator 21 off the water surface, preventing it from being submerged in condensate.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the flow guiding structure includes a flow guiding channel, one end of which extends below the evaporator 21 and the other end extends to the water collection area. The bottom surface of the flow guiding channel gradually decreases from the end where the evaporator 21 is located to the other end, so that the condensate automatically flows to the water collection area under the action of gravity.

[0046] Optionally, the guide channel can extend in a straight line or in a curved line, or it can be composed of straight and curved sections, as long as it can guide the condensate from the location of the evaporator 21 to the water collection area.

[0047] In some embodiments, the guide channel can be formed by recessing the bottom surface of the mounting groove, or by protruding guide ribs on the bottom surface of the mounting groove to form the guide channel.

[0048] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water collection area and the evaporator 21 are arranged along a first direction and located at the same end of the mounting groove along a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are perpendicular. This arrangement allows the water collection area and the evaporator 21 to be relatively concentrated, thereby limiting the area where condensate is present and isolating the condensate from other structural components within the base 10, which is beneficial for improving the reliability and stability of the heat pump dishwasher.

[0049] For example, the first direction is left-right, and the second direction is front-back. The water collection area is located at the front left end of the mounting groove, and the evaporator 21 is located at the front of the mounting groove and to the right of the water collection area. By placing the water collection area at a corner of the base 10, the small area at the corner of the mounting groove can be utilized, which is beneficial to improving space utilization and reducing the interference of the water collection area on other structures in the mounting groove.

[0050] In some embodiments, a water-blocking part is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting groove. The water-blocking part and the side wall of the mounting groove form a water collection area. Specifically, a water-blocking part extending in the left-right direction is provided in the mounting groove. The water-blocking part is used to form a water collection area with the side wall of the mounting groove in front of it. On the one hand, it ensures that the water collection area can hold condensate of a certain water level. On the other hand, it prevents condensate from flowing to the rear, thereby preventing condensate from contacting other structures and improving the reliability of the heat pump dishwasher.

[0051] In some embodiments, the water-blocking portion may extend to the rear side of the evaporator 21 to prevent condensate dripping from the evaporator 21 from flowing to the rear side.

[0052] In some other embodiments, the bottom surface of the mounting groove is recessed to form a water collection area. That is, a recessed water collection trough is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting groove to collect condensate.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the drainage assembly 50 includes a drainage pump 52 and a drainage frame 51. The drainage frame 51 is detachably connected to the base 10 and is located in the water collection area. The drainage pump 52 is disposed on the drainage frame 51 and is used to drain water from the water collection area.

[0054] By setting up the drainage frame 51, the drainage pump 52 can be easily installed. When the drainage component 50 needs to be disassembled, only the drainage frame 51 needs to be disassembled. The disassembly and assembly operations are convenient, which improves the modularity of the drainage component 50.

[0055] In some embodiments, the drainage rack 51 and the base 10 are detachably connected by screws, which is convenient to operate and low in cost.

[0056] In some embodiments, the drainage rack 51 includes a mounting plate 511 and at least one support portion 512. The bottom end of the support portion 512 is connected to the base 10, and the top end of the support portion 512 is connected to the mounting plate 511. The drainage pump 52 is mounted on the mounting plate 511, thereby suspending the drainage pump 52 above the water collection area. There is a certain space between the drainage pump 52 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove, which on the one hand provides compatibility for different sizes of the drainage pump 52, and on the other hand provides operating space for disassembly and assembly, making it convenient to operate.

[0057] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 511 can be a rectangular plate, and support portions 512 are provided at each of the four apex corners of the mounting plate 511 to improve the stability of the mounting plate 511 and thus improve the fixing effect on the drainage pump 52.

[0058] In some embodiments, the drainage assembly 50 further includes a drain pipe 54 connected to the outlet of the drainage pump 52 to drain condensate.

[0059] To facilitate the installation of the drain pipe 54, a through hole is provided on the mounting plate 511, through which the drain pipe 54 passes to facilitate the drain pipe 54 to discharge condensate to a designated location.

[0060] In some embodiments, a one-way valve is provided on the drain pipe 54 to prevent condensate from flowing back into the drain pipe 54.

[0061] To simplify the structure, in some embodiments, the base 10 includes a base plate 11 and a side plate 12 connected to the base plate 11 and arranged circumferentially around the base plate 11. A drainage structure is formed in the side plate 12. The drain pump 52 is connected to the drainage structure through the drain pipe 54, thereby utilizing the original drainage structure in the heat pump dishwasher for drainage. There is no need to set up an additional drainage structure, which helps to simplify the overall structure of the heat pump dishwasher and reduce costs.

[0062] In addition, the discharged condensate will not enter the inner liner, thus preventing the inner liner from becoming clogged and unable to drain. It also prevents impurities in the condensate from entering the inner liner and causing blockage or contamination.

[0063] In some embodiments, a breather is provided in the side plate 12 of the base 10. The breather includes a drain outlet that communicates with the drain channel of the heat pump dishwasher, and the drainage structure is communicated with the drain outlet.

[0064] In some embodiments, the drainage assembly 50 further includes a water level detection element 53, which is disposed on the drainage frame 51. The water level detection element 53 is used to detect the water level in the water collection area and is communicatively connected to the drainage pump 52. By setting the water level detection element 53, the water level of condensate in the water collection area can be detected, thereby automatically starting the drainage pump 52 to drain the water after a certain amount of condensate has been collected in the water collection area, preventing excessive overflow of condensate and contact with the evaporator 21 or other structures in the base 10.

[0065] Optionally, the water level detection component 53 can be a float water level sensor, which uses a float to track the rise and fall of the water level, and the detection results are accurate.

[0066] In other embodiments, the water level detection element 53 can also be other sensors, such as pressure water level sensors, optical liquid level sensors or resistive water level sensors, as long as they can detect the water level in the water collection area.

[0067] It should be noted that the water level detection device 53 mentioned above are all existing sensors in the field, and the communication connection between the water level detection device 53 and the drainage pump 52 is also a conventional technology in the field. In this embodiment, any water level sensor and its electrical connection method with the drainage pump 52 can be used, which will not be described in detail here.

[0068] In some embodiments, the condenser 22 is positioned between the washing pump 40 and the water distribution valve. The initial positioning of the condenser 22 is achieved through connections between the condenser 22 and both the washing pump 40 and the water distribution valve. A condenser support is provided on the base 10, and the condenser 22 is mounted on the condenser support. The condenser support supports and elevates the condenser 22, creating an installation space below at least a portion of the condenser 22, within which at least a portion of the refrigerant piping is placed. By elevating the condenser 22 and utilizing the space below it to place the refrigerant piping, compared to the prior art where the refrigerant piping and condenser 22 are laid flat, the horizontal space occupied by the condenser module within the dishwasher is reduced, resulting in a more compact structure. This avoids affecting the placement space of other components, facilitates product functional expansion, and simplifies installation.

[0069] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A heat pump dishwasher, characterized in that, include: The base (10) is provided with a water collection area and a flow guiding structure; A heat pump assembly (20) is disposed on the base (10). The heat pump assembly (20) includes an evaporator (21). The flow guiding structure is used to guide the condensate at the evaporator (21) to the water collection area. A drainage component (50) is connected to the water collection area and is used to drain water from the water collection area.

2. The heat pump dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guiding structure includes a flow guiding surface (111), the height of which gradually decreases along the direction from the evaporator (21) toward the water collection area.

3. The heat pump dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide surface (111) is provided with a support rib (13), which is used to support the evaporator (21).

4. The heat pump dishwasher according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple support ribs (13) are provided, and the height of the multiple support ribs (13) gradually increases along the direction from the evaporator (21) to the water collection area.

5. The heat pump dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water collection area is formed by the concave surface of the base (10); Alternatively, the base (10) is provided with an installation groove, the heat pump assembly (20) is disposed in the installation groove, and the bottom surface of the installation groove is provided with a water-blocking part, the water-blocking part and the side wall of the installation groove forming the water collection area.

6. The heat pump dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water collection area and the evaporator (21) are arranged along a first direction and located at the same end of the base (10) along a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

7. The heat pump dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The drainage assembly (50) includes a drainage frame (51) and a drainage pump (52). The drainage frame (51) is detachably connected to the base (10) and located in the water collection area. The drainage pump (52) is disposed on the drainage frame (51) and is used to drain water from the water collection area.

8. The heat pump dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drainage assembly (50) further includes a water level detection element (53), which is disposed on the drainage frame (51). The water level detection element (53) is used to detect the water level in the water collection area and is communicatively connected to the drainage pump (52).

9. The heat pump dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drainage rack (51) includes a mounting plate (511) and at least one support (512). The bottom end of the support (512) is connected to the base (10), and the top end of the support (512) is connected to the mounting plate (511). The drainage pump (52) is disposed on the mounting plate (511).

10. The heat pump dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base (10) includes a base plate (11) and a side plate (12) connected to the base plate (11) and arranged circumferentially around the base plate (11). A drainage structure is formed in the side plate (12), and the drainage pump (52) is connected to the drainage structure.

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