Condensate water box and kitchen equipment using condensate water box

Abstract

The utility model relates to a condensate water box and kitchen equipment applying the condensate water box, the condensate water box comprises a box body, the box body is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the condensate water box is characterized in that the box body is further provided with a water outlet hole, and the water outlet hole is used for condensate water to flow out; a water accumulation area for accumulating a certain amount of condensed water is arranged in the box body, and the water outlet hole is positioned on a flowing path of the condensed water flowing out of the water accumulation area; the baffle is movably arranged in the box body and used for opening or closing the water accumulation area. According to the condensate water box, the water outlet hole is formed in the box body of the condensate water box, the baffle is arranged in the box body, and when the baffle is opened, condensate water flows out of the water accumulation area and finally flows out of the water outlet hole; when the baffle is closed, the condensate water is accumulated in the water accumulation area. Therefore, although the condensate water can flow out of the box body, the condensate water cannot flow out of the box body continuously, and the condensate water can be discharged when needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of kitchen equipment technology, specifically to a condensate box and kitchen equipment using the condensate box. Background Technology

[0002] During the drying stage of a dishwasher, the hot and humid air in the washing chamber needs to be expelled to improve drying efficiency and balance the air pressure in the washing chamber. To solve the problem of airflow condensation during exhaust, some dishwashers are equipped with a condensation structure. For example, the Chinese utility model patent disclosed in patent number CN202220481001.2 (publication number CN218960663U) entitled "A Condensation Box and Dishwasher Thereof" includes an upper cover and a lower cover, which are connected to form a condensation chamber. The condensation chamber is provided with a condensation channel. The condensation box is also provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, which are respectively connected to the condensation channel.

[0003] The patented technology states that after the airflow is condensed in the condensation box, the resulting condensate cannot be discharged. If the condensate accumulates in the condensation box for a long time, it will not only contaminate the condensation box but also affect the airflow. Furthermore, the impact of the airflow on the condensate will generate noise.

[0004] Another example is the "Integrated Dishwasher" disclosed in Chinese invention patent application number CN202310352709.7 (publication number CN116369809A), which mainly includes a sink, an overflow component, and the dishwasher body. The integrated dishwasher also includes an exhaust fan installed within an exhaust duct. The exhaust duct includes a return water section located near the cleaning chamber, with the exhaust fan positioned on the side of the return water section away from the cleaning chamber. The return water section guides the condensate back into the cleaning chamber. The exhaust fan can be installed within a guide section, and the return water section can be inclined downwards or vertically. Hot and humid gas flows upwards along the return water section, condensate forming during this flow. This condensate flows downwards along the return water section and back into the cleaning chamber to prevent leakage.

[0005] This patent allows condensate to flow back into the dishwasher body by setting a return water section in the exhaust duct. However, as soon as there is condensate in the return water section, it flows intermittently into the dishwasher body, causing watermarks to easily stick to the side wall of the dishwasher body. Utility Model Content

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a condensate box that allows condensate to drain without intermittent drainage, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a kitchen appliance with a condensate box that prevents backflow of condensate from leaving watermarks on the inner wall of the main body of the kitchen appliance, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a condensate box, including a box body, an air inlet and an air outlet on the box body, characterized in that the box body is also provided with a water outlet hole for condensate to flow out; the box body has a water accumulation area for a certain amount of condensate to accumulate, and the water outlet hole is located on the flow path of the condensate flowing out from the water accumulation area.

[0009] A baffle, movable within the housing, is used to open or close the water accumulation area.

[0010] The air outlet and water outlet are located on opposite sides of the baffle, and the water accumulation area is located between the air outlet and the baffle. To allow the baffle to open and close the water accumulation area, a drive mechanism such as a motor could be used to rotate the baffle. However, this involves many components and is costly. Therefore, the upper end of the baffle is rotatably connected to the housing via a pivot, while the lower end of the baffle is free. The baffle can be in either a first or a second position. In the first position, there is a gap between the lower end of the baffle and the bottom wall of the housing for condensate to flow out of the water accumulation area, and the water accumulation area and the water outlet are connected through this gap. In the second position, the lower end of the baffle abuts against the bottom wall of the housing, blocking the water accumulation area from the water outlet. Thus, the baffle is in the second position under gravity. When the condensate in the water accumulation area reaches a certain amount, it will push the baffle to rotate, returning it to the first position. In other words, the baffle opens and closes by its own weight or water flow, eliminating the need for a separate drive mechanism.

[0011] The air inlet is located above the air outlet. In order to guide the airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet, the box is also provided with a guide rib that slopes downward from top to bottom. The lower end of the guide rib faces the air outlet or extends into the air outlet.

[0012] In the above design, the air inlet and water outlet are located above and below the guide ribs, respectively. The upper end of the baffle is in contact with or adjacent to the middle of the guide ribs. The area enclosed by the baffle and the guide ribs facing the air outlet is the water accumulation area. The guide ribs not only guide the airflow but also work with the baffle to separate the airflow, ensuring that after entering through the air inlet, all or most of the airflow flows towards the air outlet instead of flowing directly back into the body through the water outlet.

[0013] To ensure smooth airflow, the plane containing the air outlet end face of the air inlet is used as the reference plane. A straight line intersecting the center line of the air inlet and parallel to the reference plane is used as the reference line. The intersection point of the reference line and the center line of the air inlet is called the first point. The point where the center line of the air outlet is located on the air outlet end face is called the second point. The angle between the line connecting the first point and the second point and the reference line is between 45° and 135°.

[0014] To facilitate the return of condensate to the housing, the air outlet is tilted from top to bottom towards the inside of the housing.

[0015] To facilitate airflow condensation, at least one gas-liquid separator is provided in the housing along the airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0016] In the above scheme, there is one gas-liquid separator, or at least two along the airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0017] The gas-liquid separator can have various structural forms, such as condenser ribs or semiconductors. Preferably, the gas-liquid separator is a rotatable impeller. When the impeller rotates, it throws out the condensed water, promoting gas-liquid separation.

[0018] The impeller can be driven to rotate by a drive mechanism such as a motor, but this involves many components and is costly. Therefore, the impeller includes a mounting shaft rotatably mounted on the housing and multiple blades arranged at intervals along the circumference of the mounting shaft. The two opposite walls of each blade are the windward side and the leeward side, and at least one blade always has its windward side facing the direction of airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet. In this way, the airflow will drive the impeller to rotate.

[0019] In order to guide the airflow entering from the air inlet to the gas-liquid separator for gas-liquid separation, the housing is provided with a guide plate. One end of the guide plate is connected to the air inlet, and the other end is inclined to the guide rib, forming a narrow opening for gas to pass through. The gas-liquid separator is located downstream of the narrow opening.

[0020] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a kitchen device using the above-mentioned condensate box, characterized in that it further includes a main body, the main body is provided with an exhaust hole connected to its interior, the air inlet on the box body is connected to the exhaust hole, and the water outlet is connected to the interior of the main body.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: 1. This utility model provides a water outlet on the body of the condensate box and a baffle inside the box. When the baffle is open, condensate flows out from the water accumulation area and eventually out from the water outlet; when the baffle is closed, condensate accumulates in the water accumulation area. In this way, although condensate can flow out of the box, it will not flow out continuously and intermittently, and the condensate can be drained when needed.

[0022] 2. When the condensate box is installed in the kitchen equipment, the water outlet is connected to the inside of the main body, which can prevent the condensate from draining out. There is no need to set up a container to collect the condensate. Furthermore, because there is a water accumulation area in the box, the condensate can be collected in the water accumulation area. When the condensate reaches a certain amount, the baffle is opened, allowing the condensate to flow out from the water outlet. In this way, the condensate will not flow back into the main body intermittently, causing watermarks on the inner wall of the main body. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial structure;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the box structure;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view with the cover plate removed;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view with the cover plate removed. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the kitchen appliance includes a main body 2 and a condensate tray. In this preferred embodiment, the main body 2 is a dishwasher. Of course, the main body can also be other kitchen appliances, such as a steam oven, a steam oven, or other appliances that emit hot air.

[0032] The main body 2 has an exhaust vent that communicates with its interior. The condensate box includes a box body 3, which has an air inlet 31, an air outlet 32, and a water outlet 33. The air inlet 31 and the exhaust vent are connected, and the air outlet 32 ​​can be connected to the outside. In this embodiment, a first exhaust duct 6 is connected to the air outlet 32. A water tank 1 is provided above the main body 2, and a second exhaust duct 7 is connected to the side wall of the water tank 1. The box body 3 is provided between the first exhaust duct 6 and the second exhaust duct 7, and the two are connected through the box body 3. The box body 3 is formed by the mating of a cover plate 3a and a base 3b.

[0033] A drying assembly is provided on the side wall of the chamber 2 to allow hot airflow to enter the chamber 2. The drying assembly can adopt existing technology, such as the applicant's patent with publication number CN220778307U. During the drying process, the hot airflow inside the chamber 2 needs to be discharged from the exhaust port to maintain the air pressure balance inside the chamber 2 and improve the drying efficiency. As the hot airflow flows from the chamber 2 to the water tank 1, the airflow will condense to form condensate. Therefore, the box 3 is provided with a water outlet 33 for the condensate to flow out. In addition, the air outlet 32 ​​is inclined from top to bottom towards the inside of the box 3 so that the condensate formed downstream of the box 3 can flow back into the box 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the water outlet 33 is connected to the washing chamber of the main body 2. A water inlet can be provided on the side wall of the main body 2, and the water outlet 33 can be directly connected to the water inlet. Alternatively, the water outlet 33 and the water inlet can be connected through a water pipe. This embodiment uses the first method.

[0035] If condensation occurs in the housing 3, it will flow from the drain hole 33 into the washing chamber of the main body 2, leaving watermarks on the washing chamber. Therefore, the housing 3 has a water accumulation area 30 for a certain amount of condensation to accumulate. The drain hole 33 is located on the flow path of the condensation flowing out of the water accumulation area 30. The housing 3 is equipped with a baffle 4 that can open or close the water accumulation area 30. When the condensation reaches a certain amount, the baffle 4 is opened, allowing the condensation to flow out from the drain hole 33. This prevents the condensation from flowing back into the main body 2 intermittently, thus avoiding watermarks on the inner wall of the main body 2.

[0036] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the air inlet 31 is located above the air outlet 32. The box body 3 is also provided with a guide rib 34 that slopes downward from top to bottom. The wall surface of the box body 3 with the air outlet 32 ​​is called the first wall surface, and the wall surface opposite to the first wall surface is called the second wall surface. The water outlet 33 is provided on the second wall surface. The upper end of the guide rib 34 is connected to the second wall surface, and the lower end of the guide rib 34 faces the air outlet 32 ​​or extends into the air outlet 32 ​​to guide the airflow from the air inlet 31 toward the air outlet 32.

[0037] In addition, the air outlet 32 ​​and the water outlet 33 are located on both sides of the baffle 4, and the water accumulation area 30 is located between the air outlet 32 ​​and the baffle 4. The air inlet 31 and the water outlet 33 are located above and below the guide rib 34, respectively. The upper end of the baffle 4 is in contact with or adjacent to the middle of the guide rib 34. The area enclosed by the baffle 4 and the guide rib 34 facing the air outlet 32 ​​is the water accumulation area 30. The guide rib 34 not only guides the airflow but also works with the baffle 4 to separate the airflow, so that after the airflow enters from the air inlet 31, all or most of it flows to the air outlet 32 ​​and does not flow back to the main body 2 directly through the water outlet 33 without passing through the air outlet 32.

[0038] Better, such as Figure 7 As shown, the plane where the air outlet end face of the air inlet 31 is located is taken as the reference plane, and the straight line that intersects the center line L1 of the air inlet 31 and is parallel to the reference plane is taken as the reference line L2. The intersection point of the reference line L2 and the center line L1 of the air inlet 31 is called the first point. The point where the center line L3 of the air outlet 32 ​​is located on the air outlet end face of the air outlet 32 ​​is called the second point. The angle α between the line L4 connecting the first point and the second point and the reference line L2 is between 45° and 135°, which makes the steam flow path smooth, reduces the backflow of moisture through the water outlet 32, and facilitates the formation of the water accumulation area 30.

[0039] The centerline L1 of the air inlet 31 refers to the straight line passing through the center of the air inlet 31 along the direction of airflow, and the centerline L3 of the air outlet 32 ​​refers to the straight line passing through the center of the air outlet 32 ​​along the direction of airflow.

[0040] In this embodiment, the upper end of the baffle 4 is rotatably connected to the box body 3 via a rotating shaft 41, and the lower end of the baffle 4 is a free end. The baffle 4 can be in a first position or a second position. When the baffle 4 is in the first position, there is a gap between the lower end of the baffle 4 and the bottom wall of the box body 3, allowing condensate to flow out of the water accumulation area 30. At this time, the water accumulation area 30 and the water outlet 33 are connected through this gap. When the baffle 4 is in the second position, the lower end of the baffle 4 abuts against the bottom wall of the box body 3, blocking the water accumulation area 30 from the water outlet 33. Thus, the baffle 4 is in the second position under the action of gravity. When the condensate in the water accumulation area 30 reaches a certain amount, it will push the baffle 4 to rotate, causing the baffle 4 to be in the first position. That is, the baffle 4 is opened and closed by its own gravity or water flow, without the need for a drive mechanism to drive the baffle 4.

[0041] A gas-liquid separator 5 is provided in the housing 3 along the airflow path from the air inlet 31 to the air outlet 32. There is one gas-liquid separator 5, or at least two along the airflow path from the air inlet 31 to the air outlet 32.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 5 is a rotatable impeller. When the impeller rotates, it throws out condensate, promoting gas-liquid separation. The impeller includes a mounting shaft 51 rotatably mounted on the housing 3 and multiple blades 52 arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the mounting shaft 51. The two opposite walls of each blade 52 are the windward side and the leeward side, respectively. At least one blade 52 always has its windward side facing the flow direction of the airflow from the air inlet 31 to the air outlet 32. When the airflow flows, it drives the impeller to rotate, thus separating the gas and liquid.

[0043] In order to guide the airflow entering from the air inlet 31 to the gas-liquid separator 5 for gas-liquid separation, the housing 3 is provided with a guide plate 8. One end of the guide plate 8 is connected to the air inlet 31, and the other end is inclined to the guide rib 34, forming a narrow opening 81 between the guide rib 34 for gas to pass through. The gas-liquid separator 5 is located downstream of the narrow opening 81.

[0044] The working principle of the condensate box in this embodiment is as follows:

[0045] After the airflow enters through the air inlet 31 of the box, it flows to the impeller under the action of the guide plate 8 and drives the impeller to rotate. During the rotation, the impeller can throw off the condensate after it comes into contact with the hot airflow, so as to separate the moisture in the hot and humid air. The condensate enters the air outlet 32 ​​along the guide rib 34 and flows to the water accumulation area 30 along the inclined surface of the bottom wall of the air outlet 32. When the condensate reaches a certain amount, it will push the baffle 4 to rotate upward, so that the condensate in the water accumulation area 30 flows back to the main body 2 from the water outlet 33.

[0046] The amount of condensate formed during one cycle of main body 2 can be tested. The space of water accumulation area 30 and the weight of baffle 4 can be adjusted so that the condensate can be concentrated in the early stage of the next drying cycle. The weight of the condensate can open baffle 4, at which point water will flow into main body 2. During the drying stage, the drain pump will be activated before the drying is completed, thus draining the water that has entered the interior of main body 2. After a certain period of heat convection drying, there will be no watermarks in the inner tank.

[0047] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in this utility model can be set in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A condensate box, comprising a box body (3), wherein the box body (3) is provided with an air inlet (31) and an air outlet (32), characterized in that, The box (3) is also provided with a water outlet (33), which is used to allow condensate to flow out; the box (3) has a water accumulation area (30) for a certain amount of condensate to accumulate, and the water outlet (33) is located on the flow path of the condensate flowing out from the water accumulation area (30); A baffle (4) is movably installed in the box (3) and is used to open or close the water accumulation area (30).

2. The condensate box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outlet (32) and water outlet (33) are located on both sides of the baffle (4). The water accumulation area (30) is located between the air outlet (32) and the baffle (4). The upper end of the baffle (4) is rotatably connected to the box body (3) through a pivot (41). The lower end of the baffle (4) is a free end. The baffle (4) can be in a first position or a second position. When the baffle (4) is in the first position, there is a gap between the lower end of the baffle (4) and the bottom wall of the box body (3) for condensate to flow out of the water accumulation area (30). The water accumulation area (30) and the water outlet (33) are connected through this gap. When the baffle (4) is in the second position, the lower end of the baffle (4) abuts against the bottom wall of the box body (3), so that the water accumulation area (30) and the water outlet (33) are blocked.

3. The condensate box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet (31) is located above the air outlet (32). The box body (3) is also provided with a guide rib (34) that slopes downward from top to bottom. The lower end of the guide rib (34) faces the air outlet (32) or extends into the air outlet (32).

4. The condensate box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air inlet (31) and water outlet (33) are located above and below the guide rib (34), respectively. The upper end of the baffle (4) is in contact with or adjacent to the middle of the guide rib (34). The area enclosed by the baffle (4) and the guide rib (34) facing the air outlet is the water accumulation area (30).

5. The condensate box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plane where the air outlet end face of the air inlet (31) is located is taken as the reference plane. The straight line that intersects the center line of the air inlet (31) and is parallel to the reference plane is taken as the reference line. The intersection point of the reference line and the center line of the air inlet (31) is called the first point. The point where the center line of the air outlet (32) is located on the air outlet end face of the air outlet (32) is called the second point. The angle between the line connecting the first point and the second point and the reference line is between 45° and 135°.

6. The condensate box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outlet (32) is inclined from top to bottom toward the inside of the box (3).

7. The condensate box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The box (3) is provided with a gas-liquid separator (5) along the airflow path from the air inlet (31) to the air outlet (32).

8. The condensate box according to claim 7, characterized in that: There is one gas-liquid separator (5), or at least two along the airflow path from the air inlet (31) to the air outlet (32).

9. The condensate box according to claim 8, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator (5) is a rotatable impeller.

10. The condensate box according to claim 9, characterized in that: The impeller includes a mounting shaft (51) rotatably mounted on the housing (3) and multiple blades (52) arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the mounting shaft (51). The two opposite walls of each blade (52) are the windward side and the leeward side, and at least one blade (52) always has its windward side facing the flow direction of the airflow from the air inlet (31) to the air outlet (32).

11. The condensate box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The box body (3) is provided with a guide plate (8). One end of the guide plate (8) is connected to the air inlet (31), and the other end is inclined to the guide rib (34) and forms a narrow opening (81) between the guide rib (34) for gas to pass through. The gas-liquid separator (5) is located downstream of the narrow opening (81).

12. A kitchen appliance using the condensate tray according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, It also includes a main body (2), which has an exhaust hole that communicates with its interior. The air inlet (31) on the box (3) is connected to the exhaust hole, and the water outlet (33) is connected to the interior of the main body (2).

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