Water inlet and outlet structure and dish washing machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water inlet and outlet structure and a dish-washing machine. The structure can comprise a control module, a water inlet valve and a transmission partition plate, the control module is connected with the water inlet valve; the water inlet valve is arranged at a water inlet of the water inlet pipe; the control module is used for controlling opening and closing states of the water inlet valve; the control module is further connected with the transmission partition plate. The transmission partition plate is arranged on the water inlet pipe, and the control module is further used for controlling the transmission partition plate to move towards the interior of the water inlet pipe under the condition that the water inlet valve leaks water. According to the technical scheme provided by the utility model, under the condition that the water inlet valve fails, water flow can be controlled, the water flow is effectively blocked, and waste of water resources is avoided; meanwhile, the safety performance of the dish-washing machine is improved, and damage caused by water entering the internal structure of the dish-washing machine is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a water inlet / outlet structure and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] Most dishwashers on the market currently only have one water inlet valve to regulate the flow of water into the dishwasher cavity. However, with increasing use, the waterproof performance of this inlet valve may gradually weaken, or it may even fail completely, resulting in malfunction. This causes water to continuously and uncontrollably flow into the dishwasher cavity, not only wasting a lot of water resources, but also potentially allowing water to seep into the base area of ​​the dishwasher, or even overflow onto the floor, leading to serious consequences such as damage to the internal structure of the dishwasher and flooding of the user's home. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a water inlet / outlet structure and a dishwasher, to at least solve the problem of how to improve the waterproof effect of dishwashers in related technologies. The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an inlet / outlet water structure is provided, including a control module, an inlet valve, and a transmission partition.

[0005] The control module is connected to the water inlet valve; the water inlet valve is located at the inlet of the water inlet pipe, and the control module is used to control the opening and closing state of the water inlet valve.

[0006] The control module is also connected to the transmission partition; the transmission partition is disposed on the water inlet pipe, and the control module is also used to control the transmission partition to move into the water inlet pipe in the event of leakage from the water inlet valve.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the inlet and outlet structure also includes a baffle motor and a baffle drive unit;

[0008] Both the partition motor and the partition drive are located on the outside of the water inlet pipe, and the partition motor is movably connected to the drive partition; the partition motor is used to drive the drive partition to move on the partition drive.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the inlet and outlet water structure also includes a water flow sensor;

[0010] The water flow sensor is disposed between the inlet valve and the transmission baffle; the water flow sensor is used to monitor the inlet water flow and send the inlet water flow to the control module;

[0011] The control module is also used to receive the inlet water flow rate, and when the inlet water flow rate is within a first preset flow rate range, control the partition motor to drive the transmission partition to move into the inlet pipe.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the inlet and outlet water structure also includes an alarm unit;

[0013] The control module is also used to send an alarm command when the influent flow rate is within a second preset flow range; the alarm unit receives the alarm command and performs alarm processing.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the inlet and outlet structure also includes a water distribution valve, a cavity, and a base;

[0015] The water distribution valve includes a first water distribution valve, a second water distribution valve, and a third water distribution valve; when the water distribution valve is in the first water distribution valve position, it is used to drain water from the cavity; when the water distribution valve is in the second water distribution valve position, it is used to drain water from the base; when the water distribution valve is in the third water distribution valve position, it is used to drain water from both the base and the cavity.

[0016] In one possible implementation, a first liquid level detection unit is provided inside the cavity; the control module is connected to the water distribution valve.

[0017] The first liquid level detection unit is used to detect the liquid level in the cavity, obtain a first liquid level detection result, and send it to the control module;

[0018] The control module is also used to receive the first liquid level detection result, and when the first liquid level detection result exceeds the first preset liquid level, control the water distribution valve to be placed in the first water distribution valve position.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the base includes a water storage tank, and a second liquid level detection unit is provided in the water storage tank;

[0020] The second liquid level detection unit is used to detect the liquid level in the water storage tank, obtain the second liquid level detection result, and send it to the control module;

[0021] The control module receives the second liquid level detection result, and if the second liquid level detection exceeds the second preset liquid level, it controls the water distribution valve to switch to the second water distribution valve.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the control module is further configured to control the water distribution valve to switch to the third water distribution valve when the first liquid level detection result exceeds the first liquid level and the second liquid level detection result exceeds the second liquid level.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the control module also includes a display panel;

[0024] The display panel is connected to the control module, and the display panel is used to display the operation instructions corresponding to the control module.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a dishwasher is provided, the dishwasher including the water inlet and outlet structure described in any of the above implementations.

[0026] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this utility model bring at least the following beneficial effects:

[0028] By setting up control modules connected to the inlet valve and the transmission baffle respectively, with the inlet valve located at the inlet of the inlet pipe and the transmission baffle located inside the inlet pipe, the control module controls the transmission baffle to move in the event of a leak in the inlet valve. This double waterproofing system effectively prevents water waste and reduces equipment damage and safety hazards caused by leaks, thereby reducing maintenance costs. It also enhances the stability and reliability of the inlet and outlet water structures.

[0029] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and advantages in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an inlet / outlet water structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram illustrating a water inlet structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram illustrating a water distribution valve structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] In the picture,

[0035] 1-Inlet pipe, 2-Baffle motor, 3-Transmission baffle, 4-Water flow sensor, 5-Inlet valve, 6-Display panel, 7-Cavity, 8-Base. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments in the specification, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or server that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0038] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0039] The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration." Any embodiment illustrated herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments. The term "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, the term "at least one" in this document means any combination of at least two of any one or more of a plurality, for example, including at least one of A, B, and C, which can represent including any one or more elements selected from the set consisting of A, B, and C.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the directions in this article should be understood as follows: the direction closer to the user is forward, and the direction farther from the user is backward.

[0041] Furthermore, to better illustrate this utility model, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this utility model.

[0042] It should be noted that the following diagram shows one possible sequence of steps, and it is not strictly required to follow this order. Some steps can be performed in parallel without interdependence. The user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, user behavior information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for display, training data, etc.) involved in this utility model are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0043] A dishwasher is a household kitchen appliance used for automatically washing dishes. It uses hot water and detergent to clean plates, bowls, glassware, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils, and usually also has a drying function. The main working principle of a dishwasher is as follows: Before the actual wash cycle, the dishwasher first performs a quick rinse with warm water to remove most food residue. Next, the dishwasher heats the detergent and uses hot water for a more thorough wash. The hot water helps dissolve grease, while the detergent effectively removes food residue. After the wash cycle, the dishwasher rinses the dishes again with clean water to remove any remaining detergent and food particles. Finally, the dishes are dried, either by air drying or by heating.

[0044] There are many types of dishwashers, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0045] Countertop dishwashers: compact, take up little space, have a small capacity, and are flexible in placement, making them suitable for kitchens with fewer family members or limited space.

[0046] Cabinet dishwashers: They have standardized dimensions and large capacity, making them suitable for families with many members or those who need to wash a large number of dishes.

[0047] Sink-in-dishwasher: This type of dishwasher combines the functions of a sink and a dishwasher into one unit. It is the same size as a sink and combines the functions of a sink and a dishwasher, making it more convenient to use and saving kitchen space.

[0048] Built-in dishwashers: These need to be directly embedded into the cabinets. The cabinet space needs to be designed in advance, and water inlet and outlet should be reserved. They are suitable for families with already completed renovations and large kitchen spaces.

[0049] Integrated dishwashers typically combine the functions of multiple kitchen appliances, such as sterilizers and storage cabinets, offering a wide range of features, saving space, and improving the overall efficiency of the kitchen. This utility model does not limit the type of dishwasher.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an inlet / outlet water structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the water inlet and outlet structure may include an inlet valve 5 and a transmission baffle 3.

[0051] The water inlet / outlet structure of this invention can be used in dishwashers. The dishwasher's water inlet / outlet structure may further include a water inlet pipe 1. A water inlet valve 5 is located at the water inlet of the water inlet pipe 1. The water inlet valve 5 may include an electromagnetic coil, a valve, a seal, and a filter. A control module is connected to the water inlet valve 5. The electromagnetic coil is located around the valve and is used to receive control signals from the control module, thereby driving the valve to open and close. The seal is fitted onto the valve to ensure that the valve does not leak when closed. The filter is located at the upper or lower end of the valve to prevent impurities in the water from entering the dishwasher and clogging the nozzles or damaging the pump. If the water inlet valve 5 has been used for an extended period, the seal may age and become damaged, or internal parts may loosen, leading to leakage. Therefore, a transmission baffle 3 is installed at the lower end of the water inlet valve 5 to act as a waterproofing device in case of leakage or damage.

[0052] The water inlet / outlet structure also includes a baffle motor 2 and a baffle transmission unit. For example, the transmission baffle 3 can be made of a material with strong corrosion resistance; therefore, the material of the transmission baffle 3 can be stainless steel, engineering plastics, aluminum alloy, etc. This invention does not limit the material of the transmission baffle 3.

[0053] The transmission partition 3 is connected to the partition transmission part. Specifically, the transmission partition 3 is disposed on the partition transmission part, which can be a slide rail type transmission part; this utility model does not limit this. The transmission partition 3 is disposed on the slide rail type transmission part, and the partition transmission part is connected to the partition motor 2. Both the partition transmission part and the partition motor 2 are disposed on the outside of the water inlet pipe 1. The partition motor 2 and the partition transmission part are movably connected, and the partition transmission part is also movably connected to the transmission partition 3.

[0054] In the event of a leak in inlet valve 5, the control module drives the partition motor 2 to rotate forward. This means the drive gear in the motor rotates in a preset direction, causing the partition transmission unit to move the transmission partition 3 from the outside of the inlet pipe 1 to the inside. Specifically, the initial position of the transmission partition 3 can be on the outside of the inlet pipe 1. When the inlet valve 5 leaks, the partition motor 2 drives the transmission partition 3 to move from the outside of the inlet valve 1 to the inside, effectively waterproofing the inlet pipe.

[0055] When the dishwasher is started, the control module drives the partition motor 2 to reverse, that is, the drive gear rotates in the opposite direction of the preset direction. Specifically, the end position of the transmission partition 3 is located inside the water inlet pipe 1. When the dishwasher is started, the partition motor drives the transmission partition 3 to move from the inside of the water inlet pipe 1 to the outside of the water inlet pipe 1, that is, to move back to the initial position of the transmission partition. At this time, the dishwasher can operate normally.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram illustrating a water inlet structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the water inlet structure also includes a water flow sensor 4. The water flow sensor 4 is a device used to measure the velocity, flow rate, or volume of fluid flow. Its working principle can be based on the Hall effect and photoelectric sensing. For example, a Hall flow sensor can measure flow rate using the Hall effect. When water flow drives an impeller with a magnet to rotate, the change in the magnetic field is captured by the Hall element and converted into an electrical signal (usually a pulse signal). The frequency of this signal is proportional to the water flow velocity, thereby calculating the flow rate. An optical flow sensor uses photoelectric technology to measure water flow rate by generating a pulse signal through an optical path cut by the impeller. This invention does not limit the type of water flow sensor.

[0057] Specifically, the water flow sensor 4 can be positioned between the inlet valve 5 and the transmission baffle 3. The water flow sensor 4 is also connected to the control module. When the dishwasher is not in operation, i.e., in standby mode, the control module controls the operation of the water flow sensor 4. The water flow sensor 4 monitors whether water flows out of the inlet valve 5. If the water flow sensor 4 detects zero water flow, it indicates that the inlet valve 5 is operating normally and is not leaking. If the water flow sensor 4 detects a non-zero water flow, it sends the water flow rate to the control module. The control module receives the water flow rate and analyzes it. If the water flow rate is within a first preset flow range (i.e., within the normal leakage range, possibly due to a leak in the seal of the inlet valve 5), and both the water flow rate and velocity are very low, the control module sends a drive command to the baffle motor 2. After receiving the drive command, the baffle motor 2 drives the transmission baffle 3 to move into the inlet pipe 1, effectively preventing water from flowing into the dishwasher cavity 7.

[0058] In another possible implementation, the water inlet / outlet structure also includes an alarm unit. The alarm unit can be installed on the dishwasher as a buzzer or as an application installed on the user's mobile phone. This invention does not limit the specific form of the alarm unit. The control module receives the water inlet flow rate. When the water inlet flow rate is within a second preset flow range, i.e., an abnormal leakage range (possibly due to the inlet valve 5 being completely non-waterproof, or both the water inlet flow rate and velocity being high), the control module sends a drive command to the partition motor 2. Upon receiving the drive command, the partition motor 2 drives the transmission partition 3 to move into the water inlet pipe 1. Simultaneously, the control module also sends an alarm command to the alarm unit. Upon receiving the alarm command, the alarm unit immediately initiates an alarm process, thereby reminding the user to replace the inlet valve 5 or shut off the water supply in a timely manner.

[0059] When the water inlet flow rate is within the second preset flow rate range, the transmission baffle 3 cannot completely block the water flow, and some water will still flow into the cavity 7 of the dishwasher.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the result of a water distribution valve according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 3As shown, the water outlet structure includes a water distribution valve, which comprises three valves: a first water distribution valve, a second water distribution valve, and a third water distribution valve. Each valve corresponds to a different water flow path. Specifically, when the water distribution valve is in the first position, it drains water from the dishwasher cavity 7. When the water distribution valve is in the second position, it drains water from the dishwasher base 8. When the water distribution valve is in the third position, it drains water from both the base 8 and the cavity 7 simultaneously. When the dishwasher is in standby mode, all valves of the water distribution valve are closed, ensuring that the inside of the dishwasher cavity 7 remains dry and free from external contamination.

[0061] In one possible implementation, a first liquid level detection unit is provided inside the cavity 7 of the dishwasher. The first liquid level detection unit is an important detection component within the cavity 7, used to monitor the liquid level height within the cavity 7. Exemplarily, the first liquid level detection unit can be a float sensor, which uses a float to move up and down with changes in liquid level to detect the liquid level mechanically or electronically; an ultrasonic sensor, which measures the liquid level height by emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals; a pressure sensor, which calculates the liquid level height by measuring liquid pressure; a capacitive sensor, which detects the liquid level by utilizing changes in capacitance caused by changes in liquid level; or an optical sensor, which detects the liquid level by utilizing the reflection or refraction of light. This invention does not limit the type of the first liquid level detection unit.

[0062] The control module is connected to both the water distribution valve and the first liquid level detection unit. When the dishwasher is in standby mode, the control module sends a control command to the first liquid level detection unit. Upon receiving the control command, the first liquid level detection unit immediately detects the liquid level inside the cavity 7, obtains the first liquid level detection result, and sends it to the control module. The control module receives the first liquid level detection result and analyzes it. If the first liquid level exceeds a first preset liquid level, that is, if it exceeds the safe upper limit of the liquid level inside the cavity 7, water may flow out of the dishwasher. Therefore, the control module controls the water distribution valve to adjust from the closed state to the first water distribution valve position, through which the water inside the cavity 7 is discharged from the dishwasher.

[0063] In one possible implementation, a water storage tank is provided on the top of the base 8 to store water dripping from inside the cavity 7. A second liquid level detection unit is also provided in the water storage tank. The type of the second liquid level detection unit is the same as that of the first liquid level detection unit, and this invention does not limit this. The control module is also connected to the second liquid level detection unit. When the dishwasher is in standby mode, the control module sends control commands to the second liquid level detection unit. After receiving the control command, the second liquid level detection unit detects the liquid level in the water storage tank of the base 8, obtains a second liquid level detection result, and sends the second liquid level detection result to the control module. The control module receives the second liquid level detection result and analyzes it. If the second liquid level detection result exceeds a second preset liquid level, that is, if the liquid level in the water storage tank exceeds the safe upper limit of the water storage tank, it may overflow onto the circuit components below the water storage tank, thereby damaging the dishwasher and causing it to malfunction.

[0064] Furthermore, the control module controls the water distribution valve to switch from the closed state to the second water distribution valve. At this time, the water in the water storage tank can be discharged from the dishwasher through the second water outlet valve.

[0065] In another possible implementation, the control module receives the first liquid level detection result and the second liquid level detection result. If the first liquid level detection result exceeds the first preset liquid level and the second liquid level detection result exceeds the second preset liquid level, that is, the liquid level in the dishwasher cavity 7 exceeds the safety limit, and at the same time the liquid level in the water storage tank of the dishwasher base 8 also exceeds the safety limit, the control module controls the water distribution valve to switch from the closed state to the position of the third water distribution valve. In this way, the dishwasher can simultaneously discharge the water in the cavity 7 and the water in the base 8, improving drainage efficiency and also improving the safety of the dishwasher.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the control module further includes a display panel 6, which is used to display the operation instructions corresponding to the control module, such as control instructions and the working status of the dishwasher. This utility model does not limit this aspect.

[0067] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0068] It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water access structure, characterized by, The control module, the water inlet valve and the transmission partition plate are included; The control module is connected with the water inlet valve; the water inlet valve is arranged at the water inlet of the water inlet pipe; and the control module is used for controlling the opening and closing state of the water inlet valve; The control module is also connected with the transmission partition plate; the transmission partition plate is arranged on the water inlet pipe; and the control module is also used for controlling the transmission partition plate to move to the inside of the water inlet pipe in the case that the water inlet valve leaks.

2. The water access structure of claim 1, wherein, The water inlet and outlet structure also includes a partition plate motor and a partition plate transmission part; The partition plate motor and the partition plate transmission part are both arranged on the outside of the water inlet pipe; the partition plate motor is movably connected with the transmission partition plate; and the partition plate motor is used for driving the transmission partition plate to move on the partition plate transmission part.

3. The water access structure of claim 2, wherein, The water inlet and outlet structure also includes a water flow sensor; The water flow sensor is arranged between the water inlet valve and the transmission partition plate; the water flow sensor is used for monitoring the water inlet flow of the water flow and sending the water inlet flow to the control module; The control module is also used for receiving the water inlet flow; and in the case that the water inlet flow is in a first preset flow range, the partition plate motor is controlled to be driven to drive the transmission partition plate to move to the water inlet pipe.

4. The water inlet / outlet structure according to claim 3, wherein The water inlet and outlet structure also includes an alarm unit; The control module is also used for sending an alarm instruction in the case that the water inlet flow is in a second preset flow range; and the alarm unit receives the alarm instruction and performs alarm processing.

5. The water access structure of claim 1, wherein, The water inlet and outlet structure also includes a water distribution valve, a cavity and a base; The water distribution valve includes a first water distribution valve, a second water distribution valve and a third water distribution valve; in the case that the water distribution valve is in the first water distribution valve, the water distribution valve is used for discharging water in the cavity; in the case that the water distribution valve is in the second water distribution valve, the water distribution valve is used for discharging water in the base; and in the case that the water distribution valve is in the third water distribution valve, the water distribution valve is used for discharging water in the base and the cavity.

6. The water inlet / outlet structure according to claim 5, wherein A first liquid level detection unit is arranged in the cavity; and the control module is connected with the water distribution valve; The first liquid level detection unit is used for detecting the liquid level in the cavity, obtaining a first liquid level detection result and sending the first liquid level detection result to the control module; The control module is also used for receiving the first liquid level detection result; and in the case that the first liquid level detection result exceeds a first preset liquid level, the control module controls the water distribution valve to be in the first water distribution valve.

7. The water access structure of claim 6, wherein, The base includes a water storage tank; and a second liquid level detection unit is arranged in the water storage tank; The second liquid level detection unit is used for detecting the liquid level in the water storage tank, obtaining a second liquid level detection result and sending the second liquid level detection result to the control module; The control module receives the second liquid level detection result; and in the case that the second liquid level detection result exceeds a second preset liquid level, the control module controls the water distribution valve to be switched to the second water distribution valve.

8. The water access structure of claim 7, wherein, The control module is also used for controlling the water distribution valve to be switched to the third water distribution valve in the case that the first liquid level detection result exceeds the first preset liquid level and the second liquid level detection result exceeds the second preset liquid level.

9. The water access structure of claim 1, wherein, The control module also includes a display panel; The display panel is connected with the control module, and the display panel is used for displaying operation instructions corresponding to the control module.

10. A dishwasher, characterized in that The dishwasher comprises the water inlet and outlet structure according to any one of claims 1-9.

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