Cleaning machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a cleaning machine, which comprises a box body, a water tank and a water pump, a water storage cavity used for containing cleaning water is formed in the water tank, the water tank is installed on the side wall of the box body, one side wall of the water tank is attached to the side wall of the box body, and a water outlet communicating the water storage cavity with the washing cavity is formed in the water tank; the disinfection part is arranged in the water storage cavity of the water tank and used for disinfecting the cleaning water in the water storage cavity; the water outlet valve is used for controlling a water outlet of the water tank to be opened or closed. When the cleaning machine is used for cleaning, heat in the washing cavity can be transmitted to the water tank to heat water stored in the water tank, so that when next cleaning is needed, the heated water directly enters the washing cavity for cleaning, and the purposes of shortening the heating time, reducing the energy consumption, improving the cleaning efficiency and shortening the cleaning time are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a cleaning machine for cleaning tableware and / or fruits and vegetables. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher, or cleaning machine, is a household appliance that automatically cleans dishes, plates, pots, and pans, greatly freeing up people's hands. However, some dishwashers use tap water directly in the machine to clean the dishes. For quick wash cycles, especially the final one, the short washing time allows bacteria from the tap water to easily adhere to the dishes, failing to effectively kill them. Furthermore, current dishwashers' pre-cleaning and storage functions only use hot air drying, which can easily lead to bacterial growth on dishes already containing bacteria over time. Additionally, the use of room-temperature tap water in the dishwasher requires energy and is slow to heat.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, Chinese utility model patent application CN202120033006.4 (publication number CN215128199U) discloses a dishwasher with a hypochlorous acid disinfection module. This dishwasher comprises a main water inlet pipe, a water softener, a hypochlorous acid disinfection module, and a washing pump. One end of the main water inlet pipe is connected to tap water, and the other end is connected to the water softener. One end of the hypochlorous acid disinfection module is connected to the water softener, and the other end is connected to the washing pump. Tap water enters the water softener through the main water inlet pipe, exits from the water softener, enters the hypochlorous acid disinfection module, and then enters the washing pump. The hypochlorous acid disinfection module comprises a main body, an end cap, a water outlet throttling device, and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is installed inside the main body, and the water outlet throttling device is assembled between the main body and the end cap. The end cap is fixedly assembled to the main body.

[0004] This patented technology disinfects water using a hypochlorous acid disinfection module before it enters the dishwasher. However, during the first rinse cycle, which is a pre-rinse, the dishes are often contaminated and do not require disinfection of the water; tap water can be used directly. But this patented dishwasher disinfects all water entering the dishwasher, resulting in higher energy consumption. In addition, the tap water remains at room temperature after passing through a water softener and the hypochlorous acid disinfection module, requiring subsequent heating, which also increases energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a cleaning machine that can sterilize tap water before it enters the washing chamber and preheat the cleaning water by utilizing the wall temperature of the cleaning machine during the cleaning process.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: a cleaning machine, comprising...

[0007] The cabinet has a washing chamber inside;

[0008] Its characteristic is that it also includes

[0009] The water tank has an internal water storage chamber for holding cleaning water. The water tank is installed on the side wall of the tank body, and one of the side walls of the water tank is in contact with the side wall of the tank body. The water tank is provided with an outlet that connects the water storage chamber and the washing chamber.

[0010] The disinfection unit is located in the water storage chamber of the water tank and is used to disinfect the cleaning water in the water storage chamber.

[0011] The outlet valve is used to control whether the water outlet of the water tank is opened or closed.

[0012] Preferably, the water tank is a flat box shape that extends vertically, which makes the overall size of the cleaning machine small and occupies little space.

[0013] Preferably, the water storage cavity of the box is provided with multiple disinfection components spaced vertically, so that different numbers of disinfection components can be opened according to the water level, thus saving energy.

[0014] To automatically select the number of disinfection devices to activate based on the water level in the tank, the cleaning machine also includes a controller and a sensor for sensing the water level in the tank's storage chamber. The sensor is electrically connected to the controller's input, and the disinfection devices are electrically connected to the controller's output. The sensor detects the water level in the storage chamber and transmits a signal to the controller. The controller then controls the number of disinfection devices to activate based on the water level. When the water level is higher than the lowest disinfection device, that device will open, while the others remain closed. As the water level increases, the corresponding disinfection devices at higher levels will open sequentially. Disinfection devices not submerged in water will remain closed. Furthermore, the power of the disinfection devices can be selected based on the water level determined by the sensor, improving sterilization efficiency. This solution not only activates the necessary disinfection devices based on the water level determined by the sensor, avoiding unnecessary waste, but also selects the power of the disinfection devices based on the amount of water, enhancing sterilization efficiency.

[0015] In the above solution, the sensor is a pressure sensor, located at the bottom of the water tank and connected to the water storage chamber. The water tank and the sensor are sealed together, and a sealing ring can be installed between them. When water enters the storage area, it will overflow the pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor determines the water level based on the pressure of the water.

[0016] The disinfection component can be any existing disinfection component; in this application, the disinfection component is an ultraviolet disinfection component.

[0017] In daily water use, insoluble precipitates (such as limescale) easily form. In the application of washing machines, high water hardness can cause limescale buildup on the surface of the heating element, severely hindering heat conduction and causing perforating corrosion, leading to damage to the heating element. Furthermore, it will result in unclean surfaces on the washing machine and on the washed dishes, affecting the washing quality. Therefore, the washing machine also includes a water softener to soften the washing water. The water softener is located between the water tank outlet and the washing chamber of the machine, and all three are interconnected.

[0018] In order to install the water tank on the tank body, the two opposite side walls of the water tank are referred to as the first side plate and the second side plate, respectively. The first side plate is attached to the side wall of the tank body. The first side plate is provided with a through hole, and a sealing tube extending toward the second side plate is formed around the through hole. The sealing tube is in sealing contact with the second side plate. The sealing tube and the tank body are connected by a connector.

[0019] The connector can have various structural forms. In a simple case, the side wall of the box is provided with a threaded hole, and the connector is a bolt. The bolt passes through the threaded hole and is threadedly connected to the sealing pipe. The end of the bolt is formed with a pressing part that abuts against the inner wall surface of the side wall of the box.

[0020] Preferably, the water tank has an inlet at the bottom and an inlet channel connected to the inlet. The inlet channel extends upward and the drain end faces the water storage chamber. A flow sensor is installed on the inlet channel, and the outlet is also located at the bottom of the water tank. The flow sensor can detect the amount of water entering the water storage chamber.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: By setting up a water tank and equipping the water storage chamber of the water tank with a disinfection component, the water can be disinfected before being introduced into the washing chamber of the washing machine. This solves the problem that short-term washing cannot effectively kill bacteria, improves the sterilization effect, and thus improves the cleanliness of the dishes. At the same time, it avoids the problem of increased bacteria on the dishes due to prolonged bacterial growth in the storage function.

[0022] In addition, the water tank is located on the side wall of the machine body. When the washing machine is cleaning, the heat in the washing chamber will be transferred to the water tank to heat the water stored in the tank. So when the next cleaning is needed, the heated water will directly enter the washing chamber for cleaning, which shortens the heating time, reduces energy consumption, improves cleaning efficiency, and shortens the cleaning time. 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 1A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water tank in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure with one half of the shell removed;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, and the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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.

[0031] In the description of this utility model patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an adhesive connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model patent based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the cleaning machine of this preferred embodiment includes a housing 1 and a water tank 2. The housing 1 has a washing chamber 11 inside, and the housing 1 can adopt an existing structure.

[0033] The water tank 2 has a water storage chamber 21 for holding cleaning water. The bottom of the water tank 2 is provided with an outlet 22 that connects the water storage chamber 21 and the washing chamber 11. The bottom of the water tank 2 is provided with an inlet 23. The water tank 2 is provided with an inlet channel 24 that connects to the inlet 23. The inlet channel 24 extends upward and the drain end of the inlet channel 24 faces the water storage chamber 21. A flow sensor 25 is installed on the inlet channel. The flow sensor 25 can detect the amount of water entering the water storage chamber 21. The flow sensor adopts an existing structure.

[0034] Water tank 2 is installed on the side wall of housing 1, and one side wall of water tank 2 is attached to the side wall of housing 1. In this embodiment, water tank 2 is a flat box shape and extends vertically, which makes the overall size of the cleaning machine small and occupies little space. In addition, water tank 2 is formed by two half-shells joined together.

[0035] The two opposite side walls of the water tank 2 are referred to as the first side plate 26 and the second side plate 27, respectively. The first side plate 26 is attached to the side wall of the tank body 1. The first side plate 26 is provided with a through hole, and a sealing tube 28 extending toward the second side plate 27 is formed around the through hole. The sealing tube 28 is in sealing contact with the second side plate 27, and the sealing tube 28 and the tank body 1 are connected by a connector.

[0036] In this embodiment, the side wall of the box 1 is provided with a threaded hole 12, and the connecting member is a bolt 3. The bolt 3 passes through the threaded hole 12 and is threadedly connected to the sealing tube 28. The end of the bolt 3 is formed with a pressing part 31 that abuts against the inner wall surface of the side wall of the box 1.

[0037] The water tank 2 has a disinfection component 4 in its water storage chamber 21 for disinfecting the cleaning water in the water storage chamber 21. In this embodiment, the disinfection component 4 is an ultraviolet disinfection component 4.

[0038] The outlet valve is used to control the opening or closing of the outlet 22 of the water tank 2. The outlet valve can adopt an existing structural form, such as a solenoid valve. When water needs to be stored in the water storage chamber 21, the outlet valve is closed; when water in the water storage chamber 21 needs to flow into the washing chamber 11 of the tank body 1, the outlet valve is opened.

[0039] In this embodiment, a plurality of disinfection components 4 are arranged vertically at intervals in the water storage cavity 21 of the housing 1. The cleaning machine also includes a controller and a sensor 5 for sensing the water level in the water storage cavity 21 of the water tank 2. The sensor 5 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the disinfection components 4 are electrically connected to the output terminal of the controller.

[0040] Sensor 5 senses the water level in the water storage chamber 21 and transmits a signal to the controller. The controller controls the number of disinfection components 4 to be activated based on the water level. When the water level is higher than the lowest disinfection component 4, that component 4 will open, while the others remain closed. As the water volume increases, the water level rises, and disinfection components 4 at the corresponding heights open sequentially. Disinfection components 4 not submerged by water will remain closed. Furthermore, the power of the disinfection components 4 can be selected based on the water volume determined by sensor 5, improving sterilization efficiency. This solution not only activates the necessary disinfection components 4 based on the water level determined by sensor 5, avoiding unnecessary waste, but also selects the power of the disinfection components 4 based on the water volume, enhancing sterilization efficiency.

[0041] Sensor 5 is a pressure sensor, located at the bottom of water tank 2 and connected to the water storage chamber 21 of water tank 2. Water tank 2 and sensor 5 are sealed together. When water enters the storage area, it overflows pressure sensor 5, which determines the water level based on the pressure of the water. The electrical connection between disinfection component 4, sensor 5, and controller is existing technology and will not be described further.

[0042] In daily water use, insoluble precipitates such as limescale easily form. In the application of washing machines, high water hardness can cause limescale buildup on the surface of the heating element, severely hindering heat conduction and causing perforating corrosion, leading to damage to the heating element. Furthermore, it will leave the washing machine surface and the washed dishes unclean, affecting the washing quality. Therefore, the washing machine also includes a water softener to soften the washing water. The water softener is located between the outlet 22 of the water tank 2 and the washing chamber 11 of the tank body 1, and all three are connected. The water softener uses an existing structure.

[0043] The working process of the cleaning machine in this embodiment is as follows:

[0044] Tap water enters the water storage chamber 21 of water tank 2 through the inlet valve. During the water intake process, the flow sensor 25 on water tank 2 detects the water volume. During the first rinse, since it is a pre-wash and the dishes are heavily contaminated, UV sterilization is not performed; water enters the washing chamber 11 directly from the water softener. During the first rinse, water for the second rinse is added to the water storage chamber 21, and the sterilization unit 4 is activated to sterilize the water in the water storage chamber 21. After the first rinse is completed, the sterilized second rinse water enters the washing chamber 11 for rinsing. At this time, the next rinse water enters the water storage chamber 21 for sterilization. If there is no subsequent rinsing, no more water enters the water storage chamber 21.

[0045] In addition, during the first cleaning cycle, the heating element on the tank 1 heats the water (this is existing technology). During cleaning, the heated water disperses to the perimeter of the tank 1, dissipating heat outwards. Meanwhile, the second layer of water in the water storage chamber 21 of the water tank 2 absorbs the heat emitted from the tank 1, raising its temperature. After the first cleaning cycle, the pre-heated water enters the washing chamber 11 for further cleaning. Because the water temperature is higher than room temperature, the heating time is shortened, reducing energy consumption. Simultaneously, the shortened heating time accelerates cleaning efficiency and reduces overall cleaning time. Subsequent cleaning cycles follow the same sequence.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine comprising a box body (1) having a washing cavity (11) inside; characterized in that further comprising a water tank (2) having a water storage cavity (21) for storing cleaning water, the water tank (2) being mounted on the side wall of the box body (1), and one of the side walls of the water tank (2) being attached to the side wall of the box body (1), the water tank (2) being provided with a water outlet (22) for connecting the water storage cavity (21) and the washing cavity (11); a disinfecting member (4) arranged in the water storage cavity (21) of the water tank (2) for disinfecting the cleaning water in the water storage cavity (21); a water outlet valve for controlling the opening or closing of the water outlet (22) of the water tank (2).

2. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein: The water tank (2) is flat and box-shaped and extends vertically.

3. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein: The water storage cavity (21) of the box body (1) is provided with a plurality of disinfecting members (4) vertically spaced apart.

4. The cleaning machine of claim 3, wherein: Further comprising a controller and a sensor (5) for sensing the water level in the water storage cavity (21) of the water tank (2), the sensor (5) being electrically connected to the input end of the controller, and the disinfecting member (4) being electrically connected to the output end of the controller.

5. The cleaning machine of claim 4, wherein: The sensor (5) is a pressure sensor arranged at the bottom of the water tank (2) and connected to the water storage cavity (21) of the water tank (2), and the water tank (2) and the sensor (5) are sealed.

6. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein: The disinfecting member (4) is an ultraviolet disinfecting member.

7. The cleaning machine of any one of claims 1-6, wherein: Further comprising a water softener arranged between the water outlet (22) of the water tank (2) and the washing cavity (11) of the box body (1) and connected thereto.

8. The cleaning machine of any one of claims 1-6, wherein: The opposite two side walls of the water tank (2) are respectively referred to as a first side plate (26) and a second side plate (27), the first side plate (26) being attached to the side wall of the box body (1), the first side plate (26) being provided with a through hole, and a sealing tube (28) extending towards the second side plate (27) being formed around the through hole, the sealing tube (28) being in sealing contact with the second side plate (27), and the sealing tube (28) and the box body (1) being connected by a connecting member.

9. The cleaning machine of claim 8, wherein: The side wall of the box body (1) is provided with a threaded hole (12), the connecting member is a bolt (3), the bolt (3) passes through the threaded hole (12) and is threadedly connected with the sealing tube (28), and the end of the bolt (3) is formed with a pressing portion (31) abutting against the inner wall surface of the side wall of the box body (1).

10. The cleaning machine of any one of claims 1-6, wherein: The bottom of the water tank (2) is provided with a water inlet (23), the water tank (2) is provided with a water inlet channel (24) connected to the water inlet (23), the water inlet channel (24) extends upwards, the drainage end of the water inlet channel (24) faces the water storage cavity (21), the water inlet channel (24) is provided with a flow sensor (25), and the water outlet (22) is also located at the bottom of the water tank (2).

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