A dishwasher water circulation system
By using a stepped linkage design of multi-stage cleaning chambers and water storage tanks, the problems of high water consumption and high energy consumption of large dishwashers are solved, realizing water recycling and efficient cleaning, and reducing operating costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG DIVOS ELECTRIC CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing large dishwashers consume a lot of water and energy, and waste heat is not recovered and utilized, resulting in high long-term operating costs.
It adopts a stepped linkage design of multi-stage cleaning chambers and water storage tanks. Large particles of residue are separated by guide channels and filter screens. The water is directionally flowed and recycled by the gradient flow pipe. Combined with heating structure and openable and closable sewage outlet, water quality is kept stable.
It achieves water and energy conservation, reduces the amount of additional water injected, reduces the consumption of fresh water, improves cleaning efficiency, and extends equipment life.
Smart Images
Figure CN224320681U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and in particular to a dishwasher water circulation system. Background Technology
[0002] Existing large dishwashers, such as those used in commercial and canteen settings, generally employ a design that combines high-pressure spraying with high-temperature sterilization. They achieve efficient operation through continuous multi-compartment cleaning—pre-wash, main wash, rinsing, and drying—meeting the high-load demands of restaurants, hotels, and other similar settings. However, these devices have significant drawbacks: high water consumption (traditional tunnel dishwashers consume enormous amounts of water per wash cycle, resulting in high long-term operating costs); and frequent heating of fresh cold water leads to increased energy consumption, with waste heat not being recovered and utilized. Utility Model Content
[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a dishwasher water circulation system that aims to reduce water consumption and save costs.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a dishwasher water circulation system, comprising:
[0005] Multiple cleaning chambers are connected in sequence to form a cleaning path. Each cleaning chamber is equipped with a conveying structure for gradually passing the dishes to be washed through each cleaning chamber along the cleaning path to perform different cleaning steps.
[0006] Multiple water storage tanks are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of cleaning chambers, and they are arranged one-to-one below the cleaning chambers. A flow pipe is connected between the tops of each adjacent water storage tank so that water can flow into another water storage tank when the water level of any water storage tank is higher than the opening of the flow pipe. Each water storage tank is also connected to a pumping structure, which pumps the water in the water storage tank to the cleaning chamber above the water storage tank for recycling.
[0007] In one possible implementation, the horizontal height of the plurality of flow tubes gradually increases along the direction from the start end to the end end of the cleaning path.
[0008] In one possible implementation, a guide channel is provided at the bottom of the cleaning chamber located at the beginning of the cleaning path, and a first filter screen is provided at the end of the guide channel, which allows the filtered water to flow into the water storage tank.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the pumping structure includes at least a water pump, a pumping pipe, and a delivery pipe, wherein the pumping pipe is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank, and a second filter screen is provided at the inlet of the pumping pipe.
[0010] In one possible implementation, a heating structure may be installed inside the water storage tank.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the bottom of the water storage tank is also provided with an openable and closable sewage outlet.
[0012] This utility model's technical solution achieves superior water-saving performance through a stepped linkage design of multi-stage cleaning chambers and water storage tanks. Its core lies in utilizing water flow according to cleanliness levels. The initial cleaning chamber separates large particles of residue through a guide channel and a first filter screen. The filtered water flows into the bottom water storage tank and circulates back to the cleaning chamber via a bottom pumping pipe. Adjacent water storage tanks utilize gradient-elevated flow pipes to direct residual water flow from low-pollution areas to high-pollution areas, reducing additional water injection and ensuring that the dirtier water from the initial stage circulates within the same level. The built-in heating structure in the water storage tanks further reduces the need for frequent water changes, and the high-temperature water can be repeatedly used for oil removal and sterilization. A closable drain outlet at the bottom periodically removes sediment, maintaining stable water quality. Attached Figure Description
[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the dishwasher water circulation system of this utility model;
[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dishwasher water circulation system of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a water storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0019] 1. Cleaning chamber; 11. Flow channel; 12. First filter screen; 2. Water storage tank; 3. Flow pipe; 41. Water pump; 42. Pumping pipe; 421. Second filter screen; 43. Water supply pipe; 5. Heating structure; 6. Drain outlet.
[0020] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 4 This utility model proposes a dishwasher water circulation system, including multiple cleaning chambers 1 and multiple water storage tanks 2. The cleaning chambers 1 are connected in sequence to form a cleaning path. Each cleaning chamber 1 is equipped with a conveying structure for gradually passing the dishes to be washed through each cleaning chamber 1 along the cleaning path to perform different cleaning steps. The number of water storage tanks 2 is the same as the number of cleaning chambers 1, and they are arranged one-to-one below each cleaning chamber 1. A flow pipe 3 is connected between the tops of each adjacent water storage tank 2 so that when the water level of any water storage tank 2 is higher than the opening of the flow pipe 3, water can flow into another water storage tank 2. Each water storage tank 2 is also connected to a pumping structure, which pumps the water in the water storage tank 2 to the cleaning chamber 1 above the water storage tank 2 for recycling.
[0023] Understandably, the dishwasher consists of multiple independent chambers, such as pre-wash, main wash, and rinse chambers, each responsible for different washing steps. Each washing chamber 1 has a dedicated water tank 2 underneath to collect and store water flowing from that washing chamber 1 during that stage. The number of water tanks 2 corresponds one-to-one with the number of washing chambers 1. The washing chambers 1 are connected sequentially, and dishes pass through each washing chamber 1 in turn via a conveyor structure such as a conveyor belt or robotic arm, forming a washing path AB to complete different stages of washing.
[0024] Adjacent water storage tanks 2 are connected by a top-mounted flow pipe 3. When the water level in one tank 2 exceeds the height of the flow pipe 3, the excess water automatically flows to the adjacent tank 2, similar to the principle of "communicating vessels." This balances water level differences, prevents overflow from a single tank, and allows water to flow as needed. Each tank 2 is equipped with a pumping structure to pump water to the corresponding cleaning chamber 1 above, achieving localized water recycling. For example, wastewater from the pre-wash tank is pumped back to the pre-wash chamber for reuse, while cleaner rinsing water can flow to the main wash stage through the connecting pipe.
[0025] The above setup achieves the following: water conservation and environmental protection, reducing overall water consumption through multi-stage circulation; high cleaning efficiency, with different cleaning chambers focusing on specific steps to improve cleaning results; and full automation, with automatic water level balancing and pumping systems reducing manual intervention.
[0026] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, along the cleaning path AB from the starting end A to the ending end B, the horizontal height of the multiple flow tubes 3 gradually increases.
[0027] Understandably, along the direction of movement of the bowls and plates, the installation height of the flow pipes 3 between adjacent water storage tanks 2 increases sequentially. This serves to control the directional water flow. Since the water quality is cleaner towards the back, water will only flow to the next water storage tank 2 when the water level of a certain water storage tank 2 exceeds the height of the flow pipe 3 in front of it. The gradient design ensures that water can only flow from back to front, avoiding backflow pollution.
[0028] The wastewater in the frontmost cleaning chamber 1 is circulated within this stage first because the flow pipe 3 is relatively low. The water storage tank 2 in the rearmost cleaning chamber 1 does not receive residual water from the front end because the flow pipe 3 is relatively high, and can only have its own clean water flow back.
[0029] The above setup prevents cross-contamination and blocks the reverse flow of dirty water from the front section to the clean water section at the back. It saves energy and water, with the front section using wastewater frequently and the back section gradually replenishing it with cleaner water, reducing the consumption of fresh water. Each water storage tank 2 automatically adjusts its water storage capacity according to the height of the flow pipe 3, without the need for complex sensors.
[0030] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment of this utility model, a guide channel 11 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning chamber 1 located at the starting end A of the cleaning path AB, and a first filter screen 12 is provided at the end of the guide channel 11. The first filter screen 12 allows the filtered water to flow into the water storage tank 2.
[0031] Understandably, the guide channel 11 is located at the bottom of the initial washing chamber 1 to quickly collect the dirty water after washing. Since the initial washing chamber 1 performs the first step of washing dishes, it will contain a lot of large particles of residue. The first filter screen 12 is used to intercept large particles of residue, such as food scraps and bone fragments, to prevent them from entering the water storage tank 2 and clogging the pipes or water pump 41. The filtered water flows through the mesh into the water storage tank 2 below, becoming a water source for recycling.
[0032] The above settings protect the water pump 41 and the pipeline, prevent large particles of impurities from entering the water circulation system, and reduce the failure rate; they enable graded filtration, with the first filter screen 12 serving as the primary filter, which can work in conjunction with the fine filtration of the subsequent cleaning chamber 1 to form multi-stage purification; they are easy to maintain, as the filter screen at the end of the guide channel 11 can be manually disassembled and cleaned, making them suitable for high-frequency use in catering scenarios.
[0033] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the pumping structure includes at least a water pump 41, a water pumping pipe 42 and a water delivery pipe 43. The water pumping pipe 42 is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 2, and a second filter screen 421 is provided at the outlet of the water pumping pipe 42.
[0034] Understandably, the water pump 41, as the core power component, is responsible for pumping water from the water storage tank 2 to the corresponding cleaning chamber 1 above. It can be a high-temperature and corrosion-resistant centrifugal pump or a small high-pressure pump to adapt to the high-temperature and high-pressure environment of the dishwasher. The water suction pipe 42 connects to the bottom of the water storage tank 2 to ensure sufficient water extraction. The water delivery pipe 43 delivers the pressurized water from the water pump 41 to the spray arms or nozzles of the cleaning chamber 1, completing the circulating cleaning process. The second filter screen 421 is installed at the inlet of the water suction pipe 42 inside the water storage tank 2 to intercept fine particles, preventing them from entering the impeller of the water pump 41 and extending the equipment's lifespan. The second filter screen 421 is detachable for easy cleaning or replacement and convenient for regular maintenance.
[0035] Reference Figure 4 In one embodiment of this utility model, a heating structure 5 may be installed inside the water storage tank 2.
[0036] Understandably, the heating structure 5 can be a built-in electric heating tube, which is directly immersed in the bottom of the water storage tank 2 through a stainless steel heating tube, and the water temperature is adjusted by a thermostat. The structure is compact and the heating is uniform. It can also be a coil-type heat exchanger, which is connected to an external boiler or steam source and indirectly heats the water in the water storage tank 2 through a metal coil. It can also be an instant heating module, which integrates an instant heating device such as a PTC heater in the pumping pipeline and heats the water simultaneously when pumping.
[0037] The heating structure 5 serves several purposes: high-temperature cleaning, heating the water in the storage tank 2 to 60℃~85℃, effectively dissolving grease and killing most bacteria; high temperature also accelerates the chemical reaction of detergents, improving cleaning efficiency; and energy saving, as directly heating the circulating water is more energy-efficient than continuously injecting fresh hot water, making it especially suitable for scenarios involving long-term continuous operation. Furthermore, it enables stepped temperature control, working in conjunction with the multi-stage cleaning chamber 1 design, where the initial storage tank 2 is heated to a medium temperature, and the subsequent tank is heated to a high temperature, achieving temperature gradient cleaning.
[0038] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the bottom of the water storage tank 2 is also provided with an openable and closable sewage outlet 6.
[0039] Understandably, the core function of drain outlet 6 is to periodically discharge settled waste. Unfiltered fine residue, grease, or scale may accumulate at the bottom of the water tank 2. Drain outlet 6 can thoroughly clean this, preventing long-term accumulation from affecting water quality or clogging pipes; it also allows for emergency drainage, quickly emptying the water tank 2 during maintenance or malfunctions. Its opening and closing mechanism can be a manual valve, such as a stopcock or ball valve, requiring periodic manual operation, which is low-cost and reliable; or an electric / pneumatic valve connected to a control system, allowing for programmable timed automatic drainage, suitable for large commercial models.
[0040] The above settings prevent the water storage tank 2 from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria; reduce the adhesion of scale and grease to the heating pipe and water pump 41, and extend the service life of the equipment; the drain outlet 6 can be repaired independently without affecting other components.
[0041] This utility model achieves excellent water-saving performance by employing a stepped linkage design of multi-stage cleaning chambers 1 and water storage tanks 2. Its core lies in utilizing water flow according to cleanliness levels. The initial cleaning chamber 1 separates large particles of residue through a guide channel 11 and a first filter screen 12. The filtered water flows into the bottom water storage tank 2 and circulates back to the cleaning chamber 1 via a bottom pumping pipe 42 and a pumping structure. Meanwhile, the adjacent water storage tank 2 achieves directional flow of residual water through a gradient-elevated flow pipe 3, moving from low-pollution areas to high-pollution areas, reducing additional water injection and ensuring that the dirtier water from the initial stage circulates within this stage. The built-in heating structure 5 in the water storage tank 2 further reduces the need for frequent water changes, and the high-temperature water can be repeatedly used for oil removal and sterilization. The bottom openable drain outlet 6 periodically removes sediment, maintaining stable water quality.
[0042] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0043] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A dishwasher water circulation system, characterized in that, include: Multiple cleaning chambers are connected in sequence to form a cleaning path. Each cleaning chamber is equipped with a conveying structure for gradually passing the dishes to be washed through each cleaning chamber along the cleaning path to perform different cleaning steps. Multiple water storage tanks are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of cleaning chambers, and they are arranged one-to-one below the cleaning chambers. A flow pipe is connected between the tops of each adjacent water storage tank so that water can flow into another water storage tank when the water level of any water storage tank is higher than the opening of the flow pipe. Each water storage tank is also connected to a pumping structure, which pumps the water in the water storage tank to the cleaning chamber above the water storage tank for recycling.
2. The dishwasher water circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction from the beginning to the end of the cleaning path, the horizontal height of the multiple flow tubes gradually increases.
3. The dishwasher water circulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A guide channel is provided at the bottom of the cleaning chamber located at the beginning of the cleaning path, and a first filter screen is provided at the end of the guide channel. The first filter screen allows the filtered water to flow into the water storage tank.
4. The dishwasher water circulation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pumping structure includes at least a water pump, a pumping pipe, and a delivery pipe. The pumping pipe is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank, and a second filter screen is provided at the pumping pipe inlet.
5. The dishwasher water circulation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A heating structure can be installed inside the water storage tank.
6. The dishwasher water circulation system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the water storage tank is also equipped with an openable and closable sewage outlet.