A dishwasher water tank structure and a dishwasher thereof

By setting a first water path and a switch valve in the dishwasher's water tank, flexible switching between hot and cold water paths is achieved, solving the problem that existing technologies cannot adapt to the temperature requirements of different washing stages, improving energy efficiency and water resource utilization efficiency, and enhancing washing performance and user experience.

CN224403589UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-26GUANGDONG FULONG ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG FULONG ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-11
Publication Date
2026-06-26

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of dish-washing machine water inlet, propose a dish-washing machine water tank structure, including the box, be equipped with first waterway on the box, first waterway is equipped with the water inlet end that communicates the inner chamber of box, and the liquid outlet end that communicates dish-washing machine, the box is equipped with first switch valve for opening and closing first waterway water inlet end, first waterway water inlet end is closed, and liquid directly enters dish-washing machine through the first waterway of box, first waterway water inlet end opens, and liquid enters the box through the water inlet end of first waterway of box to store liquid in the box. By setting first waterway, water inlet end, liquid outlet end and first switch valve, flexible waterway control mode is provided for dish-washing machine water tank. In the dish-washing machine working process, when being in pre-washing and cold stage, no hot water is needed, first waterway water inlet end can be closed, liquid is not stored through water tank, directly enters dish-washing machine through first waterway, and the temperature requirement of different washing stages of dish-washing machine is adapted.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of water inlet for dishwashers, specifically to a dishwasher water tank structure and the dishwasher thereof. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwasher's workflow comprises four stages: pre-wash, main wash, cold rinse, and hot rinse. The dishwasher's inner drum contains a water tank for storing water. The liquid in the tank preheats the stored water by absorbing the waste heat generated during the dishwasher's operation. During the main wash and hot rinse stages, the liquid in the tank enters the dishwasher for heating, shortening the heating time and thus improving energy efficiency. However, the pre-wash and cold rinse stages do not require hot water. Existing single-channel water tank systems cannot switch between hot and cold water, resulting in the system not being able to fully adapt to the temperature requirements of different washing stages. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention proposes a dishwasher water tank structure and the dishwasher itself. By setting a first water path, a water inlet, a liquid outlet, and a first switching valve, a flexible water path control method is provided for the dishwasher water tank. During the dishwasher's operation, when in the pre-wash and cold rinse stages and hot water is not required, the first water path inlet can be closed, allowing the liquid to enter the dishwasher directly through the first water path without passing through the water tank, adapting to the temperature requirements of different washing stages. During the main wash and hot rinse stages, the first water path inlet is opened, allowing the liquid to enter the tank for storage. The residual heat generated during dishwasher operation preheats the liquid, shortening the heating time for subsequent heating, significantly improving the dishwasher's energy efficiency, and optimizing the water resource utilization efficiency of the entire washing process. This makes the water tank system more functional and better meets the diverse operational needs of the dishwasher.

[0004] A dishwasher water tank structure designed for this purpose includes a tank body, the tank body having a first water passage, the first water passage having a water inlet end communicating with the inner cavity of the tank body and a liquid outlet end communicating with the dishwasher, and the tank body having a first switch valve for opening and closing the water inlet end of the first water passage.

[0005] With the first water inlet closed, the liquid enters the dishwasher directly through the first water inlet of the cabinet.

[0006] When the inlet of the first water channel is opened, the liquid enters the tank through the inlet of the first water channel to store the liquid inside the tank.

[0007] The box is provided with a second water passage, the second water passage is provided with an output end connected to the liquid outlet end, and the box is provided with a second switch valve for opening and closing the output end of the second water passage.

[0008] When the output end of the second water path is opened, the liquid inside the tank enters the dishwasher along the output end of the second water path and the liquid outlet end of the first water path.

[0009] The housing is provided with a mounting cavity for installing a second switch valve. The mounting cavity has a notch for connecting to the liquid outlet of the first water circuit. The output end of the second water circuit is open, and the notch is connected to the output end of the second water circuit.

[0010] The second switching valve includes a second actuator and a second sealing sleeve that is driven to the output shaft of the second actuator. The outer side of the second sealing sleeve is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the mounting cavity. The output shaft of the second actuator drives the second sealing sleeve to open the second water outlet. The second sealing sleeve is in a compressed state and remains in sealing contact with the inner wall of the mounting cavity.

[0011] The housing is equipped with an inlet for connecting to the water outlet of the dishwasher's water softener.

[0012] The housing is provided with an assembly cavity for installing a first switch valve. The first switch valve includes a first driver and a first sealing sleeve that is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the first driver. The outer side of the first sealing sleeve is sealed against the inner wall of the assembly cavity. The output shaft of the first driver drives the first sealing sleeve to open the first water inlet end. The first sealing sleeve is in a compressed state and remains sealed against the inner wall of the assembly cavity.

[0013] The housing is equipped with a connection end for connecting the dishwasher breather.

[0014] The chamber is equipped with a channel for balancing the air pressure inside and outside the chamber. One end of the channel is connected to the inner cavity of the chamber, and the other end of the channel is connected to the dishwasher's breather.

[0015] The chamber is equipped with a pressure regulating structure for adjusting and balancing the internal air pressure of the water tank. The pressure regulating structure includes a hidden channel, and a drain port is provided between the hidden channel and the inner side of the chamber. The pressure regulating structure and the drain port are respectively connected to the dishwasher breather through a connecting end and a channel.

[0016] The inner cavity of the box is divided into two independently spaced first cavities and second cavities by a channel. A hidden channel is provided between the first cavities and the second cavities, and the first cavities and the second cavities are connected by the hidden channel so as to balance the air pressure in the first cavities and the second cavities when the water inlet of the box is adjusted.

[0017] The housing includes a front shell and a bottom shell, with a first water passage and a second water passage provided between the front shell and the bottom shell, as well as a first switch valve and a second switch valve for switching the corresponding water passage.

[0018] A dishwasher includes a body with the aforementioned dishwasher water tank structure, an inner liner inside the body, the body being positioned close to the outer side of the inner liner, and the body being fixedly connected to the side of the inner liner.

[0019] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] By configuring a first water path, inlet, outlet, and a first on / off valve, a flexible water path control method is provided for the dishwasher's water tank. During the dishwasher's workflow, when in the pre-wash and cold rinse stages and hot water is not required, the inlet of the first water path can be closed, allowing the liquid to enter the dishwasher directly through the first water path without passing through the water tank storage, adapting to the temperature requirements of different washing stages. During the main wash and hot rinse stages, the inlet of the first water path is opened, allowing the liquid to enter the tank for storage. The residual heat generated during dishwasher operation preheats the liquid, shortening heating time during subsequent heating, significantly improving the dishwasher's energy efficiency. It also optimizes the water resource utilization efficiency of the entire washing process, making the water tank system more functional and better meeting the diverse operational needs of the dishwasher. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembled and disassembled structure of a water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a water tank installed on the side of the inner tank of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first water inlet closed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the first water inlet is open and the second water outlet is closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second water outlet end being opened according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and understandable, many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0030] See Figures 1-8 A dishwasher water tank structure includes a tank body 1, a first water passage 2 on the tank body 1, a water inlet 4 communicating with the inner cavity of the tank body 1 and a liquid outlet 9 communicating with the dishwasher, and a first switch valve 8 for opening and closing the water inlet 4 of the first water passage 2.

[0031] When the inlet 4 of the first water channel 2 is closed, the liquid enters the dishwasher directly through the first water channel 2 of the cabinet 1.

[0032] When the inlet 4 of the first water passage 2 is opened, the liquid enters the tank 1 through the inlet 4 of the first water passage 2, so as to store the liquid in the tank 1.

[0033] By configuring a first water path 2, a water inlet 4, a liquid outlet 9, and a first switching valve 8, a flexible water path control method is provided for the dishwasher's water tank. During the dishwasher's workflow, when in the pre-wash and cold rinse stages and hot water is not required, the water inlet 4 of the first water path 2 can be closed, allowing the liquid to enter the dishwasher directly through the first water path 2 without passing through the water tank storage, adapting to the temperature requirements of different washing stages. During the main wash and hot rinse stages, the water inlet 4 of the first water path 2 is opened, allowing the liquid to enter the tank 1 for storage. The residual heat generated during dishwasher operation preheats the liquid, shortening the heating time during subsequent heating, significantly improving the dishwasher's energy efficiency, and optimizing the water resource utilization efficiency of the entire washing process. This makes the water tank system more functional and better meets the diverse operational needs of the dishwasher.

[0034] The housing 1 is provided with a second water passage 3, the second water passage 3 is provided with an output end 6 connected to the liquid outlet end 9, and the housing 1 is provided with a second switch valve 7 for opening and closing the output end 6 of the second water passage 3.

[0035] When the output end 6 of the second water channel 3 is opened, the liquid in the housing 1 enters the dishwasher along the output end 6 of the second water channel 3 and the liquid outlet end 9 of the first water channel 2.

[0036] When the dishwasher is in the main wash and hot rinse stages and requires preheated liquid from the water tank, the output end 6 of the second water path 3 is opened. The liquid stored in the tank 1 can then smoothly enter the dishwasher through the output end 6 of the second water path 3 and the liquid outlet 9 of the first water path 2, forming a dedicated channel for transporting the preheated liquid. This design ensures that the preheated liquid in the water tank is stably and efficiently delivered to the dishwasher for heating and use. Independent control of the second water path 3 allows for more precise control of the flow rate and velocity of the preheated liquid, resulting in better washing performance during the main wash and hot rinse stages, further enhancing the overall performance and user experience of the dishwasher.

[0037] The housing 1 is provided with a mounting cavity 10 for installing the second switch valve 7. The mounting cavity 10 is provided with a notch 11 for connecting the liquid outlet 9 of the first water circuit 2. The output end 6 of the second water circuit 3 is open, and the notch 11 is connected to the output end 6 of the second water circuit 3.

[0038] The mounting cavity 10 provides a stable mounting space for the second switching valve 7, ensuring its fixed position during operation. The notch 11 allows liquid to flow smoothly from the output end 6 of the second water circuit 3 to the outlet end 9 of the first water circuit 2 when the output end 6 of the second water circuit 3 is open, via the notch 11. This design simplifies the water circuit connection, reducing additional connectors and complex piping layout.

[0039] The second switching valve 7 includes a second driver 12 and a second sealing sleeve 13 that is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the second driver 12. The outer side of the second sealing sleeve 13 is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 10. The output shaft of the second driver 12 drives the second sealing sleeve 13 to open the output end 6 of the second water passage 3. The second sealing sleeve 13 is in a compressed state and remains in sealing contact with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 10.

[0040] In this technical solution, the second driver 12 is a wax motor. During the extension and retraction of the output shaft of the second driver 12, it drives the second sealing sleeve 13 to open and close the output end 6 of the second water passage 3. The second sealing sleeve 13 is provided with a second telescopic sealing section and a second fixing section that abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity 10. The housing of the second driver 12 is fixed to the outside of the box 1 by screws.

[0041] The housing 1 is provided with an inlet 5 for connecting to the water outlet of the dishwasher water softener.

[0042] Softened water is introduced into the water tank. During the dishwasher's operation, using softened water effectively reduces limescale buildup, protects internal components such as heating elements and pipes, and extends the dishwasher's lifespan.

[0043] The housing 1 is provided with an assembly cavity 14 for installing a first switch valve 8. The first switch valve 8 includes a first driver 15 and a first sealing sleeve 16 that is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the first driver 15. The outer side of the first sealing sleeve 16 is sealed against the inner wall of the assembly cavity 14. The output shaft of the first driver 15 drives the first sealing sleeve 16 to open the water inlet 4 of the first water passage 2. The first sealing sleeve 16 is in a compressed state and remains sealed against the inner wall of the assembly cavity 14.

[0044] Assembly cavity 14 provides a stable installation environment for the first switching valve 8, ensuring that the first switching valve 8 will not shift during operation and guaranteeing the accuracy of water circuit control. The output shaft of the first actuator 15 drives the first sealing sleeve 16 to open or close the water inlet 4 of the first water circuit 2. When open, the first sealing sleeve 16 is in a compressed state and seals against the inner wall of the assembly cavity 14, effectively preventing liquid leakage during water inlet and ensuring the sealing and safety of the water circuit system. When the water inlet 4 of the first water circuit 2 is closed, one end of the first sealing sleeve 16 can tightly fit against the outside of the water inlet 4 of the first water circuit 2, preventing liquid from entering the water tank.

[0045] In this technical solution, the first driver 15 is a wax motor. During the extension and retraction of the output shaft of the first driver 15, it drives the first sealing sleeve 16 to open and close the water inlet 4 of the first water passage 2. The first sealing sleeve 16 is provided with a first telescopic sealing section and a first fixing section that abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity 10. The housing of the first driver 15 is fixed to the outside of the box 1 by screws.

[0046] In this technical solution, when the first sealing sleeve 16 is in the state of sealing the water inlet end 4 of the first water channel 2, the first sealing sleeve 16 and the inner wall of the assembly cavity 14 are left with a water inlet gap so that liquid can enter the liquid outlet end 9 of the first water channel 2.

[0047] The housing 1 is provided with a connection end 18 for connecting to the dishwasher breather 17. When the air pressure inside the housing increases, excess gas can be discharged through the breather via the connection end 18 to the dishwasher breather 17.

[0048] The housing 1 is provided with a channel 19 for balancing the air pressure inside and outside the housing 1. One end of the channel 19 is connected to the inner cavity of the housing 1, and the other end of the channel 19 is connected to the dishwasher breather 17.

[0049] The housing 1 is equipped with a pressure regulating structure for adjusting the internal air pressure of the water tank. The pressure regulating structure includes a hidden channel 28. A drain port 20 is provided between the hidden channel 28 and the inner side of the housing 1. The pressure regulating structure and the drain port 20 are respectively connected to the dishwasher breather 17 through the connecting end 18 and the channel 19.

[0050] The inner cavity of the box 1 is divided into two independently spaced first cavities 29 and second cavities 30 by a channel 19. A hidden channel 28 is provided between the first cavities 29 and the second cavities 30, and the first cavities 29 and the second cavities 30 are connected by the hidden channel 28 so as to balance the air pressure of the first cavities 29 and the second cavities 30 when the water inlet of the box 1 is adjusted.

[0051] The housing 1 includes a front shell 21 and a bottom shell 22. A first water passage 2 and a second water passage 3 are provided between the front shell 21 and the bottom shell 22, as well as a first switch valve 8 and a second switch valve 7 for switching the corresponding water passages.

[0052] The combination of the front shell 21 and the bottom shell 22 facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the water tank, reducing production and maintenance costs. Secondly, integrating the water circuit and the on / off valve between the front shell 21 and the bottom shell 22 makes the water tank structure more compact, making efficient use of space, reducing the overall volume of the water tank, and contributing to the optimized layout of the dishwasher's internal space.

[0053] In this technical solution, a sealing ring can be provided between the front shell 21 and the bottom shell 22 to prevent liquid from leaking through the installation gap between the front shell 21 and the bottom shell 22.

[0054] In this technical solution, the housing 1 is provided with a first liquid inlet channel 25 and a second liquid inlet channel 26 that connect the water inlet end 4 of the first water channel 2. A partition is provided between the first liquid inlet channel 25 and the second liquid inlet channel 26. One end of the partition is provided with a flow limiting notch 27. The outlet end of the second liquid inlet channel 26 connects to the inner cavity of the housing 1. When the water inlet end 4 of the first water channel 2 is opened, the liquid output by the water softener enters the inner cavity of the housing 1 through the water inlet end 4 of the first water channel 2, the first liquid inlet channel 25, and the second liquid inlet channel 26.

[0055] In this technical solution, the inner cavity of the box 1 includes a first cavity 29 and a second cavity 30. Two spaced-apart partitions are provided between the first cavity 29 and the second cavity 30, forming a channel 19 between the two partitions. A clearance is left between one end of the two partitions and the inner side of the box 1. One end of the hidden channel 28 is connected to the two partitions, and a clearance is left on the back of the hidden channel 28 so that the first cavity 29 and the second cavity 30 can be connected through the clearance.

[0056] In this technical solution, the top of the two partition blocks inside the box 1 is provided with a horizontally extending dark channel 28. A drain port 20 is left between the horizontally extending dark channel 28 and the inner side of the box 1. When the front shell 21 and the bottom shell 22 are assembled, if the air pressure inside the box 1 is too high, the gas will enter the channel 19 along the drain port 20.

[0057] The first water path 2 and the second water path 3 form a parallel water path system. Through the coordinated control of the first switch valve 8 and the second switch valve 7, three working modes are realized: direct flow mode (directly enters the dishwasher), water storage mode (stored in the water tank), and drainage mode (stored water absorbs heat before entering the dishwasher).

[0058] A dishwasher includes a body 23, on which a dishwasher water tank structure is provided. An inner tub 24 is provided inside the body 23. A cabinet 1 is positioned close to the outer side of the inner tub 24 and is fixedly connected to the side of the inner tub 24. This connection method also facilitates the water tank to utilize the residual heat generated by the inner tub 24 during dishwasher operation to preheat the liquid, further improving energy efficiency. This allows the dishwasher to achieve efficient washing while reducing energy consumption, thus enhancing its overall performance and market competitiveness.

[0059] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A dishwasher water tank structure comprising a tank body (1), characterized by: The housing (1) is provided with a first water passage (2), the first water passage (2) is provided with a water inlet (4) that connects to the inner cavity of the housing (1) and a liquid outlet (9) that connects to the dishwasher, and the housing (1) is provided with a first switch valve (8) for opening and closing the water inlet (4) of the first water passage (2). The inlet (4) of the first water passage (2) is closed, and the liquid enters the dishwasher directly through the first water passage (2) of the cabinet (1); The inlet (4) of the first water passage (2) is opened, and the liquid enters the box (1) through the inlet (4) of the first water passage (2) of the box (1) to store the liquid in the box (1).

2. The structure of the water tank of the dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The box (1) is provided with a second water passage (3), the second water passage (3) is provided with an output end (6) connected to the liquid outlet end (9), and the box (1) is provided with a second switch valve (7) for opening and closing the output end (6) of the second water passage (3). When the output end (6) of the second water path (3) is opened, the liquid in the box (1) enters the dishwasher along the output end (6) of the second water path (3) and the liquid outlet end (9) of the first water path (2).

3. The structure of the water tank of the dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein: The housing (1) is provided with an installation cavity (10) for installing the second switch valve (7). The installation cavity (10) is provided with a notch (11) for connecting the liquid outlet (9) of the first water path (2). The output end (6) of the second water path (3) is opened, and the notch (11) is connected to the output end (6) of the second water path (3).

4. The water tank structure of the dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein: The second switching valve (7) includes a second driver (12) and a second sealing sleeve (13) that is driven to the output shaft of the second driver (12). The outer side of the second sealing sleeve (13) is sealed against the inner wall of the mounting cavity (10). The output shaft of the second driver (12) drives the second sealing sleeve (13) to open the output end (6) of the second water passage (3). The second sealing sleeve (13) is in a compressed state and remains sealed against the inner wall of the mounting cavity (10).

5. The water tank structure of the dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (1) is provided with an inlet (5) for connecting to the water outlet of the dishwasher water softener.

6. The water tank structure of the dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (1) is provided with an assembly cavity (14) for installing a first switch valve (8). The first switch valve (8) includes a first driver (15) and a first sealing sleeve (16) that is connected to the output shaft of the first driver (15). The outer side of the first sealing sleeve (16) is sealed against the inner wall of the assembly cavity (14). The output shaft of the first driver (15) drives the first sealing sleeve (16) to open the water inlet (4) of the first water passage (2). The first sealing sleeve (16) is in a compressed state and remains sealed against the inner wall of the assembly cavity (14).

7. The water tank structure of the dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (1) is provided with a connection end (18) for connecting the dishwasher breather (17).

8. The structure of the water tank of the dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein: The box (1) is provided with a channel (19) for balancing the air pressure inside and outside the box (1). One end of the channel (19) is connected to the inner cavity of the box (1), and the other end of the channel (19) is connected to the dishwasher breather (17). The box (1) is provided with a pressure regulating structure for adjusting the internal air pressure of the water tank. The pressure regulating structure includes a hidden channel (28). A drain port (20) is provided between the hidden channel (28) and the inner side of the box (1). The pressure regulating structure and the drain port (20) are respectively connected to the dishwasher breather (17) through the connecting end (18) and the channel (19). The inner cavity of the box (1) is divided into two independently spaced first cavities (29) and second cavities (30) by a channel (19). A hidden channel (28) is provided between the first cavities (29) and the second cavities (30). The first cavities (29) and the second cavities (30) are connected by the hidden channel (28) so that the air pressure of the first cavities (29) and the second cavities (30) can be balanced when the water inlet of the box (1) is adjusted.

9. The water tank structure of the dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (1) includes a front shell (21) and a bottom shell (22). A first water passage (2) and a second water passage (3) are provided between the front shell (21) and the bottom shell (22), as well as a first switch valve (8) and a second switch valve (7) for switching the corresponding water passages.

10. A dishwasher comprising a machine body (23), characterized in that: The body (23) is provided with a dishwasher water tank structure as described in any one of claims 1-9. The body (23) is provided with an inner liner (24). The cabinet (1) is located close to the outside of the inner liner (24) and the cabinet (1) is fixedly connected to the side of the inner liner (24).