Water cup structure of a dishwasher

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of dishwashers, in particular to a water cup structure of a dishwasher. The water cup structure of the dishwasher comprises a water cup body, the water cup body is provided with a first connecting part used for connecting an inner container, a first sealing piece is arranged on the first connecting part, the first sealing piece and the first connecting part are integrally formed through a secondary encapsulation process, at least one positioning protrusion is arranged on the first connecting part, at least one positioning groove is arranged on the first sealing piece, and the positioning protrusion is embedded in the positioning groove. The first sealing piece and the first connecting part are integrally formed through the secondary encapsulation process, so that the first sealing piece and the first connecting part are seamlessly combined, the uneven distribution of the pressing force on the first sealing piece caused by assembly failure is avoided, and the uneven distribution of the pressing force on the first sealing piece caused by the slight warping or deformation of the bottom of the inner container or the mounting surface of the water cup structure is avoided, so that the sealing failure caused by the uneven distribution of the pressing force is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and in particular to a water cup structure for a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] As a modern household appliance, dishwashers are widely used in family kitchens, greatly improving people's convenience. Through automated washing programs, they can efficiently clean tableware, glassware, and other kitchen utensils, saving time and effort while effectively removing grease and bacteria, ensuring the hygiene and safety of tableware.

[0003] The water cup assembly is the core component of the dishwasher's water circulation system. Sealed and installed at the bottom of the dishwasher's interior, its primary function is to collect water. Its design integrates connections to external water sources (such as a water softener or tap water), the spray arms, the wash pump, and the drain pump. By coordinating these connections, the water cup assembly enables the dishwasher's water intake, wash circulation, and drainage functions.

[0004] For example, patent number 202323489589X discloses a water cup assembly and its dishwasher. The dishwasher includes: an inner tank assembly with a cleaning chamber open on one side and a water inlet at the bottom of the inner tank assembly; a zone wash spray arm assembly disposed within the cleaning chamber and connected to the bottom of the inner tank assembly; a water cup assembly disposed at the bottom of the inner tank assembly; a water storage chamber connected to the cleaning chamber via the water inlet; and a zone wash channel outlet connected to the zone wash spray arm assembly. To ensure sealing, an O-ring is typically provided between the bottom of the inner tank assembly and the water cup assembly. The pressure between the inner tank assembly and the water cup assembly causes the upper and lower surfaces of the O-ring to fit against the inner tank and the water cup assembly respectively, thereby achieving a sealing effect. However, if there is slight warping or deformation at the bottom of the inner tank or the mounting surface of the water cup assembly, the pressure distribution will be uneven, leading to local seal failure. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings or problems existing in the prior art, this disclosure provides a water cup structure for a dishwasher, which greatly facilitates its connection with the inner liner and has a better sealing effect.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this disclosure to solve the above-mentioned technical problem is as follows: a water cup structure for a dishwasher, including a water cup body, the water cup body being provided with a first connecting part for connecting the inner liner, the first connecting part being provided with a first sealing member, the first sealing member and the first connecting part being integrally formed by a secondary overmolding process, the first connecting part being provided with at least one positioning protrusion, the first sealing member being provided with at least one positioning groove, and the positioning protrusion being fitted into the positioning groove.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the water cup body is provided with an annular protrusion and a stepped surface. The stepped surface includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface connected in sequence. The annular protrusion is provided on the first contact surface, and the inner peripheral wall of the annular protrusion is provided with a third contact surface. The first connecting part includes the first contact surface, the second contact surface and the third contact surface.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, a positioning protrusion is provided on the third contact surface, and the positioning protrusion extends from the third contact surface along the radial direction of the annular protrusion.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the first seal includes a first annular portion and a second annular portion connected to each other. The end face of the first annular portion is at least partially in contact with a third contact surface, the lower surface of the first annular portion is at least partially in contact with the first contact surface, and the outer surface of the second annular portion is at least partially in contact with the second contact surface.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning groove is provided on the first annular portion.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the water cup body is provided with a water-containing cavity and a first connector. The first connector is located on the side of the water-containing cavity and is provided with a second connecting part, which is used to connect a drain pump.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a second sealing element is provided on the second connecting part, and the second sealing element and the second connecting part are integrally formed by a secondary coating process.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, at least one rib is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the second seal.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a second connector is provided at the lower part of the water cup body, and the second connector is provided with a third connecting part, which is used to connect a turbidity sensor.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a third sealing element is provided on the third connecting part, and the third sealing element and the third connecting part are integrally formed by a secondary coating process.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by using a secondary encapsulation process to integrally mold the first sealing element and the first connecting part, a seamless connection is formed between the first sealing element and the first connecting part, eliminating uneven distribution of clamping force on the first sealing element due to assembly errors, and preventing uneven distribution of clamping force on the first sealing element due to slight warping or deformation of the mounting surface of the inner liner or water cup structure, thereby avoiding the problem of sealing failure caused by uneven distribution of clamping force; the mechanical interlocking structure of the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove can resist the shear force generated by thermal expansion and contraction of the water cup structure and the inner liner, preventing misalignment of the sealing interface after long-term use. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the water cup structure of a dishwasher according to this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the water cup structure of a dishwasher according to this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is one of the cross-sectional views of the water cup structure of a dishwasher according to this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a second cross-sectional view of the water cup structure of a dishwasher according to this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is the third structural schematic diagram of the water cup structure of a dishwasher according to this application;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the first sealing element in this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the first sealing element in this application.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Water cup body; 2. Water-containing cavity; 3. First seal; 4. Positioning protrusion; 5. Positioning groove; 6. Annular protrusion; 7. First annular portion; 8. Second annular portion; 9. First contact surface; 10. Second contact surface; 11. Third contact surface; 12. First connector; 13. Second connector; 14. Second seal; 15. Third seal. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the following detailed, clear, and complete description of this disclosure is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it.

[0027] Those skilled in the art should understand that in the disclosure of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., 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 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, the above terms should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 5-8 As shown, this application discloses a water cup structure for a dishwasher, including a water cup body 1, a water-containing cavity 2 with an opening, through which water from the inner liner enters the water-containing cavity 2. The water cup body 1 has a first connecting part for connecting to the inner liner, and a first sealing element 3 is provided on the first connecting part. The first sealing element 3 and the first connecting part are integrally formed using a secondary overmolding process. The first connecting part has at least one positioning protrusion 4, and the first sealing element 3 has at least one positioning groove 5, in which the positioning protrusion 4 is fitted. Traditional O-rings require manual installation between the inner liner and the water cup structure, and their sealing function relies on continuous pressure. Uneven distribution of pressure can lead to seal failure. This application solves the problem of high-frequency failure by integrally forming the first sealing element 3 and the first connecting part using a secondary overmolding process, resulting in a seamless connection between the first sealing element 3 and the first connecting part. Furthermore, the mechanical interlocking structure of the positioning protrusion 4 and the positioning groove 5 can resist the shear force generated by the thermal expansion and contraction of the cup structure and the inner liner, preventing misalignment of the sealing interface after long-term use, thereby further enhancing the sealing performance. In this application, the first sealing element 3 is wrapped around the first connecting part through an injection molding process, thereby forming a joint between the first sealing element 3 and the first connecting part.

[0029] Specifically, the water cup body 1 is provided with an annular protrusion 6 and a stepped surface. The stepped surface includes a first contact surface 9 and a second contact surface 10 connected in sequence. The annular protrusion 6 is provided on the first contact surface 9, and a third contact surface 11 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the annular protrusion 6. The first connecting part includes the first contact surface 9, the second contact surface 10, and the third contact surface 11. Specifically, the cross-section of the stepped surface is an inverted "L" shape. The first contact surface 9 is the upper surface of the stepped surface, the second contact surface 10 is the inner peripheral wall of the stepped surface, the annular protrusion 6 is provided at the end of the stepped surface, and its height is higher than that of the first contact surface 9. The first contact surface 9, the second contact surface 10, and the third contact surface 11 form a "Z" shape.

[0030] The first sealing element 3 includes a first annular portion 7 and a second annular portion 8 connected to each other. At least a portion of the end face of the first annular portion 7 is in contact with the third contact surface 11, at least a portion of the lower surface of the first annular portion 7 is in contact with the first contact surface 9, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second annular portion 8 is in contact with the second contact surface 10. Preferably, the thickness of the first annular portion 7 is greater than the height of the annular protrusion 6, allowing the upper surface of the first annular portion 7 to fit tightly against the bottom of the inner liner. Three sealing surfaces are provided between the first sealing element 3 and the first connecting portion, providing both axial and radial sealing, thereby achieving a better sealing effect.

[0031] Preferably, the positioning protrusion 4 is provided on the third contact surface 11, and the positioning protrusion 4 extends from the third contact surface 11 along the radial direction of the annular protrusion 6; the positioning groove 5 is provided on the first annular portion 7.

[0032] Furthermore, the inner liner is provided with an opening, and an annular connecting protrusion extends downward from the opening of the inner liner. The inner peripheral wall of the second annular part 8 is provided with two annular ribs to enhance the sealing between the connecting protrusion and the first connecting part.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the water cup body 1 is provided with a first connector 12, which is located on the side of the water-containing cavity 2. The first connector 12 is provided with a second connecting part for connecting to a drain pump. It is understood that the first connector 12 is connected to the water-containing cavity 2, and wastewater in the water-containing cavity 2 is discharged through the first connector 12. An annular second sealing element 14 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the second connecting part, and the second sealing element 14 and the second connecting part are integrally formed using a secondary encapsulation process. In this way, when the first connector 12 is connected to the drain pump, there is no need to use an O-ring seal, making installation simpler and providing a better sealing effect. Two raised ribs are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the second sealing element 14 to enhance the sealing effect between the drain pump and the first connector 12.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a second connector 13 is provided at the lower part of the water cup body 1. The second connector 13 is provided with a third connecting part, which is used to connect a turbidity sensor. An annular third sealing element 15 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the third connecting part, and the third sealing element 15 and the third connecting part are integrally formed using a secondary encapsulation process. In this way, an O-ring seal is not required when connecting the second connector 13 to the turbidity sensor, making installation simpler and providing a better sealing effect. Preferably, two raised ribs are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the third sealing element 15 to enhance the sealing effect between the turbidity sensor and the second connector 13. It should be noted that the first seal and the first connecting part, the second seal and the second connecting part, and the third seal and the third connecting part all adopt a double-coating process. The double-coating directly combines the soft sealing material (such as silicone or TPE) with the hard substrate (such as plastic or metal) through injection molding to form a "seamless covering" structure. This avoids the seams, gaps, or assembly errors that may occur in traditional assembled seals (such as adding sealing rings or gaskets separately), thereby reducing the water penetration path from the source.

[0035] The present application has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the present application and its core ideas. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present application without departing from the principles of the present application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A water cup structure for a dishwasher, characterized in that, The cup includes a water cup body (1), which is provided with a first connecting part for connecting the inner liner. The first connecting part is provided with a first sealing element (3). The first sealing element (3) and the first connecting part are integrally formed by a secondary coating process. The first connecting part is provided with at least one positioning protrusion (4). The first sealing element (3) is provided with at least one positioning groove (5). The positioning protrusion (4) is fitted into the positioning groove (5).

2. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water cup body (1) is provided with an annular protrusion (6) and a stepped surface. The stepped surface includes a first contact surface (9) and a second contact surface (10) connected in sequence. The annular protrusion (6) is provided on the first contact surface (9). The inner peripheral wall of the annular protrusion (6) is provided with a third contact surface (11). The first connecting part includes the first contact surface (9), the second contact surface (10) and the third contact surface (11).

3. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning protrusion (4) is provided on the third contact surface (11), and the positioning protrusion (4) extends from the third contact surface (11) along the radial direction of the annular protrusion (6).

4. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first seal (3) includes a first annular portion (7) and a second annular portion (8) connected to each other. The end face of the first annular portion (7) is at least partially in contact with the third contact surface (11), the lower surface of the first annular portion (7) is at least partially in contact with the first contact surface (9), and the outer surface of the second annular portion (8) is at least partially in contact with the second contact surface (10).

5. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning groove (5) is provided on the first annular part (7).

6. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water cup body (1) is provided with a water-containing cavity (2) and a first connector (12). The first connector (12) is located on the side of the water-containing cavity (2). The first connector (12) is provided with a second connecting part, which is used to connect a drain pump.

7. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second connecting part is provided with a second sealing element (14), and the second sealing element (14) and the second connecting part are integrally formed by a secondary coating process.

8. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one rib is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the second seal (14).

9. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of the water cup body (1) is provided with a second connector (13), and the second connector (13) is provided with a third connecting part, which is used to connect the turbidity sensor.

10. The water cup structure of the dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third connecting part is provided with a third sealing element (15), and the third sealing element (15) and the third connecting part are integrally formed by a secondary coating process.

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