Water cup mechanism and dishwasher

Abstract

The utility model relates to kitchen appliance technical field discloses a water cup mechanism and dish washer. Dish washer includes water cup mechanism, and water cup mechanism includes water cup and ionization module, and water cup can communicate with the inner bag of dish washer, is provided with the water outlet on water cup, and the water outlet is configured to communicate with the spray arm of dish washer, ionization module is connected with the lateral wall of water cup, and ionization module includes the casing and the ionization element of setting in the casing, and the casing is opened with the water hole, and the water hole is located in water cup, and is located the upside of water outlet. The water cup mechanism can avoid food residue to block the water hole of ionization module, ensure that ionization module can continuously ionize water, and further ensure the stability of dish washer cleaning effect.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The dishwasher's inner tub has a water cup at the bottom, which holds the washing water and circulates it internally during the wash cycle. Specifically, the water cup has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a water source to allow water to flow into the cup. The outlet is connected to a washing pump that draws water from the cup and delivers it to the dishwasher's spray arms, which then spray it into the inner tub. Water from the inner tub also re-enters the water cup from the top, where it is filtered and reused.

[0003] In related technologies, some dishwashers have an ionization module at the bottom of the water cup. This module includes a housing and an ionization element housed within the housing. The housing has drainage holes, allowing the ionization element to contact the water in the cup and break down water molecules into hydroxyl radicals. This oxidizes and decomposes stubborn organic stains at the molecular level, thus improving the cleaning effect on the dishes. However, although the water cup has a filter component, over time, small food residues can clog the drainage holes on the ionization module, causing it to malfunction and resulting in a decrease in cleaning effectiveness after a period of use.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a water cup mechanism and a dishwasher to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a water cup mechanism that can prevent food residue from clogging the water passage of the ionization module, ensuring that the ionization module can continuously ionize water, thereby ensuring the stability of the dishwasher's cleaning effect.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The water cup mechanism includes:

[0008] A water cup that can communicate with the inner tub of a dishwasher, the water cup having a water outlet configured to communicate with the spray arm of the dishwasher;

[0009] An ionization module is connected to the side wall of the water cup. The ionization module includes a housing and an ionization element disposed within the housing. A water passage hole is formed on the housing, which is located inside the water cup and above the water outlet.

[0010] As an optional solution, the housing includes a first side plate located inside the water cup, the angle between the first side plate and the horizontal plane of the water inside the water cup being 80°~100°, and the water passage hole being disposed on the first side plate.

[0011] As an alternative, the center of the ionization module is offset from the center of the water outlet along the circumference of the water cup.

[0012] As an alternative, a settling groove is provided on the inner side of the sidewall of the water cup, and at least part of the ionization module is housed in the settling groove.

[0013] As an optional solution, the side wall of the water cup is provided with a mounting hole; the housing includes a limiting part and a plug-in part, the limiting part is disposed outside the water cup and connected to the side wall of the water cup, the plug-in part passes through the mounting hole and extends into the water cup, and the water passage hole is disposed on the plug-in part.

[0014] As an optional solution, a limiting groove is provided on the outer side of the sidewall of the water cup, the limiting groove being used to limit the limiting part; and / or

[0015] The outer side of the sidewall of the water cup is provided with a connecting part, and the housing also includes a mounting part connected to the limiting part, and a fastener passes through the mounting part and is connected to the connecting part.

[0016] As an optional solution, the cup mechanism further includes a seal, the bottom of the limiting groove has a sealing surface, and the seal is sandwiched between the sealing surface and the limiting part to seal the mounting hole.

[0017] As an optional solution, the water cup mechanism further includes a washing pump, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet, and the outlet of which is configured to connect to the spray arm of a dishwasher; and / or

[0018] The water cup mechanism also includes a drain pump, and the water cup is provided with a drain outlet. The water inlet of the drain pump is connected to the drain outlet, and the drain pump is used to drain the water in the water cup from the dishwasher.

[0019] As an optional embodiment, the water cup mechanism further includes a filter assembly, which is at least partially located within the water cup; and / or

[0020] The inner wall of the water cup is provided with a water inlet baffle, which is located above the water outlet and below the ionization module.

[0021] Another objective of this invention is to provide a dishwasher that, by employing the aforementioned water cup mechanism, ensures that the ionization module can continuously ionize water, thereby guaranteeing a stable cleaning effect.

[0022] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0023] A dishwasher includes an inner tub, a spray arm, and a water cup mechanism. The water cup mechanism is located at the bottom of the inner tub and communicates with the inner tub. The water outlet is communicated with the spray arm.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0025] This utility model's water cup mechanism, during dishwasher operation, allows water from the cup to enter the ionization module through the water inlet. The ionization element decomposes water molecules into hydroxyl radicals. Driven by the washing pump, the water from the cup exits through the outlet and enters the dishwasher's spray arm, ultimately being sprayed onto the dishes. The hydroxyl radicals in the water oxidize and decompose stubborn organic stains, thus improving the cleaning effect. Water from the dishwasher's inner tub returns to the water cup, achieving internal water circulation within the dishwasher. By positioning the ionization module's water inlet above the outlet, the water flowing from top to bottom through the cup, driven by the washing pump, flushes the ionization module's water inlet, preventing it from being clogged by food residue. This ensures the ionization module can continuously ionize water, thereby guaranteeing the stability of the dishwasher's cleaning effect.

[0026] The dishwasher of this invention, by employing the aforementioned water cup mechanism, ensures that the ionization module can continuously ionize water, thereby guaranteeing a stable cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water cup mechanism provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention from a first-view perspective;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water cup mechanism provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water cup mechanism provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention when the washing pump is not installed;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water cup mechanism provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention without the washing pump and ionization module installed;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ionization module and sealing element provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 10. Water cup; 11. Main body; 111. Outlet; 112. Inlet; 113. Sealing surface; 114. Settled section; 115. Mounting hole; 116. Connecting part; 117. Threaded hole; 118. Limiting groove; 119. Inlet baffle; 12. Flanged edge;

[0034] 20. Ionization module; 21. Housing; 211. Limiting part; 212. Insertion part; 2121. First side plate; 2122. Water passage hole; 213. Mounting part; 2131. Through hole; 2132. Positioning groove;

[0035] 31. Washing pump; 32. First connecting pipe;

[0036] 41. Drainage pump;

[0037] 50. Sealing components. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not the entire structure.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0042] This embodiment provides a water cup mechanism and a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes at least an inner tub, a spray arm, and a water cup mechanism. The inner tub encloses a space within which a shelf is provided for placing tableware to be washed. The spray arm is at least partially located within the inner tub and is used to spray washing water onto the tableware for cleaning. The water cup mechanism is installed at the bottom of the inner tub and is used to hold the washing water and to achieve internal water circulation during the washing process.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water cup mechanism includes a water cup 10 and a washing pump 31. The water cup 10 is installed at the bottom of the inner tank and forms a receiving cavity. The water cup 10 is provided with a water inlet 112, which is used to connect to an external water source to allow water to flow into the water cup 10. The water cup 10 is also provided with a water outlet 111, the water inlet of the washing pump 31 is connected to the water outlet 111, and the water outlet of the washing pump 31 is connected to the spray arm. During the dishwasher's washing operation, the washing pump 31 can draw washing water from the water cup 10 and deliver it to the spray arm, which then sprays the washing water into the inner tank. Specifically, the water inlet 112 can be connected to a water source via a pipe, and a valve is installed on the pipe to control the opening and closing of the water inlet 112. The valve can be a solenoid valve. The water outlet 111 can be connected to the water inlet of the washing pump 31 via a first connecting pipe 32.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the upper end of the water cup 10 is open and connected to the inner liner. Therefore, the washing water sprayed into the inner liner by the spray arm can flow back into the water cup 10, allowing for water recycling. Specifically, the water cup 10 includes a main body 11 and a flanged portion 12. The main body 11 forms a receiving cavity and is open at the upper end. The flanged portion 12 is connected to the main body 11 and is used to connect the water cup 10 to the bottom of the inner liner. In this embodiment, the flanged portion 12 is constructed as a disc-shaped structure extending radially outward from the top of the main body 11. The flanged portion 12 can be fixed to the inner liner by fastener connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or other methods. In some embodiments, the water cup mechanism also includes a filter assembly (not shown in the figure). The filter assembly is at least partially disposed within the water cup 10. The filter assembly can filter the water flowing back into the water cup 10, thereby preventing the washing water from carrying food residue during recycling, preventing the washed food residue from re-adhering to the tableware, and improving washing effect and efficiency. It is understandable that, without departing from the inventive concept, the filter component can be any of the existing technologies.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the water outlet 111 is located on the side wall of the water cup 10 and at the lower end of the water cup 10, thus facilitating the washing pump 31 to pump out and circulate all the water in the water cup 10. Figure 2 As shown, the water inlet 112 is located on the side wall of the water cup 10.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water cup mechanism also includes a drain pump 41, which is disposed outside the water cup 10. The water cup 10 also has a drain outlet; the inlet end of the drain pump 41 communicates with the drain outlet, and the outlet end of the drain pump 41 communicates with the external structure of the dishwasher. The drain pump 41 is used to drain water from the water cup 10 into the dishwasher. Optionally, the drain pump 41 can be connected to the drain outlet via a pipe.

[0047] In related technologies, some dishwashers have an ionization module at the bottom of the water cup. This module includes a housing and an ionization element housed within the housing. The housing has water passage holes, allowing the ionization element to contact the water in the cup and decompose water molecules into hydroxyl radicals. This oxidizes and decomposes stubborn organic stains at the molecular level, thus improving the cleaning effect on the dishes. It should be noted that the ionization element capable of decomposing water molecules into hydroxyl radicals is existing technology, so its specific structure and working principle will not be elaborated further. However, although a filter assembly is installed inside the water cup, over prolonged use, small food residues can clog the water passage holes on the ionization module, causing the module to malfunction and resulting in a decrease in cleaning effectiveness after a period of use.

[0048] In this regard, such as Figure 1As shown, the water cup mechanism also includes an ionization module 20, which is connected to the side wall of the water cup 10. The ionization module 20 includes a housing 21 and an ionization element disposed within the housing 21. A water passage hole 2122 is formed on the housing 21, located inside the water cup 10 and above the water outlet 111. When the dishwasher is operating, water in the water cup 10 enters the ionization module 20 through the water passage hole 2122. The ionization element decomposes water molecules into hydroxyl radicals. Driven by the washing pump 31, the water containing hydroxyl radicals in the water cup 10 is discharged from the water outlet 111 and sprayed onto the tableware from the spray arm. The hydroxyl radicals in the water can oxidize and decompose stubborn organic stains, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the tableware. By setting the water passage hole 2122 of the ionization module 20 above the water outlet 111, when the water in the water cup 10 flows from top to bottom to the water outlet 111 under the drive of the washing pump 31, it will flush the water passage hole 2122 of the ionization module 20, preventing the water passage hole 2122 from being blocked by food residue, ensuring that the ionization module 20 can continuously ionize water, and thus ensuring the stability of the dishwasher's cleaning effect.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 21 includes a first side plate 2121 located inside the water cup 10. The angle between the first side plate 2121 and the horizontal plane of the water inside the water cup 10 is 80° to 100°. A water passage hole 2122 is disposed on the first side plate 2121. By placing the water passage hole 2122 on the first side plate 2121 within the aforementioned angle range with the horizontal plane, the difficulty for food residue to enter the water passage hole 2122 is increased, thereby further reducing the risk of the water passage hole 2122 being clogged by food and ensuring the stability of the dishwasher's cleaning effect. Optionally, the angle between the first side plate 2121 and the horizontal plane of the water inside the water cup 10 can specifically be 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, etc.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a settling groove 114 is provided on the inner side of the side wall of the water cup 10, and at least part of the ionization module 20 is housed in the settling groove 114. This arrangement can minimize the height of the ionization module 20 protruding radially into the water cup 10, avoid interference between the ionization module 20 and the filter components inside the water cup 10, and ensure that all components can be smoothly assembled.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, the center of the ionization module 20 is offset from the center of the water outlet 111 along the circumference of the water cup 10. That is, the ionization module 20 is not located directly above the water outlet 111, but rather slightly to the left or right above it. This arrangement ensures sufficient distance between the ionization module 20 and the water outlet 111 to guarantee the structural strength of the water cup 10, while minimizing the overall height of the water cup 10, thus saving space at the bottom of the dishwasher.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a water inlet baffle 119 protrudes from the inner wall of the water cup 10 and is positioned above the water outlet 111. When the washing pump 31 drives the water in the water cup 10 to be discharged from the water outlet 111, the water inlet baffle 119 and the filter assembly inside the water cup 10 work together to guide the water flow, thereby preventing the water flow in the water cup 10 from concentrating on one side of the water outlet 111 and failing to make sufficient meandering within the water cup 10 to fully contact the filter assembly for filtration. In this embodiment, the water inlet baffle 119 is positioned below the ionization module 20 and biased towards one side of the water outlet 111. This arrangement prevents the water inlet baffle 119 from blocking the water from rinsing the ionization module 20.

[0053] like Figures 3-5 As shown, a mounting hole 115 is provided on the side wall of the water cup 10. The housing 21 includes a limiting part 211 and a plug-in part 212. The limiting part 211 is disposed outside the water cup 10 and connected to the side wall of the water cup 10. The plug-in part 212 passes through the mounting hole 115 and extends into the water cup 10. A water passage hole 2122 is disposed on the plug-in part 212. On the one hand, by placing the limiting part 211 of the ionization module 20 outside the water cup 10, the height of the ionization module 20 protruding into the water cup 10 can be further reduced, avoiding interference between the ionization module 20 and other structures inside the water cup 10. On the other hand, the wires of the ionization element can pass through the limiting part 211 and be located outside the water cup mechanism, without having to pass through the inside of the water cup 10, thereby facilitating electrical connection with the electronic control structure of the dishwasher and ensuring high safety. In this embodiment, the first side plate 2121 is a part of the plug-in part 212. Specifically, the first side plate 2121 is the end plate of the plug-in part 212.

[0054] like Figures 3-5 As shown, a limiting groove 118 is provided on the outer side of the sidewall of the water cup 10. The limiting groove 118 is used to limit the limiting part 211. This ensures the ease and accuracy of installation of the entire ionization module 20. In this embodiment, the limiting groove 118 is formed by a rib protruding from the outer sidewall of the water cup 10 and surrounding the mounting hole 115. Compared with the method of forming a groove on the sidewall of the water cup 10, this improves the structural strength of the water cup 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, the water cup mechanism further includes a sealing element 50, which is sandwiched between the housing 21 and the water cup 10 to seal the mounting hole 115. Specifically, the bottom of the limiting groove 118 forms a sealing surface 113, and the sealing ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the insertion part 212 and pressed against the limiting part 211 between the limiting part 211 and the sealing surface 113, thereby ensuring a good sealing effect. Optionally, the sealing element 50 can be a rubber sealing ring. In some embodiments, the sealing element 50 can also be fitted onto the insertion part 212 and pressed against the side wall of the insertion part 212 and the mounting hole 115.

[0056] like Figures 3-5 As shown, a connecting portion 116 is provided on the outer side of the sidewall of the water cup 10. The housing 21 also includes a mounting portion 213 connected to the limiting portion 211. Fasteners pass through the mounting portion 213 and are connected to the connecting portion 116. This configuration simplifies the installation structure of the ionization module 20 and makes it easy to assemble and disassemble. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 116 can be a screw post protruding from the outer surface of the water cup 10, with a threaded hole 117 on the screw post. The mounting portion 213 has a through hole 2131, and the fastener is a screw. The screw passes through the through hole 2131 and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole 117, thereby realizing the installation of the ionization module 20. In addition, by first protruding the screw post and then opening the threaded hole 117 on the screw post, it is possible to avoid the situation where the sidewall of the water cup 10 is screwed through during the installation process, thus preventing the water cup 10 from leaking. Optionally, in this embodiment, the housing 21 includes two mounting portions 213, and correspondingly, two connecting portions 116 are provided on the outer side of the sidewall of the water cup 10. Two fasteners are respectively connected to the two mounting portions 213 and the connecting portions 116, thereby improving the reliability of the ionization module 20 installation.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the mounting part 213 has a positioning groove 2132 on the side facing the connecting part 116, into which the connecting part 116 can be inserted. Through the insertion and engagement of the connecting part 116 with the positioning groove 2132 on the mounting part 213, the ionization module 20 can be positioned, ensuring that the through hole 2131 on the mounting part 213 quickly aligns with the threaded hole 117 on the connecting part 116, thus improving the efficiency and convenience of installing the ionization module 20.

[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, based on the concept of this utility model, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water cup mechanism, characterized by, The water cup (10) is capable of being communicated with the inner container of the dishwasher, and a water outlet (111) is arranged on the water cup (10), and the water outlet (111) is configured to be communicated with the spray arm of the dishwasher. The ionization module (20) is connected with the side wall of the water cup (10), and the ionization module (20) comprises a shell (21) and an ionization element arranged in the shell (21), and a water passing hole (2122) is arranged on the shell (21) and located in the water cup (10) and on the upper side of the water outlet (111). The shell (21) comprises a first side plate (2121), the first side plate (2121) is located in the water cup (10), and the included angle between the first side plate (2121) and the water level in the water cup (10) is 80°-100°, and the water passing hole (2122) is arranged on the first side plate (2121).

2. The cup mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The center of the ionization module (20) and the center of the water outlet (111) are arranged in a circumferential direction of the water cup (10).

3. The cup mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The inner side of the side wall of the water cup (10) is provided with a sink part (114), and at least part of the ionization module (20) is accommodated in the sink part (114).

4. The cup mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The side wall of the water cup (10) is provided with a mounting hole (115); the shell (21) comprises a limiting part (211) and a plug-in part (212), the limiting part (211) is arranged outside the water cup (10) and connected with the side wall of the water cup (10), the plug-in part (212) penetrates the mounting hole (115) and extends into the water cup (10), and the water passing hole (2122) is arranged on the plug-in part (212).

5. The cup mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The outer side of the side wall of the water cup (10) is provided with a limiting groove (118), and the limiting groove (118) is used for limiting the limiting part (211); and / or 6. The cup mechanism of claim 5, wherein, The outer side of the side wall of the water cup (10) is provided with a connecting part (116), and the shell (21) further comprises a mounting part (213) connected with the limiting part (211), and a fastener penetrates the mounting part (213) and is connected with the connecting part (116). The water cup mechanism further comprises a sealing member (50), a sealing surface (113) is arranged on the bottom of the limiting groove (118), the sealing member (50) is clamped between the sealing surface (113) and the limiting part (211), and the sealing member (50) is used for sealing the mounting hole (115).

7. The cup mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The water cup mechanism further comprises a washing pump (31), the water inlet end of the washing pump (31) is communicated with the water outlet (111), and the water outlet end of the washing pump (31) is configured to be communicated with the spray arm of the dishwasher; and / or 8. The cup mechanism of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The water cup mechanism further comprises a drainage pump (41), and a drainage port is further arranged on the water cup (10), the water inlet end of the drainage pump (41) is communicated with the drainage port, and the drainage pump (41) is used for draining the water in the water cup (10) out of the dishwasher. The water cup mechanism further comprises a filter assembly, and the filter assembly is at least partially located in the water cup (10); and / or 9. The cup mechanism of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, ​ The inner wall of the water cup (10) is provided with a water inlet baffle (119), which is arranged on the upper side of the water outlet (111) and below the ionization module (20).

10. A dishwasher, characterized in that The water cup mechanism of any one of claims 1-9 is arranged at the bottom of the inner container and communicates with the inner container, and the water outlet (111) can communicate with the spray arm.

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