Energy-efficient tableware machines

Abstract

Providing one or more devices for a dishwashing machine. [Solution] Disclosed herein are one or more devices for a dishwashing machine. For example, a dishwashing machine can include one or more energy recovery devices configured to transfer heat between components of the dishwashing machine. In various embodiments, the present subject matter simplifies the maintenance (e.g., cleaning, replacing parts) and use (e.g., refilling detergent, etc.) of a dishwashing machine (e.g., a dishwasher, etc.).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210511700.1, filed on May 11, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE TECHNOLOGY The present subject matter relates to the art of dishwashing machines, and more particularly to a vapor recovery system for a dishwashing machine. [Background technology]

[0003] Dishwashers are used to clean dishes, cookware, silverware, etc. Heated water and detergent are used to clean the items, which are then discarded down the drain. There is an increasing need for more water-efficient and energy-efficient dishwashing machines. There is also a need in the art for machines that are easier to build with fewer parts. There is also a need for machines that are easier to maintain and operate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and like numbers may represent similar components in different views. Like numbers with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0005] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a side view of an example dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006] [Figure 1B] 1B shows a rear view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1A.

[0007] [Figure 1C] 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1A taken along line DD.

[0008] [Figure 1D] 1D shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1C at detail circle D.

[0009] [Figure 2A] 1 shows a side view of another example of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0010] [Figure 2B] 2B shows a rear view of the dishwasher of FIG. 2A.

[0011] [Figure 2C] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of FIG. 2A taken along line CC.

[0012] [Figure 2D] 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of FIG. 2B along line DD.

[0013] [Figure 3A] 1 shows a front view of yet another example of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] [Figure 3B] 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of FIG. 3A taken along line BB.

[0015] [Figure 3C] 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of FIG. 3A taken along line CC.

[0016] [Figure 3D] 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of FIG. 3B along line DD.

[0017] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example heat recovery system according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0018] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a bottom perspective view of the heat recovery system of FIG. 4A.

[0019] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B shows a side view of the heat recovery system of FIG. 4A.

[0020] [Figure 4D] FIG. 4B shows a top view of the heat recovery system of FIG. 4A.

[0021] [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the heat recovery system of FIG. 4D taken along line EE.

[0022] [Figure 4F] 4E at detail circle F. FIG.

[0023] [Figure 4G] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the heat recovery system of FIG. 4D taken along line GG.

[0024] [Figure 4H] 4G at detail circle H. FIG.

[0025] [Figure 4I] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the heat recovery system of FIG. 4D taken along line II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The present subject matter includes improving the energy efficiency of dishwashing machines. In various embodiments, the present subject matter simplifies the maintenance (e.g., cleaning, replacing parts) and use (e.g., refilling detergent, etc.) of dishwashing machines (e.g., dishwashers, etc.).

[0027] In various examples, the dishwasher includes a high temperature heating system that heats water within the dishwasher. The dishwasher can include a wastewater heat recovery device that captures heat from wastewater in the dishwasher. In yet another example, the dishwasher can include a steam recovery device that captures energy from steam generated by the dishwasher. Thus, the resulting machine provides improved energy efficiency by using one or more of the high temperature heating system, the wastewater heat recovery device, or the steam recovery device. In various embodiments, for example, the design of the dishwasher is simplified because the wastewater heat recovery device (or the steam recovery device) does not use coils to transfer heat. Thus, cleaning of the dishwasher is also simplified because the dishwasher does not use coils.

[0028] 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D show (respectively) a side view, a rear view, a cross-sectional view, and a detailed cross-sectional view. In one example, the temperature of the hot flushing tank is specified to be above 82°C, and the temperature of the main wash tank is specified to be 55-60°C. In some approaches, the dishwasher may include separate heaters for each of the wash tank and the main wash tank. The main wash tank may include a low level alarm to prevent its heater from burning out. The wash tank may include a level control to prevent the heater from burning out. The wash tank may include a high level control, for example to prevent overfilling.

[0029] The dishwasher 100 can use the high temperature flushing tank to heat the main wash tank. Thus, the main wash tank can be heated without, for example, a heater that directly heats the water in the main wash tank, improving dishwasher performance. Thus, the dishwasher 100 can minimize firing of one or more heaters in the dishwasher 100.

[0030] The dishwasher 100 can use an insulating chamber to adjust the temperature of the main wash tub by adjusting the heat transfer coefficient (or rate). The dishwasher 100 can include a flushing water pump in communication with an upper portion of the hot flushing water tub. The dishwasher 100 can include a flushing water tub supply positioned such that the water level in the supply tub is higher than the water level in the flushing water pump. The hot flushing water tub can be automatically vented (e.g., drained, etc.) without the need for exhaust plumbing. Thus, the hot flush tub maintains its water level without, for example, an alarm or level control to operate the dishwasher 100.

[0031] In one example, the dishwasher 100 can include a heating system 114. For example, the dishwasher can include one or more of a hot flushing basin 101, a main wash basin 102, a hot flushing basin heater 103, an insulated chamber 104, a water inlet control valve 105, an insulated chamber drain control valve 106, and a basin divider 107. In some examples, the basin divider 107 is separate from the insulated chamber 104.

[0032] In another example, the dishwasher 100 can include a hot flushing tank heater 103 disposed within the hot flushing tank 101. The dishwasher 100 can also include a flushing tank 101 disposed with a main wash tank 102. A tank divider 107 can separate the water in the hot flushing tank 101 from the water in the main wash tank 102.

[0033] In yet another example, an upper end of the insulating chamber 104 may be in communication with a water inlet control valve 105. A lower end of the insulating chamber 104 may be in communication with a water outlet control valve 106 of the insulating chamber 104. For example, opening the water inlet control valve 105 (e.g., allowing flow therethrough) introduces water into the insulating chamber 104. Thus, the heat transfer coefficient (or rate of heat transfer) of the insulating chamber 104 increases in response to the introduction of water into the insulating chamber 104. The introduction of water into the insulating chamber 104 can be stopped by closing the water inlet control valve 105.

[0034] Opening the water discharge control valve 106 may allow water to be drained from the insulating chamber 104. Thus, draining the water may lower the water level in the insulating chamber 104. Draining the water from the insulating chamber 104 may decrease the heat transfer coefficient (or rate of heat transfer) of the insulating chamber 104. For example, the heat transfer coefficient (or rate of heat transfer) of the insulating chamber 104 may decrease in response to draining the water from the insulating chamber 104.

[0035] In yet another example, the water in the hot flushing tank 101 is heated by the hot flushing tank heater 103. The hot flushing tank 101 can transfer heat to the main wash tank 102. For example, in response to the hot flushing tank 101 being heated by the hot flushing tank heater 103, the hot flushing tank 101 can transfer heat to the main wash tank 102. In this way, the dishwasher 100 can use the hot flushing tank 101 to heat the water in the main wash tank 102. For example, the tank divider 107 can facilitate heat transfer between the hot flushing tank 101 and the main wash tank 102. The insulating chamber 104 can facilitate heat transfer between the hot flushing tank 101 and the main wash tank 102. This improves the performance of the dishwasher, for example by making the dishwasher 100 more energy efficient through heat transfer between the hot flushing tub 101 and the main wash tub 102 .

[0036] 1A-1D , dishwasher 100 can include one or more of hot flushing water tank inlet control valve 108, hot flushing water tank inlet extension 109, hot flushing water tank outlet 110, hot flushing water tank inlet 111, flushing water pump 112, or flushing water tank water supply 113. In one example, dishwasher 100 can include hot flushing water tank outlet 110 located above hot flushing water tank 101. Dishwasher 100 may also include hot flushing water tank outlet 110 located above an inlet to flushing water pump 112.

[0037] The outlet of the hot flushing water tank inlet control valve 108 may be in communication with a hot flushing water tank inlet 111. The inlet of the hot flushing water tank inlet control valve 108 may be in communication with a flushing water tank water supply 113. The dishwasher 100 may open the hot flushing water tank inlet control valve 108 in response to operation of a flushing water pump 112. The dishwasher 100 may use the flushing water pump 112 to pump water to the hot flushing water tank 101.

[0038] In a further embodiment, cold make-up water in the flushing basin water tank 113 may flow into the hot flushing basin 101 through the hot flushing basin inlet 111, for example, using the hot flushing basin inlet extension 109. The extended inlet pipe 109 can minimize cold make-up water entering the flushing pump directly. The dishwasher 100 may include a flushing basin water tank 113 positioned such that the water level in the tank 113 is higher than the flushing water pump 112.

[0039] 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show side, rear, and cross-sectional views (respectively) of another example of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0040] Heat recovery in a dishwasher can improve the energy efficiency of the dishwasher. For example, the temperature of the overflow water from the main wash tub may be in the range of 55-60° C. (although the present subject matter is not so limited). Thus, recovering heat from the waste water can increase the energy efficiency of the dishwasher.

[0041] In some approaches, the wastewater heat recovery device includes a coil that facilitates the heat exchange. A dishwasher can include a coil disposed in a wastewater basin. The coil can heat water (e.g., wash water, rinse water, etc.) using energy provided by wastewater in the basin as the water (to be heated) flows through the coil.

[0042] In some approaches, the coil is submerged in a drain for an extended period of time, which can cause the coil to become soiled or emit unpleasant odors. Additionally, users may find cleaning the coil inconvenient. Additionally, the coil material may contain copper, which is expensive.

[0043] The present subject matter can provide a solution to these problems, for example, by replacing the coil with one or more heat exchange plates. The plates can provide simplified cleaning of the dishwasher. Thus, the present subject matter can increase user satisfaction with the dishwasher. Furthermore, the heat exchange plates can be copper-free. Thus, the present subject matter can reduce the costs associated with manufacturing the dishwasher.

[0044] In another example, the rinse water pump is located before the rinse tub, for example, to reduce the operating temperature of the rinse water pump. In yet another example, a dishwasher having a rinse water pump located before the rinse tub helps maintain the water level in the collection tub at a higher level than the water level in the rinse tub. Thus, the dishwasher need not employ a water level sensor to monitor the supply of water from the rinse tub. Thus, the present subject matter improves the reliability of the dishwasher.

[0045] 2A-2D, the dishwasher 200 can include a wastewater heat recovery device 212 (e.g., for use in a commercial dishwasher or the like). In some examples, the wastewater heat recovery device 212 includes one or more of a main wash tank 201, a drain tank 202, a main wash tank overflow line 203, a drain tank overflow line 204, a recovery tank 205, a tank divider 206, a rinse tank 207, or a drain tank cover 208. In one example, water in the main wash tank 201 can overflow into the drain tank 202. For example, the main wash tank 201 can be in communication with the drain tank 202 using the main wash tank overflow line 203. For example, water in the main wash tank 201 can overflow into the main wash tank overflow line 203 based on the water level in the main wash tank 201 being higher than a set wash overflow position.

[0046] In another example, the water in the drain basin 202 may overflow into the drain. Thus, the water in the drain basin 202 may flow through the drain overflow passage 204 to the outside of the dishwasher in response to the water level in the drain basin 202 being higher than the set drain overflow position.

[0047] In yet another example, the recovery tank 205 at least partially surrounds the drain tank 202. For example, the recovery tank 205 can encase the exterior of the drain tank 202. The tank divider 206 can separate the water in the recovery tank 205 from the water in the drain tank 202. The tank divider 206 can facilitate the transfer of heat between the recovery tank 205 and the drain tank 202. Water that is heated in the recovery tank 205 (by heat transfer from the drain tank 202) can flow into the rinse tank 207.

[0048] The dishwasher 200 may include a drain cover 208. The drain cover 208 may block communication between the drain cover 208 and other portions of the dishwasher 200. A user may remove the drain cover 208, for example, to clean the dishwasher 200.

[0049] The dishwasher 200 may include a drain overflow rod 209. The drain overflow rod 209 may include a drain overflow channel 204. A user may remove the drain overflow rod 209, for example, to drain water from the drain 202.

[0050] The dishwasher 200 may include one or more of a rinse water pump 210 or an automatic collection tank level control valve 211. The automatic collection tank level control valve 211 may facilitate control of the water level in the collection tank 205. For example, the dishwasher 200 may use the automatic collection tank level control valve 211 to maintain the water level in the collection tank 205 at a level higher than the water level in the rinse tank 207. The dishwasher 200 may include a rinse water pump 210 disposed between the rinse tank 207 and the collection tank 205. Thus, the rinse water pump 210 may be in communication with one or more of the collection tank 205 or the rinse tank 207.

[0051] In another example, the dishwasher 200 may include a wastewater heat recovery device 212. The dishwasher 200 may use the wastewater heat recovery device 212 to drain water from the dishwasher 200. For example, the dishwasher 200 may drain water using the wastewater heat recovery device 212 based on the water level in the recovery water tank 205 exceeding an overflow position. This allows the water in the recovery water tank 205 to flow outside the dishwasher 200. In yet another example, the dishwasher 200 may include a main wash tank overflow passage 203 located in an upper portion of the main wash tank 201.

[0052] 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D show front and cross-sectional views (respectively) of yet another example of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0053] In one example of the present subject matter, a dishwasher includes a heat recovery device. Gas (e.g., steam, etc.) generated by the dishwasher can flow through a heat exchanger, for example to transfer heat from the steam flowing through the heat exchanger. In another example, the wastewater heat recovery device can use a surface cooler for heat exchange. The heat exchanger can transfer heat to the wash water. For example, the volume of the heat exchanger can be less than the volume of the wash water. Thus, the heat exchange rate provided by the heat exchanger can be reduced. The volume of the heat exchanger can be greater than the volume of the wash water. Thus, an increase in the volume of the heat exchanger can correspondingly increase the costs associated with manufacturing the heat exchanger. In yet another approach, the heat exchange tubes can block the flow of water through the heat exchanger. Thus, the blocked flow can reduce the heat transfer rate provided by the heat exchanger.

[0054] The present subject matter provides a steam recovery device. In one example, a dishwashing machine may include a steam recovery device. For example, the steam recovery device may separate water from steam (e.g., using condensation, etc.). In another example, the steam recovery device disclosed herein may recover or recycle steam multiple times, thereby increasing the efficiency of the steam recovery device. In yet another example, one or more of a circulation pump or an auxiliary water tank may increase the efficiency of the steam recovery device. The steam recovery device may include a one-way valve, for example, to maintain operation of the steam recovery device in response to stopping of the circulation pump.

[0055] In one example, the dishwasher 300 can include a vapor recovery device 310. For example, the dishwasher can include one or more of a fan 301, a chamber 302, a heat exchanger 303 (e.g., a surface-cooled heat exchanger, etc.), a rinse water tank 306, or a dishwasher wash chamber 307. The chamber 302 can include a fan 301 and a heat exchanger 303. The fan 301 can drive vapor through the vapor recovery device 310. The heat exchanger 303 can transfer heat from the vapor in the vapor recovery device 310. The fan 301 can increase the heat transfer rate of the heat exchanger 303. The heat exchanger 303 can transfer heat to water flowing into the rinse water tank 306.

[0056] The vapor recovery device 310 can include piping 311. For example, the duct piping 311 of the chamber 302 can direct the flow of vapor through the vapor recovery device 310. The piping 311 can be in communication with the dishwasher wash chamber 307. For example, the inlet 312 of the duct piping 311 can be in communication with the dishwasher wash chamber 307. For example, the inlet 312 can receive vapor from a first portion of the dishwasher wash chamber 307 (e.g., a rear portion of the dishwasher wash chamber 307, etc.). The outlet 313 of the piping 311 can discharge fluid from the vapor recovery device 310. For example, the outlet 313 can be in communication with the dishwasher wash chamber 307. In one example, the vapor recovery device 310 can discharge fluid into the dishwasher wash chamber 307 using the outlet 313. The outlet 313 can discharge the fluid into a second portion of the dishwasher washing chamber 307 (e.g., a front portion of the dishwasher washing chamber 307). Figures 3B and 3C include dashed lines (each ending with an arrow) that indicate the direction of flow within the dishwasher 300 including the vapor recovery device 310.

[0057] 3A-3D, the steam recovery device 310 may include one or more of the circulation pump 304 or the auxiliary water tank 305 for the steam recovery device. The heat exchanger 303 may be in communication with the auxiliary water tank 305 for the steam recovery device. For example, an inlet of the heat exchange tube 314 of the heat exchanger 303 may be connected in series with one or more of the auxiliary water tank 305 for the steam recovery device or the circulation pump 304. An outlet of the heat exchange tube 314 of the heat exchanger 303 may be in communication with one or more of the circulation pump 304 or the auxiliary water tank 305 for the steam recovery device. The operation of the circulation pump 304 can circulate water through the auxiliary water tank 305 for the steam recovery device and the heat exchange tube 314 of the heat exchanger 303. The dishwasher 300 may include a one-way valve 308. The one-way valve 308 may be in communication with the circulation pump 304. For example, the one-way valve 308 may be positioned after the circulation pump 304, where the one-way valve 308 is positioned after the circulation pump 304. For example, the one-way valve can block flow from the heat exchange tube 314 to the circulation pump 304.

[0058] The vapor recovery system 310 may include a water / steam separator 309. Fluid in the dishwasher wash chamber 307 may flow through a heat exchanger 303. Fluid in the heat exchanger 303 may flow through the water / steam separator 309. Fluid in the water / steam separator 309 may flow to the dishwasher wash chamber 307.

[0059] 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, and 4I show various views of an example of a heat recovery system 400, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. One or more of the dishwasher 100, the dishwasher 200, or the dishwasher 300 can use the heat recovery system 400. The heat recovery system 400 can include a chamber 402. The heat recovery system can include one or more of a main wash basin 404, a drain basin 406, a rinse basin 408, an overflow channel 410, a drain basin cover 412, a first circulation port 414, or a second circulation port 416. In one example, the chamber 402 is sized and shaped to allow a user to access one or more components of the chamber 402, such as one or more of the main wash basin 404, the drain basin 406, or the rinse basin 408.

[0060] The main wash basin 404 may be in communication with a drain basin 406. In one example, the water in the main wash basin 404 can flow to the drain basin 406 using an overflow passage 410.

[0061] The heat recovery system 400 may include a drain tank 406 at least partially surrounded by a rinse tank 408. Thus, a heat transfer wall 407 may separate the water in the drain tank 406 from the water in the rinse tank 408. The heat transfer wall 407 may facilitate heat transfer between the drain tank 406 and the rinse tank 408. In one example, water heated in the main wash tank 404 may flow from the main wash tank 404 to the drain tank 406 using an overflow flow path 410. The drain tank 406 may transfer heat from the water contained therein to the rinse tank 408 using the heat transfer wall 407. Thus, the main wash tank 404 may provide heated water to the drain tank 406 and responsively heat the water in the rinse tank 408.

[0062] 4E, 4F, 4G, and 4H show dashed lines indicating the water levels in a portion of the heat recovery system 400. In one example, water can flow from the main wash basin 404 to the drain basin 406 using the overflow flow path 410 in response to the water level in the main wash basin 404 exceeding (e.g., higher than) the main wash basin level 418. Thus, the main wash basin 404 can provide heated water to the drain basin 406. For example, the drain basin 406 can include a drain basin level 420. The drain basin level 420 can be lower than the main wash basin level 406 to facilitate flow from the main wash basin 404 to the drain basin 418. Thus, the heat recovery system 400 can transfer heat to the water in the rinse basin 408. In yet another example, the rinse basin level 422 is higher than the drain basin level 420. Thus, the heat recovery system 400 can improve heat transfer between the drain basin 406 and the rinse basin 408.

[0063] 4A-4I, the drain basin 406 can include an upper portion that corresponds to a lateral portion of the heat transfer wall 407. The drain basin 406 can have a lower portion that corresponds to a vertical portion of the heat transfer wall 407. The heat transfer wall 407 enhances heat transfer by increasing the surface area available for heat transfer in, for example, the upper portion of the rinse basin 306 where the water temperature is higher than in the lower portion of the rinse basin 306.

[0064] In another example, water can flow from the rinse basin 306 through a circuitous path 424 (shown in FIG. 4H). In yet another example, the circuitous path 424 can be sized and shaped to minimize its volume, which can improve heat transfer to the rinse basin 408. In yet another example, the drain basin 406 can include a drain cover 426 to provide access to a drain 428 of the chamber 402.

[0065] The heat recovery system 400 can circulate the water in the rinsing water tank 408. The circulating water can enhance heat transfer to the water in the rinsing water tank 408. In one example, the pump 432 can drive fluid from a first circulation port 414 to a second circulation port 416. The first circulation port 414 can be disposed proximate to a bottom of the rinsing water tank 408. The second circulation port 416 can be disposed proximate to an upper portion of the rinsing water tank 408. Thus, the heat recovery system 400 can circulate the cooler water in the rinsing water tank 408 to enhance heat transfer to the water (e.g., using convective heat transfer in addition to conduction through the heat transfer wall 407).

[0066] The heat recovery system 400 may include a packing material 430 configured to agitate the water in the rinse water tank 408. For example, the packing material 430 may include stainless steel net packing configured to impede flow in the rinse water tank 408. Thus, convection in the rinse water tank 408 is enhanced by the turbulence provided by the packing material 430. EXAMPLES

[0067] This detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided.

[0068] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" include one or more, as is common in the patent literature, regardless of any other instances or uses of "at least one" or "one or more." In the claims that follow, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0069] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting. For example, the above examples (or one or more examples thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Upon reviewing the above description, other embodiments may be used by those of ordinary skill in the art, and the like.

[0070] Example 1 is a heating system for a high-temperature dishwasher, comprising a high-temperature flushing tank, a main wash tank, a high-temperature flushing tank heater housed in the high-temperature flushing tank and configured to heat the high-temperature flushing tank, an insulating chamber configured to transfer heat to the main wash tank, and a tank divider plate separating water in the high-temperature flushing tank and water in the main wash tank, the tank divider plate being configured to transfer heat between the high-temperature flushing tank and the main wash tank.

[0071] In Example 2, the subject matter described in Example 1 optionally includes a water inlet control valve in communication with an upper portion of the insulated chamber and an insulation chamber drain control valve in communication with a lower portion of the insulated chamber, the water inlet control valve configured to introduce water into the insulation chamber and correspondingly increase a heat transfer coefficient of the insulation chamber, and the drain control valve configured to drain water from the insulation chamber and correspondingly decrease a heat transfer coefficient of the insulation chamber.

[0072] In Example 3, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally further includes a high temperature flushing water tank inlet control valve, a high temperature flushing water tank inlet, a high temperature flushing water tank outlet, and a flushing water pump 3 configured to pump high temperature water for the high temperature flushing water tank, the high temperature flushing water tank outlet being positioned above at least one of the high temperature flushing water tank, the high temperature flushing water tank outlet, and the flushing water pump inlet, the inlet of the high temperature flushing water tank inlet control valve being connected to the flushing water tank water supply tank, and the outlet of the high temperature flushing water tank inlet control valve being connected to the high temperature flushing water tank inlet.

[0073] In Example 4, the subject matter described in Example 3 optionally includes a high temperature flushing water tank inlet extension configured to supply low temperature make-up water from the flushing water tank water supply tank to the high temperature flushing water tank via the high temperature flushing water tank inlet.

[0074] Example 5 is a wastewater heat recovery device for a dishwasher, the wastewater heat recovery device comprising: a main wash tank; a drain tank; a main wash tank overflow path, where water in the main wash tank can overflow through the main wash tank overflow path into the drain tank in response to the water level in the main wash tank being higher than a set wash overflow position; a main wash tank overflow path, where water in the drain tank can overflow through the drain tank overflow path to outside the dishwasher in response to the water level in the drain tank being higher than a set drain overflow position; a collection tank at least partially surrounding the drain tank; a tank partition plate separating the water in the collection tank and the water in the drain tank, the tank partition plate being configured to transfer heat between the collection tank and the drain tank; and a rinse tank configured to receive water from the collection tank.

[0075] In Example 6, the subject matter described in Example 5 optionally includes a removable drainage tank overflow rod having a drainage tank overflow passage, wherein removal of the drainage tank overflow rod is configured to drain water from the drainage tank.

[0076] In Example 7, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 5 or 6 optionally includes a rinse water pump between the rinse water tank and the recovery water tank, and an automatic recovery water tank level control valve, the automatic recovery water tank level control valve configured to control the liquid level in the recovery water tank to be higher than the liquid level in the rinse water tank.

[0077] In Example 8, the subject matter described in Example 7 optionally includes a recovery tank overflow line configured to receive water overflowing from the recovery tank in response to a water level in the recovery tank exceeding an overflow position.

[0078] In Example 9, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 7 or 8 optionally further comprises: an upper portion of the main wash tank including a main wash tank overflow passage; and the recovery device including a drain tank cover configured to be selectively removed by a user, wherein removing the drain tank cover provides access to the main wash tank overflow passage.

[0079] In example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 5-9 optionally includes a drain cover configured to be selectively removable to block the flow of water into the drain.

[0080] Example 11 is a steam recovery device for a dishwasher, comprising a fan, a heat exchanger, a chamber having the fan and the heat exchanger, a rinse water tank, a dishwasher wash chamber, and a duct communicating with one or more of the dishwasher wash chamber, the fan, or the heat exchanger, the fan being configured to drive fluid in the duct from the dishwasher wash chamber to the heat exchanger, and the inlet and outlet of a heat exchange tube of the heat exchanger being connected to the dishwasher inlet and the rinse water tank, respectively.

[0081] In Example 12, the subject matter described in Example 11 optionally includes a circulation pump and an auxiliary water tank for the vapor recovery device, the heat exchanger including a heat exchange tube, and the circulation pump configured to circulate a fluid through the auxiliary water tank for the vapor recovery device and the heat exchange tube.

[0082] In Example 13, the subject matter described in Example 12 optionally includes a one-way valve in communication with the circulating pump.

[0083] In Example 14, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 11 to 13 optionally includes a water separator configured to receive fluid from the heat exchanger, the water separator in communication with a wash chamber for a dishwasher.

[0084] Example 15 is a heat recovery system for a dishwasher, the heat recovery system comprising: a main wash tank; a drain tank communicating with the main wash tank using an overflow flow path, the drain tank configured to receive heated water from the main wash tank; and a rinse tank at least partially surrounding the drain tank, the drain tank configured to transfer heat to the rinse tank using a heat transfer wall separating the rinse tank and the drain tank, wherein the water level in the drain tank is lower than the water level in the main wash tank and the overflow flow path is used to allow flow from the main wash tank to the drain tank.

[0085] In Example 16, the subject matter described in Example 15 optionally further comprises a drain in communication with the drain tank, the drain configured to receive water from the drain tank via a tortuous path.

[0086] In Example 17, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 15 or 16, optionally wherein each of the main wash tank, the drain tank, and the drain pipe of the drain tank are accessible by a user for cleaning.

[0087] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-17 optionally includes a pump configured to drive fluid flow within the rinse basin.

[0088] In Example 19, the subject matter described in Example 18 optionally includes a packing material contained within the rinse basin, the packing material configured to agitate fluid within the rinse basin.

[0089] In Example 20, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 15-19 optionally further comprises: the heat transfer wall including an upper heat transfer wall and a lower heat transfer wall, the upper heat transfer wall extending laterally within the heat recovery system, and the lower heat transfer wall extending vertically within the heat recovery system.

Claims

1. 1. A heating system for a high temperature dishwasher, comprising: A high-temperature flushing tank; A main washing tank; a high-temperature flushing water tank heater accommodated in the high-temperature flushing water tank and configured to heat the high-temperature flushing water tank; an insulating chamber configured to transfer heat to the main wash basin; a tank divider separating the water in the hot flushing tank from the water in the main wash tank, the tank divider configured to transfer heat between the hot flushing tank and the main wash tank; A heating system for a high temperature dishwasher comprising:

2. a water inlet control valve in communication with an upper portion of the insulating chamber; an insulation chamber drain control valve in communication with a lower portion of the insulation chamber; the water inlet control valve is configured to introduce water into the insulating chamber and correspondingly increase a heat transfer coefficient of the insulating chamber; 2. The heating system for a high temperature dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the drain control valve is configured to drain water from the insulating chamber and correspondingly reduce the heat transfer coefficient of the insulating chamber.

3. A high temperature flushing tank inlet control valve; A high temperature flushing tank inlet; A high temperature flushing water tank outlet; a flushing water pump 112 configured to pump high temperature water for the high temperature flushing water tank; A flushing water tank water supply tank having a water level higher than that of the flushing water pump, the hot flushing water tank outlet is disposed above at least one of the hot flushing water tank, the hot flushing water tank outlet, and the inlet of the flushing water pump; The inlet of the high-temperature flushing water tank inlet control valve is connected to the flushing water tank water supply tank; 2. The heating system for a high temperature dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the outlet of the high temperature flushing water tank inlet control valve is in communication with the high temperature flushing water tank inlet.

4. 4. The heating system for a high temperature dishwasher of claim 3, further comprising a hot flushing water tank inlet extension configured to supply low temperature make-up water from the flushing water tank water supply tank to the high temperature flushing water tank through the hot flushing water tank inlet.

5. A wastewater heat recovery device for a dishwasher, comprising: A main washing tank; A drainage tank; a main washing water tank overflow flow path, in which the water in the main washing water tank can overflow into the drain tank through the main washing water tank overflow flow path in response to the water level in the main washing water tank being higher than a set washing overflow position; a drain tank overflow path, wherein water in the drain tank can overflow through the drain tank overflow path to an exterior of the dishwasher in response to a water level in the drain tank being higher than a set drain overflow position; a collection tank at least partially surrounding the drain tank; a tank partition plate separating the water in the recovery tank from the water in the drainage tank, the tank partition plate being configured to transfer heat between the recovery tank and the drainage tank; a rinse basin configured to receive water from the recovery basin; A wastewater heat recovery device comprising:

6. The wastewater heat recovery device of claim 5, further comprising a removable drainage tank overflow rod having the drainage tank overflow passage, the removal of the drainage tank overflow rod being configured to drain water from the drainage tank.

7. a rinse water pump between the rinse water tank and the recovery water tank; A recovery water tank water level automatic control valve; 6. The wastewater heat recovery device according to claim 5, wherein the automatic recovery water tank level control valve is configured to control the liquid level in the recovery water tank so that the liquid level in the recovery water tank is higher than the liquid level in the rinsing water tank.

8. 8. The wastewater heat recovery apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a recovery basin overflow line configured to receive water overflowing from the recovery basin in response to the water level in the recovery basin exceeding an overflow position.

9. an upper portion of the main washing water tank includes the main washing water tank overflow passage; the collection device includes a sump cover configured to be selectively removed by a user; The wastewater heat recovery system of claim 7 , wherein access to the main wash basin overflow passage is provided by removing the wastewater basin cover.

10. The wastewater heat recovery apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising a sump cover configured to be selectively removed to block the flow of water into the sump.

11. 1. A steam recovery device for a dishwasher, comprising: With fans, A heat exchanger; a chamber having a fan and a heat exchanger; Rinse tank and A washing chamber for a dishwasher; a duct communicating with one or more of the dishwasher washing chamber, the fan, or the heat exchanger; the fan is configured to drive fluid in the duct from the dishwasher washing chamber to the heat exchanger; a heat exchange tube of the heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet connected to an inlet of the dishwasher and the rinse water tank, respectively;

12. A circulation pump; and an auxiliary water tank for the vapor recovery device.

12. The steam recovery system for a dishwasher of claim 11, wherein the heat exchanger includes a heat exchange tube, and the circulation pump is configured to circulate a fluid through the auxiliary water tank for the steam recovery system and the heat exchange tube.

13. 13. The vapor recovery system for a dishwasher of claim 12, further comprising a one-way valve in communication with the circulation pump.

14. 12. The dishwasher steam recovery system of claim 11, further comprising a water separator configured to receive fluid from the heat exchanger, the water separator in communication with the dishwasher wash chamber.

15. 1. A heat recovery system for a dishwasher, the heat recovery system comprising: A main washing tank; a drain basin in communication with the main wash basin using an overflow passage, the drain basin configured to receive heated water from the main wash basin; a rinse basin at least partially surrounding the drain basin, the drain basin configured to transfer heat to the rinse basin using a heat transfer wall separating the rinse basin from the drain basin; A heat recovery system, wherein the water level in the drain basin is lower than the water level in the main wash basin, and the overflow path is used to allow flow from the main wash basin to the drain basin.

16. 16. The heat recovery system of claim 15, further comprising a drain in communication with the drain sump, the drain configured to receive water from the drain sump via a tortuous path.

17. 16. The heat recovery system of claim 15, wherein each of the main wash basin, the drain basin, and the drain basin drain are accessible by a user for cleaning.

18. 16. The heat recovery system of claim 15, further comprising a pump configured to drive fluid flow within the rinse basin.

19. 20. The heat recovery system of claim 18, further comprising a packing material contained within the rinse water basin, the packing material configured to agitate fluid within the rinse water basin.

20. The heat transfer wall comprises an upper heat transfer wall and a lower heat transfer wall; The heat recovery system of claim 15 , wherein the upper heat transfer wall extends laterally within the heat recovery system and the lower heat transfer wall extends vertically within the heat recovery system.

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