Water tank and dishwasher

Abstract

The present application discloses a water tank and a dishwasher. The water tank comprises a first cavity and a ventilation flow channel, the first cavity is provided with an inner container connection port, and water higher than a preset water level of the first cavity is suitable for flowing into an inner container of the dishwasher through the inner container connection port, the ventilation flow channel is communicated with the first cavity and the outside, at least part of the ventilation flow channel extends from one side to the other side of the inner container connection port, the ventilation flow channel comprises a first gas port communicated with the first cavity, and the first gas port is formed in one side of the inner container connection port. By providing the inner container connection port, water can be injected into the inner container of the dishwasher through the inner container connection port to achieve water inflow into the inner container of the dishwasher, and additionally, the first cavity can store a certain amount of water, thereby absorbing external heat; at least part of the ventilation flow channel extends beyond the inner container connection port to both sides of the inner container connection port, so that the water in the first cavity can be prevented from flowing to the outside through the ventilation flow channel when the water tank is tilted in the front-back direction, and the water in the first cavity can only be injected into the inner container of the dishwasher through the inner container connection port.

Description

Water tank and dishwasher

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on October 7, 2023, with application number 202311290104.6 and application name “Water Tank and Dishwasher”, and the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on October 7, 2023, with application number 202322683463.X and application name “Water Tank and Dishwasher”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of dishwashers, and in particular to a water tank and a dishwasher. Background Art

[0004] Dishwashers consume a lot of heat during operation, resulting in high energy consumption. Reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency have become challenges in the industry.

[0005] Application Contents

[0006] The present application aims to solve the technical problems in the related art at least to a certain extent. To this end, the present application proposes a water tank.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present application discloses a water tank, comprising:

[0008] The first cavity is provided with an inner pot interface, and water above a preset water level in the first cavity is suitable for flowing into the inner pot of the dishwasher through the inner pot interface; and

[0009] A ventilation flow channel connects the first cavity and the outside world, and at least a portion of the ventilation flow channel extends from one side of the inner liner interface to the other side. The ventilation flow channel includes a first air port connected to the first cavity, and the first air port is provided on the one side of the inner liner interface.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the ventilation flow channel includes a first flow segment and a second flow segment that are connected to each other, the second flow segment extends from the one side of the inner tank interface to the other side, the first flow segment is located on the one side and is arranged on the second flow segment to form a U-shaped flow channel with part of the second flow segment, and the first air port is arranged in the first flow segment and is open toward the other side.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the ventilation flow channel includes a second flow segment, and at least a portion of the second flow segment is arranged to be inclined downward.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, at least a portion of the second flow segment is arched upward.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the first flow segment is located below the second flow segment.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the ventilation channel extends along the periphery of the water tank.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank further comprises:

[0016] a condensation flow channel extending upward from the inner tank interface and having an overflow port, through which water above a preset water level of the first cavity flows through the inner tank interface to flow into the inner tank of the dishwasher, and the overflow port is connected to the first air port;

[0017] Condensation ribs, provided on the condensation flow channel;

[0018] a water inlet channel, adapted to supply water to the first cavity, the water inlet channel being provided with a pressure relief port; and

[0019] The pressure relief channel is communicated with the pressure relief port and the condensation channel respectively, and the connection between the pressure relief channel and the condensation channel is located below the overflow port.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, the pressure relief port is higher than the overflow port and lower than the first air port.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, the flow channel wall of the condensation flow channel and the flow channel wall of the ventilation flow channel enclose the overflow outlet.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank further includes a water flow channel, wherein the water flow channel and the pressure relief flow channel overlap, and at least part of the water flowing into the overflow port passes through the water flow channel from bottom to top.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present application, the water tank includes:

[0024] a first inlet, communicated with the water inlet channel and suitable for connecting to an external water source;

[0025] a first outlet, communicated with the water inlet channel and adapted to be connected to a soft water inlet of a water softener;

[0026] a second inlet, communicating with the first cavity and adapted to be connected to a soft water outlet of a water softener; and

[0027] The third outlet is communicated with the first cavity and is suitable for being connected to the inner container of the dishwasher to discharge the water in the first cavity.

[0028] The present application also discloses a dishwasher, which includes the water tank mentioned above.

[0029] The technical solution of the present application is to provide an inner tank interface. During the process of injecting water into the first cavity, water can be injected into the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface, thereby achieving water inflow into the inner tank of the dishwasher. At the same time, the first cavity can store a certain amount of water, thereby absorbing external heat and saving energy consumption. By providing a ventilation flow channel, at least part of the ventilation flow channel extends beyond the inner tank interface to both sides of the inner tank interface, which can prevent the water in the first cavity from flowing to the outside through the ventilation flow channel when the water tank is tilted, so that the water in the first cavity can only be injected into the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface, thereby preventing the leaked water from soaking the surrounding environment of the dishwasher.

[0030] Other advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become apparent from the description below, or will be understood through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other designs can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0032] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a water tank in some embodiments;

[0033] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water tank in some embodiments;

[0034] FIG3 is an enlarged view of the portion marked A in FIG2 ;

[0035] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water tank in some embodiments;

[0036] FIG5 is an enlarged view of the portion marked B in FIG4 ;

[0037] FIG6 is an enlarged view of the portion marked C in FIG4 ;

[0038] FIG7 is an enlarged view of the portion marked D in FIG4 ;

[0039] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a water softener in some embodiments.

[0040] Description of the accompanying drawings: Water tank 1000, first cavity 1100, second inlet 1110, third outlet 1120, second cavity 1200, water outlet 1210, second outlet 1220, water inlet channel 1310, pressure relief port 1311, first inlet 1312, first outlet 1313, drainage channel 1320, pressure relief channel 1410, water flow channel 1420, ventilation channel 1500, first flow section 1510, first air port 1511, second flow section 1520, second air port 1521, U-shaped flow channel 1530, third flow section 1540, liner interface 1600, condensation channel 1700, condensation rib 1710, overflow port 1720, flow meter 1800; Water softener 2000 , soft water chamber 2100 , soft water inlet 2110 , soft water outlet 2120 , regeneration chamber 2200 , regenerated water inlet 2210 .

[0041] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0045] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that they can be implemented by ordinary technicians in this field. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0046] The present application discloses a water tank 1000 , which will be described in detail below in conjunction with a dishwasher.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, in some embodiments of the present application, the water tank 1000 includes a first cavity 1100 and a ventilation flow channel 1500. The first cavity 1100 is provided with an inner tank interface 1600. The first cavity 1100 is connected to the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface 1600. Water above a preset water level in the first cavity 1100 can flow out of the first cavity 1100 through the inner tank interface 1600 and then flow into the inner tank of the dishwasher. The ventilation flow channel 1500 is connected to the outside and the first cavity 1100 to achieve air pressure balance. At least a portion of the ventilation flow channel 1500 passes over the inner tank interface 1600 and extends to both sides of the inner tank interface 1600. The ventilation flow channel 1500 includes a first air port 1511. The first air port 1511 is provided on one side of the inner tank interface 1600 and is connected to the first cavity 1100. By providing the inner tank interface 1600, during the process of filling water into the first cavity 1100, water can be injected into the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface 1600, thereby achieving water inflow into the inner tank of the dishwasher. At the same time, the first cavity 1100 can store a certain amount of water, thereby absorbing external heat and saving energy consumption. The external heat includes but is not limited to ambient heat and heat emitted by the inner tank, the same below; by providing the ventilation flow channel 1500, at least a portion of the ventilation flow channel 1500 passes over the inner tank interface 1600 and extends to both sides of the inner tank interface 1600, which can prevent the water in the first cavity 1100 from overflowing to the outside through the ventilation flow channel 1500 when the water tank 1000 is tilted. The water in the first cavity 1100 can only be injected into the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface 1600, avoiding water overflow and soaking the surrounding environment of the dishwasher, so that the water tank 1000 achieves the anti-overflow function when tilting.

[0048] Specifically, a dishwasher comprises an inner container, within which a bowl basket and a spray arm are located. The bowl basket can be loaded with dishes, and the spray arm is used to spray water to clean the dishes. The dishwasher also includes a wash pump, the inlet of which is connected to the inner container, and the outlet of which is connected to the spray arm. During operation, the dishwasher injects a certain amount of water into the inner container. The wash pump draws the water from the inner container and delivers it to the spray arm, which then sprays the water to clean the dishes. The water sprayed from the spray arm then falls back into the inner container and is further pumped by the wash pump, thus forming a cycle. To improve the cleaning effect, the water in the inner container is heated. For example, the wash pump may include an integrated heating element that heats the water during the pumping process. Generally, the inner container is made of sheet metal or plastic. Even if these materials are not used, the inner container is difficult to insulate and therefore dissipates heat. In this embodiment, the water tank 1000 is provided to absorb the heat dissipated by the inner container.

[0049] The water tank 1000 is mounted on the inner liner, positioned close to it. The first cavity 1100 temporarily stores a certain amount of water. During operation, the heat emitted by the inner liner is absorbed by the water in the first cavity 1100, preventing heat loss and thus insulating the inner liner. The water in the first cavity 1100 is also supplied to the inner liner to provide washing water. Because the water in the water tank 1000 absorbs the heat emitted by the inner liner, it has a higher temperature than the municipal water. Therefore, if the water in the first cavity 1100 is supplied to the inner liner, the amount of electricity required for heating during the washing process will be reduced compared to heating only the municipal water, thereby reducing energy consumption. It can be understood that the water tank 1000 not only absorbs the heat emitted by the inner liner, but also absorbs ambient heat.

[0050] For example, when a dishwasher is performing a wash cycle (assuming this is the first time the dishwasher is being used), it typically has multiple wash cycles. During the first wash cycle, first cavity 1100 is filled with water, and water is also introduced into the inner tank. During this wash cycle, the water in the inner tank is heated, and the heat emitted by the inner tank is absorbed by the water in first cavity 1100. Simultaneously, the water in first cavity 1100 also absorbs ambient heat. During the second wash cycle, the water in first cavity 1100 can be introduced into the inner tank, and then the water in first cavity 1100 is replenished. It is understood that if the water in first cavity 1100 is insufficient to complete the wash cycle, it is necessary to continue introducing city water into the inner tank. Because the water in first cavity 1100 has already absorbed the heat emitted by the inner tank and ambient heat during the first wash cycle, the power consumption of heating the water in the inner tank during the second wash cycle is reduced. In addition, after the dishwasher finishes washing the dishes, the first cavity 1100 can also be filled with water. This part of water will absorb the ambient heat. When the dishwasher is used next time, the temperature of the water in the first cavity 1100 will also be higher than municipal water, which can also reduce energy consumption.

[0051] The first cavity 1100 has an inner tank interface 1600, which is connected to the first cavity 1100. The inner tank interface 1600 is connected to the inner tank of the dishwasher. The inner tank of the dishwasher is provided with a corresponding opening, and the inner tank interface 1600 is connected to the opening on the inner tank, thereby achieving communication between the first cavity 1100 and the inner tank of the dishwasher. During the process of filling water into the first cavity 1100, the water level in the first cavity 1100 gradually rises until the water level in the first cavity 1100 reaches a preset height (preset water level). When the water level continues to rise, the water in the first cavity 1100 that is higher than the preset water level flows into the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface 1600 until the water level in the inner tank reaches the preset height, thereby stopping water inflow. At this time, the inner tank contains circulating washing water, and the first cavity 1100 of the water tank 1000 stores corresponding water.

[0052] Before the first cavity 1100 is filled with water, there is air in the first cavity 1100 . If the air is not exhausted, it will be difficult to inject water into the first cavity 1100 . Therefore, by setting up the ventilation flow channel 1500, the ventilation flow channel 1500 is connected to the outside world and the first cavity 1100, and is used to maintain the internal and external air pressure balance of the water tank 1000. The outside world here refers to the external atmosphere. For example, a first air port 1511 is formed at one end of the ventilation flow channel 1500, and the first air port 1511 is connected to the first cavity 1100. It can be understood that since the first air port 1511 needs to connect the first cavity 1100 and the outside world, it means that the first air port 1511 needs to be designed to be higher than the inner tank interface 1600 or the preset water level (with the normal placement of the water tank 1000 as a reference). A second air port 1521 is formed at the other end of the ventilation flow channel 1500, and the second air port 1521 is connected to the outside world. Since the inner tank interface 1600 is respectively connected to the first cavity 1100 and the inner tank, the inner tank is connected to the outside world. When water is poured into the first cavity 1100, the air in the first cavity 1100 can be discharged to the outside through the first air port 1511, the ventilation channel 1500, and then the second air port 1521. Since the dishwasher needs to heat water during operation, a certain amount of water vapor will be generated in the inner tank, and the air pressure inside the inner tank is relatively high. Since the inner tank is connected to the outside world through the ventilation channel 1500, the air pressure inside the inner tank and the outside world is balanced, ensuring normal washing.

[0053] Since the ventilation duct 1500 is provided to connect the first cavity 1100 with the outside world, when the water tank 1000 is tilted with the dishwasher, the water in the first cavity 1100 can easily overflow into the outside world through the ventilation duct 1500, wetting the installation environment of the dishwasher. Therefore, the provision of the ventilation duct 1500 is particularly important. In this embodiment, the following configuration is used to prevent the overflow of water in the first cavity 1100: at least a portion of the ventilation duct 1500 passes over the inner liner interface 1600 and extends to opposite sides of the inner liner interface 1600. It should be noted that the opposite sides here specifically refer to, in conjunction with the orientation shown in Figure 2, a vertical line drawn through the approximately center position of the inner liner interface 1600. The front and rear sides of the vertical line are the opposite sides of the inner liner interface 1600. At least a portion of the ventilation duct 1500 extends from the front side (one side) to the rear side (the other side). It is understandable that one side can also be considered the rear side and the other side can be considered the front side. For example, at least part of the ventilation channel 1500 is located above the inner tank interface 1600 and extends to the rear and front sides of the inner tank interface 1600, and the first air port 1511 is located on the front side of the inner tank interface 1600. In this way, when water is stored in the first cavity 1100 and the dishwasher is tilted, a large amount of water can be prevented from overflowing to the outside through the ventilation channel 1500.

[0054] Taking the forward tilting dishwasher as an example, in conjunction with the orientation shown in FIG2 , when the water tank 1000 is tilting forward with the dishwasher, the inner tank interface 1600 is at a higher position relative to the first air port 1511. Water in the water tank 1000 will flow into the inner tank through the inner tank interface 1600. Simultaneously, water will also enter the ventilation channel 1500 through the first air port 1511 until the water level in the ventilation channel 1500 is equal to the water level in the first cavity 1100. During this process, a large amount of water in the first cavity 1100 has already entered the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface 1600, so only a small amount of water enters the ventilation channel 1500. In particular, the inner tank interface 1600 is typically designed to be larger than the first air port 1511, so that even less water enters the ventilation channel 1500. Because at least a portion of the ventilation channel 1500 extends to opposite sides of the inner container, the portion of the ventilation channel 1500 located behind the inner container interface 1600 is higher than the inner container interface 1600 in this state. Even if water enters the ventilation channel 1500, it will not quickly overflow to the outside. During the reset process of the dishwasher, the ventilation channel 1500 is tilted at a certain stage. This allows the water that enters the ventilation channel 1500 to fall back into the first cavity 1100 under the action of gravity, preventing the water that has entered the ventilation channel 1500 from being discharged to the outside after the dishwasher is reset.

[0055] Taking the dishwasher tipping backward as an example, in conjunction with the orientation shown in FIG2 , the water tank 1000 is in a state of following the dishwasher tipping backward. At this time, the first air vent 1511 is at a higher position relative to the inner pot interface 1600. Water in the water tank 1000 will flow into the inner pot through the inner pot interface 1600 until the water level in the first cavity 1100 is lower than the inner pot interface 1600. During this tipping process, the water in the first cavity 1100 has already quickly entered the inner pot through the inner pot interface 1600, causing the water in the first cavity 1100 to be lower than the first air vent 1511, thereby preventing water from entering the ventilation channel 1500. In particular, the inner pot interface 1600 is usually designed to be larger than the first air vent 1511. In this case, it is difficult for water in the first cavity 1100 to enter the ventilation channel 1500 through the first air vent 1511 during the water tank 1000 tipping backward.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present application, the ventilation flow channel 1500 includes a second flow segment 1520 and a first flow segment 1510, the second flow segment 1520 is connected to the first flow segment 1510, and the first flow segment 1510 is arranged on one side (front side) of the inner liner interface 1600, and the second flow segment 1520 extends from the first flow segment 1510 to the other side (rear side) of the inner liner interface 1600, the second flow segment 1520 is connected to the first flow segment 1510, and part of the second flow segment 1520 and the first flow segment 1510 form a U-shaped flow channel 1530, and the first air port 1511 is arranged in the first flow segment 1510 and is open to the other side (rear side).

[0057] Specifically, since the second flow section 1520 and the first flow section 1510 form a U-shaped flow channel 1530 , that is, the flow channel wall of the first flow section 1510 will block the sloshing water, preventing the water from directly rushing into the ventilation flow channel 1500 . For example, when the water tank 1000 is tilted backward following the dishwasher, if the water tank 1000 tilts backward at a fast speed, the water in the first cavity 1100 will shake rapidly, and the water may overflow to the outside through the first air port 1511 before it has time to flow into the inner tank through the inner tank interface 1600. By setting the structure of the U-shaped flow channel 1530, the U-shaped flow channel 1530 is in a downward inverted U-shaped state during the tilting process, and the water in the first cavity 1100 will impact the flow channel wall of the first flow segment 1510. The flow direction of this part of the water roughly intersects with the first flow segment 1510 and is blocked by the first flow segment 1510. In this way, when the water tank 1000 tilts backward quickly, it can also prevent the water in the first cavity 1100 from entering the ventilation flow channel 1500.

[0058] Assuming that a small amount of water enters the ventilation channel 1500 under certain circumstances, in order to promote this part of water to flow back to the first cavity 1100 more quickly, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, at least part of the second flow section 1520 is tilted downward. Taking the ventilation channel 1500 including the first flow section 1510 and the second flow section 1520 as an example, the second flow section 1520 is tilted upward from the first flow section 1510 (from another angle, it is tilted downward). When the dishwasher is tilted forward, the first cavity 1100 is tilted downward. The water in 1100 flows into the inner tank through the inner tank interface 1600 until the water level is lower than the inner tank interface 1600. At this time, part of the water enters the first flow section 1510 and the second flow section 1520. When the water tank 1000 is straightened (reset), the water in the second flow section 1520 and the first flow section 1510 can quickly flow out of the ventilation channel 1500 through the first air port 1511 under the action of the inclined part of the second flow section 1520, and then flow back to the first cavity 1100 or the inner tank.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in FIG2 , in some embodiments of the present application, at least a portion of the second flow section 1520 can be designed to be arched upward, thereby preventing water in the second flow section 1520 from being discharged to the outside. When the dishwasher is tilted forward, water in the first cavity 1100 flows into the inner tank through the inner tank port 1600 until the water level falls below the inner tank port 1600. At this point, some water enters the first flow section 1510 and the second flow section 1520. When the water tank 1000 is straightened, the water in the second flow section 1520 may not have time to flow back into the first cavity 1100 due to the rapid straightening of the water tank 1000. The arching of at least a portion of the second flow section 1520 prevents this water from flowing through the air duct 1500 and into the outside. In particular, when at least a portion of the second flow section 1520 is tilted downward, this water is further directed back into the first cavity 1100.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , in some embodiments of the present application, the first flow segment 1510 is designed below the second flow segment 1520 to simplify the structure. Since the first flow segment 1510 is formed with a first gas port 1511, and the first gas port 1511 needs to communicate with the first cavity 1100, the liner interface 1600, and the liner, and the first gas port 1511 is designed to be higher than the liner interface 1600, and since the second flow segment 1520 needs to extend from one side of the liner interface 1600 to the other side, the second flow segment 1520 is designed to be higher than the first flow segment 1510. This can shorten the communication path between the first gas port 1511 and the first cavity 1100, the liner interface 1600, and the liner, and facilitate gas flow.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments of the present application, the ventilation channel 1500 is designed to extend along the periphery of the water tank 1000 , thereby avoiding encroaching on the space of the first cavity 1100 and facilitating the arrangement of various structures.

[0062] Specifically, the ventilation channel 1500 is disposed around the periphery of the water tank 1000. This allows the ventilation channel 1500 to surround the first cavity 1100 without encroaching upon the space of the first cavity 1100. If the ventilation channel 1500 were disposed in the middle of the first cavity 1100, the first cavity 1100 would necessarily need to avoid the ventilation channel 1500, increasing the complexity of the structure. Furthermore, generally speaking, the water tank 1000 not only includes the first cavity 1100 but may also include other structures, such as the water inlet channel 1310 and the drainage channel 1320. Disposing the ventilation channel 1500 around the first cavity 1100 also allows these other structures to be avoided, making the layout of the various structures more convenient.

[0063] For example, in addition to the first flow segment 1510 and the second flow segment 1520 mentioned above, the ventilation flow channel 1500 also includes a third flow segment 1540. The third flow segment 1540 is connected to the second flow segment 1520. The second flow segment 1520 and the first flow segment 1510 are arranged on the upper part of the water tank 1000 and extend in the front-to-back direction. The third flow segment is arranged on the rear side of the water tank 1000 and extends in the up-down direction.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments of the present application, the water tank 1000 includes a condensation flow channel 1700. By setting the condensation flow channel 1700, the steam overflowing from the inner tank can be condensed, preventing the steam from reaching the first cavity 1100 and then being discharged to the outside through the ventilation flow channel 1500.

[0065] Specifically, the condensation flow channel 1700 extends from the inner liner interface 1600, that is, one end of the condensation flow channel 1700 is connected to the inner liner interface 1600, thereby achieving communication between the condensation flow channel 1700 and the inner liner interface 1600. The condensation flow channel 1700 extends upward, so that the other end of the condensation flow channel 1700 is at a higher position relative to the inner liner interface 1600, and the other end of the condensation flow channel 1700 forms an overflow port 1720. It can be understood that the overflow port 1720 is higher than the inner liner interface 1600, but needs to be lower than the first air port 1511. The overflow port 1720 needs to be connected to the inner liner interface 1600 and the first air port 1511. In this way, when the water level in the first cavity 1100 continues to rise, the water overflows the overflow port 1720 and enters the condensation flow channel 1700, and then flows into the inner liner through the inner liner interface 1600. Since the first air inlet 1511 is higher, the water level does not reach the first air inlet 1511 during normal water inflow, and water will not overflow to the outside through the first air inlet 1511 .

[0066] When the dishwasher is washing, the water in the inner tank will be heated, so the steam in the inner tank will enter the condensation channel 1700 through the inner tank interface 1600. The so-called condensation channel 1700 is provided with a number of condensation ribs 1710, which increases the condensation area, thereby condensing the steam and preventing the steam from overflowing to the outside.

[0067] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the water tank 1000 has a water inlet channel 1310, on which a flow meter 1800 is provided. The water inlet channel 1310 is connected to an external water source, which is the water used to operate the dishwasher, such as municipal water. The water inlet channel 1310 can be connected to a faucet via a pipe, or the water inlet channel 1310 can be connected to a water storage tank to receive the external water source. The water transported through the water inlet channel 1310 needs to be measured by the flow meter 1800 to facilitate the calculation of the water injection volume. For example, the flow meter 1800 can be embedded in the water tank 1000. In order to prevent backflow in the water inlet channel 1310 when receiving water from the external source, such as when negative pressure occurs in the pipe corresponding to the faucet, backflow will occur. A pressure relief port 1311 is provided on the water inlet channel 1310. The pressure relief port 1311 needs to be connected to the outside world to avoid backflow. Generally speaking, part of the water inlet channel 1310 needs to be designed to be curved to form an upward arched structure. A pressure relief port 1311 is provided at the lower part of this part of the water inlet channel 1310. The water transported by the water inlet channel 1310 passes over the pressure relief port 1311 under the action of inertia and continues to flow and be transported, while being able to achieve communication with the outside world. Of course, the structure of the pressure relief port 1311 is not limited to this, and the pressure relief ports of dishwashers in related technologies also adopt other structures.

[0068] A pressure relief channel 1410 is provided in the water tank 1000, and the pressure relief channel 1410 is respectively connected to the condensation channel 1700 and the pressure relief port 1311. That is to say, since the condensation channel 1700 is connected to the outside world through the first air port 1511, the pressure relief port 1311 is also connected to the outside world, thereby maintaining air pressure balance. The connection between the condensation channel 1700 and the pressure relief channel 1410 needs to be designed to be lower than the overflow port 1720. In this way, when water inflows abnormally, too much water will be injected into the first cavity 1100. At this time, the first cavity 1100 has a relatively high pressure. In this way, the water in the water inlet channel 1310 can flow out directly through the pressure relief port 1311 under the action of the relatively high pressure of the first cavity 1100, that is, the pressure relief port 1311 at this time becomes a leakage port. The water flows directly into the condensation channel 1700 through the pressure relief channel 1410, and then enters the inner tank interface 1600, and then enters the inner tank. Since the connection between the condensation channel 1700 and the pressure relief channel 1410 intersects at a lower position than the overflow port 1720, this can avoid abnormal water inflow causing a large amount of water to be sprayed out to the outside through the ventilation channel 1500.

[0069] It can be understood that since the condensation rib 1710 is arranged in the condensation flow channel 1700, and the overflow port 1720 is closer to the first air port 1511, when water enters abnormally, the first cavity 1100 has a large water pressure. If the pressure relief flow channel 1410 is not provided, all the water can only be sprayed out from the overflow port 1720, and due to the obstruction of the condensation rib 1710, the sprayed water forms splashes, so that a part of the water enters the ventilation flow channel 1500 through the first air port 1511. In addition, it is precisely because of the obstruction of the condensation rib 1710 that the sprayed water does not have time to flow downward through the inner tank interface 1600 into the inner tank, which will cause the water level in the condensation flow channel 1700 to rise, causing a part of the water to directly enter the ventilation flow channel 1500 from the first air port 1511, and then overflow to the outside. In this embodiment, a pressure relief channel 1410 is provided, which is equivalent to forming a diversion for the overflow port 1720 to prevent water from being sprayed at the overflow port 1720. Moreover, since the connection between the condensation channel 1700 and the pressure relief channel 1410 is farther away from the first air port 1511 than the overflow port 1720, the path of the water flowing through the pressure relief channel 1410 into the inner tank interface 1600 is shorter, thereby being discharged faster.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present application, the pressure relief port 1311 is set to be higher than the overflow port 1720 and lower than the first air port 1511, so that the pressure relief port 1311 is extremely close to the overflow port 1720, so that when abnormal water inflow occurs, the pressure relief of the pressure relief port 1311 can respond quickly. This is because, at the moment of abnormal water inflow, the amount of water entering the first cavity 1100 increases and the pressure becomes higher. When the pressure reaches the critical point, the water in the water inlet channel 1310 is discharged through the pressure relief port 1311. The pressure formed by the aforementioned critical point is equivalent to the pressure generated by the existence of an assumed water level that is the same height as the pressure relief port 1311. Since the pressure relief port 1311 is close to the overflow port 1720, this assumed water level can be reached quickly, thereby achieving a quick response.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments of the present application, when the condensation flow channel 1700 is set, the flow channel wall of the condensation flow channel 1700 and the flow channel wall of the ventilation flow channel 1500 (first flow section 1510) jointly enclose an overflow outlet 1720. In this way, when the water tank 1000 is tilted, the water in the first cavity 1100 can be better restrained from passing through in large quantities instantaneously. For some dishwashers that are temporarily tilted and straightened, such a setting can more effectively prevent water from shaking and entering the ventilation flow channel 1500.

[0072] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, in some embodiments of the present application, since a pressure relief channel 1410 is provided, in order to avoid the pressure relief channel 1410 from obstructing the flow of water, the water tank 1000 has a water flow channel 1420, and the water flow channel 1420 and the pressure relief channel 1410 are overlapped. The so-called overlap is in the thickness direction of the water tank 100, which can save space. In the process of gradually rising water level in the first cavity 1100, at least a part of the water passes through the water flow channel 1420 from bottom to top, and then flows into the overflow port 1720.

[0073] As shown in conjunction with Figures 2, 4, and 5, in some embodiments of the present application, the water tank 1000 further includes a second cavity 1200. The second cavity 1200 in the water tank 1000 is adapted to communicate with the first cavity 1100. A certain amount of water is also stored in the second cavity 1200. Therefore, the water in the second cavity 1200 can also absorb external heat, thereby playing a role in keeping the inner tank warm. The water in the second cavity 1200 flows into the first cavity 1100. By providing a water inlet 1210, during the process of filling the first cavity 1100 with water, when the water level in the first cavity 1100 is higher than the water inlet 1210, the water in the first cavity 1100 enters the second cavity 1200 through the water inlet 1210 until the water in the second cavity 1200 reaches a preset water level. The water in the second cavity 1200 is different from the water in the first cavity 1100 in that the water in the second cavity 1200 is not used for providing a washing cycle, but is used for regenerating the water softener 2000 .

[0074] It's understandable that dishwashers typically use municipal water, which contains a high amount of soluble calcium and magnesium (for example, not limited to calcium and magnesium). Since the water temperature during the dishwasher wash cycle is relatively high, this can easily lead to scale formation in the dishwasher's water circuit, affecting water circulation. Furthermore, excessive calcium and magnesium levels can also affect the effectiveness of detergents. Therefore, dishwashers are often equipped with a water softener 2000. The water entering the dishwasher's inner tank must first be softened by the softener to remove the calcium and magnesium.

[0075] In the related art, as shown in Figure 8, the water softener 2000 has two chambers, namely the soft water chamber 2100 and the regeneration chamber 2200. The soft water chamber 2100 is provided with a soft water resin. Municipal water flows into the soft water chamber 2100 and then flows out of the soft water chamber 2100. The calcium and magnesium ions in the water are absorbed by the soft water resin, thereby reducing the hardness of the water. When the soft water resin adsorbs calcium and magnesium to a saturated state, the soft water capacity of the soft water resin decreases. At this time, the soft water resin needs to be reduced. The reduction of the soft water resin needs to utilize the regeneration chamber 2200.

[0076] The regeneration chamber 2200 is filled with regeneration salt. The regeneration chamber 2200 is provided with a regeneration water inlet 2210. Municipal water or softened water is injected into the regeneration chamber 2200 through the regeneration water inlet 2210 to form brine. The brine is controlled to flow from the regeneration chamber 2200 into the soft water chamber 2100. The brine takes away the calcium and magnesium in the soft water resin, thereby restoring the softening performance of the soft water resin. The brine after restoring the soft water resin needs to be discharged from the soft water chamber 2100.

[0077] Specifically, water in water softener 2000 flows through two pathways: one is for water to flow into soft water chamber 2100, where it is softened and then discharged from soft water chamber 2100 and fed into the inner tank; the other is for water to flow into regeneration chamber 2200, from which it flows back into soft water chamber 2100, where the softening capacity of the water softening resin is restored, before finally being discharged from soft water chamber 2100. Since water softener 2000 is a common component in the dishwasher industry, only a brief description is provided above; the detailed structure can be found in related art.

[0078] Because the water softener 2000 needs to be regenerated, the second cavity 1200 of the water tank 1000 is connected to the regenerated water inlet 2210. When the water softener 2000 needs to be regenerated, the water in the second cavity 1200 is discharged into the water softener 2000 to restore the soft water resin in the water softener 2000. In this way, the water tank 1000 not only has the functions of heat preservation and energy saving, but also can realize the regeneration of the water softener 2000.

[0079] The water tank 1000 is described below in conjunction with the water softener 2000. Continuing with FIG8 , the water softener 2000 includes a soft water inlet 2110, a soft water outlet 2120, and a regenerated water inlet 2210. The soft water inlet 2110 and the soft water outlet 2120 are respectively connected to the soft water chamber 2100 of the water softener 2000, and the regenerated water inlet 2210 is connected to the regeneration chamber 2200 of the water softener 2000. A flow channel that can be switched on and off is provided between the soft water chamber 2100 and the regeneration chamber 2200. Box 1000 includes a first inlet 1312, a first outlet 1313, a second inlet 1110, a second outlet 1220 and a third outlet 1120. The first inlet 1312 and the first outlet 1313 are respectively located at the two ends of the water inlet channel 1310 and are connected to the water inlet channel 1310. The first inlet 1312 is connected to an external water source, for example, through a pipeline to a faucet. The first outlet 1313 is connected to the soft water inlet 2110, and the second inlet 1110 is connected to the soft water outlet 2120.

[0080] The water intake process for the first washing cycle of the dishwasher is as follows: water is introduced into the water tank 1000, and the water enters the water inlet channel 1310 through the first inlet 1312, then flows out from the first outlet 1313 and enters the soft water chamber 2100 through the soft water inlet 2110, where the water is softened. The water then flows out from the soft water outlet 2120 and continues to be injected into the first cavity 1100 through the second inlet 1110. In the process of filling the first cavity 1100, the water in the first cavity 1100 enters the second cavity 1200 through the water outlet 1210, until the water in the first cavity 1100 reaches a preset water level and then flows into the inner tank through the inner tank interface 1600. When the water level in the inner tank reaches the preset water level, the water intake is stopped, and the dishwasher uses the water in the inner tank for the first washing cycle.

[0081] After the dishwasher completes the first washing cycle, it needs to drain the water in the inner tank and then enter the second washing cycle. The water intake process of the second washing cycle is as follows: the water in the first cavity 1100 is discharged into the inner tank through the third outlet 1120, and then water is supplied from an external water source, similar to the water intake process of the first washing cycle, until the water in the first cavity 1100 reaches a preset water level or until the water in the inner tank reaches a preset water level, and then the water intake is stopped, and the dishwasher uses the water in the inner tank to perform the second washing cycle. It can be seen that the inner tank interface 1600 and the third outlet 1120 are two ways to supply water to the inner tank. The inner tank interface 1600 allows water to flow into the inner tank from the inner tank interface 1600 when the first cavity 1100 reaches a certain water level, thereby ensuring that when the dishwasher is in a washing cycle, the first cavity 1100 stores a certain amount of water, and the third outlet 1120 is used to discharge the water in the first cavity 1100 into the inner tank. Since the water in the first cavity 1100 absorbs external heat, the energy consumption of the washing cycle can be reduced.

[0082] When the dishwasher completes washing, the first cavity 1100 and the second cavity 1200 contain softened water for use the next time the dishwasher is used.

[0083] When the water softener 2000 needs to be regenerated, the flow channel between the soft water chamber 2100 and the regeneration chamber 2200 is controlled to open, and the water in the second cavity 1200 enters the regeneration chamber 2200 through the second outlet 1220. The formed brine enters the soft water chamber 2100, regenerates the soft water resin in the soft water chamber 2100, and is then discharged from the soft water chamber 2100.

[0084] The present application also discloses a dishwasher, which includes the water tank 1000 of the above embodiment. The water tank 1000 can be installed closely on the inner tank, for example, on the left or right side of the inner tank. The water in the water tank 1000 can absorb external heat. It can be understood that the water tank 1000 of the dishwasher of this embodiment adopts the technical solution of the above embodiment, and therefore has at least the beneficial effects brought by the technical solution of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0085] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made based on the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A water tank, wherein: include: The first cavity is provided with an inner tank interface, and water above a preset water level of the first cavity is suitable for flowing into the inner tank of the dishwasher through the inner tank interface; as well as A ventilation flow channel connects the first cavity and the outside, and at least a portion of the ventilation flow channel extends from one side of the inner liner interface to the other side. The ventilation flow channel includes a first air port connected to the first cavity, and the first air port is arranged on the one side of the inner liner interface.

2. The water tank according to claim 1, wherein: The ventilation flow channel includes a first flow segment and a second flow segment that are connected to each other, the second flow segment extends from the one side of the inner tank interface to the other side, the first flow segment is located on the one side and forms a U-shaped flow channel with part of the second flow segment, and the first air port is arranged in the first flow segment and is open toward the other side.

3. The water tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ventilation flow channel includes a second flow segment, at least a portion of which is arranged to be inclined downward.

4. The water tank according to claim 3, wherein: At least a portion of the second flow section is arched upward.

5. The water tank according to claim 2, wherein: The first flow segment is located below the second flow segment.

6. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The ventilation flow channel extends along the periphery of the water tank.

7. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The water tank also includes: a condensation flow channel extending upward from the inner tank interface and provided with an overflow port, through which water above a preset water level of the first cavity flows through the inner tank interface to flow into the inner tank of the dishwasher, and the overflow port is connected to the first air port; Condensation ribs, arranged on the condensation flow channel; a water inlet channel, adapted to supply water to the first cavity, the water inlet channel being provided with a pressure relief port; and The pressure relief channel is communicated with the pressure relief port and the condensation channel respectively, and the connection between the pressure relief channel and the condensation channel is located below the overflow port.

8. The water tank according to claim 7, wherein: The pressure relief port is higher than the overflow port and lower than the first air port.

9. The water tank according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The flow channel wall of the condensation flow channel and the flow channel wall of the ventilation flow channel enclose the overflow port.

10. The water tank according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The water tank further comprises a water flow channel, wherein the water flow channel overlaps with the pressure relief flow channel, and at least part of the water flowing into the overflow port passes through the water flow channel from bottom to top.

11. The water tank according to claim 10, wherein: The water tank comprises: A first inlet, communicated with the water inlet channel, suitable for connecting to an external water source; a first outlet, communicated with the water inlet channel and adapted to be connected to a soft water inlet of a water softener; a second inlet, communicating with the first cavity and adapted to be connected to a soft water outlet of a water softener; and The third outlet is communicated with the first cavity and is suitable for being connected to the inner tank of the dishwasher to discharge the water in the first cavity.

12. A dishwasher, wherein: The dishwasher comprises the water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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