Dishwasher

Abstract

A dishwasher (100). A washing cup (102) is provided below a washing box (101); a first water tank (103) has a first supply / drain pipe system (6), and the first supply / drain pipe system (6) is configured to supply water to the washing cup (102); a second water tank (104) has a second supply / drain pipe system (8), and the second supply / drain pipe system (8) is configured to supply water to the washing cup (102); and a heat exchanger (105) has a thermal circulation pipe system and a cold circulation pipe system which can realize heat exchange, one end of the thermal circulation pipe system is communicated with the washing cup (102), the other end of the thermal circulation pipe system is communicated with the washing space, and the cold circulation pipe system is communicated with the second water tank (104).

Description

dishwasher

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 202411218661.1 and 202422138284.2, filed on August 30, 2024, entitled “Dishwasher”, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if copied in full hereto. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0004] Dishwashers have gradually gained popularity among users due to their convenience. To reduce the energy consumption of dishwashers, most manufacturers add heat exchangers to recover waste heat during operation. However, this technology still presents challenges such as large size, complex structure, and difficult installation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one objective of this application is to provide a dishwasher that is small in overall size, simple in structure, and easy to install.

[0006] This application discloses a dishwasher, including: a washing tank, a washing cup, a first water tank, a second water tank, and a heat exchanger. The washing tank has a washing space; the washing cup is disposed below the washing tank; the first water tank has a first supply and discharge pipe, which connects the first water tank and the washing cup and is adapted to supply water to the washing cup; the second water tank has a second supply and discharge pipe, which connects the second water tank and the washing cup and is adapted to supply water to the washing cup; the heat exchanger has a hot circulation pipe and a cold circulation pipe that can realize heat exchange, one end of the hot circulation pipe is connected to the washing cup, the other end of the hot circulation pipe is connected to the washing space, and the cold circulation pipe is connected to the second water tank.

[0007] According to the embodiments of this application, the dishwasher can, on the one hand, be equipped with a first water tank and a second water tank. The second water tank works with a heat exchanger to achieve waste heat recovery. The water in the first water tank and the second water tank can be heated to room temperature before cleaning. The energy consumption to heat to the temperature required by the dishwasher is lower, which can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher. In addition, the structure of the dishwasher is more compact, the degree of integration is higher, the assembly difficulty is lower, and the cost is lower.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the dishwasher includes at least a main wash sequence, in which a heat exchanger is turned on to heat water in a second water tank before the main wash sequence ends.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the dishwasher includes at least a rinsing sequence in which water from a second tank is supplied to the washing cup during the rinsing sequence.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the rinsing sequence includes at least a first rinsing sequence, in which water from the first water tank is supplied to the washing cup.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the rinsing sequence includes at least a second rinsing sequence, in which water in the second water tank is supplied to the washing cup.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the dishwasher further includes: a first water inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the inlet of the washing cup, and the other end of which is connected to a first water supply pipe and a second water supply pipe, so that the first water tank and the second water tank are adapted to supply water to the washing cup.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the dishwasher further includes: a main water inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to a water source and the other end of which is connected to a water softener.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the water softener is connected to a first water supply and drainage pipe, a second water supply and drainage pipe, and a first water inlet pipe, respectively, so as to selectively supply softened water to a first water tank, a second water tank, and a washing cup.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the first supply and drainage pipeline is provided with a second valve to selectively control the opening or closing of the first supply and drainage pipeline.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this application, the second supply and drainage pipeline is provided with a third valve to selectively control the opening or closing of the second supply and drainage pipeline.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this application, the first water inlet pipe is provided with a fourth valve to selectively control the opening or closing of the first water inlet pipe.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this application, when the second valve and the fourth valve are opened, water from the first water tank is supplied to the washing cup through the first supply and drainage pipeline.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this application, when the third valve and the fourth valve are opened, water from the second water tank is supplied to the washing cup through the second supply and drainage pipeline.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this application, when the second and third valves are closed and the fourth valve is open, the main water inlet pipe supplies water to the washing cup.

[0021] According to some embodiments of this application, the dishwasher also includes a washing pump that is in communication with the washing cup.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this application, the heat circulation pipeline has a heat circulation inlet pipe section, one end of which is connected to the outlet end of the washing pump, and the other end is connected to the hot end inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0023] According to some embodiments of this application, the heat circulation pipeline also has a heat circulation outlet pipe section, one end of which is connected to the hot end outlet of the heat exchanger, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the washing cup.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this application, the heat circulation pipeline further includes: a first valve, which is disposed in the heat circulation inlet pipe section or the heat circulation outlet pipe section.

[0025] According to some embodiments of this application, the cold circulation pipeline includes: a cold circulation inlet pipe section, one end of which is connected to a second water tank and the other end of which is connected to the cold end inlet of a heat exchanger.

[0026] According to some embodiments of this application, the cold circulation pipeline further includes a cold circulation outlet pipe section, one end of which is connected to the cold end outlet of the heat exchanger, and the other end of which is connected to the second water tank.

[0027] According to some embodiments of this application, the cold circulation pipe section further includes a first water pump, which is disposed in the cold circulation inlet pipe section or the cold circulation outlet pipe section.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this application, the washing tank has an inner liner, an inner liner interface is provided on the inner liner, and the other end of the hot circulation outlet pipe section is connected to the inner liner interface.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this application, the main water inlet pipeline includes a fifth valve, a flow meter, and an anti-siphon structure or a check valve connected in sequence.

[0030] According to some embodiments of this application, a flow meter, an anti-siphon structure, or a check valve is integrated into the first water tank.

[0031] According to some embodiments of this application, the first water tank and the second water tank are disposed on the symmetrical side plates of the washing tank.

[0032] According to some embodiments of this application, the washing cup is disposed on the bottom plate of the washing tank.

[0033] According to some embodiments of this application, the first water tank has an overflow pressure relief hole communicating with the washing space.

[0034] According to some embodiments of this application, the first supply and drainage pipeline includes: a first main line, which is connected to a first water supply pipeline and is adapted to supply washing medium to the washing cup.

[0035] According to some embodiments of this application, the first water supply and drainage pipeline further includes: a first branch, which is connected to the inlet of the first water tank.

[0036] According to some embodiments of this application, the first water supply and drainage pipeline further includes a second branch, which is connected to the outlet of the first water tank.

[0037] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0044] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0045] Since the COVID-19 pandemic, dishwashers have rapidly become one of the fastest-growing categories of home appliances due to their health and convenience. As the market expands, the entry barriers for the dishwasher industry are also gradually increasing. The European Union adopted the latest standard 2009 / 125 / EC in 2019, which came into effect in January 2021. The new standard changed the energy efficiency rating from A+++, A++, A+, A, B to A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Furthermore, dishwashers that were previously rated A+++ can only meet the D-level requirement under the new standard. Simultaneously, my country has also made similar modifications to the dishwasher energy efficiency index. The definition and calculation method of the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) have adopted the EU standard, adding indicators such as the cleanliness index, drying index, energy efficiency index, and annual power consumption to the original standard B / T1520-2013, providing a clear classification of energy efficiency levels. The new standard changes the energy efficiency rating from the original A+, A, B, C, D to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The original Chinese national standard A+ grade dishwashers can only reach level 3 under the new national standard, and dishwashers below level D in the original national standard will be directly eliminated. However, compared with the new EU standard, especially in terms of energy efficiency, the domestic level 1 standard is only equivalent to level D in the new EU standard, and there is still a 50% improvement room to reach the level A standard.

[0046] The workflow of a spray dishwasher in ECO mode (energy-saving mode) is as follows: A predetermined amount of treated water is added to the water cup through the inlet. The spray circulation and heating process is completed by the circulation pump, spray pipes, and heating elements. Then, dishwasher-specific detergent is used to repeatedly rinse and wash the dishes. After two rinses, the dishes are dried using the residual heat from the dishes and the machine itself, or an external heat source. Analysis of the energy consumption in this process reveals that the main energy consumption of a spray dishwasher comes from the combined effects of detergent type, circulating water temperature, circulating water volume, and washing time. For spray dishwashers operating in ECO mode, heating water accounts for approximately 70% of the total energy consumption. Therefore, if a reasonable technical solution can be implemented to increase the inlet water temperature and recover and utilize waste heat from different stages of the dishwasher's operation, it will significantly reduce the overall energy consumption of the dishwasher.

[0047] The dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a dishwasher 100 according to a first aspect embodiment of this application includes: a washing tank 101, a washing cup 102, a first water tank 103, a second water tank 104, and a heat exchanger 105.

[0049] The washing cup 102 is used for temporary water storage and filtering of washing water. During the use of the dishwasher 100, the water used in the washing process can be stored in the washing cup 102 to facilitate the centralized discharge of washing wastewater and the collection of residue generated during the washing process. The first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 both have water storage space and can be used for water storage. Water storage can facilitate the operation of the dishwasher 100, thereby improving washing efficiency and effect. The washing tank 101 has a washing space 1011, which can hold dishes to be washed.

[0050] The washing tank 101 has a washing space 1011, and the washing cup 102 is located below the washing tank 101. The first water tank 103 has a first water supply and drainage pipe 6, which connects the first water tank 103 and the washing cup 102 and is adapted to supply water to the washing cup 102. The second water tank 104 has a second water supply and drainage pipe 8, which connects the second water tank 104 and the washing cup 102 and is adapted to supply water to the washing cup 102. The heat exchanger 105 has a hot circulation pipe and a cold circulation pipe that can realize heat exchange. One end of the hot circulation pipe is connected to the washing cup 102 (e.g., through the first water supply pipe 3), and the other end of the hot circulation pipe is connected to the washing space. The cold circulation pipe is connected to the second water tank 104.

[0051] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the water supply pipe and the water inlet pipe are used to supply water, while the water supply and drainage pipe can both supply water and drain water. For example, water can be supplied to the washing cup 102 through the first water inlet pipe 1, water can be supplied to the first water tank 103 through the first water supply and drainage pipe 6, or water in the first water tank 103 can be discharged through the first water supply and drainage pipe 6.

[0052] It is understood that the other end of the heat circulation pipe being connected to the washing space 1011 means that, in some embodiments, the other end of the heat circulation pipe can be connected to the washing cup 102, so that the water after heat exchange flows back to the washing cup 102; in other embodiments, the other end of the heat circulation pipe can be connected to the inner tank interface 1013 of the washing tank, so that the water after heat exchange can flow back to the washing tank 101 through the inner tank interface 1013 (see Figure 3).

[0053] The first water supply and drainage pipeline 6 can be constructed as a single pipeline that can both supply water and drain water. The first water supply and drainage pipeline 6 can also include a first pipe and a second pipe, with one of the first pipe and the second pipe used for water supply and the other for drainage. Similarly, the second water supply and drainage pipeline 8 can also be configured in this way.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 can contain a certain amount of water. Of course, they can also directly contain a washing medium mixed with detergent. This application does not make any specific limitations.

[0055] Water in the first water tank 103 can be supplied to the washing cup 102 through the first supply and drainage pipe 6, and water in the second water tank 104 can be supplied to the washing cup 102 through the second supply and drainage pipe 8.

[0056] The second water tank 104 is connected to the cold circulation pipeline, and the washing cup 102 is connected to the hot circulation pipeline. The water in the washing cup 102 after washing can enter the hot end of the heat exchanger 105, while the cold water in the second water tank 104 can enter the cold end of the heat exchanger 105, and the two exchange heat to recover and reuse the waste heat and residual temperature of washing, so as to achieve the technical purpose of energy saving. At the same time, the water in the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 can dissipate heat with the environment and gradually rise to the ambient temperature. The water in the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 that is not lower than the ambient temperature is supplied to the washing cup 102 for washing, which can improve the washing effect. Moreover, the energy consumption of heating the water in the first water tank 103 to the washing temperature required by the dishwasher 100 is also lower, which can further improve the energy saving effect.

[0057] According to the embodiments of this application, the dishwasher 100 can, on the one hand, achieve waste heat recovery by setting a first water tank 103 and a second water tank 104, with the second water tank 104 cooperating with the heat exchanger 105. The water in the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 can be heated to room temperature before washing. The energy consumption for heating to the temperature required by the dishwasher 100 is lower, which can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher 100. In addition, the structure of the dishwasher 100 is more compact, the degree of integration is higher, the assembly difficulty is lower, and the cost is lower.

[0058] According to some embodiments of this application, the dishwasher 100 includes at least a main wash sequence and a rinsing sequence. Before the main wash sequence ends, the heat exchanger 105 is turned on to heat the water in the second water tank 104. During the rinsing sequence, the water in the second water tank 104 is supplied to the washing cup 102.

[0059] The dishwasher 100 includes at least a main wash sequence and a rinse sequence. In the main wash sequence, water from the first water tank 103, the second water tank 104, or directly supplied by a water source (after being softened by a water softener 106) is delivered to the washing space 1011 of the dishwasher 100 through the washing cup 102 and heated to improve the cleaning effect on the kitchenware in the washing space 1011. The rinse sequence may include hot rinse and cold rinse. In the hot rinse sequence, clean water in the second water tank 104 can be used to clean the kitchenware to improve the cleaning level.

[0060] The water used in the hot rinse sequence is heated by exchanging heat with the high-temperature water in the main wash sequence, thereby improving the rinsing effect on kitchenware, shortening the rinsing time, and reducing the energy consumption of the dishwasher 100. The clean water in the first water tank 103 is used to clean the kitchenware in the cold rinse sequence. The water temperature in the cold rinse sequence is the same as the ambient temperature, which can also improve the cold rinse effect. Of course, the water in the first water tank 103 is at the ambient temperature when washing, and the energy required to heat it to the required temperature is also lower, which can further reduce energy consumption.

[0061] The dishwasher 100 includes at least a main wash cycle, and the rinsing cycle may include a first rinse cycle (i.e., cold rinse), a second rinse cycle (i.e., hot rinse), and a drying cycle.

[0062] Water may need to be added during the main wash, first rinse, and second rinse cycles. The water addition process involves opening the fifth valve 17, allowing water to flow through the fifth valve 17, the anti-siphon structure 191 or a one-way valve, and the flow meter 18 before entering the water softener 106. The softened water in the water softener 106 can then flow through the second valve 7 and the first supply and drainage pipe 6 into the first water tank 103, and through the third valve 9 and the second supply and drainage pipe 8 into the second water tank 104. Once the flow meter 18 reaches the expected reading, the fifth valve 17 is closed.

[0063] Of course, a reversing valve can also be further installed. The inlet of the reversing valve is connected to the water softener 106. The reversing valve can have multiple outlets, and the multiple outlets are respectively connected to the first water supply and drainage pipeline 6, the second water supply and drainage pipeline 8 and the first water inlet pipeline 1, so that water can be selectively supplied to the first water tank 103, the second water tank 104 and the washing cup 102 through the reversing valve.

[0064] During the main wash sequence, the third valve 9 and the fourth valve 2 are opened, and the water in the second water tank 104 flows through the second water supply and drainage pipe 8 and the first water inlet pipe 1 into the washing cup 102. Then the third valve 9 and the first valve 12 are closed, and the washing pump 4 and the water distribution valve 5 are turned on to heat the water in the washing cup 102 and supply it to the spray arm 1012 for washing.

[0065] During a single rinse, the second valve 7 and the fourth valve 2 are opened, and the water in the first water tank 103 flows through the first water supply and drainage pipe 6 and the first water inlet pipe 1 into the washing cup 102. The washing pump 4 and the water distribution valve 5 are turned on, and water is directly supplied to the spray arm 1012 for cold rinsing.

[0066] During the second rinse sequence, the third valve 9 and the fourth valve 2 are opened, and the water in the second water tank 104 flows through the second water supply and drainage pipe 8 and the first water inlet pipe 1 into the washing cup 102. The washing pump 4 and the water distribution valve 5 are turned on to supply water to the spray arm 1012 for hot rinsing.

[0067] During the drying process, the heat source and fan on the washing tank 101 start working to dry the product, while water is added to the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104.

[0068] During the operation of the dishwasher 100, the main wash, the first rinse, and the second rinse can be performed sequentially to complete a full cycle of cleaning cookware and tableware.

[0069] During the main wash cycle of the dishwasher 100, the duration of the main wash cycle can be obtained in real time. Within the time threshold before the end of the main wash cycle (e.g., 3 min to 10 min), the heat exchanger 105, the hot circulation pipeline, and the cold circulation pipeline are turned on to heat the cleaning medium in the second water tank 104.

[0070] Three to ten minutes before the end of the main wash cycle, the heat exchanger 105, hot circulation pipe, and cold circulation pipe are turned on to exchange heat between the hot water in the washing cup 102 and the washing space 1011 and the cold water in the second water tank 104, thereby recovering waste heat. During the hot rinsing operation, the water temperature in the second water tank 104 is higher, which can achieve hot rinsing.

[0071] The rinsing sequence includes at least a first rinsing sequence and a second rinsing sequence. In the first rinsing sequence, water in the first water tank 103 is supplied to the washing cup 102. In the second rinsing sequence, water in the second water tank 104 is supplied to the washing cup 102.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 further includes: a first water inlet pipe 1, one end of which is connected to the inlet of the washing cup 102, and the other end of which is connected to a first water supply and drainage pipe 6 and a second water supply and drainage pipe 8, so that the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 are suitable for supplying water to the washing cup 102.

[0073] The first water inlet pipe 1 is connected to the inlet of the washing cup 102. The first water supply and drainage pipe 6 is optionally connected to the first water inlet pipe 1. The hot circulation pipe is connected to the washing cup 102. The cold circulation pipe is connected to the second water tank 104. One end of the main water inlet pipe 16 is connected to the water source, and the other end is connected to the water softener 106. The water softener 106 is connected to the first water supply and drainage pipe 6, the second water supply and drainage pipe 8, and the first water inlet pipe 1, respectively, so as to selectively supply softened water to the first water tank 103, the second water tank 104, and the washing cup 102. The main water inlet pipe 16 is equipped with an anti-siphon structure 19.

[0074] One end of the main water inlet pipe 16 is connected to a water source (such as a municipal water inlet or a faucet). The other end of the main water inlet pipe 16 is equipped with a water softener 106. The water softener 106 can soften hard water to improve the scale buildup during the washing process of the dishwasher 100, extend the service life of the dishwasher 100 and improve its operational reliability. The softened water can be supplied to the first water tank 103 through the first supply and drain pipe 6 to fill the first water tank 103, and to the second water tank 104 through the second supply and drain pipe 8 to fill the second water tank 104. It can also be directly supplied to the first water inlet pipe 1 to directly supply water to the washing cup 102. The water in the first water tank 103 can be supplied to the washing cup 102 through the first supply and drain pipe 6 and the first water inlet pipe 1, and the water in the second water tank 104 can be supplied to the washing cup 102 through the second supply and drain pipe 8 and the first water inlet pipe 1.

[0075] An anti-siphon structure 191 or a one-way valve can be installed on the main water inlet pipe 16 to prevent backflow in the first water tank 103 after water is supplied to it. The first water supply and drainage pipe 6 can realize the water inlet and drainage of the first water tank 103, and the second water supply and drainage pipe 8 can realize the water inlet and drainage of the second water tank 104. The first water inlet pipe 1 is connected to the first water supply and drainage pipe 6, the second water supply and drainage pipe 8, and the water softener 106. At least part of the three flow paths for supplying water to the washing cup 102 can overlap, that is, at least part of the pipes of the dishwasher 100 can be reused, which can reduce the materials used for pipe layout, reduce the number of pipes, reduce costs, and make the structure of the dishwasher 100 more compact, improve the degree of integration, and reduce assembly difficulty.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, according to some embodiments of this application, the first supply and drainage pipeline 6 is provided with a second valve 7 to selectively control the opening or closing of the first supply and drainage pipeline 6, the second supply and drainage pipeline 8 is provided with a third valve 9 to selectively control the opening or closing of the second supply and drainage pipeline 8, and the first water inlet pipeline 1 is provided with a fourth valve 2 to selectively control the opening or closing of the first water inlet pipeline 1.

[0077] Specifically, the second valve 7 can be opened when the first water tank 103 supplies water to the first water inlet pipe 1, or when the main water inlet pipe 16 supplies water to the first water tank 103; the third valve 9 can be opened when the second water tank 104 supplies water to the first water inlet pipe 1, or when the main water inlet pipe 16 supplies water to the second water tank 104; and the fourth valve 2 can control the opening and closing of the first water inlet pipe 1.

[0078] When the second valve 7 and the fourth valve 2 are opened, the water in the first water tank 103 is supplied to the washing cup 102 through the first supply and drainage pipe 6.

[0079] When the third valve 9 and the fourth valve 2 are opened, the water in the second water tank 104 is supplied to the washing cup 102 through the second supply and drainage pipe 8.

[0080] When the second valve 7 and the third valve 9 are closed and the fourth valve 2 is open, the main water inlet pipe 16 supplies water to the washing cup 102.

[0081] Therefore, by selectively opening or closing the second valve 7, the third valve 9, and the second valve 2, water circuit regulation control can be achieved, so as to selectively switch the water supply to the first water tank 103, the second water tank 104, and the main water supply pipeline 16 respectively, thereby reducing the difficulty of switching and improving the control convenience of the dishwasher 100.

[0082] The second valve 7, the third valve 9, and the fourth valve 2 can all be constructed as solenoid valves. Through low-pressure control, not only can the intelligence level of the dishwasher 100 be improved, but also the second water supply and drainage pipe 8 is set independently from the cold circulation pipe. The water inlet of the second water tank 104 and the water circulation of the cold circulation pipe will not interfere with each other, which can improve the working stability and reliability of the dishwasher 100.

[0083] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to some embodiments of this application, the first water supply pipeline 3 has a washing pump 4 and a water distribution valve 5. The washing pump 4 is adapted to pressurize the water in the washing cup 102, and the water distribution valve 5 is adapted to divert the pressurized water and deliver it to a plurality of spray arms 1012 in the washing space 1011.

[0084] The washing space 1011 can have multiple spray arms 1012, such as an upper spray arm, a lower spray arm, and a middle spray arm. The washing pump 4 can pressurize the water, and the pressurized water can be supplied to the upper spray arm, the lower spray arm, and the middle spray arm through the water distribution valve 5, so as to thoroughly clean the pots, pans, chopsticks, etc. in the washing space 1011 and improve the rinsing effect.

[0085] It is understood that in other embodiments, the washing pump 4 can also integrate a heating function, such as heating water to the required temperature for washing. The washing pump 4 can also pump water into the heat exchanger 104 so that the high-temperature water discharged from the washing cup 102 can exchange heat with the water tank 103 through the heat circulation inlet pipe section 10 and the heat exchanger 104 to achieve waste heat recovery. At the same time, less heat is required to heat the water in the water tank 103 to the required temperature, and the energy consumption of the washing pump 4 can be lower.

[0086] Referring to Figure 1, the washing pump 4 is connected to the washing cup 102. The hot circulation pipeline has a hot circulation inlet pipe section 10 and a hot circulation outlet pipe section 11. One end of the hot circulation inlet pipe section 10 is connected to the outlet end of the washing pump 4, and the other end is connected to the hot end inlet of the heat exchanger 105. One end of the hot circulation outlet pipe section 11 is connected to the hot end outlet of the heat exchanger 105, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the washing cup 102.

[0087] The washing pump 4, the heat circulation inlet pipe section 10, the heat circulation outlet pipe section 11, and the heat exchanger 105 form a closed-loop flow path. Water can flow into the heat exchanger 105 through the heat circulation inlet pipe section 10 under the power of the washing pump 4. After heat exchange is completed in the heat exchanger 105, it can flow back to the washing cup 102 through the heat circulation outlet pipe section 11, so that the heat circulation pipeline path is short, the pipeline energy consumption is lower, and the energy recovery efficiency is higher.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3, in the third embodiment of this application, the washing tank 101 has an inner liner, and an inner liner interface 1013 is provided on the inner liner. The other end of the hot circulation outlet pipe section 11 is connected to the inner liner interface 1013.

[0089] In this way, after heat exchange is completed in the heat exchanger 104, the heat can overflow through the heat circulation outlet pipe section 11 to the washing space 1011 via the inner tank interface 1013, and then flow back from the washing space 1011 to the washing cup 102. This makes the heat circulation pipeline path shorter, the pipeline energy consumption lower, and the energy recovery efficiency higher. At the same time, the pipeline used for discharging sewage can be reused, simplifying the pipeline and reducing costs.

[0090] Meanwhile, the high-temperature wastewater in the hot circulation process does not need to flow back to the washing cup 102 through the first water inlet pipe section 1, but flows directly back to the washing space 1011. This can also reduce the probability of blockage or foreign objects in the first water inlet pipe section 1, and ensure that the water in the washing cup 102 will not be contaminated when the washing cup 102 is replenished or filled with water, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the dishwasher 100 and reducing the probability of residue in the dishwasher 100 causing odors.

[0091] The heat circulation pipeline also includes a first valve 12, which is located in the heat circulation inlet pipe section 10 or the heat circulation outlet pipe section 11.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first valve 12 is disposed on the heat circulation inlet pipe section 10 to control the opening and closing of the heat circulation pipe. In other embodiments, the first valve 12 is disposed on the heat circulation outlet pipe section 11 to control the opening and closing of the heat circulation pipe. The first valve 12 is configured as a switching valve and is suitable for electronic control to realize the opening or closing of the heat circulation pipe, which can reduce the control difficulty and improve the intelligence level of the dishwasher 100.

[0093] According to some embodiments of this application, the cold circulation pipeline includes: a cold circulation inlet pipe section 13 and a cold circulation outlet pipe section 14. One end of the cold circulation inlet pipe section 13 is connected to the second water tank 104, and the other end is connected to the cold end inlet of the heat exchanger 105. One end of the cold circulation outlet pipe section 14 is connected to the cold end outlet of the heat exchanger 105, and the other end of the cold circulation pipe section is connected to the second water tank 104.

[0094] The second water tank 104, the cold circulation inlet pipe section 13, the cold circulation outlet pipe section 14, and the heat exchanger 105 form a closed-loop flow path. The water in the second water tank 104 enters the heat exchanger 105 through the cold circulation inlet pipe section 13. After sufficient heat exchange with the water flowing out of the washing pump 4 in the heat exchanger 105, it flows back to the second water tank 104 through the cold circulation outlet pipe section 14 to heat the water in the second water tank 104, realize waste heat recovery, and reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher 100.

[0095] An overflow pressure relief hole 1031 can be provided on the first water tank 103. The overflow pressure relief hole 1031 is connected to the washing space 1011, which has an overflow effect and can relieve pressure, thereby reducing the water inlet and outlet resistance of the first water tank 103. A ventilated structure can be provided on the second water tank 104 to allow it to communicate with the atmosphere, thereby reducing the resistance of the second water tank 104 during water supply and drainage and improving ease of use.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cold circulation pipeline further includes a first water pump 15, which is disposed in the cold circulation inlet pipe section 13 or the cold circulation outlet pipe section 14.

[0097] Thus, the first water pump 15 drives the water in the second water tank 104 to flow into the heat exchanger 105 through the cold circulation pipeline for sufficient heat exchange, and then flows back to the second water tank 104.

[0098] The head range of the first water pump 15 is 1.2mm to 3.5mm, and the flow rate range is 1.2L / min to 7.2L / min.

[0099] For example, the head of the first water pump 15 is 1.2mm, 2mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, etc., and the flow rate range is 1.2L / min, 2L / min, 3L / min, 4L / min, 5L / min, 7.2L / min, etc., so that the head and flow rate of the first water pump 15 are more reasonable, which can avoid the flow rate in the cold circulation pipeline being too slow or too fast, so as to make the heat exchange more complete, the heat exchange efficiency higher, the heat exchange effect better, and the waste heat recovery efficiency higher.

[0100] In specific applications, the head of the first water pump 15 is any value among 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3mm, 3.1mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, and 3.5mm; the flow rate of the first water pump 15 is 1.2L / min, 1.3L / min, 1.4L / min, 1.5L / min, 1.6L / min, 1.7L / min, 1.8L / min, 1.9L / min, 2L / min, 2.1L / min, 2.2L / m in, 2.3L / min, 2.4L / min, 2.5L / min, 2.6L / min, 2.7L / min, 2.8L / min, 2.9L / min, 3L / min, 3.1L / min, 3.2L / min , 3.3L / min, 3.4L / min, 3.5L / min, 3.6L / min, 3.7L / min, 3.8L / min, 3.9L / min, 4L / min, 4.1L / min, 4.2L / min, 4.3L / min, 4.4L / min, 4.5L / min, 4.6L / min, 4.7L / min, 4.8L / min, 4.9L / min, 5L / min, 5.1L / min, 5.2L / min, 5. 3L / min, 5.4L / min, 5.5L / min, 5.6L / min, 5.7L / min, 5.8L / min, 5.9L / min, 6L / min, 6.1L / min, 6.2L / min, 6.3L / min, 6.4L / min, 6.5L / min, 6.6L / min, 6.7L / min, 6.8L / min, 6.9L / min, 7L / min, 7.1L / min, 7.2L / min.

[0101] According to some embodiments of this application, the main water inlet pipeline 16 includes a fifth valve 17, a flow meter 18, and an anti-siphon structure 19 connected in sequence, and the flow meter 18, the anti-siphon structure 191, or the one-way valve is integrated into the first water tank 103.

[0102] Opening the fifth valve 17 allows the external water source to connect with the water softener 106. After softening the hard water, the water softener 106 supplies water to the first water tank 103, the second water tank 104, or the washing cup 102. The flow meter 18 can obtain the supply water volume and, based on the water volume recorded by the flow meter 18, control the opening or closing of the first valve 12, the second valve 7, the third valve 9, the fourth valve 2, and the fifth valve 17 to complete the water filling. The anti-siphon structure 191 or the one-way valve and the flow meter 18 can be integrated into the first water tank 103, which can further reduce the space occupied by the dishwasher 100, make the dishwasher 100 more compact, reduce the assembly difficulty, and improve the degree of integration.

[0103] The fourth valve 2, the third valve 9, and the second valve 7 can all be integrated into the water softener 106.

[0104] As shown in Figure 1, according to some embodiments of this application, the dishwasher 100 further includes a main drain pipe 20, one end of which is connected to the washing cup 102, and the other end of which is used to discharge washing wastewater.

[0105] Therefore, the wastewater from the washing cup 102 and the washing space 1011 after the washing operation can be discharged through the main drain pipe 20, such as wastewater after the washing operation, wastewater after the hot rinsing operation, and wastewater after the cold rinsing operation.

[0106] According to some embodiments of this application, the main drainage pipe 20 has a third pump 21 and a drainage anti-siphon structure 22, which is integrated into the first water tank 103.

[0107] The third pump 21 is used to pump out the sewage in the washing cup 102 and the washing space 1011, increasing the sewage discharge speed. The drainage anti-siphon structure 22 can prevent sewage from flowing back into the washing cup 102 or the washing space 1011, ensuring that there is no residue in the washing cup 102 or the washing space 1011, so as to avoid odors in the dishwasher 100 and improve the user experience. At the same time, the drainage anti-siphon structure 22 is integrated into the first water tank 103, which can also improve the integration level of the dishwasher 100 and reduce the space occupation of the dishwasher 100.

[0108] As shown in Figure 1, according to some embodiments of this application, a first water tank 103 and a second water tank 104 are disposed on the symmetrical side plates of the washing tank 101, a washing cup 102 is disposed on the bottom plate of the washing tank 101, and the first water tank 103 has an overflow pressure relief hole 1031 communicating with the washing space 1011.

[0109] The washing tank 101 is generally cubic or cube-shaped. The washing space 1011 inside is used to place cookware, bowls and chopsticks, etc. The first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 are respectively set on the left and right side panels of the washing tank 101, and the washing cup 102 is set at the bottom. This can improve the space occupation of the dishwasher 100 and reduce the difficulty of integration.

[0110] According to some embodiments of this application, the volume of the first water tank 103 is 2.4L to 4.2L, and the volume of the second water tank 104 is 2.1L to 5.2L.

[0111] For example, the volume of the first water tank 103 is 2.4L, 3L, 4L, 4.2L, etc., and the volume of the second water tank 104 is 2.1L, 3L, 4L, 5L, 5.2L, etc. The volumes of the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 are more reasonable. During each washing process, the water in the first water tank 103 and the second water tank 104 can enter the washing cup 102 with heat no less than the ambient temperature, which improves the washing effect and effectively reduces energy consumption.

[0112] If the volume of the second water tank 104 is too large, the waste heat recovery will not be effective in heating the water in the second water tank 104, resulting in high energy consumption in the subsequent heating process. If the volume of the second water tank 104 is too small, the waste heat cannot be fully utilized, the waste heat recovery effect will be poor, and the water volume will be too low, resulting in high energy consumption in the subsequent heating process.

[0113] In practical applications, the volume of the first water tank 103 is any one of 2.4L, 2.5L, 2.6L, 2.7L, 2.8L, 2.9L, 3L, 3.1L, 3.2L, 3.3L, 3.4L, 3.5L, 3.6L, 3.7L, 3.8L, 3.9L, 4L, 4.1L, and 4.2L, and the volume of the second water tank 104 is 2.1L, 2.2L, 2.3L, and 2. Any value from 4L, 2.5L, 2.6L, 2.7L, 2.8L, 2.9L, 3L, 3.1L, 3.2L, 3.3L, 3.4L, 3.5L, 3.6L, 3.7L, 3.8L, 3.9L, 4L, 4.1L, 4.2L, 4.3L, 4.4L, 4.5L, 4.6L, ​​4.7L, 4.8L, 4.9L, 5L, 5.1L, and 5.2L.

[0114] According to some embodiments of this application, the heat exchanger 105 is configured as a microchannel heat exchanger 105, and the equivalent diameter of each microchannel ranges from 0.8 mm to 5 mm.

[0115] The equivalent diameter of the microchannels is 0.8mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, etc. Within this range, heat exchange between the inside and outside of the microchannels is more efficient. The microchannels can be constructed as flat tubes with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.8mm and less than or equal to 5mm. This significantly improves heat exchange efficiency, reduces volume, and consequently reduces the space occupied by the heat exchanger 105 in the dishwasher 100. Furthermore, this limited size range helps prevent blockage of the microchannels.

[0116] In practical applications, the equivalent diameter of the microchannel is any value among 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3mm, 3.1mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, 3.5mm, 3.6mm, 3.7mm, 3.8mm, 3.9mm, 4mm, 4.1mm, 4.2mm, 4.3mm, 4.4mm, 4.5mm, 4.6mm, 4.7mm, 4.8mm, 4.9mm, and 5mm.

[0117] As shown in Figure 1, in the first embodiment, the first water supply and drainage pipe 6 of the dishwasher 100 is constructed as a reused pipe section, that is, the water inlet and outlet both pass through the same pipe. In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the first water supply and drainage pipe 6 of the dishwasher 100 includes: a first branch 61, a second branch 62, and a first main line 63 connected to the first branch 61 and the second branch 62. The first main line 63 is connected to the first water supply pipe 1 and is adapted to supply water to the washing cup 102. The second branch 62 is connected to the outlet of the first water tank 103, and the first branch 61 is connected to the inlet of the first water tank 103. The pipe structure of other parts is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same technical effect can be achieved as in the first embodiment. It will not be described again here.

[0118] Other configurations and operations of the dishwasher 100 according to embodiments of this application are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0119] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0120] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, wherein, include: Washing tank, the washing tank having a washing space; A washing cup is located below the washing tank; A first water tank, the first water tank having a first supply and drainage pipe, the first supply and drainage pipe connecting the first water tank and the washing cup, and adapted to supply water to the washing cup; A second water tank, the second water tank having a second supply and drainage pipe, the second supply and drainage pipe connecting the second water tank and the washing cup, and adapted to supply water to the washing cup; A heat exchanger having a hot circulation pipe and a cold circulation pipe for heat exchange, one end of the hot circulation pipe being connected to the washing cup and the other end being connected to the washing space, and the cold circulation pipe being connected to the second water tank.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein, The dishwasher includes at least a main wash sequence and a rinse sequence. Before the main wash sequence ends, the heat exchanger is turned on to heat the water in the second water tank. During the rinse sequence, the water in the second water tank is supplied to the washing cup.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein, The rinsing sequence includes at least a first rinsing sequence and a second rinsing sequence. In the first rinsing sequence, water from the first water tank is supplied to the washing cup. In the second rinsing sequence, water from the second water tank is supplied to the washing cup.

4. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The dishwasher further includes: a first water inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the inlet of the washing cup, and the other end of which is connected to the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe, so that the first water tank and the second water tank are adapted to supply water to the washing cup.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein, The dishwasher further includes a main water inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to a water source and the other end is connected to a water softener. The water softener is connected to the first water supply and drainage pipe, the second water supply and drainage pipe, and the first water inlet pipe, respectively, so as to selectively supply softened water to the first water tank, the second water tank, and the washing cup.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The first water supply and drainage pipeline is equipped with a second valve to selectively control the opening or closing of the first water supply and drainage pipeline; the second water supply and drainage pipeline is equipped with a third valve to selectively control the opening or closing of the second water supply and drainage pipeline; and the first water inlet pipeline is equipped with a fourth valve to selectively control the opening or closing of the first water inlet pipeline.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 6, wherein, When the second valve and the fourth valve are opened, water from the first water tank is supplied to the washing cup through the first supply and drainage pipeline. When the third valve and the fourth valve are opened, water from the second water tank is supplied to the washing cup through the second supply and drainage pipeline. When the second valve and the third valve are closed and the fourth valve is open, the main water inlet pipe supplies water to the washing cup.

8. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The dishwasher further includes: a washing pump connected to the washing cup; the heat circulation pipeline has a heat circulation inlet section and a heat circulation outlet section; one end of the heat circulation inlet section is connected to the outlet end of the washing pump and the other end is connected to the hot end inlet of the heat exchanger; one end of the heat circulation outlet section is connected to the hot end outlet of the heat exchanger and the other end is connected to the inlet of the washing cup.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 8, wherein, The heat circulation pipeline further includes a first valve, which is disposed in the heat circulation inlet pipe section or the heat circulation outlet pipe section.

10. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The washing tank has an inner liner, and an inner liner interface is provided on the inner liner. The other end of the hot circulation outlet pipe section is connected to the inner liner interface.

11. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The cold circulation pipeline includes: a cold circulation inlet pipe section and a cold circulation outlet pipe section, and a first water pump. One end of the cold circulation inlet pipe section is connected to the second water tank, and the other end is connected to the cold end inlet of the heat exchanger. One end of the cold circulation outlet pipe section is connected to the cold end outlet of the heat exchanger, and the other end of the cold circulation pipe section is connected to the second water tank. The first water pump is installed in the cold circulation inlet pipe section or the cold circulation outlet pipe section.

12. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 5-11, wherein, The main water inlet pipeline includes a fifth valve, a flow meter, and an anti-siphon structure or a one-way valve connected in sequence, and the flow meter, the anti-siphon structure, or the one-way valve are integrated into the first water tank.

13. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The first water tank and the second water tank are disposed on the symmetrical side plates of the washing tank, the washing cup is disposed on the bottom plate of the washing tank, and the first water tank has an overflow pressure relief hole communicating with the washing space.

14. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein, The first water supply and drainage pipeline includes: a first branch, a second branch, and a first main line connected to the first branch and the second branch. The first main line is connected to the first water supply pipeline and is adapted to supply washing medium to the washing cup. The second branch is connected to the outlet of the first water tank, and the first branch is connected to the inlet of the first water tank.

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