Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a household appliance including a diverter valve assembly.

Generally, in order to improve a cleaning effect on tableware, a dishwasher may be usually provided with a heating device that heats washing water, so that high-temperature washing water can wash away contaminants on the tableware and supply heat to the tableware. Therefore, the dishwasher system can obtain a high cleaning and drying rate in a short washing time. However, due to the structural limitation of the system, when the washing water passes through the heating device, the flow resistance in the water channel is large, which may cause spray pressure of a spray arm of the dishwasher to drop or cause power consumption of a washing pump to increase The heating process only takes part of the total washing time of the dishwasher. If the heating system is directly connected to the washing water circulation flow path, during a non-heating period, the loss due to the resistance when the water flows through the heating device may cause the spray pressure of the spray arm to decrease and the washing water flow to decrease, resulting in a poor washing effect.

<CIT> describes a dishwasher, comprising a first wash circulation system with a wash circulation pump to circulate washing liquid from a sump to at least one spray device, arranged in a wash tank, wherein a second circulation system comprising a further pump and a filtration device is provided to filter washing liquid independently from actuation of the circulation pump of the first circulation system.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a household appliance in accordance with claim <NUM>.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when water needs to be heated, the diverter valve can rotate, so that the first water diversion chamber is communicated with the water inlet and the first water outlet. In such a case, water entering through the water inlet can flow out from the first water outlet via the first water diversion chamber and be heated by the heating device, and the water heated by the
heating device can flow into the second water diversion chamber from the water return port and flow to the spray arm from the second water outlet to be sprayed. When water does not need to be heated, the diverter valve can rotate, so that the water inlet is blocked from the first water outlet. In such a case, water entering through the water inlet can flow directly from the second water outlet to the spray arm via the first water diversion chamber and be sprayed. That is, the water does not pass through the heating device, which can reduce the resistance in a water flow system during a non-heating period, solve problems of huge power consumption of a washing pump and long washing time, and hence improve the system washing performance of the household appliance.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve has a first baffle, and the first baffle can open or close the first water outlet when the diverter valve rotates.

In some embodiments, the first baffle is provided with a water through hole, and when the diverter valve rotates, the first baffle can communicate the first water outlet with the first water diversion chamber by means of the water through hole.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve has a partition baffle, the partition baffle partitions the water diversion chamber into a first water diversion chamber and a second water diversion chamber, and the partition baffle can rotate in the water diversion chamber to communicate the water inlet with the first water outlet or block the water inlet from the first water outlet.

In some embodiments, the partition baffle includes a baffle body and two baffle connecting pieces connected to both sides of the baffle body, and the two baffle connecting pieces are each attached to an inner wall of the water diversion chamber.

In some embodiments, the baffle connecting pieces are arcuately connected to the inner wall of the water diversion chamber.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve has a second baffle, and the second baffle can open or close the second water outlet when the diverter valve rotates.

In some embodiments, a plurality of second water outlets are provided, a plurality of second baffles are provided, and the number of the second baffles is identical to the number of the second water outlets.

In some embodiments, two second water outlets are provided, and two second baffles are provided; the two second water outlets are spaced apart from each other, and the two second baffles are spaced apart from each other.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve includes a fixing portion, and the second baffle is detachably mounted to the fixing portion.

In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a channel, and the channel is communicated with the second water outlet; the second baffle includes a bottom plate and a first fitting portion extending upwards from the bottom plate; the fixing portion is formed with a second fitting portion fitted with the first fitting portion; when the diverter valve rotates, the second baffle can open or close an entry of the channel through the bottom plate to open or close the second water outlet.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve has a third baffle, and the third baffle can open or close the water return port when the diverter valve rotates.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve assembly includes a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is connected to the diverter valve and configured to drive the diverter valve to rotate.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve assembly includes a sensor; the driving mechanism includes a driving portion and a transmission portion; the transmission portion connects the driving portion to the diverter valve and includes a transmission member; and the sensor is used to detect a position of the transmission member.

In some embodiments, the driving portion includes an electric motor; the diverter valve includes a driving rod, and the driving rod extends downwards from a top of the diverter valve; the diverter valve is connected to the transmission member through the driving rod.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a lower housing and an upper housing, and the lower housing is connected to the upper housing.

In some embodiments, the lower housing is provided with the water inlet, the water return port, and the second water outlet; the upper housing is provided with the first water outlet.

In some embodiments, the household appliance is a dishwasher, wherein the chamber body comprises a washing inner container provided with a washing outlet, wherein the spray arm is disposed in the washing inner container and provided with a spray inlet, wherein the heating device is configured to heat washing water, and has a to-be-heated water inlet and a heated water outlet, wherein the dishwasher includes at least a first working mode and a second working mode, wherein in the first working mode the water inlet of the diverter valve is communicated with the second water outlet, and wherein in the second working mode the water inlet of the diverter valve is communicated with the first water outlet, and the water return port is communicated with the second water outlet.

By providing the diverter valve, the washing water does not flow through the heating device during a non-heating period, such that the water flow resistance can be reduced, the washing performance can be improved, and the system piping is simple and compact.

In some embodiments, a plurality of spray arms are provided, and the spray inlet of each spray arm is communicated with the second water outlet.

In some embodiments, a plurality of spray arms are provided, a plurality of second water outlets are provided, and each second water outlet is communicated with the spray inlet of at least one spray arm.

In some embodiments, a plurality of second water outlets are provided; in the first working mode, the water inlet is selectively communicated with at least one second water outlet; in the second working mode, the water return port is selectively communicated with at least one second water outlet.

In some embodiments, two second water outlets are provided. In the first working mode, the water inlet is communicated with one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet is communicated with the other one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet is simultaneously communicated with both of the second water outlets. In the second working mode, the water return port is communicated with one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet is communicated with the other one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet is simultaneously communicated with both of the second water outlets.

In some embodiments, the spray arm includes: a lower spray arm provided at a lower part inside the washing inner container; an upper spray arm provided at an upper part inside the washing inner container; and a middle spray arm provided at a middle part inside the washing inner container.

In some embodiments, two second water outlets are provided; a spray inlet of the lower spray arm is communicated with one of the second water outlets; a spray inlet of the upper spray arm and a spray inlet of the middle spray arm are communicated with the other one of the second water outlets.

In some embodiments, three second water outlets are provided, and the three second water outlets are connected to a spray inlet of the lower spray arm, a spray inlet of the upper spray arm, and a spray inlet of the middle spray arm, respectively.

In some embodiments, the heating device includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator that are sequentially connected end to end to constitute a refrigerant cycle.

In some embodiments, the condenser defines a first liquid flow channel and a second liquid flow channel therein; two ends of the first liquid flow channel are provided with the to-be-heated water inlet and the heated water outlet, respectively; two ends of the second liquid flow channel are communicated with the compressor and the throttling device, respectively.

Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be given in part in the following descriptions, become apparent in part from the following descriptions, or be learned from the practice of the embodiments of the present invention.

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following descriptions made with reference to the drawings, in which:.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments will be illustrated in drawings. The same or similar elements and the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions. The embodiments described herein with reference to the drawings are explanatory and are merely used to generally understand the present invention. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that terms such as "central," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Thus, these terms shall not be construed to limit the present invention. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance or to imply the number of indicated technical features. Thus, the feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise one or more this feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means two or more than two, unless specified otherwise.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "coupled," and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be mechanical or electrical connections; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intervening structures; may also be inner communications or mutual interaction of two elements, which can be understood by those skilled in the art according to specific situations.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a diverter valve assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a household appliance <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one example, the household appliance <NUM> may be a dishwasher or other household cleaning apparatuses that require the use of liquids (such as water).

The household appliance <NUM> includes the diverter valve assembly <NUM>, a chamber body <NUM>, a spray arm <NUM>, and a heating device <NUM>. The chamber body <NUM> defines a chamber <NUM> therein. The spray arm <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the chamber <NUM>. The spray arm <NUM> is provided with a plurality of spray holes (not shown). A washing solution can be sprayed into the chamber <NUM> through the plurality of spray holes, to wash items (e.g., tableware) in the chamber <NUM>. In an example shown in <FIG>, the spray arm <NUM> includes a first spray arm <NUM>, a second spray arm <NUM>, and a third spray arm <NUM> spaced apart from one another. The first spray arm <NUM>, the second spray arm <NUM>, and the third spray arm <NUM> may be an upper spray arm, a middle spray arm, and a lower spray arm in sequence. The first spray arm <NUM>, the second spray arm <NUM>, and the third spray arm <NUM> can be used to clean items located at different positions in the chamber <NUM>, respectively. The heating device <NUM> is used to heat washing water, and the heated washing water can be sprayed through the spray holes of the spray arm <NUM>.

The diverter valve assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a diverter valve <NUM>. The housing <NUM> defines a water diversion chamber <NUM> therein. The housing <NUM> is provided with a water inlet <NUM>, a water return port <NUM>, a first water outlet <NUM>, and a second water outlet <NUM>. The first water outlet <NUM> can be communicated with the water return port <NUM> through an external pipeline of the housing <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> is disposed in the water diversion chamber <NUM> and can partition the water diversion chamber <NUM> into a first water diversion chamber <NUM> and a second water diversion chamber <NUM> which are spaced apart from each other. The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> can rotate in the water diversion chamber <NUM> to communicate the first water diversion chamber <NUM> with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> and communicate the second water diversion chamber <NUM> with the second water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM>, or to block the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM> and communicate the first water diversion chamber <NUM> with the water inlet <NUM> and the second water outlet <NUM>.

It should be noted that when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates in the water diversion chamber <NUM>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can achieve a first state and a second state. The first state and the second state are not simultaneous. Specifically, when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to communicate the first water diversion chamber <NUM> with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>, the second water diversion chamber <NUM> can be communicated with the second water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM>, thereby realizing the first state of the water valve assembly <NUM>. In such a case, water passing through the water inlet <NUM> can flow out from the first water outlet <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>, and the water flowing out from the first water outlet <NUM> can flow into the second water diversion chamber <NUM> via the water return port <NUM> and flow out from the second water outlet <NUM> via the second water diversion chamber <NUM>. When the household appliance <NUM> needs to use the heating device <NUM> for heating, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can be set in the first state, and at this time the household appliance <NUM> can be considered to be in a heating mode. When the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to block the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>, the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the second water outlet <NUM>, thereby realizing the second state of the water valve assembly <NUM>. In such a case, water passing through the water inlet <NUM> can directly flow out from the second water outlet <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>. When the household appliance <NUM> does not need to use the heating device <NUM>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can be set in the second state, and at this time the household appliance <NUM> can be considered to be in a non-heating mode.

In the present embodiment, the household appliance <NUM> further includes a water sump <NUM> and a washing pump <NUM>. The washing solution sprayed onto the washing items can be collected in the water sump <NUM> at the bottom of the chamber <NUM>. A washing outlet <NUM> is provided in the bottom of the water sump <NUM>. The washing solution flows out from the washing outlet <NUM>. An inlet of the washing pump <NUM> is communicated with the washing outlet <NUM>, and an outlet of the washing pump <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM>, so that the washing pump <NUM> offers power to the circulation of the washing solution. The heating device <NUM> is connected to the first water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> through pipelines.

Therefore, when the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is applied to the household appliance <NUM>, the spray arm <NUM> can be connected to the second water outlet <NUM> through a pipeline, so that when the water needs to be heated, the diverter valve <NUM> can be rotated to communicate the first water diversion chamber <NUM> with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>. At this time, the water entering through the water inlet <NUM> can flow out from the first water outlet <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM> and be heated by the heating device <NUM>; the water heated by the heating device <NUM> can flow from the water return port <NUM> into the second water diversion chamber <NUM> and flow from the second water outlet <NUM> to the spray arm <NUM> for spraying. When the water does not need to be heated, the diverter valve <NUM> can be rotated to block the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>. At this time, the water entering through the water inlet <NUM> can directly flow from the second water outlet <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM> to the spray arm <NUM> for spraying, that is, the water does not flow through the heating device <NUM>, such that the resistance in a water flow system during a non-heating period can be reduced, problems of huge power consumption of the washing pump <NUM> and long washing time can be solved, and hence the system washing performance of the household appliance <NUM> can be improved.

Certainly, it could be understood that the external pipeline connecting the first water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> may also be provided with other apparatuses (for example, a plurality of heating devices), which can be set according to specific circumstances. In the example shown in <FIG>, the heating device <NUM> employs a heat pump system, which includes a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, a throttling device <NUM>, and an evaporator <NUM>. Further, the compressor <NUM>, the condenser <NUM>, the throttling device <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM> are connected in sequence through pipelines and constitute a closed circulation system, and a refrigerant circulates in the closed circulation system.

It could be understood that when the diverter valve <NUM> blocks the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> may also close the water return port <NUM> to block the second water outlet <NUM> from the water return port <NUM>.

It should be noted that when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates in the water diversion chamber <NUM>, a space corresponding to the first water diversion chamber <NUM> and a space corresponding to the second water diversion chamber <NUM> are both variable. A pressure of a liquid entering the first water diversion chamber <NUM> from the water inlet <NUM> is greater than a pressure of a liquid entering the second water diversion chamber <NUM> from the water return port <NUM> (a pressure drop loss due to liquid flow). Therefore, the first water diversion chamber <NUM> can be regarded as a high pressure chamber, and the second water diversion chamber <NUM> can be regarded as a low pressure chamber.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the diverter valve <NUM> has a first baffle <NUM>. The first baffle <NUM> can open or close the first water outlet <NUM> when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. For example, in an example shown in <FIG>, the first baffle <NUM> is offset from the first water outlet <NUM> as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, thereby communicating the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>. For another example, in an example shown in <FIG>, the first baffle <NUM> closes the first water outlet <NUM> to prevent the liquid from entering the heating device <NUM> through the first water outlet <NUM>. It could be understood that the shape of the first baffle <NUM> may be set according to specific situations. For example, the first baffle <NUM> may be in a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the first baffle <NUM> is provided with a water through hole <NUM>. When the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, the first baffle <NUM> can communicate the first water outlet <NUM> with the first water diversion chamber <NUM> by means of the water through hole <NUM>. In this way, when the water through hole <NUM> is not in communication with the first water outlet <NUM>, the first baffle <NUM> blocks the first water outlet <NUM> from the first water diversion chamber <NUM>. It could be understood that the water through hole <NUM> can be set according to specific situations. A plurality of water through holes <NUM> may be provided. For example, in an example shown in <FIG>, the water through hole <NUM> of the first baffle <NUM> is not in communication with the first water outlet <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> is closed.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve <NUM> has a partition baffle <NUM>. The partition baffle <NUM> partitions the water diversion chamber <NUM> into a first water diversion chamber <NUM> and a second water diversion chamber <NUM>. The partition baffle <NUM> can rotate in the water diversion chamber <NUM> to communicate the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM> or block the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>.

Specifically, when the partition baffle <NUM> rotates in the water diversion chamber <NUM> and communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in the above first state. When the partition baffle <NUM> rotates in the water diversion chamber <NUM> and blocks the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in the above second state.

It could be understood that the shape of the partition baffle <NUM> may be set according to specific situations.

In some embodiments, the partition baffle <NUM> includes a baffle body <NUM> and two baffle connecting pieces <NUM> connected to both sides of the baffle body <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The two baffle connecting pieces <NUM> are each attached to an inner wall <NUM> of the water diversion chamber <NUM>. The baffle connecting pieces <NUM> are attached to the inner wall <NUM> of the water diversion chamber <NUM> to seal gaps between the baffle connecting pieces <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> of the water diversion chamber <NUM>, so as to ensure a water diversion effect of the diverter valve assembly <NUM>.

It could be understood that the baffle body <NUM> and the two baffle connecting pieces <NUM> may adopt an integral structure or a split structure.

In some embodiments, the baffle connecting piece <NUM> is arcuately connected to the inner wall <NUM> of the water diversion chamber <NUM>. As a result, a better sealing effect can be achieved. Specifically, a first arc surface formed by the baffle connecting piece <NUM> is attached to a second arc surface formed by the inner wall <NUM> of the water diversion chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve <NUM> has a second baffle <NUM>. The second baffle <NUM> can open or close the second water outlet <NUM> when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. In this way, the opening or closure of the second water outlet <NUM> is realized by the position change of the second baffle <NUM> along with the rotation of the diverter valve <NUM>.

Specifically, when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates and the second baffle <NUM> opens the second water outlet <NUM>, the liquid in the water diversion chamber <NUM> can flow out from the second water outlet <NUM>. When the diverter valve <NUM> rotates and the second baffle <NUM> closes the second water outlet <NUM>, the liquid in the water diversion chamber <NUM> is prevented from flowing out from the second water outlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a plurality of second water outlets <NUM> are provided, a plurality of second baffles <NUM> are provided, and the number of the second baffles <NUM> is identical to the number of the second water outlets <NUM>. In this way, different second water outlets <NUM> can be opened or closed by rotating the positions of the second baffles <NUM>.

In some examples (referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), two second water outlets <NUM> are provided, and two second baffles <NUM> are provided; the two second water outlets <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, and the two second baffles <NUM> are spaced apart from each other.

In some examples, three second water outlets are provided, and three second baffles are provided. The three second water outlets are spaced apart from one another. The three second baffles are spaced apart from one another. In such a case, the number of the second water outlets of the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is consistent with the number of the spray arms <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM>. The three second water outlets can be correspondingly connected to the first spray arm <NUM>, the second spray arm <NUM>, and the third spray arm <NUM>, to realize different application modes.

Certainly, it could be understood that the number of the second water outlets may also be four, five, or etc., and the number of the second baffles may also be four, five, or etc., which are not limited herein.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the diverter valve <NUM> has a third baffle <NUM>. The third baffle <NUM> can open or close the water return port <NUM> when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates.

For example, in the example shown in <FIG>, the third baffle <NUM> opens the water return port <NUM> to communicate the water return port <NUM> with the two second water outlets <NUM>. For another example, in an example shown in <FIG>, the third baffle <NUM> closes the water return port <NUM> to achieve a better sealing effect on the water return port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the diverter valve <NUM> has one first baffle <NUM>, two second baffles <NUM>, and one third baffle <NUM>. One first baffle <NUM>, two second baffles <NUM>, and one third baffle <NUM> are distributed along a circumferential direction of the water diversion chamber <NUM> and spaced apart from one another. The partition baffle <NUM> partitions the water diversion chamber <NUM> into the first water diversion chamber <NUM> and the second water diversion chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the diverter valve <NUM> has one first baffle <NUM> and two second baffles <NUM>. A top of the diverter valve <NUM> forms the first baffle <NUM>. The first baffle <NUM> has a water through hole <NUM>. The two second baffles <NUM> are detachably mounted to a bottom (i.e., a fixing portion <NUM>) of the diverter valve <NUM>. The two second baffles <NUM> are spaced apart from each other. The partition baffle <NUM> connects the first baffle <NUM> and the fixing portion <NUM>. The partition baffle <NUM> partitions the water diversion chamber <NUM> into the first water diversion chamber <NUM> and the second water diversion chamber <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to a position shown in <FIG>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a first mode. The first baffle <NUM> opens the first water outlet <NUM> as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. The two second baffles <NUM> spaced apart from each other are offset from the two second water outlets (i.e., a second water outlet 115a and a second water outlet 115b) as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, so that the second water outlet 115a and the second water outlet 115b are in an open state. The water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> are located on a side where the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is located, while the water return port <NUM> and the two second water outlets are located on a side where the second water diversion chamber <NUM> is located. The third baffle <NUM> is offset from the water return port <NUM> as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, so as to open the water return port <NUM>.

The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>, the first water outlet <NUM> is communicated with the heating device <NUM>, and the second water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the two second water outlets and the water return port <NUM> simultaneously. In such a case, after entering through the water inlet <NUM>, the liquid can flow out from the first water outlet <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>, then flow back to the second water diversion chamber <NUM> through the water return port <NUM> after being heated by the heating device <NUM>, and flow out from the two second water outlets. The flow direction of the liquid is shown by arrows in <FIG>. In this way, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can supply water through the two second water outlets simultaneously. For example, when the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is applied to the household appliance <NUM>, one second water outlet 115a of the two second water outlets may be communicated with the third spray arm <NUM>, and the other second water outlet 115b may be communicated with the first spray arm <NUM> and second spray arm <NUM>. As a result, when the two second water outlets are opened simultaneously, the three spray arms of the household appliance <NUM> can spray heated water at the same time.

In examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG> (in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>), the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in the above first mode. The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> through the water through hole <NUM> in the first baffle <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> can be communicated with the heating device <NUM>. The two second baffles <NUM> spaced apart from each other correspondingly open the two second water outlets <NUM> spaced apart from each other, as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. The second water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the two second water outlets <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> simultaneously. The flow direction of the liquid in the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is shown by dotted arrows in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in an example shown in <FIG>, when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to a position shown in <FIG>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a second mode. The first baffle <NUM> opens the first water outlet <NUM> as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> is communicated with the heating device <NUM>. The third baffle <NUM> is offset from the water return port <NUM> as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, and blocks the second water outlet 115b of the two second water outlets. The two second baffles <NUM> are both offset from the second water outlet 115a of the two second water outlets. The second water outlet 115a is communicated with the water return port <NUM>, and the second water outlet 115b is blocked from the water return port <NUM>. The second water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet 115a and the water return port <NUM>. The water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> are located on a side where the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is located, while the water return port <NUM> and the two second water outlets are located on a side where the second water diversion chamber <NUM> is located.

At this time, after entering through the water inlet <NUM>, the liquid can flow out from the first water outlet <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>, then flow back to the second water diversion chamber <NUM> through the water return port <NUM> after being heated by the heating device <NUM>, and flow out from the second water outlet 115a. The flow direction of the liquid is shown by arrows in <FIG>. In this way, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a mode of supplying water through one second water outlet 115a alone. When the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is applied to the household appliance <NUM>, the second water outlet 115a may be communicated with the third spray arm <NUM>, and the second water outlet 115b may be communicated with the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>. By switching the opening or closing states of the two second water outlets, the first spray arm <NUM>, the second spray arm <NUM>, and the third spray arm <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM> can spray alternately.

In examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG> (in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>), the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in the above second mode. The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> by means of the water through hole <NUM> in the first baffle <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> can be communicated with the heating device <NUM>. A second baffle 123a of the two second baffles spaced apart from each other opens the second water outlet 115a as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, and a second baffle 123b of the two second baffle spaced apart from each other closes the second water outlet 115b as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. The second water outlet 115b is blocked from the water return port <NUM>. The second water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet 115a and the water return port <NUM>. The flow direction of liquid in the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is shown by dotted arrows in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In an example shown in <FIG>, when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to a position shown in <FIG>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a third mode. The first baffle <NUM> opens the first water outlet <NUM> as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> is communicated with the heating device <NUM>. The third baffle <NUM> rotates to be offset from the water return port <NUM>, so as to open the water return port <NUM>. The second baffle 123b of the two second baffles blocks the second water outlet 115a of the two second water outlets, as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. The second water outlet 115a is blocked from the water return port <NUM>. The second baffle 123a and the second baffle 123b are both offset from the second water outlet 115b, so as to open the second water outlet 115b. The second water outlet 115b is communicated with the water return port <NUM>. The second water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet 115b and the water return port <NUM>. The water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> are located on a side where the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is located, while the water return port <NUM> and the two second water outlets are located on a side where the second water diversion chamber <NUM> is located.

At this time, after entering through the water inlet <NUM>, the liquid can flow out from the first water outlet <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>, then flow back to the second water diversion chamber <NUM> through the water return port <NUM> after being heated by the heating device <NUM>, and flow out from the second water outlet 115b. The flow direction of the liquid is shown by arrows in <FIG>. In this way, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a mode of supplying water through one second water outlet 115b alone.

In examples shown in <FIG> (in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>), the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in the above third mode. The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> by means of the water through hole <NUM> in the first baffle <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> can be communicated with the heating device <NUM>. The second baffle 123a of the two second baffles spaced apart from each other closes the second water outlet 115a as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, and the second baffle 123b of the two second baffle spaced apart from each other opens the second water outlet 115b as the diverter valve <NUM> rotates. The second water outlet 115a is blocked from the water return port <NUM>, and the second water outlet 115b is in communication with the water return port <NUM>. The second water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet 115b and the water return port <NUM>. The flow direction of liquid in the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is shown by dotted arrows in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In an example shown in <FIG>, when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to a position shown in <FIG>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a fourth mode. The diverter valve assembly <NUM> rotates so that the third baffle <NUM> blocks the water return port <NUM>, and the partition baffle <NUM> blocks the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>. The first water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> are both blocked by the partition baffle <NUM> from the water inlet <NUM>, such that a flow path between the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM> and the heating device <NUM> is blocked. Moreover, the two second baffles <NUM> are offset from the two second water outlets <NUM>, to communicate the first water diversion chamber <NUM> with the water inlet <NUM> and the two second water outlets <NUM>. The water inlet <NUM> and the two second water outlets <NUM> are located on a side where the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is located, and the water return port <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> are located on a side where the second water diversion chamber <NUM> is located.

At this time, after entering through the water inlet <NUM>, the liquid may directly flow out from the two second water outlets <NUM> via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>, and will not be heated by the heating device <NUM>. The flow direction of the liquid is shown by arrows in <FIG>. In such a case, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can also supply water through the two second water outlets <NUM> simultaneously. When the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is applied to the household appliance <NUM>, one of the two second water outlets <NUM> can be communicated with the third spray arm <NUM>, and the other one of the two second water outlets <NUM> can be communicated with the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>; the heating device <NUM> is bypassed; and the water entering from the water inlet <NUM> can be directly discharged from the second water outlets <NUM> without passing through the water return port <NUM>. As a result, when the two second water outlets <NUM> are opened at the same time, the three spray arms of the household appliance <NUM> can simultaneously spray water that is not heated by the heating device <NUM>, effectively reducing the flow resistance in the dishwasher during the non-heating period, so as to further reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher.

In examples shown in <FIG> (in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>), the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in the fourth mode. The diverter valve <NUM> rotates, so that the water through hole <NUM> in the first baffle <NUM> is not in communication with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>, the partition baffle <NUM> blocks the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> are both blocked by the partition baffle <NUM> from the water inlet <NUM>. The two second baffles <NUM> spaced apart from each other are offset from the two second water outlets <NUM>, so that the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the two second water outlets <NUM>. The first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the two second water outlets <NUM>. The flow of the liquid in the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is shown by dotted arrows in <FIG>.

When the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to a position shown in <FIG>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a fifth mode. The diverter valve assembly <NUM> rotates, so that the first baffle <NUM> closes the first water outlet <NUM>, and the partition baffle <NUM> blocks the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>, thereby blocking the flow path between the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM> and the heating device <NUM>. In addition, the second baffle 123b of the two second baffles blocks the second water outlet 115b of the two second water outlets, and the first baffle 123a and the second baffle 123b are both offset from the second water outlet 115a of the two second water outlets, such that the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the second water outlet 115a. The second water outlet 115b is blocked by the second baffle 123b from the water inlet <NUM>. Due to the partition baffle <NUM>, the first water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> are located on a side of the low-pressure second water diversion chamber <NUM>, and the water inlet <NUM> and the two second water outlets are located on a side of the high-pressure first water diversion chamber <NUM>. In this way, the flow path between the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM> and the heating device <NUM> can be completely blocked.

At this time, after entering through the water inlet <NUM>, the liquid can directly flow out from the second water outlet 115b via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>, and will not be heated by the heating device <NUM>. The flow direction of the liquid is shown by arrows in <FIG>. In such a case, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a mode of supplying water through one second water outlet 115b alone. When the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is applied to the household appliance <NUM>, the second water outlet 115a can be communicated with the third spray arm <NUM>, and the second water outlet 115b can be communicated with the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>; the heating device <NUM> is bypassed; the water entering from the water inlet <NUM> can be directly discharged from the second water outlet 115a without passing through the water return port <NUM>. By switching the opening or closing states of the two second water outlets, the first spray arm <NUM>, the second spray arm <NUM>, and the third spray arm <NUM> of the household appliance <NUM> can alternately spray water that is not heated by the heating device <NUM>, effectively reducing the flow resistance in the dishwasher during the non-heating period, so as to further reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher. In examples shown in <FIG> (in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>), the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in the above fifth mode. The diverter valve <NUM> rotates, so that the water through hole <NUM> in the first baffle <NUM> is not in communication with the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM>, the partition baffle <NUM> blocks the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>, and the first water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> are both blocked by the partition baffle <NUM> from the water inlet <NUM>. The second baffle 123b of the two second baffles spaced apart from each other closes the second water outlet 115b of the two second water outlets, to block the second water outlet 115b from the first water diversion chamber <NUM>; the second baffle 123a of the two second baffles opens the second water outlet 115a of the two second water outlets, to communicate the second water outlet 115a with the first water diversion chamber <NUM> and the water inlet <NUM>. The flow of the liquid in the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is shown by dotted arrows in <FIG>.

When the diverter valve <NUM> rotates to a position shown in <FIG>, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a sixth mode. The diverter valve assembly <NUM> rotates, so that the first baffle <NUM> closes the first water outlet <NUM>, the partition baffle <NUM> blocks the water inlet <NUM> from the first water outlet <NUM>, and hence the flow path between the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM> and the heating device <NUM> is blocked. In addition, the second baffle 123a of the two second baffles blocks the second water outlet 115a of the two second water outlets. The first baffle 123a and the second baffle 123b are both offset from the second water outlet 115b of the two second water outlets, such that the first water diversion chamber <NUM> is communicated with the water inlet <NUM> and the second water outlet 115b. The second water outlet 115a is blocked by the second baffle 123a from the water inlet <NUM>. Since the first baffle <NUM> blocks the first water outlet <NUM>, even if the water return port <NUM> is on the side of the high-pressure first water diversion chamber <NUM>, the liquid flowing out from the water inlet <NUM> will not pass through the heating device <NUM>.

At this time, after entering through the water inlet <NUM>, the liquid can directly flow out from the second water outlet 115a via the first water diversion chamber <NUM>, and will not be heated by the heating device <NUM>. The flow direction of the liquid is shown by arrows in <FIG>. In this way, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> is in a mode of supplying water through one second water outlet 115a alone.

It could be understood that in a case of three second water outlets and three second baffles, when the household appliance <NUM> needs to use the heating device <NUM> (that is, a heating mode), it is possible to communicate one of the three second water outlets of the diverter valve assembly <NUM> with one corresponding spray arm of the household appliance <NUM>, or communicate two of the three second water outlets with two corresponding spray arms of the household appliance <NUM>, or communicate the three second water outlets with three corresponding spray arms of the household appliance <NUM>. That is, in the heating mode, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can realize the switching of seven different modes.

When the household appliance <NUM> does not need to use the heating device <NUM> (that is, in a non-heating mode), it is possible to communicate one of the three second water outlets of the diverter valve assembly <NUM> with one corresponding spray arm of the household appliance <NUM>, or communicate two of the three second water outlets with two corresponding spray arms of the household appliance <NUM>, or communicate the three second water outlets with three corresponding spray arms of the household appliance <NUM>. That is, in the non-heating mode, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can also realize the switching of seven different modes. In some embodiments, the diverter valve <NUM> includes the fixing portion <NUM>. The second baffle <NUM> is detachably mounted to the fixing portion <NUM>, which facilitates the mounting and detachment of the second baffle <NUM>. In this embodiment, the partition baffle <NUM> is fixedly connected to the fixing portion <NUM>. Preferably, the partition baffle <NUM> and the fixing portion <NUM> are of an integral structure. The partition baffle <NUM> and the second baffle <NUM> are located on both sides of the fixing portion <NUM>. When the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, the partition baffle <NUM> and the fixing portion <NUM> rotate along the circumferential direction of the water diversion chamber <NUM>, and the first water diversion chamber <NUM> and the second water diversion chamber <NUM> vary as the partition baffle <NUM> rotates. The second baffle <NUM> rotates along with the fixing portion <NUM> to open or close the second water outlet <NUM>. In an example shown in <FIG>, under the action of water pressure, the second baffle <NUM> can be pressurized to seal the second water outlet <NUM>. Certainly, it could be understood that in other examples, the second baffle plate can seal the second water outlet under the action of gravity, and can be pressurized to open the second water outlet.

In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> is provided with a channel <NUM> (see <FIG>). The channel <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet <NUM>. The second baffle <NUM> includes a bottom plate <NUM> and a first fitting portion <NUM> extending upwards from the bottom plate <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fixing portion <NUM> is formed with a second fitting portion <NUM> that is fitted with the first fitting portion <NUM>. The second baffle <NUM> can open or close an entry <NUM> of the channel <NUM> through the bottom plate <NUM> when the diverter valve <NUM> rotates, so as to open or close the second water outlet <NUM>.

In an example shown in <FIG>, the first fitting portion <NUM> is a tab extending upwards from the bottom plate <NUM>. The second fitting portion <NUM> is a through slot formed in a side portion of the fixing portion <NUM>. The tab can pass through the through slot, so that the first fitting portion <NUM> is detachably mounted to the second fitting portion <NUM>. Moreover, the tab can move up and down in the through slot.

In examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the diverter valve <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape overall. The fixing portion <NUM> exhibits a ring shape. Two second baffles <NUM> are provided. The two second baffles <NUM> are mounted to the fixing portion <NUM> and spaced apart from each other, and can move in the circumferential direction of the water diversion chamber <NUM> along with the fixing portion <NUM>. In addition, the bottom plate <NUM> has a substantially fan shape. A sealing surface <NUM> is formed on a side of the bottom plate <NUM> away from the first fitting portion <NUM>. Under the action of water pressure, the bottom plate <NUM> is pressurized, and the entry <NUM> of the channel <NUM> can be sealed by the sealing surface <NUM>, such that the second water outlet <NUM> is sealed.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> includes a driving mechanism <NUM>. The driving mechanism <NUM> is connected to the diverter valve <NUM>. The driving mechanism is used to drive the diverter valve <NUM> to rotate.

Specifically, the driving mechanism <NUM> includes a driving portion <NUM> and a transmission portion <NUM>. The transmission portion <NUM> connects the driving portion <NUM> and the diverter valve <NUM>. The driving portion <NUM> is used to drive the transmission portion <NUM> to rotate, so as to drive the diverter valve <NUM> to rotate. The transmission portion <NUM> can be configured according to specific situations, and for example, a gear meshing transmission manner, a belt transmission manner, or a coupler transmission manner may be adopted.

In some embodiments, the diverter valve assembly <NUM> includes a sensor <NUM>. The transmission portion <NUM> includes a transmission member <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> is used to detect a position of the transmission member <NUM>. In this way, a rotation state of the diverter valve <NUM> can be determined according to the position of the transmission member <NUM> detected by the sensor <NUM>, and then the rotation of the diverter valve <NUM> can be controlled by means of the transmission member <NUM>, so that the switching among different communication states of the diverter valve assembly <NUM> can be realized accurately by controlling the rotation of the diverter valve <NUM>. The transmission member <NUM> may be a transmission gear, for example.

In some embodiments, the driving portion <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> includes a driving rod <NUM>. The driving rod <NUM> extends downwards from the top of the diverter valve <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> is connected to the transmission member <NUM> through the driving rod <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the driving rod <NUM> extends downwards from the partition baffle <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> surrounds the driving rod <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> is connected to the transmission member <NUM> through the driving rod <NUM>. The driving rod <NUM> may be connected to the transmission member <NUM> in a snapping manner. The electric motor <NUM> is used to drive the transmission member <NUM> to rotate, so as to drive the driving rod <NUM> to rotate.

In this embodiment, the first baffle <NUM>, the driving rod <NUM>, the partition baffle <NUM>, and the fixing portion <NUM> are of an integral structure, which is convenient for processing and enhances the overall stability of the diverter valve <NUM>.

It could be understood that, for the operational stability of the driving portion <NUM> and the transmission portion <NUM>, a fixing cover plate <NUM> may be provided, the electric motor <NUM> and the transmission member <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the fixing cover plate <NUM>, and a rotating shaft of the electric motor <NUM> passes through the fixing cover plate <NUM> and is connected to the transmission member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> includes a lower housing <NUM> and an upper housing <NUM>. The lower housing <NUM> is connected to the upper housing <NUM>. The connection manner of the lower housing <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> can be set according to specific situations.

In some embodiments, the lower housing <NUM> is provided with the water inlet <NUM>, the water return port <NUM> and the second water outlet <NUM>; the upper housing <NUM> is provided with the first water outlet <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the lower housing <NUM> defines the water diversion chamber <NUM> therein. An upper end of the water diversion chamber <NUM> is open. The lower housing <NUM> is provided with the water inlet <NUM>, the water return port <NUM>, and the second water outlet <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> is disposed on an upper end of the lower housing <NUM> and closes the water diversion chamber <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> is provided with the first water outlet <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> can be detachably mounted on the upper end of the lower housing <NUM>, and the water inlet <NUM>, the water return port <NUM> and the second water outlet <NUM> can be provided in a side wall or a bottom wall or a top wall of the lower housing <NUM>, which can be set according to specific situations.

In examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> is substantially columnar. The side wall of the lower housing <NUM> is formed with a water inlet pipe <NUM> and a water return pipe <NUM>. The top wall of the lower housing <NUM> is formed with a first water outlet pipe <NUM>. The bottom wall of the lower housing <NUM> is formed with a second water outlet pipe <NUM>. The water inlet pipe <NUM> and the water return pipe <NUM> extend outwards from the side wall of the lower housing <NUM>. The first water outlet pipe <NUM> extends outwards from the top wall of the lower housing <NUM>. The second water outlet pipe <NUM> extends outwards from the bottom wall of the lower housing <NUM>. The water inlet pipe <NUM> is provided with the water inlet <NUM>. The water return pipe <NUM> is provided with the water return port <NUM>. The first water outlet pipe <NUM> is provided with the first water outlet <NUM>. The second water outlet pipe <NUM> is provided with the second water outlet <NUM>.

A dishwasher <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present invention includes: a washing inner container <NUM>, a spray arm, a heating device <NUM>, and a diverter valve <NUM>.

The washing inner container <NUM> is provided with a washing outlet <NUM>. The spray arm is disposed in the washing inner container <NUM>, and the spray arm is provided with a spray inlet. The heating device <NUM> has a to-be-heated water inlet <NUM> and a heated water outlet <NUM>, and the heating device <NUM> is used to heat washing water. The diverter valve <NUM> is provided with a water inlet <NUM>, a second water outlet, a first water outlet <NUM>, and a water return port <NUM>. The water inlet <NUM> is connected to the washing outlet <NUM>. The second water outlet is connected to the spray inlet. The first water outlet <NUM> is connected to the to-be-heated water inlet <NUM>. The water return port <NUM> is connected to the heated water outlet <NUM>.

Specifically, the washing inner container <NUM> defines a washing chamber therein. A bracket may be provided in the washing chamber and used to support tableware. The spray arm is disposed in the washing inner container <NUM> and is provided with the spray inlet. The washing water enters the spray arm through the spray inlet, and then is sprayed to the tableware through a nozzle provided in the spray arm, thereby cleaning the tableware.

Optionally, the washing water sprayed on the tableware may be collected in a water sump <NUM> at the bottom of the washing inner container <NUM>, and the washing outlet <NUM> is formed in the bottom of the water sump <NUM>, such that the washing water flows out from the washing outlet <NUM>.

A washing water circulation system further includes a washing pump <NUM>. The washing pump <NUM> has an inlet in communication with the washing outlet <NUM> and an outlet in communication with the spray inlet, and the washing pump <NUM> offers power to the circulation of the washing water.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the dishwasher <NUM> includes at least two working modes. In a first mode, the water inlet <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet. In a second mode, the water inlet <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM> is communicated with the first water outlet <NUM>, and the water return port <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet.

In other words, when the water inlet <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet, under the drive of the washing pump <NUM>, the washing water flows out from the washing outlet <NUM>, then flows towards the spray inlet via the water inlet <NUM> and the second water outlet in sequence, and flows into the spray arm from the spray inlet to will not be heated. Hence, the first mode may be called a non-heating mode. In the first mode, the heating device <NUM> can be turned off, thereby saving energy. Certainly, the heating device may also be turned on as needed, and be used to heat other apparatuses, spaces, or the like. For example, the heating device can be turned on to dry the inner space of the washing inner container <NUM>.

In addition, when the water inlet <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM> is communicated with the first water outlet <NUM>, and the water return port <NUM> is communicated with the second water outlet, under the drive of the washing pump <NUM>, the washing water flows out from the washing outlet <NUM>, then flows towards the to-be-heated water inlet <NUM> of the heating device <NUM> via the water inlet <NUM> and the first water outlet <NUM> in sequence, and flows into the heating device <NUM> from the to-be-heated water inlet <NUM>. The washing water is heated to high-temperature washing water, then flows out from the heated water outlet <NUM>, and flows towards the spray inlet via the water return port <NUM> and the second water outlet in sequence. The high-temperature washing water flows into the spray arm from the spray inlet to be sprayed Thus, in the second mode, the washing water flows through the heating device <NUM>, and at this time, the heating device <NUM> can be started to heat the washing water to increase the temperature of the washing water, so that the dishwasher <NUM> operates in a high-temperature washing mode, which can improve the washing effect. The second mode may be called a heating mode.

For the dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present invention, by providing the diverter valve <NUM>, the washing water can be diverted in different washing modes. In the non-heating mode, the washing water does not flow through the heating device <NUM>, which can reduce the flow resistance in the water flow system during the non-heating period to a certain extent, speed up the water flow, improve the cleaning speed and cleanliness, and upgrade the system washing performance. Moreover, in the non-heating mode, the turn-on or turn-off of the heating device <NUM> and the flow path of the washing water can be independently controlled, so that the use of the dishwasher <NUM> becomes more convenient. In addition, the water diversion function is integrated in one diverter valve <NUM>, so that the water diversion structure is compact, the pipeline is shortened, and the control method is simple.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device <NUM> includes a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, a throttling device <NUM>, and an evaporator <NUM> that are sequentially connected end to end, so as to constitute a refrigerant cycle. That is to say, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the dishwasher <NUM> is a heat pump dishwasher, and a refrigerant undergoes processes of compression, condensation and heat release, throttling expansion, evaporation and heat absorption in a heat pump system. After converting low-grade energy into high-grade thermal energy, the refrigerant is released into the washing water to achieve a purpose of efficient heating with low energy consumption Compared with the traditional electric heating, the performance coefficient of the heating system using the heat pump is three to four times or even more times higher than the conventional electric heating technology. The dishwasher <NUM> adopting the heat pump heating technology has a significant energy saving effect and can greatly reduce the energy consumption, which is an effective means to reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher <NUM>.

Further, the condenser <NUM> defines a first liquid flow channel and a second liquid flow channel therein. Two ends of the first liquid flow channel are provided with the to-be-heated water inlet <NUM> and the heated water outlet <NUM>, respectively. Two ends of the second liquid flow channel are communicated with the compressor <NUM> and the throttling device <NUM>, respectively. In other words, the condenser <NUM> is a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, thereby improving the heating efficiency of condensate water.

Moreover, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the washing water and the refrigerant, the first liquid flow channel and the second liquid flow channel may be designed complicatedly, to increase the flow resistance in the first liquid flow channel. Thus, if the condenser <NUM> is directly connected to the original washing system flow path, there may be problems that the spray pressure of the spray arm of the dishwasher <NUM> drops or the power consumption of the washing pump <NUM> increases, especially during the non-heating period. For this reason, in the dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present invention, by providing the diverter valve <NUM>, the problem of large flow resistance caused by the washing water flowing through the condenser <NUM> during the non-heating period can be solved.

It should be noted that in the heating mode, the above heat pump system is turned on, and the washing water flowing out of the washing inner container <NUM> can be heated by the condenser, and the high-temperature washing water enters the spray arm to wash the tableware in the washing inner container <NUM> at high temperature, thereby improving the washing effect.

In the non-heating mode, the above heat pump system can be turned off, which can save energy. Certainly, the above heat pump system can also be turned on as needed and be used to heat or cool other apparatuses, spaces, or the like. For example, the heat pump system can be turned on, to utilize the condenser <NUM> to heat and dry the inner space of the washing inner container <NUM> or utilize the evaporator <NUM> to cool and dehumidify the inner space of the washing inner container <NUM>.

Certainly, the present invention is not limited thereto. The heating device <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present invention may also adopt electric heating. For example, electric heating wires or the thick film heating technology may be used to heat the circulating water. Electric heating is used to heat the washing water, the structure is simple, and the control is simple.

The heating device <NUM> will be exemplified as a heat pump system below for detailed description.

In some embodiments of the present invention, there may be a plurality of spray arms and one second water outlet. The spray inlet of each spray arm is communicated with the second water outlet, so that the washing water can be dispersed into the plurality of spray arms to be sprayed, after flowing out from the second water outlet, and hence the cleaning effect is better.

In other embodiments of the present invention, there may be a plurality of spray arms and a plurality of second water outlets. Each second water outlet is communicated with the spray inlet of at least one spray arm. Thus, the plurality of second water outlets and the plurality of spray arms can be combined in various ways, thereby realizing connection structures for different requirements, and achieving alternate cleaning of the spray arms.

Specifically, there are the plurality of spray arms and the plurality of second water outlets. Each second water outlet is communicated with the spray inlet of at least one spray arm. In the first mode, the water inlet <NUM> is selectively communicated with at least one second water outlet, so that in the non-heating mode, the washing water can flow into one or more spray arms as needed, thereby achieving the alternate cleaning mode.

Similarly, there are the plurality of spray arms and the plurality of second water outlets. Each second water outlet is communicated with the spray inlet of at least one spray arm. In the second mode, the water return port <NUM> is selectively communicated with at least one second water outlet, so that in the heating mode, the washing water can flow into one or more spray arms as needed, thereby achieving the alternate cleaning mode.

It should be noted that the number of spray arms and the number of second water outlets may be equal or unequal, so that the spray arms and second water outlets can be combined as needed. Therefore, in different modes, the washing water can enter a corresponding spray arm through the second water outlet for spray cleaning The cleaning mode is diversified, and the use of the dishwasher <NUM> becomes more convenient. The connection manner of the spray arm and the second water outlet, as well as the control of the diverter valve in the case of the corresponding connection manner of the spray arm and the second water outlet will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

Specifically, the dishwasher <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

The spray arm includes: a lower spray arm <NUM>, an upper spray arm <NUM>, and a middle spray arm <NUM>. The lower spray arm <NUM> is disposed at a lower part inside the washing inner container <NUM>, the upper spray arm <NUM> is disposed at an upper part inside the washing inner container <NUM>, and the middle spray arm <NUM> is disposed at a middle part inside the washing inner container <NUM>. Thus, by providing the spray arms in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the washing inner container <NUM>, communication among the upper, middle, and lower parts of the washing inner container <NUM> can be achieved. In this way, during the cleaning process, the lower spray arm <NUM> can spray water alone; the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM> can spray water simultaneously; or the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM> can spray water simultaneously, thereby achieving an alternate spraying effect.

Two second water outlets are provided, and each second water outlet is connected to at least one spray arm. For example, one of the second water outlets is connected to the lower spray arm <NUM>, and the other one thereof is connected to the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM> at the same time.

Further, in the first mode, the water inlet <NUM> is communicated with one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet <NUM> is communicated with the other one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet <NUM> is simultaneously communicated with both of the second water outlets. Therefore, in the first mode, when the water inlet <NUM> is communicated with one of the second water outlets, the washing water can enter the corresponding spray arm through this second water outlet; when the water inlet <NUM> is communicated with the other one of the second water outlets, the washing water can enter the other corresponding spray arm through the other second water outlet; when the water inlet <NUM> is simultaneously communicated with both of the second water outlets, the washing water can enter all the spray arms. Therefore, according to different needs, by communicating the water inlet <NUM> with different second water outlets, alternate cleaning in the non-heating mode can be realized.

That is, in the non-heating mode, the washing water does not flow through the heating device <NUM> (the condenser <NUM>), and the alternate cleaning sequence is solved in the diverter valve <NUM>, and three non-heating modes are realized: the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM> work; the lower spray arm <NUM> works; the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM> work simultaneously. Therefore, in the non-heating mode, the loss due to the flow resistance caused by flowing through the heating device <NUM> (the condenser <NUM>) in the washing cycle can be avoided, and hence the pressure of the spray arms and the washing effect will not be affected.

In the second mode, the water return port <NUM> is communicated with one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet <NUM> is communicated with the other one of the second water outlets, or the water inlet <NUM> is simultaneously communicated with both of the second water outlets. Therefore, in the second mode, when the water return port <NUM> is communicated with one of the second water outlets, the high-temperature washing water can enter the corresponding spray arm through this second water outlet; when the water return port <NUM> is communicated with the other one of the second water outlets, the high-temperature washing water can enter the other corresponding spray arm through the other second water outlet; when the water return port <NUM> is simultaneously communicated with both of the second water outlets, the high-temperature washing water can enter all the spray arms. Therefore, according to different needs, by communicating the water return port <NUM> with different second water outlets, alternate cleaning in the heating mode can be realized.

That is, in the heating mode, the washing water flows through the heating device <NUM> (the condenser <NUM>), and the flow path is switched in the diverter valve <NUM>. The circulating washing water flows back to the diverter valve <NUM> after being heated by the heating device <NUM> (the condenser <NUM>), and three heating modes are realized: the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM> work; the lower spray arm <NUM> works; the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM> work simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to achieve alternate washing during the entire time sequence in the heating process.

The embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to different examples of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a washing inner container <NUM>, a washing pump <NUM>, an upper spray arm <NUM>, a middle spray arm <NUM>, a lower spray arm <NUM>, a heating device <NUM>, and a diverter valve <NUM>. A water sump <NUM> is provided in a bottom wall of the washing inner container <NUM>.

The heating device <NUM> includes a compressor <NUM>, a throttling device <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, and an evaporator <NUM>. Further, the compressor <NUM>, the condenser <NUM>, the throttling device <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM> are sequentially connected through pipelines and constitute a closed circulation system, and a refrigerant circulates in the closed pipeline system.

The diverter valve <NUM> may include a valve body casing, a valve sheet, an electric motor, and a valve sheet transmission mechanism. The valve body casing is provided with a water inlet <NUM>, a second water outlet, a first water outlet <NUM>, and a water return port <NUM>. Two second water outlets are provided, that is, a second water outlet 42a located on the left and a second water outlet 42b located on the right in <FIG>.

Further, the washing pump <NUM> is connected by a pipeline, and the washing pump <NUM> has an inlet in communication with the water sump <NUM> and an outlet in communication with the water inlet <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM>.

Further, the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM> are disposed in the inner container, and spray inlets of the two spray arms converge into one path. A spray inlet <NUM> of the upper spray arm <NUM> and a spray inlet <NUM> of the middle spray arm <NUM> are connected by a pipeline, and then communicated with the second water outlet of the diverter valve <NUM> (for example, the second water outlet 42b on the right in <FIG>).

Further, the lower spray arm <NUM> is disposed in the inner container, and a spray inlet <NUM> of the lower spray arm <NUM> is communicated with the other second water outlet (for example, the second water outlet 42a on the left in <FIG>) of the diverter valve <NUM> through pipeline connection.

Further, a to-be-heated water inlet <NUM> of the condenser <NUM> of the heating device <NUM> is communicated with the first water outlet <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM> through a pipeline, and a heated water outlet <NUM> is communicated with the water return port <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM> through a pipeline.

In the above flow path connection situation, the washing pump <NUM> can continuously circulate the washing water in the water sump <NUM> to the condenser <NUM> and various spray arms, so as to achieve the purpose of washing the tableware. Through a control program, a rotation angle of the valve sheet of the diverter valve <NUM> can be controlled to realize the following six modes.

As shown in <FIG>, when the valve sheet communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the second water outlet 42a on the left, and blocks the first water outlet <NUM>, the water return port <NUM>, and the second water outlet 42b on the right, clean water delivered by the washing pump <NUM> is directly sent to the lower spray arm <NUM>, so that the dishwasher <NUM> realizes a spray cleaning mode of the lower spray arm <NUM> in a non-heating situation.

As shown in <FIG>, when the valve sheet communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the second water outlet 42b on the right, and blocks the first water outlet <NUM>, the water return port <NUM>, and the second water outlet 42a on the left, clean water delivered by the washing pump <NUM> is sent to the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM> simultaneously, so that the dishwasher <NUM> realizes a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM> in a non-heating situation.

As shown in <FIG>, when the valve sheet communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the second water outlet 42a on the left and the second water outlet 42b on the right, and blocks the first water outlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM>, clean water delivered by the washing pump <NUM> is sent to the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM> simultaneously, so that the dishwasher <NUM> realizes a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM> in a non-heating situation.

Further, when the valve sheet communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the water return port <NUM>, the dishwasher <NUM> enters a heating mode of the condenser <NUM>. In such a case, communication channels of the water inlet <NUM> and the water return port <NUM> are blocked from communication channels of other interfaces.

As shown in <FIG>, in a heating mode, the valve sheet communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM> and communicates the water return port <NUM> with the second water outlet 42a on the left, and blocks the second water outlet 42b on the right, so that the dishwasher <NUM> can realize a spray cleaning mode of the lower spray arm <NUM> in the heating situation.

As shown in <FIG>, in a heating mode, the valve sheet communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM> and communicates the water return port <NUM> with the second water outlet 42b on the right, and blocks the second water outlet 42a on the left, so that the dishwasher <NUM> can realize a spray cleaning mode of the lower spray arm <NUM>, the upper spray arm <NUM>, and the middle spray arm <NUM> in the heating situation.

As shown in <FIG>, in a heating mode, the valve sheet communicates the water inlet <NUM> with the first water outlet <NUM>, and communicates the water return port <NUM> with the second water outlet 42a on the left and the second water outlet 42b on the right, so that the dishwasher <NUM> can realize a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM> in the heating situation.

In conclusion, for the dishwasher <NUM> according to the present invention, during the non-heating period, the water does not flow through the heating device <NUM> (the condenser <NUM>), which can reduce the resistance pressure drop in the water flow system during the non-heating period and improve the washing performance of the system. During the heating period, the dishwasher <NUM> can still adopt the cleaning mode that different spray arms spray alternately, which can reduce the water consumption of the system effectively. In addition, the water diversion function is completely integrated in one diverter valve <NUM> in the system, such that the structure is compact, the pipeline is shortened, and the control method is simple.

The dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an upper spray arm <NUM>, a middle spray arm <NUM>, and a lower spray arm <NUM>. A spray inlet <NUM> of the upper spray arm <NUM> and a spray inlet <NUM> of the middle spray arm <NUM> do not merge. Three second water outlets are provided and connected to a spray inlet <NUM> of the lower spray arm <NUM>, the spray inlet <NUM> of the upper spray arm <NUM>, and the spray inlet <NUM> of the middle spray arm <NUM>, respectively. Therefore, the diverter valve <NUM> can realize a six-way six-path mode, and achieve seven alternate cleaning modes in the non-heating mode: a spray cleaning mode of the lower spray arm <NUM>; a spray cleaning mode of the middle spray arm <NUM>; a spray cleaning mode of the lower spray arm <NUM>; a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM>; a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM>; a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the lower spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM>; a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM>. Similarly, in the heating mode, the above seven alternate cleaning modes can also be realized. As a result, in this embodiment, there are fourteen alternate cleaning modes in total.

The structure of the diverter valve <NUM> in this embodiment is more complicated, but the above technical effects can still be achieved. That is, during the non-heating period, the water does not flow through the heating device <NUM> (the condenser <NUM>), which can reduce the resistance pressure drop in the water flow system during the non-heating period and improve the washing performance of the system. During the heating period, the dishwasher <NUM> can still adopt the cleaning mode that different spray arms spray alternately, which can reduce the water consumption of the system effectively. In addition, the water diversion function is completely integrated in one diverter valve <NUM> in the system, such that the structure is compact, the pipeline is shortened, and the control method is simple.

The dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an upper spray arm <NUM>, a middle spray arm <NUM>, and a lower spray arm <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> is provided with one second water outlet. A spray inlet <NUM> of the upper spray arm <NUM>, a spray inlet <NUM> of the middle spray arm <NUM>, and a spray inlet <NUM> of the lower spray arm <NUM> merge into the second water outlet of the diverter valve <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> adopts a six-way six-path form, so that a cleaning mode that the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM> simultaneously spray in the heating situation can be achieved, and a cleaning mode that the upper spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM> simultaneously spray in the non-heating situation can be achieved. In such a case, the design of the diverter valve <NUM> will be further simplified, which can achieve the purpose of reducing the resistance pressure drop in the water flow system during the non-heating period.

A fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.

The dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes any two of an upper spray arm <NUM>, a middle spray arm <NUM>, and a lower spray arm <NUM>. There are two second water outlets, and the two second water outlets are connected to two spray arms correspondingly. Hence, a cleaning mode that the two spray arms alternately spray in heating and non-heating modes can be realized.

By way of example, the washing inner container <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM> may be provided with the lower spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the upper spray arm <NUM> is not provided. Two second water outlets are provided, one of the two second water outlets is connected to a spray inlet <NUM> of the lower spray arm <NUM>, and the other one thereof is connected to a spray inlet <NUM> of the middle spray arm <NUM>. Hence, three alternate cleaning modes in the non-heating mode can be realized: a spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM>; a spray cleaning mode of the middle spray arm <NUM>; a simultaneous spray cleaning mode of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the middle spray arm <NUM>. Similarly, in the heating mode, the above three alternate cleaning modes can also be realized. As a result, in this embodiment, there are six alternate cleaning modes in total.

A fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.

The dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes any two of an upper spray arm <NUM>, a middle spray arm <NUM>, and a lower spray arm <NUM>. There is one second water outlet, and the two spray arms are both connected to the second water outlet, so that a spray cleaning mode of double spray arms in the heating mode and the non-heating mode can be realized. As a result, in this embodiment, there are two washing modes in total, namely a heating double spray arm washing mode, and a non-heating double spray arm washing mode.

A sixth embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.

In the dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention, the washing inner container <NUM> may be provided with only one of a lower spray arm <NUM>, a middle spray arm <NUM>, and an upper spray arm <NUM>. There may be one second water outlet, and the second water outlet is connected to the one of the lower spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the upper spray arm <NUM>, so that a spray cleaning mode of single spray arm in the heating mode and the non-heating mode can be realized. As a result, in this embodiment, there are two washing modes in total, namely a heating single spray arm washing mode, and a non-heating single spray arm washing mode.

Therefore, for the dishwasher <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present invention, by providing the diverter valve <NUM>, the washing water can be diverted in different washing modes. In the non-heating mode, the washing water does not flow through the heating device <NUM>, which can reduce the flow resistance in the water flow system during the non-heating period to a certain extent, speed up the water flow, improve the cleaning speed and cleanliness, and upgrade the system washing performance. Moreover, in the non-heating mode, the turn-on or turn-off of the heating device <NUM> and the flow path of the washing water can be independently controlled, so that the use of the dishwasher <NUM> becomes more convenient. In addition, the water diversion function is integrated in one diverter valve <NUM>, so that the water diversion structure is compact, the pipeline is shortened, and the control method is simple.

In the present invention, unless specified or limited otherwise, a structure in which a first feature is "on" or "below" a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, and may also include an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are not in direct contact with each other, but are contacted via an additional feature formed therebetween. Furthermore, a first feature "on," "above," or "on top of" a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is right or obliquely "on," "above," or "on top of" the second feature, or just means that the first feature is at a height higher than that of the second feature; while a first feature "below," "under," or "on bottom of" a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is right or obliquely "below," "under," or "on bottom of" the second feature, or just means that the first feature is at a height lower than that of the second feature.

Various embodiments and examples are provided in the following description to implement different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the present invention, elements and settings of certain examples are described in the above. Certainly, these elements and settings are only by way of example and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, reference numerals and/or letters may be repeated in different examples in the present invention. This repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity and does not indicate relations between different embodiments and/or settings. Furthermore, examples of different processes and materials are provided in the present invention. However, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other processes and/or materials may be also applied.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an exemplary embodiment," "an example," "a specific example," or "some examples," means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of these phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claim 1:
A household appliance (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a diverter valve assembly (<NUM>), the diverter valve assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defining a water diversion chamber (<NUM>) therein, and provided with a water inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>), a water return port (<NUM>, <NUM>), a first water outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a second water outlet (42a, 42b, <NUM>); and
a diverter valve (<NUM>, <NUM>) provided in the water diversion chamber (<NUM>) and capable of partitioning the water diversion chamber (<NUM>) into a first water diversion chamber (<NUM>) and a second water diversion chamber (<NUM>), the first water diversion chamber (<NUM>) being communicated with the water inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>), the diverter valve (<NUM>, <NUM>) being rotatable in the water diversion chamber (<NUM>) to (a) communicate the first water diversion chamber (<NUM>) with the water inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the first water outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) when water needs to be heated, and (b) communicate the second water diversion chamber (<NUM>) with the second water outlet (42a, 42b, <NUM>) and the water return port (<NUM>, <NUM>), or to block the water inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the first water outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) and communicate the first water diversion chamber (<NUM>) with the water inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second water outlet (42a, 42b, <NUM>) when water does not need to be heated;
a chamber body (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a chamber therein;
a spray arm (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially provided in the chamber, the second water outlet (42a, 42b, <NUM>) being connected to the spray arm (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a heating device (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the first water outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the water return port (<NUM>, <NUM>).