Patent Description:
In recent years, the consumers are increasingly concerned about whether consumable products are energy-saving, environment-friendly and low-carbon. The energy consumption values of kitchen appliance products are correspondingly decreasing. How to reduce the power consumption has also become a key issue. The power consumption of a dishwasher or a dish-washing machine mainly happens in a heating stage of a washing pump.

The inventors of the present disclosure have found in a long-term research and development period that, at present, the power consumption is generally reduced by reducing a temperature of washing water. But when the temperature of the washing water is too low, the dishes may not be cleared completely, especially stubborn oil stains may not be cleaned, which will eventually result in that an expected cleaning effect would not be achieved. <CIT> relates generally to a domestic appliance with a rinsing water container for accommodating rinsing water and a suds container for accommodating washing suds. <CIT> relates generally to a method for recovering energy from the heat from waste water from a water-bearing household appliance. <CIT>) relates generally to an environment capable of providing <NUM>, <NUM>% humidity, and <NUM>% CO2, actively deter contamination, and providing the necessary support hardware for a 3D printer designed for tissue engineering.

The invention is defined by the independent claims <NUM> or <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims. In the following, each of the described methods, apparatuses, embodiments, examples, and aspects, which do not fully correspond to the invention as defined in the claims is thus not according to the invention and is, as well as the whole following description, present for illustration purposes only or to highlight specific aspects or features of the claims. Embodiments not falling under the scope of the claims should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the invention. The present disclosure provides a tableware washing device, to solve the technical problem that the power consumption of the dish washer in the prior art is too great.

To solve the above-mentioned technical problem, one technical solution provided in the present invention is a tableware washing device. The tableware washing device includes an inner liner, a water collection cup and a heating apparatus. The inner liner is configured to define a washing cavity for accommodating a tableware to be washed. The water collection cup is provided at a bottom of the inner liner, and configured to define a water collection cavity. The water collection cavity is configured to collect washing water that flows from the washing cavity. The water collection cavity is communicated to the washing cavity via a first water supply pipeline. A washing pump is provided on the water collection cup and/or the first water supply pipeline. The washing pump is configured to pump the washing water in the water collection cavity to the washing cavity through the first water supply pipeline. The heating apparatus is configured to selectively heat the washing water. The heating apparatus includes a semiconductor cooler. The semiconductor cooler is configured to perform a primary heating on the washing water.

The tableware washing device includes the inner liner and the water collection cup. The water collection cup is provided at the bottom of the inner liner. The first water supply pipeline is provided to send the washing water in the water collection cup to the inner liner. The washing pump and the heating apparatus are provided on the water collection cup and/or the first water supply pipeline. The heating apparatus includes the semiconductor cooler. The semiconductor cooler is configured to perform the primary heating on the washing water. Compared with heating the washing water through an electric heater, in the present disclosure, heating through the semiconductor cooler may save a large amount of electricity. In this way, the power consumption of the tableware washing device may be reduced, which is conducive to energy conservation and environmental protection.

In order to more clearly illustrate technical solutions in embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings required in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skills in the art, other drawings could be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

The following will be a clear and through description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The described embodiments are only some parts of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts would fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "first" and "second" in the present disclosure are used for descriptive purposes only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically limited. In addition, the terms "include", "have" and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, a method, a system, a product or a device including a series of operations or units are not limited to the listed operations or units, but optionally further include operations or units that are not listed, or optionally further include other operations or units that are inherent to the process, method, product or device. The term "and/or" is merely an associating relationship for describing associated objects, and indicates that there could be three relationships between the associated objects. For example, A and/or B may represent three situations: only A exists, A and B exist simultaneously, and only B exists. In the present disclosure, the character "/" generally indicates an "OR" relationship between the associated objects before and after the character "/".

As shown in <FIG>, a tableware washing device <NUM> according to the invention includes an inner liner <NUM>, a water collection cup <NUM>. The inner liner <NUM> is configured to define a washing chamber <NUM> for accommodating tablewares to be washed. The water collection cup <NUM> is provided at a bottom of the inner liner <NUM>, and is configured to define a water collection cavity <NUM>. The water collection cavity <NUM> is configured to collect washing water flowing from the washing cavity <NUM>. The water collection cavity <NUM> is communicated to the washing cavity <NUM> via a first water supply pipeline <NUM>. A washing pump <NUM> is provided on the water collection cup <NUM> and/or the first water supply pipeline <NUM>, and configured to pump the washing water in the water collection cavity <NUM> to the washing cavity <NUM> via the first water supply pipeline <NUM>. A heating apparatus (not shown in the figures) is provided on the water collection cup <NUM> and/or the first water supply pipeline <NUM> and/or the washing pump <NUM>. The heating apparatus is configured to selectively heat the washing water. The water tank <NUM> is configured to define a first water storage cavity <NUM> and a second water storage cavity <NUM>. The first water storage cavity <NUM> is communicated to the water collection cavity <NUM> via a second water supply pipeline <NUM>. The second water storage cavity <NUM> is communicated to the water collection cavity <NUM> via a third water supply pipeline <NUM>. The first water storage cavity <NUM> is configured to store the previous hot rinse water from the last washing process or the hot rinse water of the previous washing process. The second water storage cavity <NUM> is configured to store external fresh water. The second water supply pipeline <NUM> is configured to introduce the previous hot rinse water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> into the water collection cavity <NUM>, and the previous hot rinse water is used as the current cold rinse water of the current washing process. The third water supply pipeline <NUM> is configured to introduce the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> into the water collection cavity <NUM>, and the external fresh water is used as the current cleaning water.

The tableware washing device <NUM> in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes an inner liner <NUM>, a water collection cup <NUM> provided at the bottom of the inner liner <NUM> and a water tank <NUM>. By storing the previous hot rinse water from the last washing process in the first water storage cavity <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>, providing the first water supply pipeline <NUM> to send the washing water in the water collection cup <NUM> to the washing cavity of the inner liner <NUM>, providing the second water supply pipeline <NUM> to introduce the previous hot rinse water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> into the water collection cup <NUM>, using the previous hot rinse water as the current cold rinse water in the current washing process, providing the third water supply pipeline <NUM> to introduce the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> into the water collection cup <NUM>, using the external fresh water as the current cleaning water, the hot rinse water may be recycled, and a volume of water for a washing process may be saved. In this way, the water consumption of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be reduced, which is conducive to energy conservation and environmental protection.

The current cleaning water is heated by the heating apparatus. The first water storage cavity <NUM> is further communicated to the water collection cavity <NUM> via a first drainage pipeline <NUM>. The water collection cup <NUM> and/or the first drainage pipeline <NUM> is further provided with a drainage pump <NUM>. The drainage pump <NUM> is configured to pump the current cleaning water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM> after a cleaning process is completed. Thus, during a cold rinse process, the current cleaning water may exchange heat with the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM>. The third water supply pipeline <NUM> further introduces the external fresh water experiencing the heat exchange into the water collection cavity <NUM> when the cold rinse process is completed, and the external fresh water is used as the current hot rinse water. Therefore, a heating process of the hot rinse water may be omitted, and an amount of electricity required for heating is saved. In this way, the power consumption of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be reduced, which is conducive to energy conservation and environmental protection.

In some embodiments, the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the third water supply pipeline <NUM> and the first drainage pipeline <NUM> may also be communicated to the inner liner <NUM>. The second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the third water supply pipeline <NUM> and the first drainage pipeline <NUM> may then all be communicated to the water collection cup <NUM> through the inner liner <NUM>, which is not limited here.

In some embodiments, the tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a diverter valve <NUM> or a flow divider valve <NUM> provided on the second water supply pipeline <NUM>. The tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a second drainage pipeline <NUM> communicated to the second water supply pipeline <NUM> via the diverter valve <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> is configured to discharge the current cleaning water after the heat exchange process via the second drainage pipeline <NUM>. The drainage pump <NUM> is further configured to pump the current hot rinse water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM> after the hot rinse process is completed, thereby realizing recovery of the current hot rinse water.

In some embodiments, the drainage pump <NUM> is further configured to pump the current cold rinse water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM> after the cold rinse process is completed, and discharge the current cold rinse water through the second drainage pipeline <NUM> and the diverter valve <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a pipeline combiner <NUM>. The pipeline combiner <NUM> is configured to merge the second water supply pipeline <NUM> and the third water supply pipeline <NUM> into one pipeline and then the one pipeline is communicated to the water collection cavity <NUM>. In this way, the arrangement of the pipelines may be much simpler, the structure of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be more compact, and a footprint of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a housing <NUM>. The inner liner <NUM>, the water collection cup <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> are all arranged in the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may protect structures such as the inner liner <NUM>, the water collection cup <NUM>, the water tank <NUM> and the like, and may enable an appearance of the tableware washing device <NUM> to be more neat and orderly.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> includes a first sub water tank <NUM> and a second sub water tank <NUM>. The first sub water tank <NUM> is arranged inside the second sub water tank <NUM>. The first water storage cavity <NUM> is defined inside the first sub water tank <NUM>. The second water storage cavity <NUM> is defined between the first sub water tank <NUM> and the second sub water tank <NUM>. In this way, the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat with the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> through the first sub water tank <NUM>. By arranging the first sub water tank <NUM> inside the second sub water tank <NUM>, an outer surface of the first sub water tank <NUM> may entirely or fully be in contact with the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM>, thereby the heat exchange area being larger and the heat exchange efficiency being higher.

In some embodiments, the water tank <NUM> is provided with a first water outlet <NUM>, a second water outlet <NUM>, a first adapter pipeline <NUM> and a second transfer line <NUM>. The first adapter pipeline <NUM> is communicated to the first water outlet <NUM>. The second adapter pipeline <NUM> is communicated to the second water outlet <NUM>. The first water outlet <NUM> is communicated to the first water storage cavity <NUM>. The second water outlet <NUM> is communicated to the second water storage cavity <NUM>. The first water outlet <NUM> and the second water outlet <NUM> are provided on the top of the water tank <NUM>. The first adapter pipeline <NUM> is configured to direct the washing water overflowing from the first water outlet <NUM> to the bottom of the water tank <NUM>, which is then discharged via the third water outlet <NUM>. The second adapter pipeline <NUM> is configured to direct the washing water overflowing from the second water outlet <NUM> to the bottom of the water tank <NUM>, which is then discharged via the fourth water outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, by defining the first water outlet <NUM> and the second water outlet <NUM> on the top of the water tank <NUM>, provision of valves may be omitted, the structure of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be made simpler and more compact, the footprint or occupying space of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the second water supply pipeline <NUM> is connected to the third water outlet <NUM>, and is further connected to the first water outlet <NUM> via the first adapter pipeline <NUM>. In this way, the previous hot rinse water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> is driven by the current cleaning water pumped by the drainage pump <NUM> and flows into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the second water supply pipeline <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the third water supply pipeline <NUM> is connected to the fourth water outlet <NUM>, and is further connected to the second water outlet <NUM> via the second adapter pipeline <NUM>. In this way, the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> is driven by the external fresh water sent by external water supply and flows into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the third water supply pipeline <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a first water inlet <NUM> and a second water inlet <NUM> are defined on the bottom of the water tank <NUM>. The first water inlet <NUM> is communicated to the first water storage cavity <NUM>. The second water inlet <NUM> is communicated to the second water storage cavity <NUM>.

Specifically, the tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a controller (not shown in the figures). In response to start of the tableware washing device <NUM>, the controller controls the external fresh water to be introduced into the second water storage cavity <NUM> via the second water inlet <NUM>. In this way, the external fresh water that is previously stored in the second water storage cavity <NUM> is expelled via the fourth water outlet <NUM>, introduced into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the third water supply pipeline <NUM> and the pipeline combiner <NUM>, and used as the current cleaning water. The current cleaning water may perform a pre-washing and a main washing through the washing pump <NUM> and the heating apparatus. During the main washing process, the current cleaning water is heated by the heating apparatus.

After the main washing process is completed, the controller controls the drainage pump <NUM> to pump the heated current cleaning water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM>, such that the previous hot rinse water that is stored in the first water storage cavity <NUM> is expelled via the third water outlet <NUM>. The previous hot rinse water is then introduced to the water collection cavity <NUM> via the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> and the pipeline combiner <NUM>, and used as the current cold rinse water. The current cold rinse water may perform the cold rinse by the washing pump <NUM>. During the cold rinse process, the current cleaning water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat.

After the cold rinse process is completed, the controller controls the drainage pump <NUM> to pump the current cold rinse water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM>, such that the current cleaning water that is stored in the first water storage cavity <NUM> is expelled via the third water outlet <NUM>, and discharged via the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> and the second drainage pipeline <NUM>. The controller controls the external fresh water to be introduced into the second water storage cavity <NUM> via the second water inlet <NUM>. In this way, the external fresh water that has exchanged heat with the current cleaning water is expelled via the fourth water outlet <NUM>, introduced into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the third water supply pipeline <NUM> and the pipeline combiner <NUM>, and used as the current hot rinse water. The current hot rinse water performs the hot rinse by the washing pump <NUM>.

After the hot rinse process is completed, the controller controls the drainage pump <NUM> to pump the current hot rinse water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM>, such that the current cold rinse water that is stored in the first water storage cavity <NUM> is expelled via the third water outlet <NUM>, and discharged via the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> and the second drainage pipeline <NUM>, and the washing process is over. The current hot rinse water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> would exchange heat with atmosphere air until their temperatures become the room temperature.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the second water supply pipeline <NUM> may be directly connected to the first water outlet <NUM>, the third water supply pipeline <NUM> may be directly connected to the second water outlet <NUM>. In this way, the arrangement of the adapter pipeline is thus omitted, the structure of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be more simple and compact, a footprint of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be reduced.

In some embodiments, further as shown in <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> has an L shape. The water tank <NUM> at least partially covers a side wall and a top wall of the inner liner <NUM>. Each of the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the second water storage cavity <NUM> has an L shape corresponding to that of the water tank <NUM>, such that the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat. In this way, heat of the washing water may be recovered, the amount of electricity used to heat the washing water may be saved, the power consumption of the tableware washing device may be reduced, thereby facilitating power conservation and environmental protection. By setting the water tank <NUM> to have an L shape, installation of the water tank <NUM> with the inner liner <NUM> may be facilitated, heat exchange area of the water tank is larger, and heat exchange efficiency is enhanced.

In some embodiments, a volume ratio of the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the second water storage cavity <NUM> is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, such as <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. In this way, water volumes of the cleaning water, the cold rinse water and the hot rinse water remain substantially the same, the recycling of the washing water is facilitated.

In some embodiments, a surface of the first sub water tank <NUM> has an undulating shape, such as a wave-like shape or a sawtooth-like shape. In this way, a contact area between the first sub water tank <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may be increased, thereby increasing the heat-exchange area between the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM>, and increasing the heat-exchange efficiency.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the first sub water tank <NUM> may include a plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM> arranged side-by-side, a manifold <NUM> connected to one end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM>, and a header <NUM> or a collector <NUM> connected to the other end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM>. The washing water flows into the plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM> via the manifold <NUM>, and flows out via the header <NUM>. By providing the plurality of heat exchange tubes, the contact area between the first sub water tank <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may be further increased, thereby increasing the heat exchange area of the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage chamber <NUM>, and enhancing the heat exchange efficiency.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the surface of the first sub water tank <NUM> may also be a planar surface, such that the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat with each other, which is not limited here.

As shown in <FIG>, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tableware washing device <NUM> includes the inner liner <NUM>, the water collection cup <NUM> and the water tank <NUM>. The inner liner <NUM>, the water collection cup <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> are interconnected by a water supply pipeline and a drainage pipeline. The import and export of the washing water is realized by the washing pump <NUM>, the drainage pump <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> and the pipeline combiner <NUM>. The arrangement and structure of the tableware washing device <NUM> may refer to the embodiment of the tableware washing device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and will not be repeated here.

The difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiments resides in that, the tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a first valve <NUM> and a second valve <NUM>. The first valve <NUM> is provided on the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, and configured to control opening and closing of the second water supply pipeline <NUM>. The second valve <NUM> is provided on the third water supply pipeline <NUM>, and configured to control opening and closing of the third water supply pipeline <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the water tank <NUM> includes a first sub water tank <NUM> and a second sub water tank <NUM>. The first sub water tank <NUM> is arranged inside the second sub water tank <NUM>, such that the first water storage cavity <NUM> is defined inside the first sub water tank <NUM>, and the second water storage cavity <NUM> is defined between the first sub water tank <NUM> and the second sub water tank <NUM>. In this way, the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat with the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> through the first sub water tank <NUM>. By arranging the first sub water tank <NUM> inside the second sub water tank <NUM>, the outer surface of the first sub water tank <NUM> may be entirely in contact with the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM>, thereby the heat exchange area being larger and the heat exchange efficiency being higher.

In some embodiments, each of a first water outlet <NUM>, a first water inlet <NUM>, a second water outlet <NUM> and a second water inlet <NUM> is provided at the bottom of the water tank <NUM>. Each of the first water outlet <NUM> and the first water inlet <NUM> is communicated to the first water storage cavity <NUM>. Each of the second water outlet <NUM> and the second water inlet <NUM> is communicated to the second water storage cavity <NUM>. The second water supply pipeline <NUM> is connected to the first water outlet <NUM>, such that under the action of its own gravity, the previous hot rinse water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> may flow into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the second water supply pipeline <NUM>. The third water supply pipeline <NUM> is connected to the second water outlet <NUM>, such that under the action of its own gravity, the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may flow into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the third water supply pipeline <NUM>.

Specifically, the tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a controller (not shown in the figures). In response to start of the tableware washing device <NUM>, the controller controls the first valve <NUM> to open and the second valve <NUM> to close. In this way, the previous hot rinse water that is stored in the first water storage cavity <NUM> previously is introduced, under the action of its own gravity, into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the first water outlet <NUM>, the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> and the pipeline combiner <NUM>, and used as the current cleaning water. The controller controls the first valve <NUM> to close. The current cleaning water performs the pre-washing and the main washing through the washing pump <NUM> and the heating apparatus. During the main washing process, the current cleaning water is heated by the heating apparatus.

After the main washing process is completed, the controller controls the drainage pump <NUM> to pump the heated current cleaning water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM>. The controller controls the second valve <NUM> to open, such that the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> is introduced under the action of its own gravity, into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the second water outlet <NUM>, the third water supply pipeline <NUM> and the pipeline combiner <NUM>, and used as the current cold rinse water. The controller controls the second valve <NUM> to close, and controls the external fresh water to be introduced into the second water storage cavity <NUM> via the second water inlet <NUM>. The external fresh water performs the cold rinse by the washing pump <NUM>. During the cold rinse process, the current cleaning water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat.

After the cold rinse process is completed, the controller controls the first valve <NUM> to open, such that the current cleaning water stored in the first water storage cavity <NUM> is discharged under the action of its own gravity via the first water outlet <NUM>, the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> and the second drainage pipeline <NUM>. The controller controls the first valve <NUM> to close. The controller further controls the drainage pump <NUM> to pump the current cold rinse water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM>. Then the controller controls the second valve <NUM> to open. In this way, the external fresh water that has exchanged heat with the current cleaning water is introduced into the water collection cavity <NUM> via the second water outlet <NUM>, the third water supply pipeline <NUM> and the pipeline combiner <NUM>, and used as the current hot rinse water. The controller controls the second valve <NUM> to close, and controls the external fresh water to be introduced into the second water storage cavity <NUM> via the second water inlet <NUM>. The external fresh water performs the hot rinse by the washing pump <NUM>.

After the hot rinse process is completed, the controller controls the first valve <NUM> to open, such that the current cold rinse water stored in the first water storage cavity <NUM> is discharged under the action of its own gravity via the first water outlet <NUM>, the second water supply pipeline <NUM>, the diverter valve <NUM> and the second drainage pipeline <NUM>. The controller controls the first valve <NUM> to close. The controller further controls the drainage pump <NUM> to pump the current hot rinse water to the first water storage cavity <NUM> via the first drainage pipeline <NUM>. The washing process is over. The current hot rinse water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the external fresh water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> would exchange heat with atmosphere air until their temperatures become the room temperature.

As further shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the water tank <NUM> has an L shape. The water tank <NUM> at least partially covers a side wall and a top wall of the inner liner <NUM>. Each of the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the second water storage cavity <NUM> has an L shape corresponding to that of the water tank <NUM>, such that the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat. In this way, heat of the washing water may be recovered, the amount of electricity used to heat the washing water may be saved, the power consumption of the tableware washing device may be reduced, thereby facilitating power conservation and environmental protection. By setting the water tank <NUM> to have an L shape, installation of the water tank <NUM> with the inner liner <NUM> may be facilitated, heat exchange area of the water tank may be larger, and heat exchange efficiency may be enhanced.

In some embodiments, an angle θ between a portion of the water tank <NUM> covering the side wall of the inner liner <NUM> and a portion of the water tank <NUM> covering the top wall is in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, such as <NUM>°, <NUM>° or <NUM>°, thus the washing water inside a portion of the first water storage cavity <NUM> corresponding to the top wall of the inner liner <NUM> is enabled to flow to the bottom of the water tank <NUM> under the action of its own gravity, and the washing water inside a portion of the second water storage cavity <NUM> corresponding to the top wall of the inner liner <NUM> is enabled to flow to the bottom of the water tank <NUM> under the action of its own gravity.

In some embodiments, the surface of the first sub water tank <NUM> has an undulating shape, such as a wave-like shape or a sawtooth-like shape. In this way, a contact area between the first sub water tank <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may be increased, thereby increasing the heat-exchange area between the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM>, and enhancing the heat-exchange efficiency.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, a first air vent <NUM> is defined at the top of the first sub water tank <NUM>, and the first air vent <NUM> is communicated to the first water storage cavity <NUM>. A second air vent <NUM> is defined at the top of the second sub water tank <NUM>, and the second air vent <NUM> is communicated to the second water storage cavity <NUM>. The first air vent <NUM> may prevent generation of negative pressure when the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> flows to the bottom of the first water storage cavity <NUM>. The second air vent <NUM> may prevent generation of the negative pressure when the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> flows to the bottom of the second water storage cavity <NUM>. The washing water can't be discharged smoothly due to the negative pressure.

In some embodiments, one of the first air vent <NUM> and the second air vent <NUM> is nested in the other of the first air vent <NUM> and the second air vent <NUM>, thus the number of vents in the second sub water tank <NUM> may be reduced, the structure of the second sub water tank <NUM> may be more simple, neat and orderly.

In some embodiments, the first air vent <NUM> and the second air vent <NUM> may also be spaced apart, which is not limited here.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the first sub water tank <NUM> may include a plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM> arranged side-by-side, a manifold <NUM> connected to one end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM>, and a header <NUM> or a collector <NUM> connected to the other end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM>. The washing water flows into the plurality of heat exchange tubes <NUM> via the manifold <NUM>, and flows out via the header <NUM>. By arranging the plurality of heat exchange tubes, the contact area between the first sub water tank <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage chamber <NUM> may be further increased, thereby increasing the heat exchange area of the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage chamber <NUM>, and enhancing the heat-exchange efficiency.

As shown in <FIG>, the surface of the first sub water tank <NUM> may also be a planar surface, such that the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> may exchange heat with each other, which is not limited here.

As shown in <FIG>, in the tableware washing device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the water tank <NUM> includes a main tank body <NUM> and a partition plate <NUM> or a spacer <NUM>. The main tank body <NUM> defines a general cavity. The partition plate <NUM> is arranged in the general cavity, and divides the general cavity into the first water storage cavity <NUM> at one side of the partition plate <NUM> and the second water storage cavity <NUM> at the other side of the partition plate <NUM>. In this way, the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> exchanges heat with the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> through the partition plate <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> has a planar surface. By defining the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the second water storage cavity <NUM> with the main tank body <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>, the structure of the water tank <NUM> is made much simpler, and is easier to manufacture.

In some embodiments, each of a first water outlet <NUM>, a first water inlet <NUM>, a second water outlet <NUM> and a second water inlet <NUM> is arranged at the bottom of the water tank <NUM>. Each of the first water outlet <NUM> and the first water inlet <NUM> is communicated to the first water storage cavity <NUM>. Each of the second water outlet <NUM> and the second water inlet <NUM> is communicated to the second water storage cavity <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, each of a first air vent <NUM> and a second air vent <NUM> is defined on the top of the main tank body <NUM>. The first air vent <NUM> and the second air vent <NUM> are defined staggered with respect to each other. The first air vent <NUM> is communicated to the first water storage cavity <NUM>. The second air vent <NUM> is communicated to the second water storage cavity <NUM>. The first air vent <NUM> may prevent generation of negative pressure when the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> flows to the bottom of the first water storage cavity <NUM>. The second air vent <NUM> may prevent generation of the negative pressure when the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM> flows to the bottom of the second water storage cavity <NUM>. The washing water can't be discharged smoothly due to the negative pressure.

In some embodiments, the partition plate <NUM> may also have an undulating shape. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the partition plate <NUM> may have a sawtooth-like shape. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the partition plate <NUM> may have a wave-like shape. In this way, a surface area of the partition plate <NUM> may be increased, thereby increasing the heat-exchange area of the washing water in the first water storage cavity <NUM> and the washing water in the second water storage cavity <NUM>, and enhancing the heat-exchange efficiency.

As shown in <FIG>, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tableware washing device <NUM> includes the inner liner <NUM>, the water collection cup <NUM> and a water tank (not shown in the figure). The structure of each of the inner liner <NUM>, the water collection cup <NUM> and the water tank refers to the above-mentioned embodiments of the tableware washing device <NUM>, which will not be repeated here.

The washing pump <NUM> is provided on the water collection cup <NUM> and/or the first water supply pipeline <NUM>. The heating apparatus <NUM> is provided on the water collection cup <NUM> and/or the first water supply pipeline <NUM>. The washing pump <NUM> is configured to pump the washing water in the water collection cup <NUM> to the inner liner <NUM> via the first water supply pipeline <NUM>. The heating apparatus <NUM> is configured to selectively heat the washing water.

The heating apparatus <NUM> includes a semiconductor cooler <NUM>. The semiconductor cooler <NUM> is configured to heat the washing water at one time. Compared with heating the washing water through an electric heater, heating the washing water through the semiconductor cooler <NUM> may save a large amount of electricity. In this way, the power consumption of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be reduced, which is conducive to energy conservation and environmental protection.

In some embodiments, the heating apparatus <NUM> includes a semiconductor cooler <NUM> and an electric heater <NUM>. The semiconductor cooler <NUM> is located upstream of the electric heater <NUM>, and is configured for a primary heating of the washing water. The electric heater <NUM> is configured for a secondary heating of the washing water that has been heated by the semiconductor cooler <NUM>. Compared with merely heating the washing water through the electric heater, heating by the semiconductor cooler <NUM> partially may save a large amount of electricity. In this way, the power consumption of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be reduced, which is conducive to energy conservation and environmental protection.

In some embodiments, a heating power of the semiconductor cooler <NUM> is in a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a total heating power of the semiconductor cooler <NUM> and the electric heater <NUM>, such as <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%. Therefore, while ensuring enough heat transfer efficiency, the semiconductor cooler <NUM> may realize a function of saving power.

In some embodiments, the semiconductor cooler <NUM> includes a refrigeration end <NUM> and a heating end <NUM>. The heating end <NUM> is configured to heat the washing water. The tableware washing device <NUM> may further include a fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> is arranged oppositely to the refrigeration end <NUM>. The fan <NUM> is configured to speed up the heat-exchange speed between the refrigeration end <NUM> and the atmosphere air or liquid. Thus, the heat-exchange efficiency of the semiconductor cooler <NUM> may be enhanced.

As shown in <FIG>, in the tableware washing device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the semiconductor cooler <NUM> includes a refrigeration end <NUM> and a heating end <NUM>. The heating end <NUM> is configured to heat the washing water. The tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a heat-exchange pipeline <NUM> connected to the refrigeration end <NUM>, an auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM> and a heat-exchange pump <NUM>. Each of the auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM> and the heat-exchange pump <NUM> is arranged on the heat-exchange pipeline <NUM>. The heat-exchange pipeline <NUM> forms a circulation loop. The auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM> is configured to perform heat exchange with atmosphere air or liquid, and heat the heat-exchange liquid in the heat-exchange pipeline <NUM>. The heat-exchange liquid is pumped by the heat-exchange pump <NUM> to circulate in the circulation loop, and performs heat exchange with the refrigeration end <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM> may be a water-cooled heat exchanger or an air-cooled heat exchanger, which is not limited here.

In some embodiments, the tableware washing device <NUM> may further include a fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> is arranged oppositely to the auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM>. The fan <NUM> is configured to speed up heat-exchange speed between the auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM> and the atmosphere air or liquid. In this way, the heat-exchange efficiency of the auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM> may be increased.

As shown in <FIG>, in the tableware washing device <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the semiconductor cooler <NUM> includes a refrigeration end <NUM> and a heating end <NUM>. The heating end <NUM> is configured to heat the washing water. The tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a heat-exchange pipeline <NUM> and an auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM>. The heat-exchange pipeline <NUM> is connected to the refrigeration end <NUM>. The auxiliary heat exchanger <NUM> is arranged on the heat-exchange pipeline <NUM>. The heat-exchange pipeline <NUM> and the first drainage pipeline <NUM> communicated to the water collection cup <NUM> may cooperate to form a circulation loop. The washing water is then used as the heat-exchange liquid. The heat-exchange liquid is pumped by the drainage pump <NUM> in the first drainage pipeline <NUM> to circulate in the circulation loop, and performs heat exchange with the refrigeration end <NUM>. The washing water is used as the heat-exchange liquid and exchanges heat with the refrigeration end <NUM>, and a stand-alone circulating heat-exchange apparatus for the refrigeration end <NUM> may be omitted. In this way, the overall structure of the tableware washing device <NUM> may be simpler, and better heat-exchange effect is achieved.

In some embodiments, one end of the heat-exchange pipeline <NUM> is connected to the first drainage pipeline <NUM> at a first position, the other end of the heat-exchange pipeline <NUM> is connected to the first drainage pipeline <NUM> at a second position. The first position is located upstream of the second position. The drainage pump <NUM> is arranged between the first position and the second position. The tableware washing device <NUM> further includes a first solenoid valve <NUM>, a second solenoid valve <NUM> and a third solenoid valve <NUM>. The first solenoid valve <NUM> is provided on the first drainage pipeline <NUM> and located upstream of the first position. The second solenoid valve <NUM> is provided on the first drainage pipeline <NUM> and located downstream of the second position. The third solenoid valve <NUM> is provided on the heat-exchange pipeline <NUM>.

Specifically, during the water-injection stage before the cleaning process, the first solenoid valve <NUM> and the third solenoid valve <NUM> open, the second solenoid valve <NUM> closes, such that the current cleaning water is injected into the water collection cup <NUM> and introduced into the circulation loop. During the cleaning process, the first solenoid valve <NUM> and the second solenoid valve <NUM> close, the third solenoid valve <NUM> opens, the heat-exchange liquid is pumped by the drainage pump <NUM> to circulate in the circulation loop. After the cleaning process is completed, the first solenoid valve <NUM> and the second solenoid valve <NUM> open, such that the current cleaning water is discharged via the first drainage pipeline <NUM>. The cleaning process may be the main washing process of the above-mentioned embodiments of the tableware washing device <NUM>, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the tableware washing device <NUM> may further include a water reservoir <NUM>. The water reservoir <NUM> is configured for storing the current cleaning water received from the water collection cup <NUM>. The current cleaning water is used as the heat-exchange liquid in the circulation loop.

Claim 1:
A tableware washing device (<NUM>), comprising:
an inner liner (<NUM>), configured to define a washing cavity (<NUM>) for accommodating a tableware to be washed;
a water collection cup (<NUM>), provided at a bottom of the inner liner (<NUM>), and configured to define a water collection cavity (<NUM>), wherein the water collection cavity (<NUM>) is configured to collect washing water that flows from the washing cavity (<NUM>), the water collection cavity (<NUM>) is communicated to the washing cavity (<NUM>) via a first water supply pipeline (<NUM>), at least one of the water collection cup (<NUM>) and the first water supply pipeline (<NUM>) is provided with a washing pump (<NUM>), the washing pump (<NUM>) is configured to pump the washing water in the water collection cavity (<NUM>) to the washing cavity (<NUM>) through the first water supply pipeline (<NUM>); and
a heating apparatus (<NUM>), configured to selectively heat the washing water;
characterised in that the heating apparatus (<NUM>) comprises a semiconductor cooler (<NUM>), the semiconductor cooler (<NUM>) is configured to perform a primary heating on the washing water,
wherein the semiconductor cooler (<NUM>) comprises a refrigeration end (<NUM>) and a heating end (<NUM>), the heating end (<NUM>) is configured to heat the washing water, the tableware washing device (<NUM>) further comprises a heat-exchange pipeline (<NUM>), an auxiliary heat exchanger (<NUM>) and a heat-exchange pump (<NUM>),
the heat-exchange pipeline (<NUM>) is configured to be connected to the refrigeration end (<NUM>), each of the auxiliary heat exchanger and the heat-exchange pump is provided on the heat-exchange pipeline (<NUM>), the heat-exchange pipeline (<NUM>) is configured to form a circulation loop, heat-exchange liquid is configured to be pumped by the heat-exchange pump to circulate in the circulation loop, and to perform heat exchange with the refrigeration end (<NUM>).