Dishwasher and drying method for a dishwasher

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of dish washer and drying method of dish washer, wherein, the dish washer includes inner container, spray arm device, water cup and fan device, the spray arm device is located in the inner container, the spray arm device includes at least one spray arm, and the spray arm is equipped with spray hole;The water cup is communicated with the spray arm by washing water delivery pipe;The fan device is communicated with the washing water delivery pipe by drying air delivery pipe, the drying air delivery pipe and the washing water delivery pipe meet;In the drying mode of dish washer, the fan device can drive drying air to flow into the spray arm, and is sprayed from the spray hole of the spray arm.The technical scheme of the application can effectively remove the residual water on tableware, and can also dry the washing water delivery pipe, thereby effectively improving the drying effect of the dish washer and improving the user's experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and in particular to a dishwasher and a drying method for the dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] The drying performance of a dishwasher is an important indicator of its quality and a key factor in the user experience. Currently, dishwashers have long drying times and unsatisfactory drying results, often leaving residual water on some dishes after drying.

[0003] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solution of the invention and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a dishwasher that addresses the technical problem of unsatisfactory drying performance in existing dishwashers.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a dishwasher, comprising:

[0006] Inner liner;

[0007] A spray arm device is disposed in the inner liner, the spray arm device includes at least one spray arm, and the spray arm is provided with spray holes;

[0008] A water cup, wherein the water cup is connected to the spray arm via a washing water delivery pipe; and

[0009] A fan device is connected to the washing water supply pipe via a drying air supply pipe, and the drying air supply pipe and the washing water supply pipe intersect. In the drying mode of the dishwasher, the fan device can drive the drying air to flow into the spray arm and spray it out from the spray hole of the spray arm.

[0010] In one embodiment, the dishwasher further includes:

[0011] A pumping device is located between the junction of the washing water delivery pipe and the drying air delivery pipe and the water cup; in the drying mode of the dishwasher, the pumping device is activated to pressurize the drying air delivery pipe.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spray arm device includes at least two spray arms, and the dishwasher further includes a control valve located at the junction of the washing water supply pipe and the drying air supply pipe, or located between the junction of the washing water supply pipe and the drying air supply pipe and the spray arm, for controlling the connection between the drying air supply pipe and the spray arm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control valve is used to control the flow of drying air from the drying air delivery pipe into one of at least two of the spray arms.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control valve has at least two water outlets, each of which is connected to a corresponding spray arm via a pipeline.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the control valve is closed, the drying air delivery pipe is connected to the washing water delivery pipe located between the junction and the water cup.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fan device includes a fan wheel and a heating module, wherein the heating module is located on the air outlet side or air inlet side of the fan wheel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fan device has an air inlet that communicates with the inner liner;

[0018] Alternatively, the air inlet may be connected to the interior.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fan device has a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the first air outlet being connected to the drying air conveying pipe, and the second air outlet being connected to the inner liner;

[0020] The dishwasher also includes a switching switch, which has at least a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the switching switch opens the first air outlet and closes the second air outlet; in the second switching state, the switching switch opens the second air outlet and closes the first air outlet.

[0021] In one embodiment, a bypass delivery pipe is also included;

[0022] The dishwasher also includes a switching switch, which is located on the drying air delivery pipe. The bypass delivery pipe is connected to the inner tub and the switching switch. The switching switch has at least a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the switching switch opens the drying air delivery pipe and closes the bypass delivery pipe to allow drying air to enter the inner tub through the spray arm device. In the second switching state, the switching switch opens the bypass delivery pipe and closes the drying air delivery pipe to allow drying air to enter the inner tub through the bypass delivery pipe.

[0023] In one embodiment, the nozzle is disposed on the upper surface and / or lower surface of the spray arm;

[0024] And / or, the nozzle is located on the side of the spray arm;

[0025] And / or, the nozzle includes a power port to rotate the spray arm by spraying water or air through the power port.

[0026] In one embodiment, the dishwasher further includes a drain pipe and a drain pump, the drain pipe being connected to the water cup and the drain pump being disposed on the drain pipe.

[0027] In one embodiment, a bowl basket is also included, which is disposed within the inner liner.

[0028] The present invention also proposes a drying method for a dishwasher, comprising the following steps:

[0029] Start the fan unit;

[0030] The dry air is controlled to flow into the spray arm and spray out from the nozzle of the spray arm.

[0031] In one embodiment, before or simultaneously with the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arm and ejecting it from the nozzles of the spray arm, the method further includes:

[0032] Start the pumping device to pressurize the drying air delivery pipe.

[0033] In one embodiment, the number of spray arms is at least two, and the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arms and spraying it out from the nozzles of the spray arms includes:

[0034] The dry airflow is controlled to flow into one of the spray arms and spray out from the nozzle of the spray arm;

[0035] The dry air is controlled to flow into another of the spray arms and spray out from the nozzles of that spray arm.

[0036] In one embodiment, after the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arm and ejecting it from the nozzle of the spray arm, the method further includes:

[0037] The control valve of the dishwasher is closed so that the drying air flows sequentially through the pumping device and the water cup.

[0038] In one embodiment, after the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arm and ejecting it from the nozzle of the spray arm, the method further includes:

[0039] Control the direct flow of drying air into the inner liner.

[0040] In one embodiment, after the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the inner liner, the method further includes:

[0041] Shut down the fan unit;

[0042] Control the drain pump to drain the water from the cup.

[0043] The dishwasher of this invention includes an inner tub, a spray arm device, a water cup, and a fan device. The spray arm device is disposed in the inner tub and includes at least one spray arm with spray holes. The water cup is connected to the spray arm via a washing water supply pipe. The fan device is connected to the washing water supply pipe via a drying air supply pipe. In the drying mode of the dishwasher, the fan device can drive drying air into the spray arm and spray it out from the spray holes of the spray arm. In this way, the drying air sprayed through the spray holes on the spray arm can quickly remove water droplets attached to the tableware, completely remove residual water from the tableware, and at the same time dry the washing water supply pipe and related components connected to the washing water supply pipe (pump device, spray arm light), effectively improving the drying effect of the dishwasher and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention (the arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of airflow, the same below);

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spray arm of an embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the drying method of the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the drying method of the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of yet another embodiment of the drying method of the dishwasher of the present invention.

[0052] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0053] label name label name label name 100 dishwasher 30c Lower spray arm 62 First air outlet 10 Inner liner 31 spray nozzle 63 Second air outlet 11 air intake 40 water cup 64 Drying air delivery pipe 12 air outlet 41 Drain pipe 641 Bypass delivery pipe 20a Bowl basket 42 Drain pump 70 control valve 20b Lower basket 50 Pumping device 71 Intersection 30 spray arm 51 Washing water delivery pipe 80 Switch 30a Top spray arm 60 Fan unit 200 tableware 30b Central spray arm 61 air inlet

[0054] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0057] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, if the word "and / or" appears throughout the text, it means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0058] This invention proposes a dishwasher.

[0059] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention proposes a dishwasher 100, which includes an inner tub 10, a spray arm device, a water cup 40, and a fan device 60. The spray arm device is disposed in the inner tub 10 and includes at least one spray arm 30, which has spray holes 31. The water cup 40 is connected to the spray arm 30 through a washing water supply pipe 51. The fan device 60 is connected to the washing water supply pipe 51 through a drying air supply pipe 64, which intersects with the washing water supply pipe 51. In the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the fan device 60 can drive drying air to flow into the spray arm 30 and spray it out from the spray holes 31 of the spray arm 30.

[0060] The dishwasher 100 also includes a dish rack installed in the inner tub 10 for holding bowls, plates, and other tableware 200. The number of dish racks can be one, two, or more, without specific limitation. The spray arm device includes at least one spray arm 30, which is rotatably disposed in the inner tub 10. The spray arm 30 sprays water onto the tableware 200 placed in the dish rack to clean it. Alternatively, the spray arm 30 can be a fixed spray arm, meaning it cannot rotate and is used for directional water spraying. One or more spray nozzles 31 can be provided, depending on the actual situation. The spray arm 30 can be located above or below the dish rack, without specific limitation. The number of spray arms 30 is related to the number of dish racks and can also be one, two, or more, depending on actual usage needs.

[0061] The water cup 40 is located below the inner liner 10 and is mainly used for integration and for suction by the pumping device 50 (in the illustrations of this application, the water cup 40 and the inner liner 10 are separated to better show the flow of the drying air; in reality, the water cup 40 is integrated into the bottom of the inner liner 10). The water cup 40 is connected to the spray arm 30 through the washing water delivery pipe 51, so that the water in the water cup 40 can be directly delivered to the spray arm 30 via the washing water delivery pipe 51. The washing water delivery pipe 51 is a passage for delivering washing water; that is, any passage that can be formed can be considered a washing water delivery pipe 51, and it is not limited to the traditional tubular structure. For example, if the pumping device 50 is directly connected to the water cup 40, the water delivery part of the pumping device 50 can also be considered a washing water delivery pipe 51. The same applies to the drying air delivery pipe 64. The dishwasher 100 also includes a pumping device 50, which is disposed on the washing water delivery pipe 51. The pumping device 50 can be located between the junction 71 of the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the drying air delivery pipe 64 and the water cup 40. Thus, in the washing mode of the dishwasher 100, the water in the water cup 40 is pumped by the pumping device 50 into the washing water delivery pipe 51, then transported through the washing water delivery pipe 51 to the spray arm 30, and finally sprayed out from the spray nozzles 31 of the spray arm 30 to wash the tableware 200 in the dish rack. Specifically, the spray arm 30 is provided with a water inlet, and the washing water delivery pipe 51 can be connected to the water inlet.

[0062] In conventional technology, drying air is introduced into the inner tank 10, which carries away the humid airflow in the inner tank 10 and discharges it to dry the tableware. However, this method does not dry the water supply system. In this embodiment of the invention, the fan device 60 intersects with the washing water supply pipe 51 via the drying air delivery pipe 64. Thus, in the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the drying air can be delivered to the spray arm 30 via the section of the drying air delivery pipe 64 and the washing water supply pipe 51 located at the intersection 71 and the spray arm 30, and then sprayed out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30, directly spraying onto the tableware 200. Furthermore, for the rotating spray arm 30, the spray arm 30 rotates when spraying airflow, thereby greatly improving the turbulence performance of the airflow, which can quickly remove water droplets attached to the tableware 200 and completely remove residual water from the tableware 200. At the same time, it can also dry the washing water supply pipe 51. Compared with the traditional dishwasher 100 that only dries the tableware and not the water supply system, this application can effectively improve the drying performance and drying efficiency of the dishwasher 100. It is understandable that the drying mode is the mode in which the dishwasher needs to dry the dishes after completing the water spray washing mode, and the drying air can be either cold or hot.

[0063] In this embodiment of the invention, the fan device 60 can also communicate with the interior of the inner liner 10. Specifically, the fan device 60 is provided with an air inlet 61, and the fan device 60 can communicate with the air inlet 61. In this way, in the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the drying air is internally circulated under the drive of the fan device 60.

[0064] The dishwasher 100 of this invention includes an inner tub 10, a spray arm device, a water cup 40, and a fan device 60. The spray arm device is disposed in the inner tub 10 and includes at least one spray arm 30 with at least one spray hole 31. The water cup 40 is connected to the spray arm 30 via a washing water delivery pipe 51. The fan device 60 is connected to the washing water delivery pipe 51 via a drying air delivery pipe 64. In the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the fan device 60 can drive drying air to flow into the spray arm 30 and spray it out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30. Thus, by spraying drying air through the spray hole 31 on the spray arm 30, water droplets attached to the tableware 200 can be quickly removed, and residual water on the tableware 200 can be completely removed. At the same time, the washing water delivery pipe 51 can be dried, effectively improving the drying effect of the dishwasher 100 and enhancing the user experience.

[0065] In one embodiment, during the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the pumping device 50 is activated to pressurize the drying air delivery pipe 64.

[0066] Specifically, in the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the pumping device 50 can pressurize the drying air delivery pipe 64 while idling. At this time, the pumping device 50 acts as a blower, better driving the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 into the spray arm 30 and ejecting it from the spray nozzles 31 of the spray arm 30. The pumping device 50 can be a washing pump, but is not limited to it.

[0067] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the dishwasher 100 includes two dish racks, namely an upper dish rack 20a and a lower dish rack 20b, with the upper dish rack 20a located above the lower dish rack 20b. To better clean the tableware 200 in the dish racks, the spray arm device includes at least two spray arms 30, which are arranged vertically. A fan device 60 is connected to each spray arm 30 via a drying air delivery pipe 64, thereby driving drying air into each spray arm 30.

[0068] In this embodiment, the dishwasher 100 further includes a control valve 70, which is located between the junction 71 of the washing water supply pipe 51 and the drying air supply pipe 64 and the spray arm 30. Alternatively, the control valve 70 can be located at the junction 71 of the washing water supply pipe 51 and the drying air supply pipe 64. The control valve 70 is used to control the connection between the drying air supply pipe 64 and the spray arm 30. That is, by controlling the control valve 70, the corresponding pipes are opened or closed, thereby controlling the corresponding spray arm 30 to spray airflow.

[0069] Furthermore, the control valve 70 is used to control the flow of drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 into one of the at least two spray arms 30.

[0070] Considering that if the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 is evenly distributed to each of the spray arms 30, the airflow force and volume of the drying air sprayed by each spray arm 30 would be relatively small, which would be detrimental to completely removing residual water from the tableware 200, the control valve 70 can be used to control the flow of the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 into one of the spray arms 30. This increases the airflow force and volume of the drying air sprayed by that spray arm 30, effectively and thoroughly drying the residual water on the tableware 200.

[0071] Specifically, the control valve 70 is a water distribution valve. The control valve 70 includes a valve seat and a water exchange knob. The valve seat has an inlet and at least two water distribution ports. The water exchange knob is rotatably connected to the valve seat. Rotating the water exchange knob allows selection of the connection between the inlet and one of the water distribution ports. It can be understood that the control valve 70 has at least two positions, namely position A and position B. When the water exchange knob is rotated to position A, the inlet is connected to one of the water distribution ports; when the water exchange knob is rotated to position B, the inlet is connected to the other water distribution port. Each water distribution port corresponds one-to-one with a spray arm 30, meaning each water distribution port is connected to a corresponding spray arm 30 via a pipe. Thus, rotating the water exchange knob controls the flow of drying air from the drying air delivery pipe 64 into one of the spray arms 30.

[0072] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Optionally, the spray arm device includes three spray arms 30: a top spray arm 30a, a middle spray arm 30b, and a lower spray arm 30c. The top spray arm 30a is located above the upper bowl basket 20a, the middle spray arm 30b is located between the upper bowl basket 20a and the lower bowl basket 20b, and the lower spray arm 30c is located below the lower bowl basket 20b. The top spray arm 30a, the middle spray arm 30b, and the lower spray arm 30c are respectively connected to the three water outlets of the control valve 70 through pipelines, so that the control valve 70 can control the flow of water from the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the water from the drying air delivery pipe 64 into one of the spray arms 30.

[0073] For ease of description, the three water outlets of the control valve 70 can be defined as the first water outlet, the second water outlet, and the third water outlet. The first water outlet, the second water outlet, and the third water outlet are respectively connected to the top spray arm 30a, the middle spray arm 30b, and the lower spray arm 30c. Accordingly, the control valve 70 has three positions, namely position A, position B, and position C. When the water change knob is rotated to position A, the water inlet is connected to the first water distributor. At this time, the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 can flow into the top spray arm 30a and be sprayed out from the spray hole 31 of the top spray arm 30a. After a period of time, the water change knob is rotated to position B, and the water inlet is connected to the second water distributor. At this time, the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 can flow into the middle spray arm 30b and be sprayed out from the spray hole 31 of the middle spray arm 30b. After a period of time, the water change knob is rotated to position C, and the water inlet is connected to the third water distributor. At this time, the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 can flow into the lower spray arm 30c and be sprayed out from the spray hole 31 of the lower spray arm 30c.

[0074] Considering that the drying air can be ejected from the nozzle 31 of the spray arm 30, there are various possible positions for the nozzle 31. For example, please refer to... Figure 4 The nozzle 31 is disposed on the upper or lower surface of the spray arm 30, and / or, the nozzle 31 is disposed on the side of the spray arm 30, and / or, the nozzle 31 includes a power port ( Figure 4 The outermost hole (as shown) allows the spray arm 30 to rotate by spraying water or air through the power hole. The power hole generally forms a certain angle with the spray arm 30, so that when water / drying air is sprayed from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30, the spray arm 30 can rotate freely under the action of the sprayed air / water. By driving the spray arm 30 to rotate, it can spray drying air in multiple directions, thus spraying drying air onto the tableware 200 from multiple angles, which can more thoroughly remove residual water from the tableware 200 and achieve more effective drying.

[0075] Please see Figure 2 When the control valve 70 is closed, the drying air delivery pipe 64 connects to the washing water delivery pipe 51 located between the junction 71 and the water cup 40. Thus, when the control valve 70 is closed, due to the space between the impeller and impeller housing within the pumping device 50, the drying air can flow sequentially through the pumping device 50 and the water cup 40, thereby completely removing residual water from the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the pumping device 50, thoroughly drying them, and effectively preventing bacterial growth and odor.

[0076] The structure of the fan device 60 can vary. For example, the fan device 60 includes a fan housing and a fan impeller disposed within the fan housing. The fan housing has an air inlet 61 and an air outlet. The fan impeller drives drying air to flow into the fan housing through the air inlet 61 and out through the air outlet. In one embodiment, the fan device 60 further includes a heating module disposed within the fan housing and located on the air outlet side or air inlet side of the fan impeller. Here, the air outlet side of the fan impeller refers to the side of the fan impeller closer to the air outlet, and the air inlet side of the fan impeller refers to the side of the fan impeller closer to the air inlet.

[0077] In this embodiment, the heating module is mainly used to heat the drying air flowing through the impeller, so that the drying air blown out from the air outlet of the fan housing is hot air. In the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the hot air blown out by the fan device 60 is delivered to the spray arm 30 by the drying air delivery pipe 64, and then sprayed out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30. The hot air can dry the tableware 200 in the dish rack more quickly and thoroughly, improving the drying efficiency and drying performance of the dishwasher 100. The heating module may include heating tubes, heating elements, or PTC heating elements, etc., without specific limitations.

[0078] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the air inlet 61 is connected to the inner liner 10. Specifically, the air inlet 61 is connected to the air outlet 12 of the inner liner 10, thus enabling air circulation within the dishwasher 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the air inlet 61 may also be directly connected to the interior.

[0079] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the air outlet includes a first air outlet 62 and a second air outlet 63. The first air outlet 62 is connected to the drying air delivery pipe 64, and the second air outlet 63 is connected to the inner liner 10. The dishwasher 100 also includes a switch 80, which has at least a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the switch 80 opens the first air outlet 62 and closes the second air outlet 63; in the second switching state, the switch 80 opens the second air outlet 63 and closes the first air outlet 62.

[0080] It should be noted that, in the first switching state, the first air outlet 62 is open and the second air outlet 63 is closed. At this time, the drying air in the fan device 60 can flow into the drying air delivery pipe 64 through the first air outlet 62, and further be delivered to the spray arm 30 or the washing water delivery pipe 51 via the drying air delivery pipe 64, thereby drying the tableware 200 in the inner tank 10 and drying the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the pumping device 50. In the second switching state, the second air outlet 63 is open and the first air outlet 62 is closed. At this time, the drying air in the fan device 60 can flow into the inner tank 10 through the second air outlet 63 to dry the tableware 200 in the inner tank 10.

[0081] It is worth mentioning that by first switching to the first switching state, the drying air flows into the spray arm 30 through the drying air delivery pipe 64 and is sprayed onto the tableware 200 from the spray holes 31 of the spray arm 30 to dry the tableware 200. Then, by switching to the second switching state, the drying air flows into the inner liner 10 to dry the tableware 200 again. This effectively prevents the drying air from flowing into the inner liner 10 first to dry the tableware 200, and then being introduced into the drying air delivery pipe 64 to bring out humid air, which would affect the drying effect on the tableware. Furthermore, by directly inputting the drying air into the inner liner 10, wind resistance and noise are reduced. Especially for hot air, it also avoids heat loss due to the extension of the delivery pipe.

[0082] In one embodiment, another switching method is also provided, such as Figure 3 As shown, the dishwasher 100 also includes a bypass delivery pipe 641;

[0083] The dishwasher 100 also includes a switching switch 80, which is disposed on the drying air delivery pipe 64. The bypass delivery pipe 641 is connected to the inner tank 10 and the switching switch 80 respectively. The switching switch 80 has at least a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the switching switch 80 opens the drying air delivery pipe 64 and closes the bypass delivery pipe 641 to allow drying air to enter the inner tank 10 through the spray arm device. In the second switching state, the switching switch 80 opens the bypass delivery pipe 641 and closes the drying air delivery pipe 64 to allow drying air to enter the inner tank 10 through the bypass delivery pipe 641.

[0084] In this embodiment, by setting a switching switch 80 on the drying air delivery pipe 64, for example, setting the switching switch 80 at 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 1 / 4, etc. of the length of the drying air delivery pipe 64, and then connecting the bypass delivery pipe 641 to the switching switch 80, the fan device 60 can be equipped with only one air outlet, and the flow direction of the drying air can be adjusted. In the second switching state, the switching switch 80 closes the drying air delivery pipe 64, that is, the drying air no longer flows out of the drying air delivery pipe 64, but it can still be transmitted in a part of the drying air delivery pipe 64, such as the drying air being transmitted to the bypass delivery pipe 64 through a local drying air delivery pipe 64 upstream of the switching switch 80.

[0085] In one embodiment, the second air outlet 63 is connected to the air inlet 11 of the inner liner 10. The air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12 of the inner liner 10 are located on the same side wall of the inner liner 10, and the air inlet 11 is located below the air outlet 12. This reduces the need for ductwork and simplifies the connection structure between the fan device 60 and the inner liner 10.

[0086] Additionally, please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dishwasher 100 also includes a drain assembly for draining water from the water cup 40. Specifically, the drain assembly includes a drain pipe 41 and a drain pump 42. The drain pipe 41 is connected to the water cup 40, and the drain pump 42 is mounted on the drain pipe 41 to drive water from the water cup 40 out of the drain pipe 41.

[0087] The present invention also proposes a drying method for a dishwasher 100, the specific structure of which is described in the above embodiments. Since the dishwasher 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it also possesses all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0088] Please see Figure 5 In one embodiment, the drying method of the dishwasher 100 includes the following steps:

[0089] Step S10: Start the fan unit 60;

[0090] In step S20, the drying air is controlled to flow into the spray arm 30 through the drying air delivery pipe 64 and spray out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30.

[0091] The dishwasher 100 includes an inner tub 10, a spray arm device, a fan device 60, a water cup 40, and a pumping device 50. The spray arm device is located in the inner tub 10 and includes at least one spray arm 30 with multiple spray holes 31. The water cup 40 is connected to the spray arm 30 via a washing water delivery pipe 51. The pumping device 50 is located between the water cup 40 and the intersection 71 of the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the drying air delivery pipe 64. The fan device 60 is connected to the washing water delivery pipe 51 via the drying air delivery pipe 64.

[0092] In the washing mode of the dishwasher 100, the pumping device 50 is activated. The pumping device 50 pumps water from the water cup 40 into the washing water delivery pipe 51, which then delivers it to the spray arm 30. Finally, the water is sprayed from the spray nozzles 31 of the spray arm 30 to wash the tableware 200 in the dish rack. In the drying mode of the dishwasher 100, the fan device 60 is activated. The fan device 60 drives drying air through the drying air delivery pipe 64 and the section of the washing water delivery pipe 51 located between the junction 71 and the spray arm 30, delivering it to the spray arm 30. The air is then sprayed from the spray nozzles 31 onto the tableware 200, quickly removing water droplets and completely removing residual water. Simultaneously, the washing water delivery pipe 51 is also activated, effectively improving the drying performance and efficiency of the dishwasher 100. The drying air can be cold air, but for better drying results, it can also be hot air; no specific limitation is made.

[0093] In one embodiment, prior to step S20, the method further includes:

[0094] Step S30: Start the pumping device 50 to pressurize the drying air delivery pipe 64.

[0095] Specifically, the pumping device 50 can be a washing pump. When the water cup 40 can also connect with the drying air delivery pipe 64 through the washing water delivery pipe 51, after the pumping device 50 is started, the pumping device 50 can pressurize the drying air delivery pipe 64 by idling. At this time, the pumping device 50 can act as a blower, which can better drive the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 into the spray arm 30 and spray it out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30.

[0096] In one embodiment, the number of spray arms 30 is at least two, and the at least two spray arms 30 can be arranged in a vertical direction. The fan device 60 is connected to each of the spray arms 30, so that the fan device 60 can drive drying airflow into each of the spray arms 30.

[0097] Please see Figure 6 Step S20 includes:

[0098] Step S21: Control the drying air to flow into one of the spray arms 30 via the drying air delivery pipe 64 and spray it out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30;

[0099] In step S22, the drying air is controlled to flow into another spray arm 30 via the drying air delivery pipe 64 and is ejected from the nozzle 31 of the spray arm 30.

[0100] Considering that if the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 is evenly distributed to each of the spray arms 30, the airflow force and volume of the drying air sprayed by each spray arm 30 would be relatively small, which would be detrimental to completely removing residual water from the tableware 200, a control valve 70 is located between the junction 71 of the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the drying air delivery pipe 64 and the spray arm 30. This allows the control valve 70 to control the drying air in the drying air delivery pipe 64 to flow sequentially into each spray arm 30, thereby increasing the airflow force and volume of the drying air sprayed by each spray arm 30, effectively and thoroughly drying the residual water on the tableware 200.

[0101] Optionally, step S21 includes:

[0102] In step S211, within a first preset time period, the drying air is controlled to flow into one of the spray arms 30 via the drying air delivery pipe 64 and is sprayed out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30. The first preset time can be selected and set according to the actual usage situation, for example, the first preset time can be 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, etc.

[0103] Step S22 may include:

[0104] In step S221, within a second preset time period, the drying air is controlled to flow into another spray arm 30 via the drying air delivery pipe 64 and is then sprayed out from the spray hole 31 of the spray arm 30. The second preset time can be selected and set according to actual usage conditions; for example, the second preset time can be 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, etc. Optionally, the second preset time is equal to the first preset time; of course, the second preset time may also be different from the first preset time, without specific limitation.

[0105] If the number of spray arms 30 is three, namely a top spray arm 30a, a middle spray arm 30b, and a lower spray arm 30c, with the top spray arm 30a positioned above the upper basket 20a, the middle spray arm 30b positioned between the upper basket 20a and the lower basket 20b, and the lower spray arm 30c positioned below the lower basket 20b, and the top spray arm 30a, the middle spray arm 30b, and the lower spray arm 30c respectively connected to the three water distribution ports (first water distribution port, second water distribution port, and third water distribution port) of the control valve 70, then step S20 includes:

[0106] Step S23: Control the drying air to flow into the top spray arm 30a through the drying air delivery pipe 64 and spray out from the spray hole 31 of the top spray arm 30a;

[0107] Step S24: Control the drying air to flow into the middle spray arm 30b through the drying air delivery pipe 64 and spray out from the spray hole 31 of the middle spray arm 30b;

[0108] Step S25: Control the drying air to flow into the lower spray arm 30c via the drying air delivery pipe 64, and spray it out from the spray hole 31 of the lower spray arm 30c.

[0109] It should be noted that the order of steps 23, 24, and 25 is not important and can be selected and designed according to actual usage needs.

[0110] In one embodiment, after step 20, the method further includes:

[0111] Step 40: Control the drying air to flow sequentially through the pumping device 50 and the water cup 40.

[0112] Specifically, when the control valve 70 is closed, the drying air delivery pipe 64 is connected to the washing water delivery pipe 51 located between the junction 71 and the water cup 40. Thus, when the control valve 70 is closed, the drying air can flow sequentially through the pumping device 50 and the water cup 40, thereby completely removing residual water from the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the pumping device 50, thoroughly drying them, and effectively preventing bacterial growth and odor.

[0113] In one embodiment, prior to step 20, the method further includes:

[0114] Step 50: Control the switching switch 80 to switch to the first switching state so that the first air outlet 62 of the fan device 60 is connected to the drying air delivery pipe 64.

[0115] Specifically, the air outlet of the fan device 60 includes a first air outlet 62 and a second air outlet 63. The first air outlet 62 is connected to the drying air delivery pipe 64, and the second air outlet 63 is connected to the inner tank 10. The dishwasher 100 also includes a switch 80, which has a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the switch 80 opens the first air outlet 62 and closes the second air outlet 63. At this time, the drying air in the fan device 60 can flow into the drying air delivery pipe 64 through the first air outlet 62, and is further delivered to the spray arm 30 or the washing water delivery pipe 51 through the drying air delivery pipe 64, thereby drying the tableware 200 in the inner tank 10 and drying the washing water delivery pipe 51 and the pumping device 50.

[0116] Please see Figure 7 In one embodiment, after step 20, the method further includes:

[0117] Step 60: Control the drying air to flow directly into the inner liner 10.

[0118] It is worth mentioning that the drying air first flows into the spray arm 30 through the drying air delivery pipe 64, and is sprayed onto the tableware 200 from the spray holes 31 of the spray arm 30 to dry the tableware 200. Then, the drying air flows into the inner liner 10 to dry the tableware 200 again. This effectively prevents the drying air from flowing into the inner liner 10 first to dry the tableware 200, and then being introduced into the drying air delivery pipe 64 to bring out humid air, which would affect the drying effect on the tableware. Here, the drying air delivery pipe 64 is directly connected to the inner liner 10, and the drying air is directly input into the inner liner 10 through the drying air delivery pipe 64.

[0119] Prior to step 60, the procedure also includes:

[0120] Step 70: Control the switching switch 80 to switch to the second switching state so that the second air outlet 63 of the fan device 60 is connected to the inner liner 10.

[0121] In the second switching state, the second air outlet 63 is opened and the first air outlet 62 is closed. At this time, the drying air in the fan device 60 can flow into the inner liner 10 through the second air outlet 63 to dry the tableware 200 in the inner liner 10.

[0122] Please see Figure 7 In one embodiment, after step 50, the method further includes:

[0123] Step 80, shut down the fan device 60;

[0124] Step 90: Control the drain pump 42 to drain the water from the water cup 40.

[0125] Specifically, the dishwasher 100 further includes a drain assembly for draining water from the water cup 40. The drain assembly includes a drain pipe 41 and a drain pump 42. The drain pipe 41 is connected to the water cup 40, and the drain pump 42 is mounted on the drain pipe 41 to drive water from the water cup 40 out of the drain pipe 41.

[0126] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, characterized in that, include: Inner liner; A spray arm device is disposed in the inner liner, the spray arm device includes at least one spray arm, and the spray arm is provided with spray holes; A water cup, wherein the water cup is connected to the spray arm via a washing water delivery pipe; and A fan device is provided, wherein the fan device is connected to the washing water conveying pipe through a drying air conveying pipe, and the drying air conveying pipe and the washing water conveying pipe intersect; the fan device has an air inlet, a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the air inlet is connected to the inner liner, the first air outlet is connected to the drying air conveying pipe, and the second air outlet is connected to the inner liner. A pumping device is located between the junction of the washing water delivery pipe and the drying air delivery pipe and the water cup; in the drying mode of the dishwasher, the pumping device is started and idled to pressurize the drying air delivery pipe, and the fan device can drive the drying air to flow into the spray arm and spray it out from the spray hole of the spray arm. The switch has at least a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the switch opens the first air outlet and closes the second air outlet. In the second switching state, the switching switch opens the second air outlet and closes the first air outlet.

2. The dishwasher as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spray arm device includes at least two spray arms, and the dishwasher also includes a control valve located at the junction of the washing water supply pipe and the drying air supply pipe, or located between the junction of the washing water supply pipe and the drying air supply pipe and the spray arm, for controlling the connection between the drying air supply pipe and the spray arm.

3. The dishwasher as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control valve is used to control the flow of drying air from the drying air delivery pipe into one of at least two of the spray arms.

4. The dishwasher as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control valve is provided with at least two water outlets, and each water outlet is connected to a corresponding spray arm through a pipeline.

5. The dishwasher as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the control valve is closed, the drying air delivery pipe is connected to the washing water delivery pipe located between the junction and the water cup.

6. The dishwasher as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fan device includes a fan wheel and a heating module, with the heating module located on the air outlet side or air inlet side of the fan wheel.

7. The dishwasher as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bypass delivery pipe. The switching switch is located on the fan device and is connected to the first air outlet. The bypass delivery pipe is connected to the second air outlet and the switching switch respectively. In the first switching state, the switching switch opens the drying air delivery pipe and closes the bypass delivery pipe so that the drying air enters the inner liner through the spray arm device. In the second switching state, the switching switch opens the bypass delivery pipe and closes the drying air delivery pipe so that the drying air enters the inner liner through the bypass delivery pipe.

8. The dishwasher as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The nozzle is located on the upper and / or lower surface of the spray arm; And / or, the nozzle is located on the side of the spray arm; And / or, the nozzle includes a power port to rotate the spray arm by spraying water or air through the power port.

9. The dishwasher as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The dishwasher also includes a drain pipe and a drain pump, the drain pipe being connected to the water cup and the drain pump being mounted on the drain pipe.

10. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bowl basket, which is disposed in the inner liner.

11. A drying method for a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher is the dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The drying method of the dishwasher includes the following steps: Start the fan unit; The dry air is controlled to flow into the spray arm and spray out from the nozzle of the spray arm.

12. The drying method of the dishwasher as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Before or simultaneously with the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arm and ejecting it from the nozzle of the spray arm, the method further includes: Start the pumping device to pressurize the drying air delivery pipe.

13. The drying method of the dishwasher as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The number of spray arms is at least two, and the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arms and spraying it out from the nozzles of the spray arms includes: The dry airflow is controlled to flow into one of the spray arms and spray out from the nozzle of the spray arm; The dry air is controlled to flow into another of the spray arms and spray out from the nozzles of that spray arm.

14. The drying method of the dishwasher as described in claim 11, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arm and ejecting it from the nozzles of the spray arm, the method further includes: The control valve of the dishwasher is closed so that the drying air flows sequentially through the pumping device and the water cup.

15. The drying method of the dishwasher as described in claim 11, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the spray arm and ejecting it from the nozzles of the spray arm, the method further includes: Control the direct flow of drying air into the inner liner.

16. The drying method of the dishwasher as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Following the step of controlling the flow of drying air into the inner liner, the method further includes: Turn off the fan unit; Control the drain pump to drain the water from the cup.

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