A moisture drying device and a dishwasher
By adopting an inclined fan and airflow design in the dishwasher, the air intake area is increased, which solves the problems of high humidity in the inner tank and low drying efficiency, achieving rapid drying and cost reduction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HANGZHOU ROBAM APPLIANCES CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
Smart Images
Figure CN117503012B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a moisture drying device and a dishwasher. Background Technology
[0002] After the dishwasher has been running, the temperature inside the drum is high and the humidity is high. It needs to be dried and cooled in time to avoid water stains on the dishes and to prevent users from being burned when they open the door.
[0003] Current dishwashers typically consist of a casing, an inner tub, and a drying aisle. Both the inner tub and drying aisle are located within the casing. Moisture in the inner tub enters the drying aisle to cool and dehumidify before being expelled. To prevent high humidity in the exhaust gas from causing dampness inside the casing or affecting the kitchen cabinets, outside air is usually introduced into the drying aisle to mix with the moisture, reducing the humidity of the mixture. However, due to limited space within the casing and a small space between the casing and the drying aisle, air entering the drying aisle encounters significant resistance, hindering the mixing of air and moisture. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a moisture drying device and a dishwasher that can improve the drying effect and shorten the drying time.
[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A moisture drying device includes a flow channel shell and a fan;
[0007] A flow channel is formed inside the flow channel shell, and a moisture inlet, an air inlet, and a gas outlet are provided on the flow channel shell. The moisture inlet is used to communicate with the chamber to be dried, and the gas outlet is used to discharge gas from the flow channel.
[0008] The fan is inclinedly disposed in the flow channel so that the axis of the fan is at an angle to the thickness direction of the flow channel. One axial end face of the fan and the inner wall of the flow channel form a first air inlet area. The flow channel shell has a clearance sidewall parallel to the other axial end face of the fan. The outer side of the clearance sidewall forms a second air inlet area.
[0009] The moisture inlet is connected to the first air intake area, and the air inlet is located in the second air intake area.
[0010] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, the projection of the fan's tilt direction onto the clearance sidewall forms an angle with the projection of the flow channel's width direction onto the clearance sidewall.
[0011] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, the straight line containing the diameter of the fan extending in the inclined direction is defined as a reference line, the moisture inlet is located on one side of the reference line, and the air inlet is located on the other side of the reference line.
[0012] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, a flow guide is provided inside the flow channel shell. The flow guide is arranged around the bottom end of the moisture inlet, and the flow guide and the inner wall of the flow channel form a return water trough.
[0013] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, the guide member is U-shaped with its opening facing upwards, and both free end faces of the guide member are provided with arc surfaces.
[0014] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned moisture drying device, the gas outlet includes a reflux port and an exhaust port. The reflux port is used to connect to the chamber to be dried. The flow channel includes a main flow path, a circulating heating branch, and a mixing exhaust branch. The downstream of the main flow path is connected to the circulating heating branch and the mixing exhaust branch, respectively. The circulating heating branch is connected to the reflux port, and the mixing exhaust branch is connected to the exhaust port.
[0015] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, the flow channel shell includes:
[0016] shell;
[0017] A partition is disposed inside the outer casing. The partition has a communication port. One side of the partition and the outer casing form the first air inlet area, and the other side of the partition and the outer casing form a fan mounting cavity. The fan is disposed inside the fan mounting cavity. The partition has a communication port.
[0018] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, the separator includes a main body and a transition plate connected to the edge of the main body. The main body is parallel to the clearance sidewall, and the transition plate extends from the main body to the side away from the clearance sidewall. At least the portion of the transition plate near the moisture inlet is a curved plate.
[0019] As an alternative to the above-mentioned moisture drying device, the moisture inlet is located on the side of the flow channel shell facing the chamber to be dried, and the air inlet is located on the side of the flow channel shell away from the moisture inlet, with the air inlet facing the axial end face of the fan.
[0020] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, the air inlet can be selectively opened or closed.
[0021] As an alternative to the aforementioned moisture drying device, the outer wall of the flow channel shell is recessed to form a concave area, and an air supply port communicating with the second air inlet area is provided in the concave area. The air supply port and the moisture inlet are located on the same side of the flow channel shell.
[0022] A dishwasher includes an inner tub and the aforementioned moisture drying device, wherein the moisture inlet is in communication with the inner tub.
[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0024] In the moisture drying device provided by the present invention, by tilting the fan, the second air inlet area can be increased while keeping the gap between the flow channel shell and the dishwasher shell unchanged, thereby reducing the resistance encountered by the air entering the flow channel and facilitating the smooth mixing of air and moisture in the flow channel.
[0025] In addition, the tilted setting of the fan can increase the first air intake area, which helps to reduce the resistance encountered by moisture in the inner tank when entering the flow channel, and facilitates the smooth mixing of air and moisture in the flow channel, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the inner tank.
[0026] The dishwasher provided by the present invention includes the above-mentioned moisture drying device, which can improve the drying efficiency of the inner tank, reduce costs, and prevent the cabinet from getting damp. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moisture drying device provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moisture drying device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 ;
[0029] Figure 3 This is a front view of the moisture drying device provided by the present invention without the first housing assembled;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the second housing, partition, and fan provided by the present invention;
[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A sectional view;
[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moisture drying device provided by the present invention when the first housing is not assembled;
[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moisture drying device provided by the present invention without the first housing and the fan assembled;
[0034] Figure 8This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the moisture drying device provided by the present invention.
[0035] In the picture:
[0036] 101. Main airflow path; 1011. First air intake area; 1012. Second air intake area; 102. Circulating heating branch; 103. Mixed exhaust branch; 104. Condensate drainage branch; 11. Outer shell; 111. First shell; 1111. Moisture inlet; 1112. Return outlet; 112. Second shell; 1121. Air guide; 11211. Curved surface; 1122. Air inlet; 1123. Clearance sidewall; 113. Exhaust outlet; 114. Air supply outlet; 12. Separator; 121. Connecting port; 122. Main body; 123. Transition plate; 124. Side plate; 125. Air guide structure; 20. Fan; 30. Heating assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.
[0038] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0041] This embodiment provides a moisture drying device for cooling and drying the hot and humid air inside a cavity to be dried. This moisture drying device can be used in a dishwasher; this embodiment uses the inner tub of a dishwasher as an example to illustrate the process.
[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the moisture drying device includes a flow channel shell and a fan 20. A flow channel is formed inside the flow channel shell, which is provided with a moisture inlet 1111, an air inlet 1122, and a gas outlet. The moisture inlet 1111 communicates with a cavity (inner liner in this embodiment) containing moisture to be dried. The air inlet 1122 connects the outside of the flow channel shell to the flow channel. The gas outlet is used to discharge the gas inside the flow channel. The fan 20 is disposed inside the flow channel and drives the airflow to flow along a preset trajectory. Specifically, the fan 20 drives a first airflow from inside the inner liner to enter the flow channel through the moisture inlet 1111, and drives a second airflow from outside the flow channel shell to enter the flow channel through the air inlet 1122. The first and second airflows mix inside the flow channel, and after cooling and reducing humidity within the flow channel, they are discharged outside the flow channel through the gas outlet.
[0043] In this embodiment, the gas outlet includes an exhaust port 113 and a return port 1112. Part of the gas in the flow channel is discharged to the outside of the flow channel shell through the exhaust port 113, and the other part returns to the inner liner through the return port 1112, realizing a circulating flow. By mixing the first airflow inside the inner liner with the second airflow outside the flow channel shell to reduce humidity, a portion of the gas with reduced humidity is directly discharged, while the other portion returns to the inner liner, circulating multiple times to reduce the humidity of the inner liner and improve its drying efficiency.
[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, a main flow path 101 is formed within the flow channel, along with a circulating heating branch 102 and a mixing exhaust branch 103, both connected to the main flow path 101. The circulating heating branch 102 is connected to a return port 1112, and the mixing exhaust branch 103 is connected to an exhaust port 113. At least a portion of the first airflow will mix with the second airflow within the flow channel to form a mixed airflow. A portion of the mixed airflow is discharged through the exhaust port 113 under the drive of the fan 20, while a portion of the first airflow or the remaining mixed airflow returns to the inner liner through the return port 1112.
[0045] The first airflow consists of humid air from the inner liner, and the second airflow consists of dry air from outside the flow channel shell. After the humid air from the inner liner is introduced into the flow channel, at least a portion of the humid air is mixed with the dry air to form a mixed airflow. The mixed airflow has a lower humidity than the humid air and is drier. Part of the mixed airflow is discharged outside the flow channel shell through exhaust port 113, preventing mold and dampness in the cabinet. The remaining gas returns to the inner liner through return port 1112. This remaining gas can be either residual humid air or the mixed airflow. When the remaining gas is residual humid air, the amount of humid air returning to the inner liner is reduced, lowering the humidity inside the liner and accelerating the drying efficiency. When the airflow returning to the inner liner is a mixed airflow, the humidity of the mixed airflow is even lower. After mixing with the airflow inside the liner, it quickly reduces the humidity of the gas inside the liner, improving the drying effect of the liner.
[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the fan 20 is installed in the main flow path 101, and the circumferential edge of the fan 20 is adjacent to the circulating heating branch 102 and the mixing exhaust branch 103, respectively, so that the airflow can enter the circulating heating branch 102 and the mixing exhaust branch 103 respectively under the drive of the fan 20.
[0047] In this embodiment, the fan 20 includes a motor and an impeller. The motor is connected to the impeller via a drive mechanism, and the motor drives the impeller to rotate, thereby driving airflow. Air enters through the axial end face of the impeller and exits through its circumferential surface. The circulating heating branch 102 and the mixing exhaust branch 103 are adjacent to the circumferential surface of the impeller to facilitate the airflow entering the circulating heating branch 102 and the mixing exhaust branch 103 respectively under the drive of the impeller.
[0048] Combination Figures 1-3 As shown, the main flow path 101 is located at the upper end of the flow channel, and the fan 20 is located inside the main flow path 101, downstream of the moisture inlet 1111. The downstream of the main flow path 101 is connected to the circulating heating branch 102 and the mixing exhaust branch 103. The air inlet 1122 is connected to the main flow path 101 and is directly opposite to the axial end face of the fan 20. By directly aligning the air inlet 1122 with the axial end face of the fan 20, the driving effect of the fan 20 on the air outside the flow channel shell can be improved, preventing the airflow inside the flow channel from being discharged to the outside of the flow channel shell through the air inlet 1122.
[0049] Since the moisture drying device is generally installed inside the dishwasher casing, the gap between the flow channel shell and the casing is limited due to the size limitation of the casing. This results in high resistance when air enters the flow channel shell through the air inlet 1122, limiting the amount of air that can enter the flow channel shell. This affects the mixing of airflow in the flow channel, thus affecting the drying efficiency of the inner drum.
[0050] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the fan 20 is inclinedly arranged in the flow channel so that the axis of the fan 20 is set at an angle to the thickness direction of the flow channel, so that the two ends of the fan 20 form air intake areas respectively. The thickness of the air intake area is gradually changed, that is, the thickness of the air intake area is large at one end and small at the other end.
[0051] Specifically, the duct shell includes a clearance sidewall 1123 parallel to the tilt direction of the fan 20. One axial end face of the fan 20 and the inner wall of the flow channel form a first air inlet area 1011. The other axial end face of the fan 20 is parallel to and adjacent to the clearance sidewall 1123. The outer side of the clearance sidewall 1123 forms a second air inlet area 1012. The first air inlet area 1011 is connected to the moisture inlet 1111, and the air inlet 1122 is located in the second air inlet area 1012.
[0052] By tilting the fan 20, the second air intake area 1012 can be increased while keeping the gap between the flow channel housing and the dishwasher housing unchanged. This reduces the resistance encountered by the air entering the flow channel and facilitates the smooth mixing of air and moisture within the flow channel.
[0053] In addition, the inclined setting of the fan 20 can increase the first air intake area 1011, which helps to reduce the resistance encountered by moisture in the inner liner when entering the flow channel, and facilitates the smooth mixing of air and moisture in the flow channel, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the inner liner.
[0054] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the thickness direction of the flow channel is the Z direction, and the tilt direction of the fan 20 is the X direction. The fan 20 is tilted and forms a first air inlet region 1011 and a second air inlet region 1012 with the inner wall of the flow channel. The thickness of the first air inlet region 1011 gradually increases along the positive X direction, and the moisture inlet 1111 is located on one side of the fan 20 along the positive X direction to reduce the resistance to moisture. The thickness of the second air inlet region 1012 gradually decreases along the positive X direction, and the air inlet 1122 is located on one side of the fan 20 along the negative X direction to reduce the resistance to air.
[0055] To reduce the resistance encountered by moisture and air entering the flow channel, the projection of the tilt direction of the fan 20 onto the clearance sidewall 1123 is parallel to the width direction of the flow channel. Figure 3 The projection of the flow channel (in the Y direction) onto the avoidance sidewall 1123 is set at an angle. It can be understood that the dimension of the flow channel in the direction that is set at an angle to the width direction of the flow channel is greater than the width of the flow channel. The above arrangement can increase the first air inlet area 1011 and the second air inlet area 1012, so that the maximum air inlet flow of the flow channel passes through the maximum air intake side of the fan 20, reducing the resistance to the airflow.
[0056] In this embodiment, the tilt direction of the fan 20 forms a 45° angle with the width direction of the flow channel, which can maximize the size of the first air inlet area 1011 and the second air inlet area 1012, thereby reducing the resistance encountered by the airflow when it enters the flow channel.
[0057] In other embodiments, the tilt direction of the fan 20 can be 15°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65° or 70° with the width direction of the flow channel, and the specific size of the included angle can be adjusted as needed.
[0058] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the straight line containing the diameter of the fan 20 extending in the inclined direction is defined as reference line a. A moisture inlet 1111 is provided on one side of reference line a, and an air inlet 1122 is provided on the other side. Reference line a is located between the moisture inlet 1111 and the air inlet 1122, so that both the moisture inlet 1111 and the air inlet 1122 are eccentrically set with respect to reference line a. On the one hand, this increases the distance between the moisture inlet 1111 and the air inlet 1122, avoiding mutual interference of airflow disturbances. On the other hand, it ensures that the moisture inlet 1111 can communicate with the thicker area of the first air inlet region 1011, and that the air inlet 1122 can communicate with the thicker area of the second air inlet region 1012, thereby reducing the resistance encountered by the airflow when entering the flow channel.
[0059] To ensure that the mixed airflow can enter the mixing exhaust branch 103, or can enter the mixing exhaust branch 103 and the circulating heating branch 102 respectively, the impeller is set at the intersection of the main flow path 101, the mixing exhaust branch 103 and the circulating heating branch 102, so as to shorten the distance between the impeller and the mixing exhaust branch 103 and the circulating heating branch 102, so that the mixed airflow mixed at the impeller can enter the mixing exhaust branch 103 or be diverted into the mixing exhaust branch 103 and the circulating heating branch 102.
[0060] For ease of explanation, the connection boundary between the mixing exhaust branch 103 and the main flow path 101 is the first boundary, and the connection boundary between the circulating heating branch 102 and the main flow path 101 is the second boundary. The air inlet 1122 is positioned close to the first boundary so that the mixing position of the first airflow and the second airflow is close to the mixing exhaust branch 103, allowing the mixed airflow to directly enter the mixing exhaust branch 103 under the drive of the fan 20 for convenient discharge.
[0061] To allow the mixed airflow to directly enter the mixing exhaust branch 103, the first boundary coincides with a portion of the impeller's circumferential edge. This arrangement enables the driven airflow to directly enter the mixing exhaust branch 103 after the impeller's circumferential outlet, reducing the flow resistance of the mixed airflow.
[0062] Optionally, the air inlet 1122 is an arc-shaped hole that extends circumferentially along the impeller to increase the flow rate of the second airflow and reduce the humidity of the mixed airflow.
[0063] Air inlet 1122 extends along the first boundary, causing the first airflow and the second airflow to mix at the first boundary. The mixed airflow is driven by fan 20 and basically enters the mixing exhaust branch 103. The first airflow that is not mixed with the second airflow enters the circulating heating branch 102 driven by fan 20.
[0064] In other embodiments, a portion of the air inlet 1122 extends along the first boundary, while the remaining portion of the air inlet 1122 may be located at the second boundary or at other locations in the main flow path 101 other than the first and second boundaries. In all these cases, the first airflow flowing toward the circulating heating branch 102 can be mixed with the second airflow, ensuring that the airflow entering the circulating heating branch 102 is a mixed airflow.
[0065] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the moisture inlet 1111 is located upstream of the fan 20, and the moisture inlet 1111 is offset from the axial end face of the fan 20. This arrangement allows the first airflow with higher humidity to flow through one end of the main flow path 101 before passing through the fan 20, which is beneficial for the condensation and separation of moisture in the first airflow, thereby reducing the humidity of the first airflow in contact with the fan 20 and protecting the fan 20.
[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the flow channel also includes a condensate drainage branch 104, which is connected downstream of the main flow channel 101. A drain outlet connected to the condensate drainage branch 104 is provided on the flow channel shell. During the flow of air within the main flow channel 101, heat is transferred through contact with the flow channel shell, cooling the airflow and causing the moisture carried in the airflow to condense. The condensate flows along the inner wall of the flow channel and enters the condensate drainage branch 104, where it is discharged through the drain outlet.
[0067] Optionally, the drain outlet can be connected to the inner tank to allow condensate to enter the inner tank and be discharged through the inner tank's drainage structure, which helps to simplify the dishwasher's structure and reduce costs.
[0068] In this embodiment, the condensate drainage branch 104 is located between the mixing drainage branch 103 and the circulating heating branch 102. The condensate drainage branch 104 does not need to be large in size. Using the gap between the mixing drainage branch 103 and the circulating heating branch 102 as the condensate drainage branch 104 is beneficial for making reasonable use of the space inside the flow channel shell, thereby reducing the size of the moisture drying device.
[0069] In order to allow condensate to enter the condensate drain branch 104, a flow guiding structure 125 is formed in the flow channel. The flow guiding structure 125 can guide the flow direction of condensate, so that the condensate flows into the condensate drain branch 104 to better discharge the condensate.
[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the flow channel includes a housing 11 and a partition 12. The partition 12 is disposed inside the housing 11 and has a connecting port 121. One side of the partition 12 and the housing 11 form a first air inlet area 1011, and the opposite side of the partition 12 and the housing 11 form a fan mounting cavity. Part of the partition 12 extends from the first air inlet area 1011 into the condensate drainage branch 104 and forms a guide structure 125. Moisture in the inner liner enters the first air inlet area 1011 through the moisture inlet 1111. After cooling, the condensed water flows along the inner wall of the first air inlet area 1011. The condensed water on the partition 12 enters the condensate drainage branch 104 under the action of the guide structure 125, so as to facilitate direct discharge through the condensate drainage branch 104.
[0071] It should be noted that the edge of the separator 12 adjacent to the mixing exhaust branch 103 abuts against the inner wall of the flow channel, meaning the first air inlet area 1011 is not connected to the mixing exhaust branch 103, to prevent condensate from entering the mixing exhaust branch 103 along the separator 12. Similarly, the edge of the separator 12 adjacent to the circulating heating branch 102 abuts against the inner wall of the flow channel, meaning the first air inlet area 1011 is not connected to the circulating heating branch 102, to prevent condensate from entering the circulating heating branch 102 along the separator 12.
[0072] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fan 20 is installed inside the fan mounting cavity. After the moisture in the inner liner enters the first air inlet area 1011, it is condensed and the humidity is reduced. The reduced humidity gas enters the fan mounting cavity through the connecting port 121 and the fan 20. This reduces the contact between moisture and the fan 20, thereby avoiding fan 20 failure and reducing the failure rate of the fan 20.
[0073] To divide a portion of the space within the flow channel into two layers, forming a first air inlet area 1011 and a fan mounting cavity, the partition 12 includes a main body 122, a transition plate 123, and a side plate 124. The main body 122 is parallel to and spaced apart from the clearance sidewall 1123. The transition plate 123 is arranged circumferentially along the main body 122 and connected to the edge of the main body 122. The side plate 124 is connected to the circumferential edge of the transition plate 123 and is arranged around the circumferential edge of the transition plate 123. The side plate 124 is connected to the inner wall of the outer casing 11 opposite to the clearance sidewall 1123, and is used to support the transition plate 123 and the main body 122, so that the inner walls of the main body 122 and the outer casing 11, which are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction, are spaced apart. The side wall of the connecting side plate 124 of the outer casing 11 and the partition 12 together form the fan mounting cavity.
[0074] To reduce airflow resistance along the separator 12, at least a portion of the transition plate 123 near the moisture inlet 1111 is a curved plate. By providing a curved plate to transition between the main body 122 and the side plate 124, a slope is formed on the side of the separator 12 near the moisture inlet 1111, thereby mitigating the angle change of the corner formed between the side plate 124 and the main body 122. This allows the airflow to flow along the slope, reducing the tendency of the airflow direction to change and helping to reduce the resistance encountered by the airflow.
[0075] In addition, the curved panel can increase the first air intake area 1011 to further increase the amount of air intake for moisture entering the air duct.
[0076] To prevent washing water from entering the flow channel through the moisture inlet 1111 during the washing process, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a guide member 1121 is provided inside the flow channel shell. The guide member 1121 is arranged around the bottom end of the moisture inlet 1111, and the guide member 1121 and the inner wall of the flow channel form a return water tank. The return water tank can block the washing water, allowing the washing water to accumulate in the return water tank. The washing water can flow back into the inner tank through the moisture inlet 1111, preventing the washing water from contacting the fan 20.
[0077] The guide vane 1121 is U-shaped with its opening facing upwards, allowing moisture to enter the first air intake area 1011 through the upper opening. The guide vane 1121 directs the moisture, causing the first airflow to flow upwards along its inner wall. This facilitates condensation of moisture on the inner wall of the guide vane 1121 and extends the flow path of the moisture, allowing it to cool and precipitate. The condensate drips into the return water tank and flows back into the inner liner for discharge.
[0078] In addition, moisture can enter the first air intake area 1011 from both sides of the guide 1121, forming two air intake airflows, which can increase the air intake area of the moisture and reduce the flow resistance of the moisture.
[0079] In this embodiment, the lowest point of the return water tank is level with the lowest point of the moisture inlet 1111, so that all the water in the return water tank can flow back into the inner tank.
[0080] Because the flow direction of moisture changes when it enters the first air intake area 1011 from the return water tank, the two free ends of the guide 1121 are provided with arc surfaces 11211 to reduce the flow resistance. The airflow flows along the arc surfaces 11211, reducing vortex separation caused by the flow change and resulting in less resistance.
[0081] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A moisture inlet 1111 is located on one side of the flow channel shell along its thickness direction, and an air inlet 1122 is located on the other side of the flow channel shell along its thickness direction. The air inlet 1122 is directly opposite the axial end face of the fan 20. By setting the air inlet 1122 and the moisture inlet 1111 on opposite sides of the flow channel, when the side of the flow channel shell with the moisture inlet 1111 faces the inner liner and is connected to the inner liner, and the air inlet 1122 is located on the side of the flow channel shell away from the inner liner, air can be introduced into the flow channel through the gap between the flow channel shell and the dishwasher shell, ensuring the amount of air intake.
[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, the outer wall of the flow channel shell is concave to form a recessed area. An air supply port 114 communicating with the second air inlet area 1012 is provided in the recessed area. The air supply port 114 and the moisture inlet 1111 are located on the same side of the flow channel shell. By providing the air supply port 114, the communication area between the flow channel and the outside of the flow channel shell can be increased, thereby increasing the airflow rate into the flow channel, increasing the amount of air mixed with moisture, and helping to shorten the drying time of the inner liner.
[0083] In this embodiment, the surface of the flow channel shell facing the inner liner is defined as the front surface, and both the air supply port 114 and the moisture inlet 1111 are located on the front surface. The recessed area penetrates the left or right side of the flow channel shell so that air can enter the recessed area from the left or right side of the flow channel shell, avoiding the problem that air cannot easily enter the recessed area due to the small gap between the inner liner and the flow channel shell.
[0084] The number of recessed areas and the number of air supply ports 114 are both one, and the recessed areas are located on one side of the fan 20. In other embodiments, recessed areas can be provided on both opposite sides of the fan 20, and each recessed area can be provided with an air supply port 114. The number of recessed areas and air supply ports 114 can be adjusted according to actual needs.
[0085] In some embodiments, the air inlet 1122 can be selectively opened or closed. When the air inlet 1122 is open, air can be supplied to the flow channel through the air inlet 1122 to reduce the humidity of the airflow in the flow channel, accelerate the exhaust and drying efficiency of the inner tank; when the air inlet 1122 is closed, it can prevent the air outside the flow channel shell from contacting the fan 20. Since the working environment of the dishwasher is humid, closing the air inlet 1122 can prevent moisture from corroding the fan 20 and prevent the fan 20 from getting damp and rusting.
[0086] To enable the air inlet 1122 to be opened or closed, a switching valve can be installed at the air inlet 1122 to control the flow channel to the outside.
[0087] In this embodiment, the fan 20 includes a motor and an impeller. The motor is disposed outside the flow channel housing, and the output end of the motor extends into the flow channel housing and is connected to the impeller for transmission. By disposing of the motor outside the flow channel housing, it is convenient to maintain and replace the motor. On the other hand, it also reduces the contact between moisture and the motor, preventing short circuits, corrosion, and rust.
[0088] The outer wall of the flow channel shell is recessed to form a motor mounting groove. The motor is placed in the motor mounting groove, which can realize the positioning of the motor and reduce or even avoid the motor protruding from the outer wall of the flow channel shell, thereby reducing the size of the moisture drying device and facilitating installation.
[0089] In this embodiment, the outer casing 11 includes a first casing 111 and a second casing 112, which are assembled along the thickness direction of the flow channel. The outer casing 11 is formed by the first casing 111 and the second casing 112, facilitating the installation of structures such as the separator 12 and the impeller inside the casing. Both the moisture inlet 1111 and the return outlet 1112 are located on the first casing 111.
[0090] To improve the drying efficiency of the inner liner, a heating element 30 is installed in the circulating heating branch 102. The return port 1112 is located downstream of the heating element 30 along the airflow direction, so that the airflow entering the circulating heating branch 102 is first heated by the heating element 30 and then returns to the inner liner through the return port 1112. The airflow entering the inner liner through the return port 1112 is a dry, high-temperature airflow, which can dry the moisture inside the inner liner and improve the drying efficiency.
[0091] Optionally, the heating element 30 can be a PTC heating element or a heating wire. The PTC heating element consists of a PTC ceramic heating element and an aluminum tube, which has the advantages of low thermal resistance and high heat exchange efficiency. The heating wire is generally made of iron-chromium-aluminum or nickel-chromium heating alloy, which has the advantages of high heating temperature, long service life and low cost.
[0092] To ensure that all airflow entering the circulating heating branch 102 is heated by the heating component 30 before entering the inner liner through the return port 1112, the circulating heating branch 102 is divided into a pre-return heating section and a post-return heating section by the heating component 30. The heating component 30 is located at the connection between the pre-return heating section and the post-return heating section, and connects the two sections. Airflow in the pre-return heating section can only enter the post-return heating section after passing through the heating component 30, thus ensuring the heating effect of the heating component 30 on the return airflow.
[0093] In this embodiment, the heating component 30 is a cuboid. One set of oppositely arranged surfaces of the heating component 30 are the air inlet surface and the air outlet surface. The other four side surfaces of the heating component 30 are in contact with the inner wall of the circulating heating branch 102 to ensure that the airflow entering the circulating heating branch 102 passes through the heating component 30.
[0094] Optionally, the heating assembly 30 may include a heating body and multiple fins. The heating body is used to generate heat, and the multiple fins are spaced apart on the heating body to conduct the heat generated by the heating body to the heating airflow. The gap between two adjacent fins is used for airflow.
[0095] In this embodiment, the heating component 30 is disposed within the flow channel shell. The heating component 30 can be disassembled and assembled by removing and installing the outer shell 11. The outer shell 11 encloses the heating component 30, preventing it from contacting other structures and thus protecting it.
[0096] To prevent impurities from the inner liner from entering the flow channel, gratings are installed at both the moisture inlet 1111 and the return outlet 1112. The gratings are used to filter impurities to prevent blockage or contamination inside the flow channel and ensure hygienic use.
[0097] Optionally, the grille can be a cover-type structure, which is connected to the first housing 111 by threads for easy disassembly and replacement.
[0098] To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the heating assembly 30, a window is provided on the flow channel shell, which communicates with the flow channel. The heating assembly 30 includes a mounting base and a heating element. The heating element is mounted on the mounting base, which is detachably connected to the outer wall of the flow channel shell and seals against the window. The heating element is located inside the flow channel. This design allows the heating assembly 30 to be assembled and disassembled from the outside of the flow channel shell, making operation more convenient.
[0099] Alternatively, the mounting base can be fixed to the flow channel housing by fasteners such as screws or pins, or by snap-fit.
[0100] This embodiment also provides a dishwasher, including a housing, an inner tub disposed within the housing, a shelf disposed within the inner tub, a spray assembly disposed within the housing, and the aforementioned moisture drying device. The spray assembly is used to spray washing water onto tableware and other items placed on the shelf within the inner tub to clean the tableware. The moisture inlet 1111 and the return outlet 1112 of the moisture drying device are both connected to the inner tub to dry the inner tub.
[0101] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A moisture drying device, characterized in that, Includes flow channel casing and fan (20); A flow channel is formed inside the flow channel shell, and a moisture inlet (1111), an air inlet (1122) and a gas outlet are provided on the flow channel shell. The moisture inlet (1111) is used to communicate with the chamber to be dried, and the gas outlet is used to discharge gas from the flow channel. The fan (20) is inclinedly disposed in the flow channel so that the axis of the fan (20) is set at an angle to the thickness direction of the flow channel. One side axial end face of the fan (20) forms a first air inlet area (1011) with the inner wall of the flow channel. The flow channel shell has a clearance sidewall (1123) parallel to the other side axial end face of the fan (20). The outer side of the clearance sidewall (1123) forms a second air inlet area (1012). The moisture inlet (1111) is connected to the first air intake area (1011), and the air inlet (1122) is located in the second air intake area (1012).
2. The moisture drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projection of the tilt direction of the fan (20) onto the clearance sidewall (1123) forms an angle with the projection of the width direction of the flow channel onto the clearance sidewall (1123).
3. The moisture drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The straight line containing the diameter of the fan (20) extending in the inclined direction is defined as the reference line. The moisture inlet (1111) is located on one side of the reference line, and the air inlet (1122) is located on the other side of the reference line.
4. The moisture drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A flow guide (1121) is provided inside the flow channel shell. The flow guide (1121) is arranged around the bottom end of the moisture inlet (1111). The flow guide (1121) and the inner wall of the flow channel form a return water trough.
5. The moisture drying apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow guide (1121) is U-shaped with its opening facing upward, and both free end faces of the flow guide (1121) are provided with arc surfaces (11211).
6. The moisture drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The gas outlet includes a return port (1112) and an exhaust port (113). The return port (1112) is used to connect to the drying chamber. The flow channel includes a main flow path (101), a circulating heating branch (102), and a mixing exhaust branch (103). The downstream of the main flow path (101) is connected to the circulating heating branch (102) and the mixing exhaust branch (103). The circulating heating branch (102) is connected to the return port (1112), and the mixing exhaust branch (103) is connected to the exhaust port (113).
7. The moisture drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The flow channel shell includes: Outer shell (11); A partition (12) is disposed inside the outer shell (11). The partition (12) is provided with a communication port (121). One side of the partition (12) and the outer shell (11) form the first air inlet area (1011). The other side of the partition (12) and the outer shell (11) form a fan mounting cavity. The fan (20) is disposed in the fan mounting cavity. The partition (12) is provided with a communication port (121).
8. The moisture drying apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The separator (12) includes a main body and a transition plate connected to the edge of the main body. The main body is parallel to the avoidance sidewall (1123). The transition plate extends from the main body to the side away from the avoidance sidewall (1123). At least the portion of the transition plate near the moisture inlet (1111) is a curved plate.
9. The moisture drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The moisture inlet (1111) is located on the side of the flow channel shell facing the chamber to be dried, and the air inlet (1122) is located on the side of the flow channel shell away from the moisture inlet (1111). The air inlet (1122) is directly opposite the axial end face of the fan (20).
10. The moisture drying apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The air inlet (1122) can be selectively opened or closed.
11. The moisture drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the flow channel shell is recessed to form a recessed area. An air supply port (114) communicating with the second air inlet area (1012) is provided in the recessed area. The air supply port (114) and the moisture inlet (1111) are located on the same side of the flow channel shell.
12. A dishwasher, comprising an inner tub, characterized in that, It also includes a moisture drying device as described in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the moisture inlet (1111) is in communication with the inner liner.