Dish washing machine and exhaust control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a dish washing machine and an exhaust control method thereof. The dish-washing machine comprises an inner container, a water storage cup, an air inlet device and an air exhaust device, and a washing space is formed in the inner container; the water storage cup is located at the bottom end of the inner container and comprises a water return area communicated with the washing space. The gas inlet device is used for providing gas for drying to the washing space; the exhaust device is used for exhausting gas in the washing space and comprises an exhaust pipeline provided with an exhaust channel, the water return area is communicated with the exhaust channel to form a first exhaust path, at least part of the exhaust channel in the first exhaust path is higher than the normal working liquid level of the dish washing machine, and the end, away from the water storage cup, of the exhaust channel is communicated with the outside. According to the scheme, the airflow in the washing space carries more water vapor when passing through the water storage cup, so that discharge of residual water in the water storage cup is accelerated, and the overall drying effect of the washing space of the dish washing machine is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and in particular to a dishwasher and an exhaust control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that automatically washes bowls, chopsticks, plates, dishes, knives, forks and other tableware. During the cleaning process of the dishwasher, a large amount of water vapor will be generated, as well as some odor caused by detergents, so the dishwasher needs to be ventilated.

[0003] Because there's no heat source at the bottom of the dishwasher, hot air rises during the drying process, creating a temperature difference within the dishwasher's inner tank. Exhaust inlets are typically located on the sidewalls of the inner tank. This high-positioned exhaust draws air away from the hotter air, lowering the average inner tank temperature. This accelerates heat loss and increases drying energy consumption.

[0004] The remaining water in the dishwasher usually accumulates in the water cup at the lowest point at the bottom of the inner tank. When drying or storing, it is difficult for air to blow to the water cup, resulting in slow evaporation of the remaining water in the water cup, which easily causes odor. In other words, the low place (especially the low dead corner such as the water cup) is prone to poor drying effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a dishwasher and an exhaust control method thereof to address the problems of heat loss caused by exhaust in existing dishwashers and poor drying effect at low locations.

[0006] A dishwasher comprises an inner tank, a water storage cup, an air intake device and an exhaust device, wherein a washing space is provided inside the inner tank; the water storage cup is located at the bottom end of the inner tank and comprises a water return area connected to the washing space; the air intake device is used to provide drying gas to the washing space; the exhaust device is used to exhaust gas within the washing space, the exhaust device comprises an exhaust pipe provided with an exhaust channel, and the water return area and the exhaust channel are connected to form a first exhaust path, at least a portion of the exhaust channel in the first exhaust path is higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher, and the exhaust channel is connected to the outside at one end away from the water storage cup.

[0007] In one embodiment, the water storage cup is provided with an air outlet connected to the water return area, the air outlet is located on the bottom surface of the water storage cup or the bottom end of the side wall of the water storage cup, and the exhaust channel is connected to the air outlet.

[0008] In one embodiment, the exhaust device includes a detection element, which is used to detect temperature and humidity. The detection element is located in the first exhaust path and acts on the air outlet.

[0009] In one embodiment, the exhaust duct includes a hanging height component, and the hanging height component includes a hanging height section that is higher than a normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher.

[0010] In one embodiment, the hanging height component includes a shell, a first air inlet and an exhaust port opened in the shell and spaced apart, the first air inlet is connected to the return water area, and the exhaust port is connected to the outside, a first air path connecting the first air inlet and the exhaust port is provided inside the shell, the connected first air inlet, the first air path and the exhaust port are part of the exhaust channel, and at least part of the first air path is higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher, and the first air path that is higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher is the hanging height section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inlet of the hanging section is at least partially higher than the lowest point of the first air inlet.

[0012] In one embodiment, the hanging assembly further includes a barrier extending from the bottom surface toward the top of the shell, the first air inlet and the exhaust port are respectively arranged on both sides of the barrier, and the shell and the barrier jointly define the first air path, the top of the barrier is higher than the top of the water storage cup, and the first air path at the top of the barrier is the hanging section.

[0013] In one embodiment, the exhaust duct further includes a converging channel, one end of which is connected to the washing space or the outside, and the other end of which is connected to a portion of the exhaust channel located downstream of the hanging section.

[0014] In one embodiment, a flow limiting plate is provided in the converging channel to divide the converging channel in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction, and the flow limiting plate is provided with a through hole penetrating the flow limiting plate in the airflow direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the shell is further provided with a second air inlet connected to the washing space, and a second air path is provided inside the shell, one end of the second air path is connected to the second air inlet, and the other end is connected to the part of the first air path located downstream of the hanging height section.

[0016] In one embodiment, the shell is further provided with a third air inlet connected to the outside, and a third air path is provided inside the shell, one end of the third air path is connected to the third air inlet, and the other end is connected to the part of the first air path located downstream of the hanging height section.

[0017] In one embodiment, the air intake device includes an air inlet connected to the washing space, the air inlet is opened on a side wall of the washing space, and the air intake device, the washing space and the exhaust channel form a circulation loop.

[0018] A method for controlling the exhaust of a dishwasher is provided, and is applied to the dishwasher as described in any of the above embodiments. The method comprises the following steps: determining whether there is water in a water storage cup; if so, controlling the water storage cup to drain water; if not, driving the gas in the washing space to flow to the outside through an exhaust duct.

[0019] The dishwasher provided in the above scheme is provided with an exhaust duct directly connected to the water storage cup, so that the air flow in the washing space passes through the water storage cup at the highest humidity point in the washing space. When the air flow passes through the water storage cup with the highest humidity, it carries more water vapor, thereby accelerating the discharge of residual water in the water storage cup, thereby improving the overall drying effect of the washing space of the dishwasher; and by providing part of the exhaust channel higher than the top of the water storage cup, the residual water in the return water area cannot pass through the exhaust channel higher than the top of the water storage cup, so as to avoid the residual water in the water storage cup flowing to the downstream of the exhaust channel and causing damage to electrical components such as the exhaust fan located downstream of the exhaust channel. The water-blocking function is achieved through the physical height difference, and it has higher reliability compared with electronically controlled switches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a dishwasher in one embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the dishwasher.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the base and water storage cup.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the base and water storage cup from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the hanging height component.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the hanging height component.

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the coordination between the hanging height component and the base.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 10. Dishwasher; 100. Exhaust device; 110. Exhaust duct; 111. Exhaust channel; 120. Hanging height component; 121. Shell; 122. First air inlet; 123. Exhaust port; 124. First air path; 1241. Hanging height section; 125. Blocking member; 126. Converging channel; 1261. Second air path; 1262. Third air path; 127. Second air inlet; 128. Third air inlet; 129. Limiting plate; 1291. Through hole; 200. Inner tank; 210. Washing space; 220. Exhaust port; 300. Door; 400. Skirting board; 500. Air inlet device; 510. Air inlet; 600. Drainage device; 700. Base; 800. Water storage cup; 810. Water return area; 820. Air outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0031] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0034] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a structural diagram of a dishwasher 10 in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 The figure shows the internal structure of a dishwasher 10 in one embodiment of the present application. The dishwasher 10 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes an inner tank 200 with a washing space 210 and a door 300 covering the inner tank 200. The dishwasher 10 also includes a base 700 located below the inner tank 200 and a skirting board 400 connected to the base 700 and located below the door 300. The base 700, the inner tank 200 and the door 300 together enclose a closed washing space 210. Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a base 700 of a dishwasher 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3An embodiment of the present application provides an exhaust device 100 , which acts on a washing space 210 of a dishwasher 10 to exhaust air inside the washing space 210 to the outside.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the dishwasher 10 further includes an air intake device 500, which includes an air inlet 510 connected to the washing space 210. The air inlet 510 is opened on the peripheral wall of the washing space 210, such as the side wall of the inner tank or the door body, and the air intake device 500, the washing space 210 and the exhaust channel 111 of the exhaust device 100 form a circulation loop. The air intake device 500 guides the external airflow into the washing space 210, and the exhaust device 100 discharges the airflow inside the washing space 210 to the outside to form a ventilation cycle.

[0037] The dishwasher 10 also includes a water storage cup 800, which is located at the bottom of the dishwasher 10. In this embodiment, the water storage cup 800 is opened on the upper end surface of the base 700, and the water storage cup 800 includes a water return area 810 connected to the washing space 210. During the washing process of the dishwasher 10, after washing and draining are completed and the drying process begins, there is water on the dishes and the inner wall, resulting in a small amount of water stored in the water storage cup 800 after backflow. Figure 4 As shown, the dishwasher 10 further includes a drainage device 600 connected to the water return area 810 and used to drain the remaining water in the water return area 810 .

[0038] During the drying and storage process of the dishwasher 10, the temperature and humidity in the washing space 210 are clearly stratified. The water storage cup 800 with residual water and the bottom of the washing space 210 near the water storage cup 800 have higher humidity, among which the humidity is highest in the water storage cup 800 with residual water. In addition, the hot air flow in the washing space 210 has the physical property of flowing upward, and the bottom of the washing space 210 has a lower temperature. That is, the inside of the water storage cup 800 is the lowest temperature and the highest humidity in the washing space 210.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the water storage cup 800 is provided with an air outlet 820 connected to the water return area 810. The air outlet 820 is located on the bottom surface of the water storage cup 800 or the bottom end of the side wall of the water storage cup 800. The exhaust channel 111 is connected to the air outlet 820. The air outlet 820 is located as close as possible to the bottom surface of the water storage cup 800 or is located on the bottom surface, so that the air outlet 820 is as close as possible to the lower temperature and higher humidity in the water storage cup 800, thereby preferentially discharging the airflow with a lower temperature, thereby avoiding the increase in drying energy consumption caused by the discharge of hot air flow. At the same time, the airflow passing through the air outlet 820 carries more water vapor when passing through the water storage cup 800 with the highest humidity, thereby accelerating the discharge of residual water in the water storage cup 800, thereby improving the overall drying effect of the washing space 210 of the dishwasher 10. In such a case, Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the water outlet is located at the bottom end of the side wall of the water storage cup 800. Preferably, the exhaust pipe 110 is connected below the flat filter screen in the water storage cup 800. In other embodiments, the air outlet 820 can also be located at the bottom surface of the water storage cup 800.

[0040] In one embodiment, the exhaust device 100 includes a detection element (not shown), which is used to detect temperature and humidity. The detection element is located in the first exhaust path described below, and the detection element acts on the air outlet 820 to obtain the temperature and humidity of the airflow by detecting the airflow passing through the air outlet 820, so as to comprehensively improve the prediction of the dryness degree in the washing space 210 during the drying and storage process of the dishwasher 10, thereby improving the drying degree of the washing space 210 and the ability to eliminate residual water and moisture during storage.

[0041] Preferably, the detection element is an integrated light-sensitive humidity and turbidity sensor, such as an integrated light-sensitive sensor chip, which can determine whether it is dirty water, clean water, or air with different humidity by determining the refractive index of the medium here. It can effectively reduce the number of holes in the water storage cup 800 and the number of leakage points, while improving detection efficiency and optimizing the base 700 space.

[0042] In this embodiment, the exhaust duct 110 includes an exhaust channel 111, and the return water area 810 and the exhaust channel 111 are connected to form a first exhaust path. The end of the exhaust channel 111 away from the water storage cup 800 is connected to the outside, and the airflow in the washing space 210 is discharged to the outside of the dishwasher 10 through the first exhaust path.

[0043] Part of the exhaust passage 111 in the first exhaust path is higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher 10, for example, the liquid level of the dishwasher 10 during the washing operation. This prevents water in the return water area 810 and the washing space 210 from flowing over the exhaust passage 111 above the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher 10 during normal operation. This prevents excess water in the return water area 810 and the washing space 210 from flowing downstream of the exhaust passage 111 and damaging electrical components such as the exhaust fan located downstream of the exhaust passage 111.

[0044] Combine Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a portion of the exhaust channel 111 in the first exhaust path is higher than the top of the water storage cup 800. The exhaust channel 111 and the water storage cup 800 are connected to form a communicating vessel. According to the communicating vessel principle, residual water in the return water area 810 cannot flow beyond the exhaust channel 111 above the top of the water storage cup 800. This prevents residual water in the water storage cup 800 from flowing downstream of the exhaust channel 111 and damaging electrical components such as the exhaust fan located downstream of the exhaust channel 111. The top of the water storage cup 800 refers to the level of residual water when the return water area 810 is completely filled with residual water. It should be understood that although this embodiment uses the example of the dishwasher 10 operating with the normal operating liquid level flush with the top of the water storage cup 800 as an example, this is merely an example and illustration of the principle, and is not intended to be limiting. In actual use, this embodiment can be implemented after adjusting the height of the top of the water storage cup 800 so that the top of the water storage cup 800 is flush with the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher 10. Alternatively, when the top of the water storage cup 800 is lower than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher 10, the height of the exhaust channel 111 can be adjusted so that part of the exhaust channel 111 is higher than the top of the water storage cup 800 and higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher 10, and then this embodiment can be implemented.

[0045] It is understood that when water storage cup 800 is used to store residual water, the exhaust passage 111 located above the top of water storage cup 800 prevents residual water from filling water storage cup 800 and affecting electrical components such as the exhaust fan located downstream of exhaust passage 111. When dishwasher 10 is in exhaust mode, i.e., when exhaust device 100 is activated, dishwasher 10 has already confirmed that water is absent from water storage cup 800 by detecting the presence of water. Therefore, no residual water is present in exhaust passage 111 located below water storage cup 800.

[0046] By having the exhaust passage 111 at a height higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher 10, the water storage cup 800 will not affect the exhaust fan and other electrical components in the exhaust device 100 when storing residual water. The water blocking function is achieved through the physical height difference, which has higher reliability than electronically controlled switches.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the exhaust duct 110 includes a hanging assembly 120 and a pipe (not shown) connecting the hanging assembly 120 and the water storage cup 800. The hanging assembly 120 includes a hanging section 1241 that is higher than the normal working liquid level of the dishwasher 10 to prevent the residual water in the return water area 810 and the washing space 210 from flowing to the downstream of the exhaust channel 111 and causing damage to electrical components such as the exhaust fan located downstream of the exhaust channel 111.

[0048] The hanging component 120 includes a shell 121, a first air inlet 122 and an exhaust port 123 opened in the shell 121 and spaced apart. The first air inlet 122 is connected to the return water area 810 through a pipe. One end of the pipe is connected to the hanging component 120 and connected to the first air inlet 122, and the other end is connected to the water storage cup 800 and connected to the air outlet 820, and the exhaust port 123 is connected to the outside.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the interior of the shell 121 is provided with a first air path 124 connecting the first air inlet 122 and the exhaust port 123. The connected first air inlet 122, the first air path 124 and the exhaust port 123 are part of the exhaust channel 111. The exhaust channel 111 also includes a pipe located between the first air inlet 122 and the water storage cup 800, a downstream pipe located between the exhaust port 123 and the outside, and an exhaust fan installed on the downstream pipe, etc., which are not shown.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, at least part of the first gas path 124 is higher than the top of the water storage cup 800 (at Figure 6 The first air path 124, which is higher than the normal working liquid level of the dishwasher 10, is a hanging section 1241. The entrance of the hanging section 1241 is higher than the lowest point of the first air inlet 122 to prevent the first air path 124 from being filled with water and unable to exhaust. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first air inlet 122 and the air outlet 820 are at the same height, and combined with Figure 4 As shown, the first air inlet 122 and the air outlet 820 are both located in the base 700 and are not higher than the water storage cup 800. The first air path 124 is an inverted U-shape, and only the part at the top of the first air path 124 is a hanging section 1241 that is higher than the top of the water storage cup 800.

[0051] like Figure 6As shown, in one embodiment, the hanging assembly 120 further includes a barrier 125 extending from the bottom surface of the shell 121 toward the top, the first air inlet 122 and the exhaust port 123 are respectively arranged on both sides of the barrier 125, and the shell 121 and the barrier 125 jointly define the first air path 124, so that the first air path 124 is an inverted U-shape, the top of the barrier 125 is higher than the top of the water storage cup 800, and the first air path 124 at the top of the barrier 125 is a hanging section 1241.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the exhaust duct 110 also includes a confluence channel 126, one end of which is connected to the washing space 210 or the outside to increase the inlet for the exhaust device 100 to be connected to the washing space 210, thereby improving the exhaust efficiency of the washing space 210, or reducing the temperature and humidity of the air flow in the exhaust channel 111 by merging the external air flow. The other end of the confluence channel 126 is connected to the part of the exhaust channel 111 downstream of the hanging section 1241. On the one hand, the path length of the confluence channel 126 is reduced to avoid the path being too long and reducing the wind speed. On the other hand, it can prevent the residual water in the confluence channel 126 from entering the water storage cup 800.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, a flow restriction plate 129 is provided in the converging channel 126 to divide the converging channel 126 in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction. The flow restriction plate 129 has a through hole 1291 extending through the flow restriction plate 129 in the airflow direction. When the air flows in the converging channel 126, it must pass through the through hole 1291 before it can be merged into the exhaust channel 111. This prevents excessive airflow in the converging channel 126 from reducing the exhaust efficiency of the first exhaust path.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the housing 121 is further provided with a second air inlet 127 connected to the washing space 210. Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the hanging assembly 120 is mounted on the side wall of the inner tank 200. An exhaust port 220 is provided at the bottom end of the side wall of the washing space 210, and the second air inlet 127 is directly connected to the exhaust port 220. A second air path 1261 is provided within the housing 121. One end of the second air path 1261 connects to the second air inlet 127, and the other end connects to the portion of the first air path 124 downstream of the hanging section 1241. The inner tank 200, the second air inlet 127, and the second air path 1261 form a second exhaust path that merges into the downstream portion of the first exhaust path. In this embodiment, the second air path 1261 is disposed on the periphery of the first air path 124.

[0055] When the exhaust device 100 is turned on, the first air inlet 122 and the second air inlet 127 draw air from the washing space 210 through the water storage cup 800 and the bottom of the sidewall of the washing space 210, respectively, driving the airflow in the washing space 210 to flow outside through the exhaust device 100. The first air inlet 122 and the second air inlet 127 respectively direct the airflow in the washing space 210 from the first exhaust path and the second exhaust path into the exhaust duct 111, thereby improving the exhaust efficiency of the exhaust device 100. Furthermore, the second air inlet 127 is directly connected to the inner liner 200, forming a shorter second exhaust path. Furthermore, the volume of the water storage cup 800 is smaller than that of the inner liner 200, resulting in a higher wind pressure at the bottom of the inner liner 200. The airflow in the second air path 1261 has a higher velocity than the airflow in the first air path 124. This optimizes the flow field in the washing space 210 and balances the resistance in the exhaust duct 111, thereby improving the drying effect.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the shell 121 is also provided with a third air inlet 128 connected to the outside, and a third air path 1262 is provided inside the shell 121. One end of the third air path 1262 is connected to the third air inlet 128, and the other end is connected to the part of the first air path 124 located downstream of the hanging section 1241, which is used to introduce external airflow into the exhaust channel 111.

[0057] Since the exhaust of the dishwasher 10 is used in the drying and storage process of the dishwasher 10, the external temperature is low and dry at this time, and there is hot and humid air in the dishwasher 10 with a temperature higher than the external air flow and a humidity higher than the outside. The third air inlet 128 passes through the external air flow with a lower temperature, and the third air path 1262 merges the cold air with a lower temperature and drier temperature into the first air path 124, so that the cold air is mixed with the air flow in the washing space 210 to reduce the relative humidity of the exhaust, thereby avoiding the problem of exhaust condensation.

[0058] A method for controlling an exhaust device 100 for a dishwasher 10 is provided, and is applied to the exhaust device 100 of any of the aforementioned embodiments. The method includes the following steps: determining whether water is present in a water storage cup 800, optionally using a detection element provided herein. In other embodiments, a variable frequency motor may be provided within the water storage cup 800, and the presence of water in the water storage cup 800 may be determined by detecting the load of the variable frequency motor. If the variable frequency motor has power, the determination indicates that no water is present; if the variable frequency motor has no power, the determination indicates that water is present.

[0059] If so, that is, there is residual water in water storage cup 800, water storage cup 800 is controlled to drain. In this embodiment, the drain device 600 in dishwasher 10 is controlled to empty the water in water storage cup 800. Optionally, a detection element detects in real time whether there is water in water storage cup 800. When there is no residual water in water storage cup 800, the exhaust fan drives the air in washing space 210 to flow to the outside through exhaust duct 110.

[0060] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0061] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, characterized in that: The dishwasher comprises: Inner tank, with washing space inside; a water storage cup, located at the bottom end of the inner container and comprising a water return area connected to the washing space; an air inlet device for providing drying gas to the washing space; An exhaust device is used to exhaust gas in the washing space, the exhaust device includes an exhaust pipe provided with an exhaust channel, and the return water area and the exhaust channel are connected to form a first exhaust path, at least a portion of the exhaust channel in the first exhaust path is higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher, and the exhaust channel is connected to the outside at one end away from the water storage cup.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that The water storage cup is provided with an air outlet connected to the water return area. The air outlet is located on the bottom surface of the water storage cup or the bottom end of the side wall of the water storage cup. The exhaust channel is connected to the air outlet.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that The exhaust device includes a detection element, which is used to detect temperature and humidity. The detection element is located in the first exhaust path and acts on the air outlet.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein The exhaust duct includes a hanging height component, and the hanging height component includes a hanging height section that is higher than the normal working liquid level of the dishwasher.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that The hanging height component includes a shell, a first air inlet and an exhaust port opened in the shell and spaced apart, the first air inlet is connected to the return water area, and the exhaust port is connected to the outside, a first air path connecting the first air inlet and the exhaust port is provided inside the shell, the connected first air inlet, the first air path and the exhaust port are part of the exhaust channel, and at least part of the first air path is higher than the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher, and the first air path above the normal operating liquid level of the dishwasher is the hanging height section.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that The inlet of the hanging high section is at least partially higher than the lowest point of the first air inlet.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that The hanging assembly also includes a barrier extending from the bottom surface toward the top of the shell, the first air inlet and the exhaust port are respectively arranged on both sides of the barrier, and the shell and the barrier jointly define the first air path, the top of the barrier is higher than the top of the water storage cup, and the first air path at the top of the barrier is the hanging section.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that The exhaust duct further includes a converging channel, one end of which is communicated with the washing space or the outside, and the other end of which is communicated with a portion of the exhaust channel located downstream of the hanging section.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 8, characterized in that A flow limiting plate is provided in the converging channel and divides the converging channel in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction. The flow limiting plate is provided with a through hole that penetrates the flow limiting plate in the airflow direction.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 8, characterized in that The shell is also provided with a second air inlet connected to the washing space, and a second air path is provided inside the shell, one end of the second air path is connected to the second air inlet, and the other end is connected to the part of the first air path located downstream of the hanging height section.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 10, characterized in that The shell is further provided with a third air inlet connected to the outside, and a third air path is provided inside the shell, one end of the third air path is connected to the third air inlet, and the other end is connected to the part of the first air path located downstream of the hanging height section.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein The air intake device includes an air inlet communicated with the washing space, the air inlet is opened on the peripheral wall of the washing space, and the air intake device, the washing space and the exhaust channel form a circulation loop.

13. A method for controlling the exhaust of a dishwasher, characterized in that: Applicable to the dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the exhaust control method comprises the following steps: Determine whether there is water in the water storage cup; If yes, control the water storage cup to drain; if no, drive the gas in the washing space to flow to the outside through the exhaust pipe.

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