Exhaust structure for a kitchen appliance, kitchen appliance and method of operation

CN122827583APending Publication Date: 2026-09-29NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510380078.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-28
Publication Date
2026-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0005]该专利中因为喷雾组件设置在通风口位置,如果气流在通风口处经过喷雾组件后,未被完全冷凝或者依然处于高温状态,在往下游流动的过程中,依然会冷凝形成冷凝水,导致冷凝水从排风管流出,给客户造成漏水的误解,或者,高温气体自排风管流出后接触地面、台面等低温物体后冷凝成冷凝水,降低用户体验

Benefits of technology

[0033]与现有技术相比,本发明的优点:本发明通过设置冷凝件,能够对流经排风管和回流管中的气流进行冷凝,使得高温高湿气体预先经过降温冷凝后再排出到外界,低温气体与外界低温物体接触,不会再凝结冷凝水,提升用户使用体验感;本发明之所以在排风管上连接有回流管,是因为这样至少部分气流在流出排风口之前会在回流管中循环流动,以使得气流被充分冷凝后,再排出至外界,降低在外界产生冷凝水的概率,进一步提高气流的冷凝效果。

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Abstract

The application relates to an exhaust structure for a kitchen appliance, the kitchen appliance and a working method, the exhaust structure comprising an exhaust pipe, an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being used for being communicated with a cabinet of the kitchen appliance, and the air outlet being used for being communicated with the outside; a condensing component; an air inlet hole and an air outlet hole being sequentially and spacedly arranged on the exhaust pipe between the air inlet and the air outlet along the airflow flowing direction, an air inlet end of a backflow pipe being communicated with the air outlet hole, an air outlet end of the backflow pipe being communicated with the air inlet hole, a first fan being arranged in the backflow pipe and being used for driving the airflow from the air inlet end to the air outlet end, a second fan being arranged in the exhaust pipe and being used for driving the airflow to the air outlet, the second fan being located downstream of the air outlet hole, and the condensing component comprising a first condensing component arranged in the backflow pipe and a second condensing component arranged in the exhaust pipe, the exhaust structure being good in condensing effect on the airflow.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, specifically to an exhaust structure for kitchen appliances, a kitchen appliance, and a method of operation. Background Technology

[0002] For kitchen appliances like dishwashers, in addition to washing dishes effectively, they also need to be dried properly after washing. Introducing a ventilation system can enhance this drying ability. A key component of this ventilation system is the exhaust system, which extracts hot, humid air from the inner drum during the drying phase, preventing condensation on the dishes and the inner walls of the drum as the temperature drops. This effectively ensures the dishes are dried. However, because the exhaust air is hot and humid, and condensation in the exhaust duct is relatively limited, condensation can easily occur around the exhaust vent during the exhaust process. If the condensation is significant, water droplets can drip from the vent, affecting the user experience and potentially causing the user to mistakenly believe there is a leak.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, Chinese utility model patent application CN202120932699.0 (publication number CN216090387U) discloses a "Drainage System for a Kitchen Appliance," which includes an inner liner, a drainage component, a water tank, and a spray component. The drainage component is mounted on the inner liner, with one end connected to the inner liner and the other end connected to the outside to expel high-temperature steam from inside the inner liner. The spray component is mounted on the drainage component, with its end away from the drainage component connected to the water tank. The spray component atomizes the liquid in the water tank and sprays it into the drainage component. The atomized water mist condenses and exchanges heat with the high-temperature steam in the drainage component, and the condensed and heat-exchanged gas is then discharged outwards through the drainage component.

[0004] A vent is provided at the top of the exhaust duct to connect the exhaust duct to the interior of the inner liner. At least one spray component is provided in the exhaust duct, and the spray component is preferably located at the vent. The sprayer sprays water mist to mix with high-temperature steam to achieve condensation heat exchange, thereby effectively reducing the water vapor content of the high-temperature steam and preventing condensation from forming around the exhaust port.

[0005] Because the spray component is located at the vent, if the airflow is not completely condensed or remains at a high temperature after passing through the spray component at the vent, it will still condense and form condensate as it flows downstream. This condensate will then flow out of the exhaust pipe, causing customers to mistakenly believe that there is a leak. Alternatively, the high-temperature gas may condense into condensate after coming into contact with low-temperature objects such as the ground or countertop after flowing out of the exhaust pipe, thus reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an exhaust structure for kitchen appliances that has a good condensation effect on airflow, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a kitchen appliance that applies the above-mentioned exhaust structure, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0008] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a working method for the above-mentioned kitchen appliances in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: an exhaust structure for kitchen appliances, comprising...

[0010] The exhaust duct has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is used to connect to the cabinet of the kitchen appliance, and the air outlet is used to connect to the outside.

[0011] Condensing components are used to condense airflow.

[0012] The feature is that it further includes a return pipe, and the exhaust pipe is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet at intervals along the airflow direction between the air inlet and the air outlet. The air inlet end of the return pipe is connected to the air outlet, and the air outlet end of the return pipe is connected to the air inlet. The return pipe is provided with a first fan for driving the airflow from the air inlet end to the air outlet end, and the exhaust pipe is provided with a second fan for driving the airflow towards the exhaust outlet. The second fan is located downstream of the exhaust outlet. The condenser includes a first condenser provided in the return pipe and a second condenser provided in the exhaust pipe.

[0013] In the above scheme, the first fan and the second fan can work simultaneously or selectively, and the first condenser and the second condenser can work simultaneously or selectively, which can be selected as needed.

[0014] To improve the condensation effect on the airflow, there are multiple first and second condensers, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the airflow path.

[0015] Preferably, a baffle is movably provided in the return pipe. The baffle can be in a first position or a second position. When the baffle is in the first position, it blocks the air inlet and outlet of the return pipe. When the baffle is in the second position, it connects the air inlet and outlet of the return pipe. When airflow is required to return in the return pipe, the baffle is in the second position. When airflow is not required to return in the return pipe, the baffle is in the first position. For example, if the airflow has been sufficiently condensed, it does not need to return in the return pipe and can be directly discharged.

[0016] The baffle can be driven by a motor, but this involves many components, is costly, occupies space in the return pipe, and can affect airflow. Preferably, the baffle is located between the first fan and the outlet of the return pipe. The upper end of the baffle is rotatably connected to the return pipe, while the lower end is free. The baffle can be in a vertical position under gravity, with its lower end abutting against the wall of the return pipe (first position). The baffle can also be tilted upwards under the airflow from the first fan, creating a gap between its lower end and the wall of the return pipe (second position). When the first fan is working, it blows the baffle into the second position. When the first fan is not working, the baffle remains in the first position under gravity. This utilizes the combined weight of the first fan and the baffle itself to switch between the first and second positions, eliminating the need for additional components to drive the baffle and simplifying the structure.

[0017] To improve the condensation efficiency of the airflow, the return pipe is equipped with a vent for connecting to the cabinet of the kitchen appliance. Along the airflow direction, the vent is located downstream of the air outlet of the first fan. When the first fan is operating, the airflow in the return pipe flows from the vent into the cabinet, cooling the interior and causing rapid condensation. The resulting condensate can be discharged from the drain pump of the kitchen appliance, reducing the condensation pressure on the condenser and improving the condensation efficiency of the airflow.

[0018] Preferably, the return pipe is divided into a first channel and a second channel downstream of the air outlet of the first fan. The first channel is connected to the air outlet of the return pipe, and the second channel is connected to the vent. The flow area of ​​the second channel accounts for 30% to 50% of the sum of the flow areas of the first and second channels. This not only allows some airflow to enter the housing to improve condensation efficiency, but also ensures that some airflow is discharged to the outside, thus ensuring exhaust efficiency.

[0019] To ensure timely drainage of condensate in the exhaust and return pipes and prevent obstruction of airflow, the exhaust pipe downstream of the exhaust port includes a first vertical section and a second vertical section. Both sections extend vertically along the airflow direction, with the first section upstream of the second. The air inlet is connected to the first vertical section, and the exhaust port is connected to the second vertical section. The first and second vertical sections are vertically staggered and connected by a horizontal section. The bottom wall of the horizontal section has a drain outlet and a water-blocking rib. The drain outlet and the second vertical section are located on opposite sides of the water-blocking rib. Condensate in the exhaust and return pipes is discharged from the drain outlet, while airflow exits from the exhaust port. The water-blocking ribs reduce the probability of condensate flowing to the second vertical section and exiting from the exhaust port.

[0020] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a kitchen appliance, characterized in that: it includes a cabinet and the above-mentioned exhaust structure, the cabinet is provided with an air outlet, the exhaust pipe is installed on the cabinet, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet.

[0021] In the above solution, the kitchen appliance is a dishwasher, the cabinet is provided with an air inlet, and the kitchen appliance also includes a drying structure for inputting hot airflow into the cabinet from the air inlet.

[0022] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the third technical problem mentioned above is: a method for operating the above-mentioned kitchen appliance, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0023] (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure starts working, and the first condenser and the second condenser are started at the same time. After the working set time T1, the first fan is started, and the baffle is in the second position at this time.

[0024] (2) After the first and second condensers have been working for a set time T2, the second fan is turned on and has been working for a set time T3 before being turned off.

[0025] (3) After the above step (1) is performed at least once, turn off the first fan and the first condenser, turn on the second fan, and after the wet steam in the exhaust pipe is discharged, turn off the drying structure, the second fan and the second condenser.

[0026] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the third technical problem mentioned above is: a method for operating the above-mentioned kitchen appliance, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0027] (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is started, and the first condenser and the second condenser are started at the same time. After the working set time T4, the first fan and the second fan are started, and the baffle is in the second position at this time.

[0028] (2) After running the above step (1) for a set time T5, turn off the first fan and the first condenser. At this time, the baffle is in the first position. After the wet steam in the exhaust pipe is discharged, turn off the drying structure, the second fan and the second condenser.

[0029] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned third technical problem is: a working method of the above-mentioned kitchen appliance, characterized in that the return pipe is provided with a vent for communicating with the cabinet of the kitchen appliance, and the vent is located downstream of the air outlet of the first fan along the airflow direction.

[0030] The working method of the kitchen appliance includes the following steps:

[0031] (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is activated, and the first and second condensers are started at the same time. After the working time T6, the first and second fans are started. At this time, the baffle is in the second position. When the airflow circulates in the return pipe, part of it enters the exhaust pipe and the other part enters the kitchen appliances from the vent.

[0032] (2) After running the above step (1) for a set time T7, turn off the first fan and the condenser in the return pipe. At this time, the baffle is in the first position, and the vent can also allow the airflow in the box to flow out. After the wet steam in the exhaust pipe is completely discharged, turn off the drying structure, the second fan and the second condenser.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By incorporating a condenser, this invention can condense the airflow flowing through the exhaust pipe and return pipe, allowing high-temperature and high-humidity gases to be pre-cooled and condensed before being discharged to the outside. Low-temperature gases will not condense when in contact with low-temperature objects in the outside, thus improving the user experience. The reason for connecting the exhaust pipe to the return pipe is that at least part of the airflow will circulate in the return pipe before flowing out of the exhaust port, so that the airflow is fully condensed before being discharged to the outside, reducing the probability of condensation occurring in the outside environment and further improving the condensation effect of the airflow. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another sectional view;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A sectional view;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point C;

[0042] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point D;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 6 Another sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0044] This application uses a dishwasher as an example of a kitchen appliance. Of course, the exhaust structure of this application can also be used in kitchen appliances such as steam ovens and ovens that generate hot steam and require exhaust. The following describes the solution of this application in detail with reference to embodiments.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the kitchen appliance of this preferred embodiment includes a housing (not shown) and an exhaust structure. The housing is provided with an air outlet and an air inlet. The kitchen appliance also includes a drying structure for inputting hot airflow into the housing from the air inlet. The drying structure can adopt an existing structure, such as the Chinese utility model patent disclosed in patent application number CN202321476550.1 (publication number CN220778307U), entitled "Drying Structure for Dishwasher and Dishwasher".

[0047] The exhaust structure includes an exhaust pipe 1, a return pipe 2, and a condenser. The exhaust pipe 1 is installed on the housing and has an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12. The air inlet 11 is connected to the air outlet of the housing, and the air outlet 12 is connected to the outside.

[0048] The condenser is used to condense the airflow. In this embodiment, the condenser is a spray head capable of spraying water mist. Preferably, the spray direction of the spray head is perpendicular to the wall of the exhaust pipe or return pipe at the corresponding installation location, so that the water mist and airflow are in full contact, resulting in a good condensation effect on the airflow. The spray head adopts an existing structure, such as the structure of the patent mentioned in the background art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0049] The exhaust duct 1 is provided with an air inlet 13 and an air outlet 14 at intervals along the airflow direction between the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12. The air inlet end of the return pipe 2 is connected to the air outlet 14, and the air outlet end of the return pipe 2 is connected to the air inlet 13. That is, the exhaust duct 1 and the return pipe 2 are connected. The return pipe 2 and the exhaust duct 1 can be designed as an integral part or as separate parts.

[0050] The return pipe 2 is equipped with a first fan 4 for driving airflow from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the exhaust pipe 1 is equipped with a second fan 5 for driving airflow towards the exhaust port 12. The second fan 5 is located downstream of the exhaust hole 14. The first fan 4 and the second fan 5 can operate simultaneously or selectively. The condenser includes a first condenser 31 in the return pipe 2 and a second condenser 32 in the exhaust pipe 1. There are multiple first condensers 31 and second condensers 32, which are arranged sequentially and at intervals along the airflow path. The first condenser 31 and the second condenser 32 can operate simultaneously or selectively. The first fan 4 and the second fan 5 can both adopt existing structures.

[0051] A baffle 6 is movably installed in the return pipe 2. The baffle 6 can be in a first position or a second position. When the baffle 6 is in the first position, the baffle 6 blocks the air inlet and outlet of the return pipe 2 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown); When the baffle 6 is in the second position, the baffle 6 is in a state that connects the air inlet and air outlet of the return pipe 2.

[0052] In this embodiment, the baffle 6 is located between the air outlet of the first fan 4 and the air outlet of the return pipe 2. The upper end of the baffle 6 is rotatably connected to the return pipe 2, and the lower end of the baffle 6 is in a free state. The baffle 6 can be in a vertical state under the action of gravity, at which time the lower end of the baffle 6 abuts against the wall of the return pipe 2, and the baffle 6 is in the first position. The baffle 6 can be deflected upward to an inclined state under the action of the airflow of the first fan 4. At this time, there is a gap between the lower end of the baffle 6 and the wall of the return pipe 2, and the baffle 6 is in the second position. When the first fan 4 is working, it blows the baffle 6 to make the baffle 6 be in the second position. When the first fan 4 is not working, the baffle 6 will be in the first position under the action of gravity. In this way, the first fan 4 and the weight of the baffle 6 itself are used to make the baffle 6 switch between the second position and the first position, without the need for additional components to drive the baffle 6, thus simplifying the structure.

[0053] The portion of the exhaust duct 1 downstream of the exhaust port 14 includes a first vertical portion 15 and a second vertical portion 16. Both the first vertical portion 15 and the second vertical portion 16 extend vertically. The first vertical portion 15 is located above the second vertical portion 16 and along the direction of airflow. The first vertical portion 15 is located upstream of the second vertical portion 16. The first vertical portion 15 and the second vertical portion 16 are vertically staggered and connected by a horizontal portion 17. A water-blocking rib 18 is provided on the bottom wall of the horizontal portion 17, and a drain outlet 19 is provided on the bottom wall of the horizontal portion 17. A drain pipe 7 is connected to the drain outlet 19. The drain outlet 19 and the second vertical portion 16 are located on both sides of the water-blocking rib 18, respectively. The condensate formed in the exhaust pipe 1 and the return pipe 2 gathers at the first vertical part 15 and is then discharged from the drain outlet 19. The airflow flows out from the exhaust outlet 12. The function of the water baffle 18 is to make the condensate flow out from the drain outlet 19, reducing the probability that it flows to the second vertical part 16 and flows out from the exhaust outlet 12.

[0054] The working method of the kitchen appliance in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0055] (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is put into operation. At this time, the chamber is filled with high-temperature and high-humidity water vapor. At the same time, the first condenser 31 and the second condenser 32 are started. The working time is set to T1 (e.g., 30s) so that the exhaust pipe 1 and the return pipe 2 are cooled down. Then the first fan 4 is started. The first fan 4 blows the baffle 6 so that the baffle 6 is in the second position and the airflow can circulate in the return pipe 2.

[0056] (2) After the first condenser 31 and the second condenser 32 have been working for a set time T2 (e.g., 2 min), the second fan 5 is turned on. After the second fan 5 has been working for a set time T3 (e.g., 1 min), the low-temperature humid air after circulation and condensation is discharged, and the second fan 5 is turned off. This step is one condensation cycle, which takes 3 min.

[0057] (3) After the above steps (2) are performed at least once, such as three times, the temperature inside the chamber has dropped by about 10°C. Turn off the first fan 4 and the first condenser 31. The baffle 6 is in the first position under the action of gravity. At this time, the airflow cannot circulate in the return pipe 2. Then turn on the second fan 5. After the wet steam in the exhaust pipe 1 is discharged (you can observe with your naked eye whether the wet steam is completely discharged, or the exhaust reaches the set time to be considered as the wet steam being completely discharged), turn off the drying structure, the second fan 5 and the second condenser 32. During the airflow condensation process, the condensate formed is discharged from the drain outlet 19.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] The exhaust structure in this embodiment is the same as in embodiment 1, but the working method of the kitchen appliances is different from that in embodiment 1.

[0060] The working method of the kitchen appliance in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0061] (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is put into operation. At this time, the chamber is filled with high-temperature and high-humidity water vapor. At the same time, the first condenser 31 and the second condenser 32 are started. The working time is set to T4 (e.g., 30s) so that the exhaust pipe 1 and the return pipe 2 are cooled down. Then the first fan 4 and the second fan 5 are started. At this time, the baffle 6 is blown by the first fan 4 to the second position. The airflow can circulate in the return pipe 2. The start of the second fan 5 also allows the airflow to be discharged to the outside. The airflow process is as follows: the high-temperature and high-humidity air in the chamber enters the exhaust pipe 1. After being condensed by the second condenser 32 in the exhaust pipe 1, part of it is discharged to the outside by the second fan 5, and the other part enters the return pipe 2 for condensation. Then it enters the exhaust pipe 1 again and mixes with the high-temperature and high-humidity air newly entering the exhaust pipe 1 from the chamber. The high-temperature and high-humidity air is cooled down and continues to flow for condensation.

[0062] (2) After running the above step (1) for a set time T5 (e.g., 10 min), the temperature inside the chamber has dropped by about 10°C. Turn off the first fan 4 and the first condenser 31. At this time, the baffle 6 is in the first position under the action of gravity, and the airflow cannot circulate in the return pipe 2. After the wet steam in the exhaust pipe 1 is discharged (you can observe with your naked eye whether the wet steam is completely discharged, or the exhaust reaches the set time and it is considered that the wet steam is completely discharged), turn off the drying structure, the second fan 5 and the second condenser 32. During the airflow condensation process, the condensate formed is discharged from the drain outlet 19.

[0063] Example 3

[0064] like Figures 6-10 As shown, the difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 is that this embodiment also includes a ventilation opening 21.

[0065] The return pipe 2 is provided with a vent 21 for connecting to the cabinet of the kitchen appliance. Along the direction of airflow, the vent 21 is located downstream of the air outlet of the first fan 4.

[0066] Furthermore, a first channel 22 and a second channel 23 are formed downstream of the air outlet of the first fan 4 in the return pipe 2. The first channel 22 is connected to the air outlet of the return pipe 2, and the second channel 23 is connected to the vent 21. The flow area of ​​the second channel 23 accounts for 30% to 50% of the sum of the flow areas of the first channel 22 and the second channel 23. This not only allows some airflow to enter the housing to improve condensation efficiency, but also ensures that some airflow is discharged to the outside, ensuring exhaust efficiency. In this embodiment, the baffle 6 is located upstream of the vent 21.

[0067] The working method of the kitchen appliance in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0068] (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is activated. At this time, the chamber is filled with high-temperature and high-humidity water vapor. Simultaneously, the first condenser 31 and the second condenser 32 are activated. The working time is set to T6 (e.g., 30s) to cool down the exhaust pipe 1 and the return pipe 2. Then, the first fan 4 and the second fan 5 are activated. At this time, the baffle 6 is blown by the first fan 4 to the second position, and the airflow can circulate in the return pipe 2. The activation of the second fan 5 also allows the airflow to be discharged to the outside. The airflow process is as follows: the high-temperature and high-humidity air in the chamber enters the exhaust pipe 1, and in After being condensed by the second condenser 32 in the exhaust duct 1, part of the air is discharged to the outside by the second fan 5, and the other part enters the return pipe 2 for condensation. The condensed cold air is divided into two streams. One stream enters the exhaust duct 1 and mixes with the high temperature and high humidity air newly entering the exhaust duct 1 from the box, which cools the high temperature and high humidity air and continues to flow for condensation. The other stream enters the box from the vent 21 to condense the high temperature and high humidity air in the box. The condensate formed in the box can be discharged by the drain pump, which reduces the condensation pressure of the exhaust structure and has high condensation efficiency.

[0069] (2) After running the above step (1) for a set time T7 (e.g., 10 min), the temperature inside the chamber has dropped by about 10°C. The first fan 4 and the first condenser 31 are turned off. At this time, the baffle 6 is in the first position under the action of gravity. The airflow cannot circulate in the return pipe 2. The vent 21 can also discharge the high temperature and high humidity gas in the chamber, improving the exhaust efficiency. After the wet steam in the exhaust pipe 1 is discharged (you can visually observe whether the wet steam is completely discharged, or the exhaust reaches the set time to be considered as the wet steam being completely discharged), the drying structure, the second fan 5 and the second condenser 32 are turned off. The condensate is discharged from the drain 19.

[0070] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, and the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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 this invention.

[0071] In the description of this invention patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an adhesive connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention patent based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. An exhaust structure for kitchen appliances, comprising: The exhaust pipe (1) has an air inlet (11) and an exhaust outlet (12), wherein the air inlet (11) is used to connect to the cabinet of the kitchen appliance, and the exhaust outlet (12) is used to connect to the outside. Condensing components are used to condense airflow. Its features are, It also includes a return pipe (2), and the exhaust pipe (1) is provided with an air inlet (13) and an air outlet (14) in sequence between the air inlet (11) and the air outlet (12) along the airflow direction. The air inlet end of the return pipe (2) and the air outlet (14) are connected, and the air outlet end of the return pipe (2) and the air inlet (13) are connected. The return pipe (2) is provided with a first fan (4) for driving the airflow from the air inlet end to the air outlet end, and the exhaust pipe (1) is provided with a second fan (5) for driving the airflow towards the exhaust outlet (12). The condenser includes a first condenser (31) provided in the return pipe (2) and a second condenser (32) provided in the exhaust pipe (1).

2. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fan (4) and the second fan (5) can work simultaneously or selectively, and the first condenser (31) and the second condenser (32) can work simultaneously or selectively.

3. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple first condenser (31) and second condenser (32), which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the flow path of the airflow.

4. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portion of the exhaust pipe (1) located downstream of the exhaust hole (14) includes a first vertical portion (15) and a second vertical portion (16). Both the first vertical portion (15) and the second vertical portion (16) extend vertically and along the direction of airflow. The first vertical portion (15) is located upstream of the second vertical portion (16). The first vertical portion (15) and the second vertical portion (16) are vertically staggered and connected by a horizontal portion (17). A drain outlet (19) is provided on the bottom wall of the horizontal portion (17). A water-blocking rib (18) is provided on the bottom wall of the horizontal portion (17). The drain outlet (19) and the second vertical portion (16) are located on both sides of the water-blocking rib (18).

5. The exhaust structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A baffle (6) is movably provided in the return pipe (2). The baffle (6) can be in a first position or a second position. When the baffle (6) is in the first position, the baffle (6) blocks the air inlet and air outlet of the return pipe (2). When the baffle (6) is in the second position, the baffle (6) is in a state that connects the air inlet and air outlet of the return pipe (2).

6. The exhaust structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The baffle (6) is located between the air outlet of the first fan (4) and the air outlet of the return pipe (2). The upper end of the baffle (6) is rotatably connected to the return pipe (2), and the lower end of the baffle (6) is in a free state. The baffle (6) can be in a vertical state under the action of gravity. At this time, the lower end of the baffle (6) abuts against the wall of the return pipe (2), and the baffle (6) is in the first position. The baffle (6) can be deflected upward to an inclined state under the action of the airflow of the first fan (4). At this time, there is a gap between the lower end of the baffle (6) and the wall of the return pipe (2), and the baffle (6) is in the second position.

7. The exhaust structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The return pipe (2) is provided with a vent (21) for connecting to the cabinet of the kitchen appliance. Along the direction of airflow, the vent (21) is located downstream of the air outlet of the first fan (4).

8. The exhaust structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The return pipe (2) is divided into a first channel (22) and a second channel (23) downstream of the air outlet of the first fan (4). The first channel (22) is connected to the air outlet of the return pipe (2), and the second channel (23) is connected to the vent (21). The flow area of ​​the second channel (23) accounts for 30% to 50% of the sum of the flow areas of the first channel (22) and the second channel (23).

9. A kitchen appliance, characterized in that: The device includes a housing and the exhaust structure as described in claim 5. The housing is provided with an air outlet, the exhaust pipe (1) is installed on the housing, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet (11) of the exhaust pipe (1).

10. The kitchen appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that: The kitchen appliance is a dishwasher, and the cabinet is provided with an air inlet. The kitchen appliance also includes a drying structure for inputting hot airflow into the cabinet from the air inlet.

11. A method of operating the kitchen appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is started, and the first condenser (31) and the second condenser (32) are started at the same time. After the working time T1, the first fan (4) is started, and the baffle (6) is in the second position at this time. (2) After the first condenser (31) and the second condenser (32) have been working for a set time T2, the second fan (5) is turned on and has been working for a set time T3, then the second fan (5) is turned off. (3) After the above step (2) is performed at least once, turn off the first fan (4) and the first condenser (31), turn on the second fan (5), and after the wet steam in the exhaust pipe (1) is discharged, turn off the drying structure, the second fan (5) and the second condenser (32).

12. A method of operating the kitchen appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is started, and the first condenser (31) and the second condenser (32) are started at the same time. After the working time T4, the first fan (4) and the second fan (5) are started, and the baffle (6) is in the second position at this time. (2) After the above step (1) runs for a set time T5, the first fan (4) and the first condenser (31) are turned off. At this time, the baffle (6) is in the first position. After the wet steam in the exhaust pipe (1) is discharged, the drying structure, the second fan (5) and the second condenser (32) are turned off.

13. A method of operating the kitchen appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The return pipe (2) is provided with a vent (21) for connecting to the cabinet of the kitchen appliance. Along the direction of airflow, the vent (21) is located downstream of the air outlet of the first fan (4). The working method of the kitchen appliance includes the following steps: (1) After the high-temperature cleaning is completed, the drying structure is working, and the first condenser (31) and the second condenser (32) are started at the same time. After the working time T6, the first fan (4) and the second fan (5) are started. At this time, the baffle (6) is in the second position. When the airflow circulates in the return pipe (2), part of it enters the exhaust pipe (1), and the other part enters the kitchen appliances from the vent (21). (2) After running the above step (1) for a set time T7, turn off the first fan (4) and the condenser in the return pipe (2). At this time, the baffle (6) is in the first position, and the vent (21) can also allow the airflow in the box to flow out. After the wet steam in the exhaust pipe (1) is completely discharged, turn off the drying structure, the second fan (5) and the second condenser (32).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Exhaust system of kitchen appliance

    CN216090387U

  • Drying structure for dish washing machine and dish washing machine

    CN220778307U